Cheng Yu told Yuan Shu that Yanzhou was now divided and occupied by Cao Cao, Liu Dai, Bao Xin, Zhang Miao and others. They provided Yuan Shao with cover for Liu Jian in the north and Dong Zhuo in the west. At the same time, he had to deal with the Yellow Turban Army who continued to revolt in the area.
Of course, the most serious one is the threat from the Montenegro Army.
Cao Cao used to be able to support himself in Shanyang County, but now he can no longer support him.
The military pressure from all sides made Cao Cao feel unprecedented difficulties, especially because he was surrounded by powerful enemies, but these few people within them were plotting to attack and kill each other.
Yuan Shao didn't seem too concerned about Yanzhou's situation. He seemed to regard Cao Cao and a few others as abandoned sons. He just wanted to help Yuan Yi deal with Liu Yan.
Under this extremely bad situation, Cao Cao could only rely on Yuan Shu, hoping that he would remember his past love for Luoyang and send troops into Yanzhou to help him clear up the trouble.
After hearing what Cheng Yu said, Yuan Shu was overjoyed.
Among Yuan Shao's friends, Yuan Shu actually looked down upon Cao Cao. He felt that Cao Cao's background was far inferior to his own, but he was always praised by Yuan Shao and all his friends. It was really jealous.
And in terms of intelligence, Cao Cao is indeed better than Yuan Shu.
Unexpectedly, he could also get him. Cao Aman came to ask for his help for a day.
At this time, Yuan Shu was extremely happy.
Yuan Shu held his own and asked Cheng Yu to go back first, saying that he had to think about it.
Later, he summoned a group of civil servants and generals under his command to discuss with him.
After listening to Yuan Shu's statement, everyone had different thoughts.
First of all, there are the conservatives headed by Zhang Xun and Qiao Rui. They believe that their main goal now is to capture Jiangdong, and all other matters can be postponed.
Then there are the radicals, including Yang Hong, Li Feng, Le Jiu, Lei Bo and others. They believe that the Central Plains is the righteous place after all and the birthplace of China's thousand-year civilization. Although it has been destroyed by war, when it comes to its heritage,
It is still stronger than Yangzhou. Taking advantage of this opportunity to enter the Central Plains is an excellent development opportunity for our side.
Apart from these two factions, there is Yan Xiang. Although he thinks it is good to enter the Central Plains, he is always a little worried about Cao Cao's purpose.
"Your Majesty, I always feel that Cao Cao must have some unknown intentions when he wants to send his army to the Central Plains. It is by no means as simple as seeking self-protection as he said."
"What this intention is, I can't think of at the moment."
Yuan Shu laughed loudly: "Yan Jun is overly worried. What does Cao Mengde have in mind? As long as I take over the Central Plains and it becomes a big event, even if he has thousands of wonderful ideas, what's the use?"
Yan Xiang was shocked after hearing Yuan Shu's words: "Shijun, do you really want to go to Yanzhou?"
"Why not go? Now Yuan Benchu is in Jiangguan and has no time to take care of me. Dong Zhuo is firmly established in Chang'an and has no intention of looking forward to Guandong. This is a God-given opportunity, how can we miss it? I will first determine the Central Plains, and then take the three rivers of Luoyang, so
The richest areas in the world are all under my control, who can resist me?"
Yan Xiang said worriedly: "Even so, we still need to be careful... I would like to ask that now that Yuan Zhengfu is the Prime Minister of Pei, he is the same clan and brother of the envoy. The relationship is very close. The envoy should write a letter to Yuan Zhengfu to invite him.
I just want to help you look after the rear."
Yuan Shu stroked his beard and nodded with satisfaction.
"Your words are truly prudent advice. I have a gentleman in Peidi guarding my way back, so I can be sure there will be no danger."
…
In this way, Yuan Shu was eager for profit and prepared to march into the Central Plains.
He wanted the world to see that he was as capable as Yuan Shao, Liu Jian and others.
The news soon returned to Cao Cao.
Cao Cao was very happy and said: "My plan has come true! Immediately inform Benchu about this and let him act secretly according to the plan."
At this time, there were two people standing under Cao Cao. One was Dian Wei, a warrior in Zhang Miao's former army, and the other was also a famous local hero in Yanzhou, whose surname was Yu Mingjin.
Both of them had recently surrendered to Cao Cao.
Rather than defecting to Cao Cao's command, it is better to say that Zhang Miao and Bao Xin were assigned to assist Cao Cao in pacifying the Black Mountain Army.
Nowadays, in Yanzhou, the Black Mountain Army invades on a large scale, but the only one who dares to compete head-on with the Black Mountain Army is Cao Cao.
Although Bao Xin is brave and good at fighting, and Zhang Miao ranks among the eight chefs, at the critical moment, they all still subconsciously hide back, and the first thing they think of is self-protection.
In comparison, Cao Cao naturally stood out.
Yu Jin stood up and said: "Ming Gong forgives the stupidity of the officials. If Yuan Shu comes to Yanzhou, even if he can help us defeat the Black Mountain Army, he will never retreat easily. I am afraid that he will end up in Yanzhou from now on."
If we follow our footsteps, wouldn’t this be detrimental to us?”
Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled: "Both of you are far-sighted, heroic and heroic people. Please note that wars are happening frequently in the Central Plains, and many powerful people have moved south. The times are different from the past. We cannot stick to the rules. Yuan Jiujiu wants to
Yanzhou, I'm afraid he won't be able to swallow it."
Dian Weiqi said: "Yuan Gongdao is the fourth generation and the third Duke. The Yuan family is very famous among scholars. If he comes to Yanzhou, most of the so-called gentry and celebrities will follow him. No matter what Duke Ming says,
Can’t swallow it?”
Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled and said: "Hey, there are some things you don't know. Cao knows Yuan Shu well. He is not a smart person by nature. He is competitive in everything and is extremely greedy. If he hadn't
This greedy nature may still be able to survive in Yanzhou, but as long as I give him a little inducement, he will definitely advance."
Yu Jin wondered: "Yuan Shu is a disciple of a high family, what has he never seen before? How can he be easily deceived by small profits?"
Cao Cao trusted Jin and Dian Wei's character very much, so he said some things directly.
Then he stood up slowly and said: "When Liu Jian first entered Jizhou, in order to establish a foothold in Jizhou, he offended several key figures in Jizhou. Although it has been many years, those people still have not forgotten this grudge. Recently,
We have secretly contacted Mr. Cao."
Yu Jin was surprised and said: "Ming Gong wants to plot against Liu Jian of Hebei?"
Cao Cao shook his head: "Liu Deran is now powerful, and his power is not as strong as it was originally. How can I offend him by being tempted by a mere small profit?"
After hearing this, Yu Jin nodded suddenly.
"The officials understand what Duke Ming wants. He is a man of foresight and will not fall for the temptation of some villains. But Yuan Shu is different. If those villains from Jizhou try to seduce Yuan Shu with benefits, there is no guarantee that he will be fooled."
Yuan Shu will not be blinded by force."
Cao Cao nodded and said: "This is Yuan Shu's biggest shortcoming. Seeing small profits and forgetting his destiny will not achieve great things."
Dian Wei asked curiously: "Liu Jian is so powerful, Yuan Shu really dares to touch him?"
Cao Cao laughed loudly: "How about I make a bet with you?"
Dian Wei hurriedly waved his hand: "No gambling, no gambling. With a certain family's ability, how can one gamble better than Ming Gong, without losing money for no reason?"
Dian Wei's words made Cao Cao laugh knowingly again.
…
It's August, the height of summer.
A major event happened in the Central Plains, that is, Yuan Shu led his troops into Yanzhou and assisted the prefects of Yanzhou in conquering the Black Mountain Army and the Xiongnu.
Among the governors of Yanzhou, the one who assisted Yuan Shu wholeheartedly was actually Cao Cao.
Although Cao Cao's performance caught Yuan Shu off guard at first, he soon accepted it with peace of mind.
From Yuan Shu's point of view, he is now Cao Cao's savior, and it is completely reasonable for Cao Cao to bother to curry favor with him.
In addition to Yuan Shu's battle with the Black Mountain Army in the Central Plains, a minor event also occurred in Hebei.
Yuan Shao sent an envoy to Yecheng with heavy gifts, hoping to reach a political alliance with Liu Jian and ask him to respect Chenliu King Liu Xie as emperor.
On the other side of Chang'an, Yang Biao once again sent Qin Yi as envoy to Jizhou, also bringing heavy gifts. The purpose was still to persuade Liu Jian to make Chenliu King Liu Xie the emperor.
For the sake of King Chenliu, the noble families of Chang'an and Yuan Shao all spent a lot of money.
Among the gifts from the two groups of messengers this time, there was actually one gift that was surprisingly similar.
The gift from Yang Biao was the Jingzhao beauty Du Shi that Wang Yun had snatched from Bingzhou Sima Qin Yilu.
As for the other side, the woman sent by Yuan Shao was even more impressive.
She is the second daughter of Cai Xi, a wealthy family in Xiangyang.
The Cai family is a famous family in Nanjun. How can a daughter in her family take someone as a concubine if she has nothing to do?
Only this time, Cai Xi had to make concessions.
One is that Yuan Shao visited Cao Cao personally.
Second, Cai Xi's brother-in-law Zhang Wen died at the hands of Dong Zhuo. It can be said that the Cai family in Nanjun and the Zhang family in Nanyang are now at odds with Dong Zhuo.
And Yuan Shao wanted Liu Jian to make King Chenliu emperor, which was precisely to break Dong Zhuo's foundation.
After Yuan Shao's "serious words and thoughtful" persuasion and Cai Mao's remonstrance, Cai Xi finally reluctantly gave up and let his daughter perform this mission.
After all, for Cai Xi, avenging Zhang Wen and clinging to Yuan Shao are still the most important things at the moment.