"Wancheng guards Hou Yin and Wei Kaiwai cleared Guan Yu, hijacked the county guards, and raised the city to surrender to Sun. Zhang Yan of Montenegro ravaged Changshan, killed the county guard, and seized the Yuan clan. In addition, the six departments of China and Han, Hou Xuan, Cheng Yin, Yang Qiu, Li Kan, and Zhang Heng rebelled, and the general Ma Chao wrote to the imperial court to request that his father Ma Teng be sent to Guanzhong to pacify the tribes. ”

As Sima Lang read out the rebellions one by one, the atmosphere in the chamber of the Prime Minister of Xu Du completely dropped to the freezing point. I think that when Cai Ji was trapped in Liaoxi, everyone present had more or less seen the jokes of Qi Ying, but they never thought that their own camp would fall into such an embattled state in just a few months, and it was even more unbearable than the previous Qi Ying. After all, although the states and counties under Cai Ji's rule were also in civil strife when Cai Ji was trapped, the Qi army at that time at least had not lost its military town. Unlike Cao Jun, who lost two important places in Wancheng and Changshan, he was about to be threatened by rebels from all over the country to Yecheng, Handan, Xudu and other hinterlands.

The reason why the situation in Cao Ying took such a sharp turn was mainly related to Cao Cao's previous severe suppression of local clan tycoons. It must be known that Cao Cao's rule of law advocated magic, and the local officials he appointed, whether they were from poor families or scholars, must implement a policy of spells to attack and suppress local tyrants. For Cao Cao's policy, the scholar society was naturally difficult to accept, and there were many complaints. For example, Yuan Shao's article on Cao Cao directly accused Cao Cao, "The fine government is harsh, the science and defense are set up with each other, the money is confiscated, the pit is blocked, the hand is hung up, and the machine is trapped. However, in the battle of Guandu, the Cao clan won and the Yuan clan was defeated, so that the clan and wealthy families in the Central Plains had to temporarily endure humiliation. Wait for the opportunity. Now that Cao Cao is defeated and trapped in Jingzhou, it naturally gives many dormant people an opportunity. Just like the rebellion in Changshan, in addition to the famous Zhang Yan, there are many local clans and wealthy clans in Changshan who are fishing in troubled waters.

And just when some people secretly sighed for Cao Ying's uncertain future. Suddenly, someone in the hall said loudly, "The country is in turmoil, and the loyal ministers are in chaos, and the people are in the heart." The loss of just one city and one place can shake the prime minister's foundation. ”

When everyone heard the sound, they looked up and saw that Shang Shuling Xun Yu had already stood up in the center of the hall. The forty-year-old Xun Yu has a faint silver thread between his hair and beard, but his waist is still straight, and his eyes are still dark and bright. At this moment, no one dared to laugh at Xun Yu's words, and no one dared to refute them. Because just ten years ago, it was the slender and seemingly weak man in front of him who designed to protect the three cities of Juancheng, Fanxian, and Dong'e from Lu Bu's subordinates, until Cao Cao returned to Yanzhou to expel Lu Bu.

Xun Yu is not an empty talker, facing the eyes from all directions. I saw that his long sleeves shook and said calmly to Cao Ang, who was sitting in the first seat, "Hou Yin and Wei Kai robbed the people, and their foothold was not stable, so they could adjust and fold the general Lejin to conquer it." Zhang Yan of Montenegro is a remnant of the Yellow Turban. It is rare to win the hearts of the people. In time, it will be attacked by the Changshan sect. As for the Guanzhong Rebellion, Han Sui and Ma Teng have always had a grudge, so how can they be appeased. The son only needs to ask Ma Teng to repair a letter and order his son Ma Chao to stick to Guanzhong. ”

As Xun Yu dealt with the three rebellions one by one with a quick knife to cut through the chaos, the sluggish atmosphere in the conference hall was suddenly swept away. And Cao Ang, who was sitting on the first seat, was even more encouraged, and subconsciously straightened his sitting posture and puffed up his chest. It is said that Cao Ang has worked extremely hard in Xudu during this time. Because no matter how dangerous the battle of Guandu was in the past, Cao Ang was still able to get in touch with his father. But this time, Cao Cao was completely surrounded by Liu Bei in Dangyang. What's even worse is that Cao Ang does not have enough soldiers and horses at hand to go south to rescue his father. Because Cao Cao transferred a large number of soldiers from the Central Plains during his southern expedition, and the Cao family's power was located in the Central Plains where there were four wars. Garrisons are needed to defend the south, south, and north. In addition, there were successive rebellions in Wancheng, Guanzhong, and Changshan, and Cao Ang did not dare to lightly mobilize the garrisons in the west and north directions.

"I will act according to the policy of the Shangshu Order." After agreeing to Xun Yu's words. Cao Ang, who was worried about his father's safety, turned back to Sima Lang and asked Sima Lang about the situation in the south, "Boda, how is the battle situation in Jingzhou?" Is there any news of the father? ”

Sima Lang turned the page of the battle report in his hand, and the look on his face became solemn again, "General Zixiao has abandoned Lujiang and aided Dangyang, but the thief army is strong, and the reinforcements are blocked in Zhangxiang, but General Miaocai has stationed troops in Changbanpo, and Dangyang City has become a horn with each other. ”

Hearing that Cao Ren's reinforcements were approaching Dangyang, Xiahou Yuanbu had made contact with Cao Cao in Dangyang City, and Cao Ang and the others all breathed a sigh of relief. But Sima Lang's next battle report made Cao Ang frown again.

Sun Ce and Zhou Yu led tens of thousands of troops to surround Runan. In addition, Wu generals Cheng Jin and Zhou Tai crossed the river to harass the counties of Guangling. ”

At this moment, when they heard that Sun Ce and Zhou Yubing were pointing to Runan, everyone remembered that in addition to Liu Bei, there was another tiger in the south eyeing the Central Plains. And once Runan falls, Xu Du is bound to put sheep into the tiger's mouth and be in danger. Counseling doctor Wang Lang once served as a taishou in Huiji, and he knew that Sun Ce was powerful. Therefore, as soon as Sima Lang's words fell, he couldn't wait to say to Cao Ang, "The prime minister often says that Sun Bofu is a rampant, and it is difficult to compete, and he also asked the eldest prince to send troops and horses to help Runan as soon as possible." ”

Cao Ang listened to what Wang Lang said, and a helpless wry smile appeared in his heart. At present, the soldiers and horses to rescue Cao Cao are overstretched, and I wonder where Cao Ang can still get the extra troops to gallop to help Runan.

Just when Cao Ang was worried, he listened to the military advisor Xun You's analysis, "There is no need to worry about Xu Gongming in Runan, I am afraid that Sun Ce and Zhou Yu will return to the south and join Liu Bei." ”

As Cao Cao's military advisor, Xun You followed Cao Cao all the way to the north and the south for many years, which can be described as exhaustive and full of stratagems. Only this expedition to the east Sun Ce, Xun You did not accompany Cao Cao. Although Cao Cao decided to go east, Xun Yu had already returned to Xudu to recuperate due to water and soil adaptation. But he always felt that he should be responsible for the defeat of Chibi this time.

Cao Ang did not blame Xun Yu for being absent from Chibi. In fact, during that period, Xun Yu was far more than the only one in the army who was unadaptable. Many Cao Ying sergeants have experienced symptoms such as diarrhea and high fever at different times. If Cao Pi was present, he would have reminded Cao Cao and others that the water must be boiled before drinking, based on Cai Ji's teachings for many years. You must know that the Yangtze River basin is a high-incidence area of epidemics in this era.

Of course, it is useless to pursue the relevant details now. However, Xun You's analysis is exactly what Cao Ang is most worried about. Liu Bei's tens of thousands of troops have already surrounded Dangyang, and if Sun Ce is allowed to join forces with him...... How can the father still live? Half an hour later. Cao Ang finally clenched his fists and made up his mind, "The situation is critical, for now." Only Zhong Gong, the commander of the school, went south. ”

As soon as Cao Ang's words came out, there was an uproar in the hall. Wang Lang, who had previously advocated sending troops to rescue Runan, changed his expression even more, and said dumbfounded, "This is ...... Isn't this the abandonment of the counties of the Northland? ”

Jianwu General Xiahoudun waved his hand, "If you can save the prime minister from trouble, abandon it!" ”

Xiahou Yuan is Cao Cao's brother-in-law and Xiahou Yuan's brother. In addition, the Cao family has a close relationship with the Xia Hou family. So Xiahoudun said so. Wang Lang and others, who originally wanted to persuade Cao Ang, shut up one after another. In the final analysis, Cao Cao is the pillar of the Cao family's forces, and at this critical juncture of life and death, it is understandable that Cao Ang and Xiahou abandoned the land to protect people.

And just when everyone thought that it was a foregone conclusion that Cao Ang would tune Zhong Xuan to go south, Xun Yu on the side shook his head again and again and poured cold water. "If there is a fire, seek water from the sea, and though the sea is plentiful, the fire will not be extinguished. Transferring troops from the north to the south, I am afraid that the far water will not save the near fire. ”

Xun Yu said what Cao Jun was embarrassed about at the moment. On the one hand, Cao Cao took away a large number of troops from the Central Plains and went south. On the one hand, the garrison of the state is far away, and the water cannot quench the thirst of the near. Because even if Zhong Xuan was willing to leave and lead the troops south at this time, it would be impossible to arrive in Jingzhou to rescue Cao Cao in a short time. After all, there is still a huge Central Plains between Bingzhou and Jingzhou. Of course, there is a bigger problem that Xun You did not name in public, that is, the garrison of Bingzhou was not Cao Cao's descendant, but the local forces recruited by Zhong Xuan in the name of the imperial court. These forces were either intimidated by Cao Cao's prestige, or out of loyalty to the Han family, or moved by Zhong Xuan's personal charm, and agreed to submit to Cao Cao, but this did not mean that they would be willing to leave their territory and rush to the south to fight for Cao Cao.

The civil and military officers attending the meeting were all transparent people. There is no need for Xun You to be too straightforward, and naturally they are all aware of the problem. But Cao Ang didn't intend to stop there. In his opinion, it doesn't matter whether Zhong Xuan's soldiers and horses are more or less. Regardless of whether this support army can arrive in time, even if it is just one more momentum, it is better than nothing. But before Cao Ang could speak, a familiar voice suddenly stirred up an uproar in the hall again.

"In addition to Zhong Gong, the eldest prince still has one person to ask for help."

In addition to Zhong Xuan, are there other soldiers and horses who can come to help? Who is that? And where? With many questions, everyone looked back one after another, and suddenly found that the speaker was actually Wu Shuo, a close minister of the Son of Heaven. Under the support of Xun Yu, Xun You, Xiahou Dun, Sima Lang, Wang Lang, Man Chong and other important ministers of the Cao family, Wu Shuo, who was the emperor, was extremely abrupt in the Xiangfu chamber. In fact, if it weren't for Cao Ang's approval, Wu Shuo was afraid that he wouldn't even be able to touch the threshold of the Prime Minister's Mansion.

The reason why Cao Ang invited Wu Shuo to attend the internal meeting of Cao Ying was because he believed in Wu Shuo's character and talent, and secondly, Cao Ang also figured out that Wu Shuo would ease the relationship between the Cao family and the Shi clan, and he didn't want to make too many enemies at this critical juncture. Who would have thought that Wu Shuo really had a clever plan. So Cao Ang, who couldn't hold back the excitement in his heart, hurriedly leaned over and asked, "Who?" ”

Wu Shuo was not stage frightened, so he saw that while calmly bearing Cao Ying's questioning gaze, he arched his hand towards Cao Angjin and said, "It's Qi Hou Cai Anzhen." ”

"Cai Anzhen? Doctor Wu is joking? Before Wu Shuo finished speaking, Sima Lang was already dumbfounded. And Wang Lang, Man Chong, Xiahoudun and others who were sitting on the side shook their heads again and again, and directly regarded Wu Shuo's words as babble. It was Xun Yu and Xun You, two uncles and nephews, who were both silent, and they couldn't see their joy and anger for a while.

Cao Ang was also deeply disappointed by Wu Shuo's advances. As early as after the outbreak of the Edict of the Cloth and Belt Edict, the Cao Cai Alliance had already existed in name only, and after Zhong Xuan's plan to capture the city, the relationship between the two families was even more compatible. Rao is how Cao Ang is in a hurry to save his father from the tiger's mouth, and he has no face to beg Cai Ji at this time. What's more, even if he asks, Cai Ji may not necessarily help. No matter how you say it, it was also him and his father and son who betrayed the alliance before.

Wu Shuo ignored Sima Lang's ridicule and continued to narrate his own unhurriedly, "The eldest prince Mingjian, although the Cao and Cai families are unhappy, as long as the Son of Heaven comes forward, Cai Anzhen will definitely release his previous suspicions and send troops to rescue the prime minister." ”

Wu Shuo's sentence "The Son of Heaven came forward" made Cao Ang instantly feel a pounding heartbeat. Yes, with Anzhen's loyalty to the Han family, once the Son of Heaven opens his mouth to ask for help, he will definitely respond to his request. At that time, he only needed to ask An Zhen to send the sailors south to threaten Wu County, and Sun Ce could be forced to withdraw from Jingzhou. Maybe... Maybe the Cao Cai family can still cooperate as closely as they did when they crusaded against Yuan Shao in the past.

"Never!" Xun Yu's loud shout brought Cao Ang's thoughts back to reality. And the next moment, I saw that Xun Lingjun, who had always been elegant and dignified, actually blushed and refuted sharply, "Cai Anzhen is tolerant and cunning, asking him for help is tantamount to luring a wolf into the room!" ”

Cao Ang had never seen Xun Yu so excited and out of shape. Could it be that asking for help from the Qi army would be worse than being embattled? Could it be that Cai Anzhen will be even more tricky than Lu Fengxian in the past?

Rao is Cao Ang still has a trace of affection for Cai Ji in his heart, but when he calms down at this time, he still has to admit that Xun Yu's judgment is correct. As for his previous assumptions, they were nothing more than wishful thinking. The real Cai Anzhen is a prince who dominates one side, with the great ambition of chasing the world, how could he send troops to rescue Cao because of a holy edict from the Son of Heaven. Just as Liu Xie used the edict to summon the princes of the world to besiege his Cao family father and son, Cai Ji used the excuse of "respecting the emperor and destroying the emperor" to smoothly avoid the melee in the south. Therefore, if you want Cai Ji to send troops to rescue the trapped Cao Cao, you must first pay a sufficient price. So what can make Cai Ji's heart move, and let her send troops to rescue Cao Cao regardless of her previous suspicions?

Suddenly, Cao Ang seemed to understand why Xun Yu suddenly became angry, so he quickly raised his head and stared at Wu Shuo, as if he wanted to see his true purpose from this Wu doctor. Facing Cao Ang's gaze, Wu Shuo neither dodged nor opened his mouth to explain, but calmly looked at each other with the eldest prince Cao opposite.

After a while, Cao Ang retracted his gaze first, but at the same time, he also secretly made up his mind that he would no longer consider asking Cai Ji or the Son of Heaven for help, but use Cao Ying's own strength to rescue his father who was trapped in Dangyang City. However, Cao Ang did not know that many things in this world often do not depend on human will. (To be continued......)