Cao Cao's army had returned from Hebei. All of China's nobles had different reactions.
Some were happy, such as Emperor Liu's Uncle, Liu Bei. Cao Cao's army had returned to Xu Du. He didn't bring his subordinates to play. He must be preparing to mobilize his troops to enter Yangzhou.
If Yangzhou and Cao Cao started fighting, then Liu Bei would laugh himself to death. He was waiting for the crane to occupy the nest of the sparrow. He would take over Jingzhou and then scheme against Yi Province.
Once Cao Cao and that brat Liu Mang start fighting in full swing, the one who will be pleased with himself in the end will be him, Big-eared Liu.
He hoped that one of them would die and the other would be injured so that he could take advantage of the situation.
At the same time, there were also those who were cautious, such as Liu Mang and Liu Mang of Yangzhou. The huge machinery in Yangzhou had started to operate. Countless military supplies and provisions were being transported to the frontlines. Now that the army was connected to Yan Province, the entire army was preparing for war.
The rest were those who forcefully hugged Cao Cao's thighs, such as Ma Teng and Han Sui. These two people were firmly hugging Cao Cao's thighs. Each and every one of them was praising Cao Cao. They believed that Cao Cao's contributions were high enough to be conferred the title of King. If it wasn't for Lao Cao's thick skin, he might have already become the King of Wei.
Even so, Cao Cao still conferred himself the title of Duke of Wei. He was only one step away from becoming a King.
"We greet Your Majesty, greet Duke of Wei. We congratulate Duke of Wei on his triumphant return!" A group of Yan Province's civil and military officials, led by Xun Yu, kowtowed to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao was very satisfied. He stood in the Imperial Court and looked down at the civil and military officials of Yan Province.
"You may rise!" On the main seat, a young man wearing an emperor's robe said to the Yan Province's civil and military officials.
This person was the Han Emperor, Liu Xie. Back then, Prince Chen Liu was the son of Beauty Wang. He had been intelligent since he was young, but because Dong Zhuo had taken a liking to him, he had become the Han Emperor. This person had the potential to revive the country, but he was born in the wrong era.
Han Emperor Liu Xie had already spoken, but none of the Yan Province officials moved. They were still kneeling on the ground with their heads lowered, as if they were waiting for an order.
Liu Xie's eyes immediately narrowed, and an indescribable anger surged in his heart.
"Get up!" Cao Cao said to his subordinates.
"Yes!" Only then did everyone dare to raise their heads and slowly stand up from the ground.
"Hmph!" Liu Xie coldly snorted. Although it was very soft, Cao Cao, who was close to him, heard it.
Cao Cao's lips curled into a faint smile. This Han Emperor was no longer the Han Emperor of the past. Cao Cao was also no longer the Cao Cao of the past. Back then, he wanted to be Huo Qubing and Wei Qing. However, he no longer wanted to be Duke of Zhou. Even if Cao Cao was willing, the powers tied to Cao Cao would not agree.
They were in the same boat. Once Cao Cao lost his power, it would be difficult for them to escape. If it was not for Cao Cao's efforts to stop him, or if he still needed the Han Dynasty's cover, he would have been put in the yellow robe.
"Duke Wei's return was originally a joyous occasion for the Han Dynasty. However, I am not feeling well today. If there is something, I will report it. If there is nothing, I will withdraw!" Right now, Liu Xie did not want to stay here at all. When he came to Yan Province, he thought that Cao Cao would be a minister of prosperity. However, in the end, he was just a greedy wolf.
As a member of the Han Clan, Liu Xie was powerless to do anything. He could only watch helplessly as the Han Dynasty fell into the hands of outsiders. How could he, Liu Xie, feel good?
In particular, Liu Xie was unhappy with Cao Cao's monopolization of power and was unwilling to be a puppet. He secretly ordered Dong Guiren's father, Dong Cheng, to kill Cao Cao. Dong Cheng, Left General Liu Bei, Changshui Lieutenant Zhong Ji, Wu Zilan, and Wang Zi Fu plotted together. In the end, the matter was exposed and Dong Cheng and the others were killed by Cao Cao. The pregnant Dong Guiren was also killed. After this, Liu Xie had a deep hatred for Cao Cao. If it wasn't for his fear of Cao Cao, he would have quit long ago.
How could Cao Cao not know Liu Xie's temperament? The corners of his mouth curled up into a cold smile.
"Your Majesty, this old subject has an important matter to report!" Cao Cao walked to the center and said to Liu Xie.
Cao Cao had no intention of kneeling or showing any respect. He just looked straight at Liu Xie and did not even lower his head. Liu Xie even saw a mocking smile on Cao Cao's face.
Liu Xie's heart was naturally angry and angry. However, for the sake of his little life, he forced himself to endure it.
"What matter does Duke Wei have? Feel free to speak! "Liu Xie said to Cao Cao.
"Your Majesty, this old subject has two matters to report!" Cao Cao said to Liu Xie.
"Oh?"
"First! Your Majesty, this old subject wants to set an example! "Cao Cao said to Liu Xie.
"Who can enter Duke Wei's eyes?"
"Men, invite Former General Ma Teng to the hall!" Cao Cao said to the eunuchs under him.
"Invite Former General Ma Teng to the hall!" Soon, a loud voice was heard.
"This subject, Former General Ma Teng, greets Your Majesty, Duke Wei, and Duke Wei!" A middle-aged general walked into the hall and said to Liu Xie and Cao Cao.
"Ma Teng!" Liu Xie turned his head and looked fiercely at Cao Cao. This Ma Teng was a former general and had the position of Provincial Governor of Western Liang. He should have been stationed in Western Liang. Without the permission of the imperial court, he was not allowed to return to the court. Otherwise, it would be considered a rebellion.
But now, no one had informed him, the Emperor of Han.
"Ma Teng, who allowed you to return? You didn't know that returning to Xu Du is a crime punishable by death! "Liu Xie roared at Ma Teng.
However, Ma Teng did not respond to Liu Xie. Instead, he looked at Cao Cao.
"Your Majesty, this old subject called the former general back!" Cao Cao said to Liu Xie. "This old subject was too busy and muddled. I forgot to inform Your Majesty!" Cao Cao gave Liu Xie a reason that could not be considered a reason.
Forgot to inform Liu Xie? A general who was fighting in the Outer Forest Army came back directly. But as the Emperor, he did not know. Cao Cao even said that he forgot. Who was he kidding?
"Your Majesty, when Former General Ma Teng was in Hebei, he made outstanding contributions and defeated Guo Yuan's army. His son, Ma Chao's subordinate, Pang De, personally killed Guo Yuan on the battlefield. When General Ma Teng was in Sanfu, he defended against the Hu Bandits in the north and prepared white cavalry in the east. He gave preferential treatment to scholars and recommended talents. He took pity on the people and saved them. He was loved and respected by the people of Sanfu. Later on, General Ma Teng defeated Gao Gan and Zhang Cheng's army and killed Wei Gu and the others who rebelled. A pillar of the country like Former General Ma Teng should be heavily rewarded. This old subject thinks that Former General Ma Teng should be made a Guard Captain. " On the surface, Cao Cao's words sounded like he was discussing with Liu Xie. However, it was not a discussion at all.
Before Liu Xie could speak, Ma Teng kneeled down and said, "This general thanks Your Majesty for your honor!"
"General Ma Teng, no! It should be Lord Guard Captain. I hope that Lord Guard Captain will not disappoint Your Majesty! "Cao Cao directly walked past Liu Xie and said to Ma Teng.
"Of course, of course!" Ma Teng opened his mouth and smiled. Lord Guard Captain was the third position among the Nine Ministers. He was in charge of the defense of the palace. If it was now, he would be the commander-in-chief of the capital's military.
Their Ma Family had always thought of themselves as the son of General Fu Bo, Ma Yuan. This was just to make the Ma Family look good. It was just like how Sun Quan thought that he was the grandson of Sun Tzu. This was to raise his own status. If you said that you were the son of the former president, people would look at you more. If you said that you were the son of a farmer or a butcher, people might not even look at you. They might even harbor ill intentions towards you.
This was because the world did not worry about scarcity but about inequality. If you were just the son of a farmer or a butcher, people would think that you, the son of a butcher, could be in such a high position. Why couldn't they? Even many people who thought highly of themselves would not be willing to talk to you. The former General He Jin was a butcher, so he was mocked and looked down upon by many people. No one was willing to work for He Jin.
But if you say that you are the descendant of a former president, or that you are the descendant of an emperor, then it will be different. Others will think that you are a member of the royal family, or that you are a member of a noble bloodline. That is how the ancestors are. No wonder the descendants are so strong. In fact, who would know that the ancestors were also farmers? But humans are complicated creatures, aren't they?
Now, Ma Teng had completely surpassed his ancestor, General Fu Bo Ma Yuan. Therefore, Ma Teng could be proud of himself in the future. His descendants could proudly say that they were the descendants of Ma Teng. How could Ma Teng not be happy?
"Duke of Wei, this subject has already been promoted to Captain of the Guards and should bow to you. However, this subject still has the position of Provincial Governor of Western Liang. Although this subject is old, my spirit is no longer young. Duke of Wei, please take back this subject's position as Provincial Governor of Western Liang. Allow this subject to summon back this subject's children and relatives to reunite with them in Xu Du!"
He wanted Cao Cao to take back his position as the Provincial Governor of Western Liang because he wanted Cao Cao to take back his military power. Ma Teng was not stupid. In the past, he became a rebel because he wanted to fish in troubled waters when his building was about to collapse.
However, Ma Teng gradually saw the truth. After Dong Zhuo, there were no more heroes in Western Liang. This was because Western Liang was a bitter and cold place. Dong Zhuo had already drained the vitality of Western Liang. It could not withstand another person like Dong Zhuo. In addition, Ma Teng was not the only one in Western Liang. There was also Han Sui in Western Liang. Therefore, after so many years of war, Ma Teng was still a mere Western Liang. He had tens of thousands of soldiers and horses, and they were all cavalry. However, he was short of provisions. It was impossible for him to advance any further.
Cao Cao had pacified the north. King Of Shu, Liu Mang had pacified the Central Plains. It was time for Ma Teng to pick a side. Ma Teng chose Cao Cao because he was close. If he sided with the King Of Shu, Liu Mang, the first one who would not let Ma Teng off would be Cao Cao.
Using tens of thousands of cavalry in exchange for the position of one of the Nine Ministers, Ma Teng still profited.
"General Ma Teng, what are you saying? If you are already old, then what am I?" Although Cao Cao was blaming Ma Teng, he was happy. After subduing Ma Teng, Cao Cao could be said to have Western Liang in his hands. After obtaining Western Liang, other than Liaodong, Cao Cao's rear could be said to be stable. Without the harassment from the rear, he only needed to focus on attacking the Central Plains and the south.
Cao Cao was very happy that he could exchange a guard for Western Liang.
Moreover, although Western Liang was barren, it was a place that produced elite soldiers.
For example, the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry came from the barren land of Bingzhou. Western Liang was not any weaker than Bingzhou.
Even Cao Cao heard that Ma Teng had a son called Ma Chao. This person was brave and brave.
If he obtained Ma Chao after obtaining the powerful cavalry of Western Liang, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.
"I heard that General Ma Teng has a son called Ma Chao who is invincible in Western Liang?" Cao Cao asked with interest.
When they heard Cao Cao's words, the civil and military officials of Yan Province were a little dissatisfied, especially those generals. What was invincible? They were just trash from a small place.
"Haha, Duke Wei is overpraising. My son only has a small reputation. He can't be compared to the generals under Duke Wei's command!" Ma Teng said modestly.
"How can a tiger father have a dog son? General Ma Teng doesn't need to be modest. At this time, our Great Han Dynasty is going to lead the Nine Regions again. It is time to recruit people. Can General Ma Teng give up his beloved son and let him join our Yan Province Army and unify the Nine Regions?" Cao Cao was very blatantly trying to poach Ma Teng.
Originally, Ma Teng was prepared to join Cao Cao's army. His son would work for Cao Cao but Ma Chao was different. "Duke Wei, this!" Ma Teng said with difficulty.
"What's wrong? Does General Ma Teng have any difficulties? "Cao Cao asked.
"Duke Wei, my son has been naughty since he was young. I am afraid that he is naughty!" Ma Teng said. Ma Chao also half-ignored Ma Teng because Ma Teng's mother died because of him. Ma Teng didn't have the money to save Ma Chao's mother because of his own status. In the end, Ma Chao's mother died in the hands of Han Sui.
Since then, Ma Chao had been distant from his father. If Ma Teng wasn't Ma Chao's father, Ma Chao might have betrayed him.
"This?" Cao Cao frowned. He didn't expect this. "After all, there is no overnight enmity between father and son. General Ma Teng doesn't need to worry!"
This Ma Chao might not be able to be taken down in a short time. However, Cao Cao wasn't in a hurry because the war with Yangzhou hadn't started yet. At the very least, he had to wait until the autumn harvest. When the first batch of provisions entered the treasury, Cao Cao would be able to attack Yangzhou.
"How about this, General Ma Teng. Since you have the official position of Captain of Guards, then let Ru 'er take over the position of Provincial Governor of Western Liang. When there is a more suitable person, then let Ma Chao enter Xu Du. General Ma Teng, what do you think?" Cao Cao really treasured talent. He actually wanted Ma Chao to take over Ma Teng's position as Provincial Governor of Western Liang.
"Ah ah ah!" Ma Teng was stunned for a moment. "Duke Wei, my son is not worthy!"
"This matter is settled. I believe in my own eyes!" Cao Cao said with a smile. He knew that Ma Chao was because of Xu Chu. Xu Chu said that Ma Chao wasn't weaker than him. It was because Ma Chao hadn't fully matured. Otherwise, Xu Chu wouldn't necessarily be his opponent.
Xu Chu was one of the few God level experts under Cao Cao's command. He was about the same as Xu Chu. It was enough to know Ma Chao's strength.
"Ma Teng will bring my son to thank Duke Wei!"
Cao Cao waved his hand and appointed his son, Ma Chao, as Deputy General to lead the affairs of Xiliang. His son, Ma Xiu, as Captain of Fengche and Ma Tie as Captain of Cavalry. The Ma family could be considered to be full of officials.
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