In Xu Du, Cao Cao was enjoying the delicacies in his mansion. Beside him, there were also orioles singing and swallows dancing to liven up his mood. These were all his pleasures as a victor. Cao Cao was promoted to filial piety at the age of twenty and entered the capital Luoyang as a scholar. Not long after, he was appointed as the captain of the northern part of Luoyang. Luoyang was the capital of Eastern Han. It was where the imperial family lived and was very difficult to govern. As soon as Cao Cao arrived, he announced a ban and strictly enforced the law. He made more than ten five-colored rods and hung them around the yamen. "Anyone who violates the ban will be killed." The uncle of the emperor's favorite eunuch, Jian Shuo, violated the ban. Cao Cao showed no mercy and killed Jian Shuo with a five-colored rod.
Although Cao Cao was demoted in secret due to the five-colored rod incident, his reputation had already spread.
Later on, there were ups and downs. During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Cao Cao wanted to support the Han dynasty and become a loyal minister of the Han dynasty. At that time, the world was in chaos. First, there was the incident of Jizhou Provincial Governor Wang Fen working with Nanyang Provincial Governor Xu You and Pei State's Zhou Jing to depose Emperor Ling and make him Marquis Fei. Wang Fen and the others hoped that Cao Cao would join them, but Cao Cao refused.
Emperor Ling of Han died, Crown Prince Liu Bian ascended the throne, and Empress Dowager He was in charge of the court. General He Jin wanted to take advantage of Emperor Ling's death and the eunuchs' loss of power to wipe out the eunuchs, but he didn't get the Empress Dowager's support. As a result, He Jin summoned Bing Province's Dong Zhuo to the capital and forced the Empress Dowager He to agree. However, this alerted the enemy. Before Dong Zhuo could reach the capital, He Jin was killed by the eunuchs. In the ninth month of the same year, Dong Zhuo entered the capital and took over the court. He deposed Emperor Shao of Han as King Hongnong and made his brother Prince Chen Liu as Emperor Xian of Han. He also sent people to poison King Hongnong and his mother to death. Cao Cao saw that Dong Zhuo was going against the tide and wasn't willing to cooperate with him, so he changed his name and escaped from Luoyang. After Cao Cao arrived at Chenliu, he 'scattered the family's wealth and formed a militia' and was the first to call upon the heroes of the world to suppress Dong Zhuo.
After that, in the first month of the lunar year, Yuan Shu and the others jointly elected Yuan Shao, the Governor of Bohai Prefecture, as the alliance leader. Cao Cao was appointed as the acting Fenwu General to participate in the war against Dong Jun. In the second month, Dong Zhuo, who was defeated by the alliance army, forced Emperor Xian to move the capital to Chang An while he burned down the palace, dug up the royal tomb, and plundered the people. As a result, the area 200 miles around Luoyang became barren. On the other hand, the Guan Dong Coalition Army was afraid of Dong Zhuo's elite Liangzhou Army, so no one dared to advance to Guanxi. Cao Cao believed that Dong Zhuo 'burned the palace, kidnapped the Son of Heaven, and shook the sea' should seize the opportunity to fight a decisive battle. Thereupon he led the army to the west alone. Cao Cao traveled to Xingyangbian River and fought with Dong Zhuo's general Xu Rong. Because of the difference in numbers, Cao Cao was defeated. More than half of his soldiers were killed, and he was also injured by a stray arrow. Luckily, his cousin Cao Cao saved him. Returning to Suanzao, Cao Cao suggested that the armies each occupy an important place and then split up to enter Wuguan to besiege Dong Zhuo. However, the Guan Dong generals refused. On the surface, the Guan Dong armies were here to suppress Dong Zhuo, but in reality, they all had ulterior motives and were waiting for an opportunity to develop their own forces. Not long after, there was friction between the armies, and they fought each other. The alliance army was thus disbanded.
From that moment on, Cao Cao had the idea that the world no longer belonged to the Liu family. He had the idea that if Han lost his position, the world would chase after him.
However, it was just a thought.
Cao Cao defeated Yu Du, Bai Rao, Bi Gu, and Yu Fuluo in Dong County. Yuan Shao promoted him to the Governor of Dong County.
After defeating Huang Jin in Qing Province, he obtained the Governor of Yan Province. In the spring of the following year, Cao Cao pursued Yuan Shu, the Black Mountain Army, and the Southern Xiongnu in Kuangting for 600 miles. Governor of Xu Province Tao Qian led his army to attack Ren City in the south of Yan Province. Cao Cao led his army to attack Tao Qian and conquered more than ten cities in Xu Province.
For a while, his reputation was limitless.
If not for the intervention of Liu Bei and Lü Bu, Cao Cao would have already taken over Xu Province. However, the one who had the last laugh was Cao Cao. Right now, Xu Province was in Cao Cao's hands.
Even so, Cao Cao did not forget to welcome the Emperor of Han. In the beginning, Cao Cao had planned to hand over power to the Emperor of Han. He only wanted to be a loyal official who could pacify the world for the Han Dynasty. However, the Emperor of Han and the nobles around him were too anxious. The Mao family and the Dong family all wanted to help Cao Cao obtain power. They made small moves time and time again. They planted people and even wanted to kill Cao Cao. Even if Cao Cao could endure it, his subordinates could not. This was the reason why Cao Cao held the Emperor and ordered his vassals.
Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shu, drove out Lü Bu and Liu Bei, and took over Xu Province. Now, he even made his archenemy, Yuan Shao, who used to be the boss, lose to Cao Cao. How could he not enjoy it?
Once the north was pacified, he would pacify the Central Plains. The Central Plains had been moving south for so long. The imperial army would once again be unified in his hands. He would be the Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang. He would be the Emperor Guangwu, Liu Xiu.
Right now, the King Of Shu, Liu Mang, was also confused by Cao Cao. Didn't you want to pacify the Central Plains and dominate the Central Plains? I will not let you have your way. His tens of thousands of troops were stationed in Yu Province. Immediately, the Yangzhou army stopped moving.
Cao Cao's days were naturally leisurely. Because of Cao Cao's problem, Lady Bian returned to the Liang Family. Therefore, there was no one to control Cao Cao.
"Come, come, come. Drink with this prime minister." Cao Cao held a wine cup in his hand while his hand naughtily grabbed a beautiful woman and hugged her in his arms.
"Annoying." This beautiful woman wanted to give up, making Cao Cao's heart itch. This was the way to deal with men. It was always best to get what you couldn't get. However, this woman also knew moderation. Who was Cao Cao? He was Cao Sikong. He had hundreds of thousands of troops under his command. He could be said to be the biggest warlord in the world. Her cherry lips immediately drank a mouthful of wine. Before she finished, she directly passed the wine to Cao Cao's mouth. "Prime Minister, let me feed you."
"Haha!" Cao Cao also moved his mouth forward. While his mouth was enjoying the wine from the cherry lips, his hands were also naughty.
Just when Cao Cao was leisurely enjoying himself, a carriage galloped outside his residence. A middle-aged scholar came down from the carriage.
"Lord Xun!" The guards in the Prime Minister's residence all recognized this person. When they saw this person coming, they quickly greeted him.
"Where is the Lord? Where is the Lord? "Xun You asked.
"Lord Xun, the Lord is listening to music in Li Garden." A guard came forward and said to Xun You.
"In Li Garden?" Xun You frowned. "Quickly take me there." What kind of place is Li Garden? Xun You doesn't know. It's just like a brothel. It's just that this place is only for Cao Cao alone. Proclaiming in broad daylight is obscene. Only my lord can think of such a thing.
"Lord Xun, if there's anything, let's talk about it tomorrow morning. Right now, the Lord might not be free." The housekeeper quickly stepped forward and stopped Xun You.
"Tomorrow morning? Hmph, tomorrow morning will be too late. Get out of the way! "Xun You shouted at the housekeeper.
"This, this!" This housekeeper was Cao Cao's person. Usually, even some of the marquises in the court would have to greet him. However, when it came to Xun You, he didn't dare to be presumptuous. This was because this person was Cao Cao's confidant.
"If you don't get out of the way, do you want me to use my sword?" Xun You's face was filled with anger. As he spoke, he was about to pull out the sword at his waist.
"Hey, Lord Xun, Lord Xun, please calm down. Please calm down!" The housekeeper was a little flustered. Looking at Xun You, he didn't look like he was faking it. If he was really killed by Xun You, then it would be very funny. He wouldn't even have a place to cry. His Lord Cao Cao wouldn't kill a top strategist for a servant. "I will bring Lord Xun to see the Lord. However, whether the Lord meets the Lord or not is not up to me." “
"Cut the crap. Quickly take me to the Lord. Seeing the housekeeper leading the way, Xun You put away his sword.
"Gongda, why are you here?" Outside Li Garden, a strong man was guarding outside. He was like a door god, awe-inspiring. The sword in his hand was shining with cold light. This person was Xu Chu, Xu Zhongkang. Originally, Dian Wei was supposed to be Cao Cao's bodyguard. However, Dian Wei died in battle while protecting Cao Cao's retreat at Wancheng. Therefore, Xu Chu took over.
"Zhongkang, I have something to report to the Lord in advance!" Xun You saw Xu Chu and cupped his fist.
"Something important?" Xu Chu frowned. "Can you delay it for a while?" Xu Chu asked hesitantly. Because Xu Chu had been standing at the door for a long time, he could naturally hear what was going on inside. Cao Cao was just in the mood and was about to get on the horse. How could Xu Chu enter at this time?
"How long is the delay?" Xun You's face showed an anxious expression.
"A while is fine!" Xu Chu dealt with Xun You while listening to what was going on inside. After a few breaths, he heard a sound coming from inside. Xu Chu then smiled at Xun You and said, "Alright, Gongda, you can go in now."
"Hmm?" Xun You looked at Xu Chu in confusion. He did not have the strength of a God Refinement warrior like Xu Chu, so his hearing was not very good. Just a while? That's all? This was simply inexplicable.
"My Lord, my Lord!" Cao Cao had already put on his clothes. Just now, when Xun You came to look for him, someone naturally informed him.
Cao Cao waved his hand. The beautiful woman beside him was obviously still blushing. She looked at Cao Cao with hidden bitterness, but she immediately left.
"Gongda, are you looking for me for something important?" When Cao Cao saw Xun You, he knew that something must have happened. Now, the entire government of Yan Province was in Xun You's hands. Guo Jia was sick, and Guo Jia was used to being lazy, so he did not like to be used to government affairs.
When he saw Xun You coming, Cao Cao thought that the royal relatives in the imperial court were starting to be restless again. Thinking of this, Cao Cao's eyes were filled with murderous intent.
"My Lord, you are indeed here for something important, but you are not in the imperial court at this time." Xun You said to Cao Cao anxiously.
"Not in the imperial court?" Cao Cao frowned. What was so important about something that was not in the imperial court? Could it be that the two brothers of the Northern Yuan family stopped fighting? Or did Yangzhou's Liu Mang begin to attack his troops?
"My Lord, the enemy's troops have appeared in Wuping and Xutian!" Xun You said anxiously.
"Enemy's troops?"
They used Yuzhou Liu Bei's banner to invade my Yan Province! " Xun You explained.
"Liu Bei's troops? Was it a defeated army? Well, I knew that this Liu Bei was not a good person. My Lord, we should not have helped that Liu Bei. What kind of thing is he? " Xu Chu was with Guo Jia and the others, so he did not have a good impression of Liu Bei.
"Defeated troops?" Cao Cao shook his head. If it was only Liu Bei's defeated troops, it would not be so simple. Xu Tian and Wu Ping naturally had his elite troops. If it was a defeated troop, they would have been defeated by these soldiers long ago. They should have come to claim credit now. Officials always reported good news and not bad news. For Xu Tian and Wu Ping's officials to send news to Xun You for so long, it meant that these defeated troops were not easy to deal with.
"What did Xu Tian and Wu Ping's people say?" Cao Cao asked Xun You.
"Xu Tian and Wu Ping's officials said that these troops using Liu Bei's banner were well-equipped and strong. They are all cavalrymen. They entered my Yan Province and seemed to be coming for my Xu Du Chen Liu." Xun You said to Cao Cao.
"They are all cavalrymen!" "Cao Cao already has an idea. He knows who these soldiers belong to.
"Also, Yangzhou also sent a memorial for Milord to take a look!" Xun You handed the memorial to Cao Cao. These memorials were supposed to be taken care of by the Emperor of Han. But now, the Emperor of Han was like a puppet. Although Cao Cao did not have the title of Emperor of Han, he was doing the work of Emperor of Han.
Cao Cao opened the memorial. It was a memorial written on it. It said that Yangzhou's troops were concerned about His Majesty. Cao Cao suddenly fell to the ground after reading it.
Because it said that Yangzhou's troops fought against the rebels and defeated the Han bandits Liu Bei and Nandun Xiangcheng. Liu Bei resisted stubbornly and his troops were defeated. He feared that these Han bandits would run into Yan Province and disturb the Emperor. He hoped that His Majesty would allow Cao Sikong to clear out the defeated troops as soon as possible.
"Haha, hahahaha!" Cao Cao's guess was correct. These were not Liu Bei's defeated troops. They were all Yangzhou's elite troops, the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry. According to Wu Ping and Xu Tian, there were more than ten thousand troops. This meant that Yangzhou had not only sent out the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry, but also the Xiliang Cavalry.
"Cao Cao, you really think highly of me, Cao Cao!" Cao Cao's face was filled with anger. How was this a memorial? This was a threatening letter. It was telling Cao Cao that his troops should protect Yan Province. Otherwise, Liu Bei's defeated troops would enter Yan Province.
"Milord, please allow Xu Chu to lead the troops to intercept this traitor," Xu Chu requested from the side.
"Intercept? How? " Cao Cao was so angry that he laughed. One must know that Yangzhou's troops were all heavy cavalry. There were more than ten thousand of them and they could be said to be very mobile. There were no high mountains or roads in Yanzhou and there were many plains.
When Lü Bu invaded Yan Province from Puyang, Cao Cao had suffered. Now, Lü Bu was doing the same thing again.
If Cao Cao wanted to chase after the ten thousand heavy cavalry, he would need to use twice the number of troops to intercept them. However, Cao Cao did not have so many heavy cavalry. Even if he did, Cao Cao would not be willing to sacrifice his life to the Yangzhou Army.
He wanted to keep the heavy cavalry to pacify the north.
"Then Milord, are we just going to let the Yangzhou Army wreak havoc in Yan Province?" Xu Chu was a little dissatisfied.
"What else can we do?" Cao Cao laughed bitterly. "Gongda, pass down my orders. Tell them to come to my residence for a meeting!" “
Cao Cao stood up and sat in the meeting hall. Xun You had already told the Civil and Military Officials below him. However, the Civil and Military Officials did not know what to do.
"There is an expert in the Yangzhou Army!" Cao Cao sighed. You have a plan, but I have a ladder. You are thick-skinned, but I don't care about my face. Cao Cao pretended to be a sheep's head and sold dog meat. He intercepted the Yangzhou Army in front of the Yuzhou Army, causing the Yangzhou Army to be unable to advance or retreat. On the other hand, the Yangzhou Army did not care about their face. They directly sent the heavy cavalry to cross the river into Yan Province. They did not wreak havoc. They just marched like this. They said that they were Liu Bei's defeated troops. However, if they reached Chenliu or Xudu, where would Cao Cao put his face?
"Do we really have to withdraw the troops?" Cao Cao was distressed. If they withdrew the troops, Liu Bei would not be able to stop the attack of the Yangzhou Army. Once Liu Bei was eliminated, the overlord of the Central Plains would be Yangzhou.
"If we do not withdraw the troops, Yan Province will not be at peace. If we let them rush into Xudu, where will the Lord's face be?"
"Milord, if you want me to say, we should bring out the troops and have a war with Yangzhou!" The ones who said these words were all generals.
If they could fight, Cao Cao would not fight. He and Yangzhou were both like this. They were both avoiding a war because they knew that when two strong people fought, one would die and the other would be injured. Therefore, both of them were avoiding a war. Even if it was the final battle, there would be no enemies around. No one was willing to shed all pretense of cordiality now.
"If there is no other way, then withdraw the troops. Our Yan Province is still more important. This Liu Bei of Yuzhou is not a good person. Saving him is just like saving a farmer and a snake. Let them fight. Our army will take Hebei first and then the Central Plains."
"No, no! Right now, Yangzhou is already in a good situation. If we do not restrain him now and let him continue to develop, then even if we pacify the north, Yangzhou will still be the overlord of the Central Plains. At that time, there will be another Yuan Shao. Don't tell me that we will have another Battle of Guandu? "
"Then what do you think we should do? Don't tell me that we should let the enemy's troops walk around in our Yan Province?"
"That's enough!" Looking at the chaos below, Cao Cao had a headache again. Under Cao Cao's anger, all the civil and military officials below also shut their mouths.
"Pass down my order. Withdraw the troops from Yuzhou and station in Xutian. We must not let the defeated troops of Yuzhou come to our Yan Province!" Speaking of Liu Bei's defeated troops, Cao Cao's tone became more serious. He was so angry that his teeth itched.
"Yes!" All the civil and military officials below could only accept the order.
After the military order was passed down, Cao Cao's army, which had occupied several cities in Yuzhou, withdrew from the cities in Yuzhou one by one. From a new reorganization, they began to return to Yanzhou.
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