Although Yuan Shang was gearing up to compete with Cao Cao, Cao Cao was not as sung all the way to Yecheng as the outside world imagined. In fact, soon after crossing the Yellow River, Cao's army stopped at Chaoge, besieged it without attacking it, and stationed there. Cao Cao's move was not untargeted. It is important to know that Chaoge was once the capital of the Shang Dynasty and was located at the junction of Wei County and Sili. And Sili has always been a place where the big families gathered, with fertile land and a large population. It is true that Xisili was plagued by Dong Zhuo and other Xiliang warlords, but Dongsili, who was close to Jizhou, was not affected by much war. For example, Sima Lang's hometown of Hanoi is located in this area.

Cao Cao moved his troops to this land of abundant grain, firstly, to solve his own grain and grass supply to facilitate the reorganization of men and horses, and secondly, to hold the key places of Hebei, He, and Sili to threaten Yuan Shang, which can really be described as killing two birds with one stone. Taking advantage of the gap between the repair of the troops, Cao Cao, who was the chief of the Han Dynasty, could finally find time to take charge of the rear government affairs and listen to the battle reports from all over the country.

"The anointed land of Guanzhong has been desolate, and more than 100,000 people have flowed into Jingzhou, and when they hear the peace of the locality, they all want to return; And the returnees have no way to work on their own, and the generals have each recruited them to think that they are a trilogy, the counties are poor and weak, and they cannot fight, and the soldiers are strong, and once they change, there will be worries. Fu salt, the great treasure of the country, scattered in chaos, it is advisable to sell it as the old messenger, with its direct benefit to the city of plough oxen, if there is a return to the people, to supply it, diligent cultivation and accumulation of millet to enrich the Guanzhong, the people from afar hear it, and they will return it day and night. and let the lieutenant stay in the Guanzhong to think that he is the master, then the generals are declining, the officials and the people are flourishing, and the benefits of the strong and weak enemy are also. ”

In the big tent, Xun Yu read aloud to Cao Cao the letter of self-governing and waiting for the imperial Shi Wei to be coveted in a tone of suppression. Wei Qi was Cao Cao's envoy to Guanzhong. Although Cao Cao was almost killed by Yuan Shao in Guandu some time ago. However, Wei Qi did not waver for this, and still inspected the Guanzhong area with a serious and responsible attitude. And according to the local shortcomings, the above suggestions are proposed.

Cao Cao admires this kind of practical talent the most. But I saw him holding his beard and praised him sincerely, "Bo Ru is really a good minister." The order went down, and the servant of the messenger shot the salt supervisor, and ordered Wei Qi to concurrently serve as the lieutenant of the division and the commander of the school. ”

"Whoa." Xun You put away the letter and handed it over, and immediately reminded Cao Cao, "My lord, the salt industry in Guanzhong is in the hands of Haoqiang, and I am afraid that it will be difficult for a salt official to supervise the sale." ”

"Hmph, if someone thinks that the salt official position is low. Lone can let him taste the benefits of Cao Jun's sword. Cao Cao said murderously. Cao Cao, who has the world in his heart, is most disgusted with the royal relatives who have a family and no country, and the family is strong. I think about when he was the lieutenant of the northern part of Luoyang. He once built more than ten five-color sticks, hanging them around the yamen, announcing that "those who violate the ban will be killed with sticks". Soon after, the uncle of the eunuch Jian Shuo violated the ban on night walking, and Cao Cao showed no mercy and executed Jian Tu with a five-colored stick. As a result, "the Beijing master has collected traces, and no one dares to offend". However, Cao Cao also offended Jian Shuo and some other powerful people in the dynasty because of this. Because of the relationship between his father Cao Song. Mingsheng descended secretly, and was transferred to Dunqiu, which was far away from Luoyang, and was appointed as the commander of Dunqiu. More than twenty years ago. Cao Cao, who was only the northern lieutenant of Luoyang, dared to attack the powerful directly. Now Cao Cao, who is already under one person and above 10,000 people, has a tougher attitude. After all, this is a troubled time, no matter how high your rank is, you must obediently abide by the law in front of swords and guns, otherwise you will be destroyed according to the law.

Xun You knows that his lord has always advocated strict punishment and strict laws. But at present, the Yuan clan has not been destroyed, and Guanzhong has not yet completely surrendered to Xu Du. If it is opposed to Guanzhong Haoqiang because of the monopoly of salt, it is really a bit of a gain or loss. So Xun You hurriedly persuaded Cao Cao and said, "Think twice, lord." The hearts of the people in Guanzhong are undecided, and it is appropriate to appease rather than suppress. In the light of what we have seen, the matter of supervising the sale of salt must be found in a different way. ”

"What do you mean by that?" Cao Cao raised his eyebrows and asked.

Seeing this, Xun You smiled mysteriously, and told Cao Cao a secret that was secretly circulated among families in various places, "The lord may not know that seventy percent of the salt in Guanzhong comes from Donglai. ”

"There is such a thing!" Cao Cao was slightly startled and cast an incredulous look at Xun You. In fact, it is no wonder that Cao Cao was so surprised. Guanzhong and Donglai are thousands of miles apart, and there are constant wars on the way, it is really hard to imagine that seventy percent of the salt in Guanzhong comes from Donglai.

"That's true." Xun You nodded to Cao Cao with great certainty, "It is said that Cai Anzhen can make a little sand into a salt technique. The salt of Donglai is inexhaustible. Therefore, salt merchants all over the world flock to Donglai to buy salt and sell it. ”

"It's Cai Anzhen again." As soon as he heard that this matter was related to Cai Ji, Cao Cao's face immediately became solemn. Cao Cao, who has had many contacts with Cai Ji, knows that although Cai Ji has many tricks, in the final analysis, he is just a weak female stream who has no power to restrain the chicken, and he is not as good at witchcraft as the outside world rumores. The so-called "art of turning sand into salt" is mostly a method of salt making that is not known to outsiders. Thinking of this, Cao Cao couldn't help but secretly admire Cai Ji's superb means in his heart - this woman is indeed a genius in the world, but unfortunately her ambition is too big to be used by Lonely.

Xun You saw Cao Cao bowing his head and pondering, silent, and couldn't help but step forward and call, "Lord." ”

"Hmm!" Cao Cao immediately replied, "Go on." ”

"Yes." Xun You responded, and immediately said his own Jianyì, "You thought that the lord could use the name of the imperial court, and ordered Cai Anzhen to sell Donglai salt directly to the imperial court, and then the imperial court sold it to various places." As for the strong family, Cai Anzhen will offend. ”

Cao Cao listened to Xun You's words, and his eyes suddenly lit up. Indeed, this is a vicious trick to draw wages from the bottom of the kettle. But Cai Ji will really obey the order? It must be known that the imperial court, more precisely Cao Cao, did not have enough money to buy and sell salt. If the extravagance is undoubtedly a salt grab. Thinking that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty used salt and iron to fill the treasury, it can be seen that salt must be the most important source of wealth for Cai Ji. The imperial court took Donglai salt and sold it officially, which was undoubtedly a desperate way to survive. Let's ask Cai Ji, who already owns the land of two states, how can he be willing to be arrested?

After thinking about the stakes, Cao Cao immediately suppressed the excitement in his heart, and turned cautiously to say, "Let's discuss this matter again." ”

When Xun You heard Cao Cao say this, he knew that his lord must be worried that the imperial court's monopoly on Donglai salt would force Cai Ji to rebel. In fact, Xun You's original intention was not to ask Cao Cao to swallow all the salt in Donglai. It can only be said that Cao Cao himself is too black-hearted, and he wants to make a living as soon as he uses his brain. After thinking about Cao Cao's thoughts, Xun You reminded Cao Cao again on the side, "The lord can first discuss with Cai Anzhen the franchise of Yu and Yan Erzhou. ”

Cao Cao was right when he thought about it. Take care of your own turf first. Donglai salt can account for seventy percent in Guanzhong, and it must be indispensable in Henan and Yan'er Prefectures. Of course, Cao Cao didn't know that the high proportion of salt in Guandong was because Guanzhong did not produce salt. Henan and Yan'er prefectures are close to Yangzhou and Xuzhou. On the contrary, the share of Donglai salt in the market is not as large as Guanzhong. However, Cao Cao, who was bent on realizing the monopoly of salt and then raising military funds, could not manage so much. It's just that it's no easier to get a salt franchise than it is to ask for grain and grass. It will take a while, and it will even come at a cost. So after Cao Cao lowered his head and thought about it for a long time, "This matter will be considered alone." Guanzhong salt officials still need to be established. ”

Xun You knew that when it came to this, Cao Cao would have a decision in the future, and there was no need to continue to persuade him, so he immediately hugged his fists and said, "Oh." ”

Cao Cao didn't want to continue discussing this matter, so he asked Xun You. "Except for Guanzhong, can there be important things to report in other places?"

"Back to the lord. There is a newspaper in Jingzhou. After that, Xun You took out another letter from his sleeve and handed it to Cao Cao Dao, "According to the report from the spies, Zhang Xian, the Taishou of Changsha, had raised troops against Liu Biao a month ago, and the two counties of Lingling and Guiyang responded successively. Liu Biao also sent troops south to attack Zhang Xian ten days ago. ”

"Such a big event, how can Gongda repay Yulone!" Cao Cao took the letter and rebuked with a straight face.

But Xun You didn't feel scared because of this, but asked Cao Cao calmly. "The lord wants to take advantage of Liu Biao to crusade against Zhang Xian. Attacking Jingzhou in the south? ”

Cao Cao, who heard the sound outside the strings, turned his head and asked, "What does Gongda think about this?" ”

Xun Yu flicked his long sleeves and said to Cao Cao. "The Lord is wise. At that time, the world's heroes were competing for the deer, but Liu Biao sat between Baojiang and Han, and it can be seen that he had no ambition in the Quartet. The Yuan clan is based on the land of the four states, with 100,000 armor, if Yuan Shao's two sons are in harmony to keep their business, it will be difficult to calm the dispute in Heshuo. Now the Yuan brothers are evil, and their potential is not both, if there is a combination, it will be specialized, and it will be difficult to figure it out. It is important to think that the Lord and the public should take it in chaos, and the world will be decided, and it cannot be lost at this time. What's more, Cai Anzhen is also in the land of Jingluo Heshuo. How could the lord give up the Northland counties to the Cai family? ”

Xun You's words were convincing to Cao Cao. But compared to the threat of the Yuan brothers annexing the other, thus concentrating their forces. Cao Cao was even more worried about whether Cai Ji would wantonly occupy the Heshuo counties at his southbound stalls. After all, that woman even dared to meddle in Taishan County, how could she ignore the fat in her mouth. However, just sitting back and watching Liu Biao go south to pacify Zhang Xian, Cao Cao was unwilling. But after seeing him bow his head and walk around in the big tent, he raised his head and asked Xun You, "Isn't there a way to do both?" ”

"Does the lord want Jingzhou? Or Heshuo? Xun You asked rhetorically.

"Lonely!" Cao Cao raised his chin and said proudly.

Xun Youshu responded, "If that's the case." It's better not to go south. ”

"What about Jingzhou?" Cao Cao said urgently.

"Don't worry, my lord. Liu Biao is just a talker, and he has no talent to lead the army. On the other hand, Zhang Xian is a member of a famous family in Jingzhou, and has successively served as the head of Lingling and Guiyang. Therefore, it is thought that the lord can use the name of the court to support Zhang Xian to build momentum for him. When both sides lose the battle, it is not too late for the lord to move south. Xun You analyzed for Cao Cao one by one.

After listening to Xun You's words, Cao Cao's originally gloomy face finally showed a satisfied smile, and then stroked his palms and laughed, "Wonderful! Lone is on the imperial court, and Zhang Xian is the assassin of Jingzhou. ”

In fact, Cao Cao was not the only one who had the idea of fighting Changsha at this time. Liu Bei, who was far away in Shouchun, learned the news that Liu Biao went south to conquer Zhang Xian, and immediately brought his civil and military cadres into the palace to discuss countermeasures. Today, after more than a year of operation, Liu Bei's territory has expanded from the original Lujiang County to Jiujiang County. Of course, in order to capture Jiujiang County, Liu Bei fought with Sun Ce in the east this year. Fortunately, although the little overlord Sun Ce is a martial artist, Liu Bei also has 10,000 enemies Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. After several months of negotiation, the two sides finally divided their respective territories with the Yangtze River as the boundary. And Liu Bei's civil and military forces have also increased a lot, including Li Shu, a Zitong man introduced by Xu Shu, and Liu Feng, the adopted son of Liu Beigang, and of course, the original bureaucrats in Lujiang and Jiujiang counties. However, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, whom Liu Bei relied on the most, were not in the city. The two of them are now stationed in Shucheng, Lujiang, and Liyang, Jiujiang, to prevent Sun Ce's invasion. But this did not affect Liu Bei's interest. At this moment, seeing that the civil and military bureaucrats in the council hall were full, Liu Bei, who was already thirty-nine years old, couldn't help but sigh heartily in his heart - after ten years, I Liu Xuande finally has a foundation!

But seeing that Liu Bei, who was full of ambition, looked around at the civil and military forces present, cleared his throat and said, "You must have heard that Liu Biao ordered troops to go south to crusade against Zhang Xian, the Taishou of Changsha. Zhang Taishou is resolute and unyielding, just because he does not flatter Liu Biao, he is disgusted by Liu Biao. and then was forced to raise troops against the table. I can't bear to see the big bully the small, and I want to send troops to help Zhang Taishou, I don't know what the army thinks? ”

As soon as Liu Bei said this, there was a sudden sound of ear-to-ear exchange in the hall. Liu Biaoke was a dignified Jingzhou pastor, with hundreds of thousands of troops, and his sailors could block the Yangtze River. The fact that his own lord wanted to challenge such a strong enemy really surprised the civil and military forces present. Among them, the most surprising is the military advisor Xu Shu. Because he had communicated with Zhuge Liang before, Xu Shu knew that Zhuge Liang planned to take the lead for Liu Bei and let him get close to Liu Qi so as to take the opportunity to enter Jingzhou. If Liu Bei sent troops to Changsha at this time, it would undoubtedly completely destroy Zhuge Liang's plan.

Thinking of this, Xu Shu hurriedly said to Liu Bei, "The lord must not!" ”

"Why did Yuan Zhi say this?" Liu Bei said unhappily.

"The Lord is a wise man." Xu Shu analyzed to Liu Bei from a military point of view, "Changsha and Lujiang are separated by Jiangxia and Yuzhang counties, and it is difficult to guarantee the grain route during long-distance attacks. What's more, Sun Ce has always been eyeing the two counties of Jiangbei, and if he hears that the lord goes south to Changsha, he will definitely send troops to invade Jiujiang. ”

"This government is beneficial to defend the Jiujiang River, and Sun Ce's children dare not cross the river." Liu Bei waved his hand disappreciatively.

"My lord's words are wrong." It was the strategist Li Zuo who said this. But seeing that he ignored Liu Bei's wide eyes, he said to himself, "General Guan, although General Zhang is an enemy of ten thousand, he is not afraid of the invasion of Jiangdong. But the lord is not famous this time, and if the so-called name is not right, it will not go well, and this battle will be lost. ”

Liu Bei was said to be "defeated" before he sent his troops, and he couldn't help but laugh angrily, "Why is this mansion so unknown?" ”

Li Shuzheng said, "Liu Biao and Zhang Xian have been fighting so far, and they have not asked for help. The lord rashly sent troops to Changsha, and those who didn't know thought that the lord wanted to seize Jingzhou. ”

Liu Bei was worn by Zhang Xian, and immediately turned red and said, "This mansion has no such intention. ”

The lord had no such intention. I also ask the lord to take back his fate. Li Shu flicked his long sleeves and bowed to Liu Bei. Under his leadership, Xu Shu and others also shouted together to ask for their lives, "Please take back your life." ”

Liu Bei saw that the civil and military forces in the hall were all against sending troops, and there was no support from Guan Yu and Zhang Fei around him, and his little thought had just been broken by Li Shu, so he had to find a step down the road by himself, "Let's go." The government will wait and see what happens. ”

Small Theatre Hours:

CC: The daughter-in-law is lonely, and the lone is still lonely. Hum~~~

Xiao Cai: My father-in-law is lonely, and he is still lonely. Quack~~~ (To be continued)