Three Kingdoms.

Chapter 3286: Will dreams dance with the wind or finally land?

While Fei Qian and others were discussing military affairs, Cao Cao was looking up at the sky.

 Under the sky, people are like ants.

So, how dare human beings like ants speak out the truth about heaven?

Cao Cao was the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty. He was inferior to one person and superior to ten thousand people. He was not even considered inferior to one person because he could easily make the emperor round as he wanted and flatten him as he wanted. .

Even so, when Cao Cao looked up at the sky, he still felt his own insignificance.

 Especially these days.

 Cao Cao kept his promise in Shandong.

 The Cao family’s flag is flying high on the land of Shandong.

All Shandong officials will get up every morning and start working under Cao's banner, but when they raise their heads and look at the banner, is the expression on their face the same as Cao Cao's current expression?

 Guanzhong is not at peace, Hedong is still fighting fiercely, and Shandong is already restless.

Cao Cao asked Cheng Yu to go back. His intention was very clear, but Xun Yu stopped him. In fact, Cao Cao also understood Xun Yu's thoughts, just like Xun Yu understood Cao Cao's thoughts.

Xun Yu, Cao Cao’s counselor and friend, was also Cao Cao’s logistics manager. He knew Cao Cao's ambitions and his strength, but Xun Yu knew even more that some things in this world could not be solved by strength alone.

 Because Cao Cao is a human being.

　　Xun Yu is also a human being.

　　Not a **** or an emperor or anything like that…

Cao Cao could control swords and guns, command troops and horses, and issue laws. In an instant, he could kill many people, wipe out certain families, and even certain counties, and eliminate roosters for thousands of miles.

 But Cao Cao could not control people's hearts.

Cao Cao can kill them and their tribesmen, but he cannot kill everyone in the world.

If Cao Cao is really stupid, or crazy enough to want to kill everyone in the world, Cao Cao will definitely die before everyone in the world dies.

 Shandong gentry had their families, their friends, and their supporters.

 They will resist, retaliate, and cause greater chaos.

 Just like in the counties of Xuzhou, many people still hate Cao Cao.

　　In those days, killing people in Xuzhou was like slaughtering lambs. It felt good and the meat was eaten.

 But what now?

　　It feels good to kill a sheep for a while, but can you really kill all the people as sheep?

Now among the people of Xuzhou, are there any who do not criticize Cao Cao and hate Cao Jun?

Even if you smile on the surface, what about behind your back?

 Hate is like blood melting into a deep pool. Although it has been diluted by time, traces will still remain.

If these descendants of Xuzhou were given the opportunity to kill Cao Cao's descendants, would these people choose to put down their butcher knives to influence Cao Cao's descendants, or would they choose to directly slaughter the nine tribes of Cao Cao's descendants? Do you want Cao Cao's regime to last forever, or do you want him to die?

　　Back then, you killed people as sheep, and now you are asking people to continue to be cattle and sheep?

Historically, Sima Yi finally seized power from Cao Cao. Although the main battle was over the core court, the support and acquiescence of local forces was also a very important factor in Sima's success in seizing power.

 Cao Cao understood that Xun Yu wanted to balance, or to find an area acceptable to both parties among the complicated conflicts of interests, but this was difficult.

　　Xun Yu was carrying too many things, too many. Xun Yu's family background and interpersonal relationships made Xun Yu successful, but they also became his shackles. As a member of a wealthy family, Xun Yu had a complex network of interpersonal relationships in Yingchuan and Shandong. These relationships may be his help in the political struggle, or they may be his burden. If he does not want to let go of something, he will be crushed one day.

 Carrying so much on my body, I still want to find balance on the cliff...

Cao Cao did not think Xun Yu could succeed. It's like Cao Cao also thinks that Fei Qian's method won't work.

 So Cao Cao wanted to give up something.

 However, there must be people in Shandong who are unwilling.

"hehe…"

 Cao Cao chuckled.

Maybe he was laughing at Xun Yu, or at Fei Qian, or maybe he was also laughing at himself.

 Because Cao Cao is actually looking for a balance.

 The same difficulty, the same pain, the same helplessness.

Fei Qian’s dream was something Cao Cao also had back then.

 Zhengxi...

 But what about now?

Cao Cao knew that planting the flag of the Han Dynasty all over the world, and everywhere he looked was the territory of the Han Dynasty, did sound very cool, but planting the flag of the Han Dynasty did not mean that it would become the territory of the Han Dynasty.

Cao Cao also knew that even if the person on top of his head was removed and he sat in that position, he seemed to reach the sky, but not everyone would obey the orders, and it was still unavoidable to obey orders and violate orders.

Cao Cao let out a long sigh...

 In this world, after all, it is impossible for everyone to think the same way.

 So, Ziyuan, you are wrong.

 My enemy is not you, and your enemy is not me.

 Greed is your and my biggest enemy.

 You can defeat everyone in the world, and you can also kill everyone in the world who resists you, but time will defeat you, the sky will defeat you, and greedy human nature will eventually defeat you...

 What I am experiencing now may be what you will experience in the future.

The wind is blowing and the sand is long.

　　　　Prime Minister! 』

 The messenger fell to the ground with a pop, the feathers on his captors trembling in the wind.

"speak. 』

Cao Cao still had his hands behind his back and did not look back.

The soldiers who ordered the order did not dare to raise their heads and said, "I am reporting to the Prime Minister that I have discovered on the Emei Mountains... I have discovered the flag of the Hussars General!" 』

 Suddenly there was silence.

The wind blew the yellow sand, as if he wanted to show off his dancing skills in front of everyone, but was squeezed out by the low pressure among the crowd, so he ran away humming.

"knew. 』

 Cao Cao responded.

 The messenger immediately breathed a sigh of relief, took a few steps back without raising his head, and then turned around and left.

 It’s finally here.

 …

 …

 Near Guandu, Yuzhou.

 There is a temporary additional camp.

The camp was not strictly set up, and there seemed to be some signs of sloppiness.

 In the camp, the general's flag was flying with the word "Cui" written on it.

Cui Yan was originally planning to move his army north two days ago, but was stopped before he could start. Then he received an order to continue setting off. After walking a few miles, he was stopped again...

Cui Yan understood, so he simply led his troops back and reported that the orders were unclear and changed at night. He needed an accurate order before he could lead his troops north, so he finally stopped. No new orders came, and he was on the edge of Yuzhou. Always stationed.

Cui Yan stayed here, just like a drop of honey, oh, it should be a bottle of honey knocked to the ground, attracting bees and butterflies...

 Suddenly, the place was like a restaurant, with people leaving at the front and people coming at the back.

Some people came here to inquire about information, some wanted to talk to Cui Yan, and some wanted to make some exchanges of interests. Anyway, at this time, the situation finally began to become clear, and everyone did not have to worry too much. More, just wait and see who will win in the end between Cao Cao and Fei Qian.

Cui Lin saw that Cui Yan looked a little tired after seeing off the guests, so he couldn't help but said: "...I also feel that Xun Lingjun is in charge of so many things at the Shangshutai. After all, he is under too much pressure... In a situation like this, Not surprising either. Everyone knows about his ability, but human energy is limited after all... If there is a capable man at the Chancellor who can share some of the burden..."

Cui Yan waved his hand and said, "Others say this, do you say the same?" 』

 ‘Brother…’ Cui Lin whispered, ‘This is indeed an opportunity, Yingchuan can’t hold on…’

Cui Yan sat in the upper position, pinched the bridge of his nose with his hands, closed his eyes and meditated, and was silent.

Cui Lin saw this and stopped talking.

Although Cui Lin is a side branch, he has followed Cui Yan for so many years, and he can be regarded as a confidant among his confidants and a confidant among his confidants.

Cao Jun saw that the momentum was not good, and he didn't know how many people in Shandong suddenly became impetuous.

Cui Yan's orders to lead troops north to encircle and suppress Wei Yan were inconsistent. At one time, he was ordered to move quickly, and at another time, he was ordered to stay. This clearly demonstrated that Cao Cao's core ministerial office was no longer as strong as before. Internal conflicts are intensifying. As the representative of Jizhou, Cui Yan can't help but want to avoid standing on the stage at this time. Cui Yan naturally wanted to return to Jizhou. After all, that was his home ground. Especially if he went with some soldiers, he would definitely be able to gain the greatest benefits for himself at the last moment.

 "Good things" can take a long time.

There has been a lot of noise in the past few days. Many people came to visit Cui Yan. On the surface, they seemed to be chatting with each other, but in the final analysis, these people still wanted Cui Yan to come forward and come up with an idea. Even if they didn't make a plan, they would always have some peace of mind. It would be better to discuss the outline first.

 Putting aside various stances and **** issues, why don’t they know Xun Yu’s ability?

 But Cao Cao's current situation is not very good after all...

If Cao Cao falls, the flag will have to be changed. There is no way around this. After all, it is tradition.

 But if Xun Yu wants to hold on, there will be some trouble.

 Maybe it will become a waste of money and enter a vicious cycle, especially when there are signs of drought. If...

Cui Yan obviously understands these things, but up to this moment, he has not made his position clear yet.

In the past few years, Cui Yan has more or less secured his position as the number one in Jizhou. His prestige may not be that great, but his attitude will also affect many people in Jizhou. Therefore, if Cui Yan does not make the final clarification, some things will not be clear. It is impossible to have a charter. In the end, we may have to quarrel, argue, or fight.

They are all friends, um, friends and neighbors. They all know each other well, and there may be many marriage relationships. Everyone still hopes to be able to confirm some things at the negotiation table, rather than hope that there will be bloodshed in the end.

Even if it does bleed, I hope it is a flesh wound, rather than causing damage to both parties and allowing others to take advantage.

Everyone understands these situations, so they will still quarrel and fight, but they don’t want to end up fighting.

Jizhou and Yuzhou are fighting, and in the end Shandong is the one. If...

 That’s not good.

If Cui Yan fails to stand up in the end, and something really happens by then, then the final consequences of Shandong will be difficult to say. Although Cui Yan has been very sober over the years and has not acted against Xun Yu, people will always change. Times have changed, and no one knows whether he will suddenly change his mind.

　　　『So, brother, you have to give me something to say about these things...』

Cui Lin said.

He thought Cui Yan had thought about this before, otherwise Cui Yan wouldn't let him do something secretly, but now that **** is coming, and Cui Yan still doesn't give a definite word, is it possible...

Cui Yan opened his eyes a little and narrowed his eyes at Cui Lin: "What are you talking about?" 』

　　　『That’s the thing now, brother, what are you going to do? There must be an accurate number. If you say something, we can have a certain understanding..." Cui Lin said in a low voice.

Cui Yan sighed softly, "To be honest, I don't know what I'm doing, so how can I give you an accurate estimate?" 』

"ah? Cui Lin was stunned, "No, this...brother, you, how can you have no bottom line?" This, everyone wants to listen to you! 』

Cui Lin was a little panicked.

 After all, if Cui Yan does not stand up to lead Jizhou, then the power will inevitably be dispersed, and a ball of scattered sand will definitely not be able to fight against Yingchuan Lao.

　　　『Let’s see what other people do about this matter. Cui Yan's voice was very soft, very low, "There is no movement in Yanzhou, and there is no news about the Yang family in Heluo... and the Zang family, the Chen family, the Li family, and the Wang family..."

"well! Brother! Cui Lin sighed, "What's wrong with you?" What can they say? What will they say? If you don't say it, how dare they say it? 』

Cui Yan shook his head, "It's hard to say... until the end, no one knows what it will be like..."

Cui Yan closed his eyes again, "At this moment, everyone is staring at us... Talk less, move less, be more steady, you may miss something, but it is better than losing everything... In short, wait and see... 』

 Cui Lin seemed to want to persuade, but was interrupted by Cui Yan, who was unwilling to continue talking about this topic.

 Cui Yan still has some doubts in his heart.

 Cui Yan will not move unless he understands these doubts.

As long as he doesn't move, he will still be the "diligent and loyal" Cui Yan.

 …

 …

  Crash.

 Swipe it.

The wind blew through the treetops, and the little hands pulling the leaves gently tempted the leaves and said, "Come with me. Let's be best friends together. I will take you to the ends of the world to see the breadth of the world. We will never be separated..."

 Some leaves remained unmoved, free from the entanglement of the wind.

But some leaves believed the wind's words, resolutely cut off the relationship with their parents, and followed the wind...

Then he was thrown down by the wind halfway.

 The leaves stretch out their hands, trying to hold back the wind.

The wind rejected the hand of the leaf, but just covered his face, sobbing softly, your love suffocates me, I need to be free.

 The wind has gone.

 The tree stopped.

 Liu Ye watched the leaves finally fall to the ground and sneered.

 Is it the wind or the trees?

 Is it the wind’s fault, the tree’s fault, or the leaves’ fault?

 Liu Ye held the tea bowl and drank the tea slowly. No matter whose fault it was, it would not be his fault.

 When Liu Ye was young, he was also a daring person.

　　When he was thirteen years old, he killed his father's favorite servant according to his mother's orders, and then he confessed to his father frankly.

When he was in his twenties, the world was in chaos. Zheng Bao, Zhang Duo, Xu Qian and others in Yangzhou supported the army and respected themselves. Among them, Zheng Bao wanted to kidnap Liu Ye, so Liu Ye took advantage of the arrival of Cao Cao's envoy to hold a banquet to kill Zheng Bao and hold his head to intimidate his tribe.

 But after he came under Cao Cao, Liu Ye was not so "daring to act", and even deliberately curbed his glory...

 Because his surname is "Liu".

 He is a descendant of Fuling King Liu Yan, son of Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu.

 Cao Cao valued him, but did not fully trust him.

 The same is true for the Son of Heaven.

Under such a situation, if he does well, he may not be successful, and if he does poorly, he will definitely suffer disaster. So even if he could do anything, he wouldn't do it.

If something is clearly entrusted to him, then whether it is the emperor's order or Cao Cao's order, he will do it well, but he will never take the initiative...

 That’s right, don’t refuse, don’t take the initiative, and don’t take responsibility.

Shandong officials in the officialdom are not all corrupt or incompetent people. There are also some people like Liu Ye who would rather do less or inaction than do more.

 This phenomenon is not specific to the Han Dynasty or the Shandong region, but is reflected in different dynasties, different regions, and different historical stages.

 In many cases, officials may choose to do little or nothing because they are worried about taking responsibility for doing something wrong. Particularly in systems with strict penalties for official mistakes, officials may be more inclined to avoid any actions that might create controversy or liability. If officials are not appropriately recognized and rewarded for their efforts and achievements, they may not be motivated to do more. In some systems, promotions and rewards may rely more on seniority, connections, or other non-performance factors, which can undermine officials' motivation.

 In addition, officials may choose to do less because they lack the necessary resources and support. Without sufficient human, financial or material support, even if officials are willing to do more, they may not be able to do so due to practical constraints.

Just like Liu Ye, he came with the intention of serving his country when he was young. He defected to Cao Cao because Cao Cao showed his willingness to welcome the emperor and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty.

 But what happens next?

 Just like the moment when the wind carries the leaves and dances in the air, it is integrated and in tune.

 But the wind is still wind in the end.

 Leaves are still leaves.

 The sky is clear and the clouds are light.

 The dry breath made Liu Ye uncomfortable.

 The ideals of young Liu Ye were like leaves being stripped off a tree, falling powerlessly.

　　　　Butler! 』

Liu Ye suddenly raised his voice and shouted.

At the porch, the steward approached in a hurry and said, "Mr. Sir, what's the matter?" 』

　　　『Go get some wine! Liu Ye waved his sleeves and said, "Take away the tea." Get some wine instead! 』

The steward was stunned for a moment, but quickly nodded in agreement and asked the servants to move the tea sets and other things away.

Looking at the servants busy, at this moment, Liu Ye seemed to understand why Guo Jia only liked drinking wine and not tea.

 Because the more you drink tea, the more awake you become.

 And now he felt the pain of sobriety...

There are many people like Liu Ye in Shandong.

He knows that Xun Yu is doing something now, and he also knows that Cui Yan has become a troublemaker, but what does this have to do with him?

He didn't want to pay attention to it, and he didn't want to take care of it until a bad guest came to the door...