Lu Bu just came up with a design drawing, asking the blacksmiths to build a hydraulic support to support the underground roof.

In fact, he knows very well that although the drawings are clearly marked, where the bracket is filled with water, and how to close it after water injection, it is very difficult to build it in the short term with the existing iron-making process.

Fortunately, the mining depth of the mine is still very shallow, the roof pressure is not very large, at least for a while, the wooden support can still be competent.

The mass production of soap has been handed over to the workshop that produces toothpaste, and the fans are in working order.

As for the underground lighting, it must be bright enough, but not an open flame, under the existing conditions, there will be no solution for a while.

It was useless to stay in the mine, and Lü Bu returned to Pengcheng with Sun Ce and 5,000 trouble-relieving soldiers.

Zhao Yun and Tai Shici escorted Lu Su and the others to Jianye, but they did not stay there, and hurriedly returned.

Even after days and nights, the day they returned to Pengcheng was still one day later than Lu Bu.

In the Pengcheng official mansion, Lu Bu, who had only returned the day before, heard that the two had returned, and instructed Sun Ce to take them to the study.

The study room is not large, and the furnishings inside are all made of new furniture.

Lu Bu sat behind his desk, while Zhao Yun and Tai Shici stood in front of him.

"Sit." Raise your hand to signal the two of them to sit down.

The two thanked each other and sat down on two chairs in the room.

"All the families in Xuzhou have settled down?" When the two of them were seated, Lu Bu asked them.

"It's settled." Zhao Yun replied: "Although Jianye is still prosperous, the population is not large, and it is not difficult to find some empty houses there to settle down with your family. ”

"Xu Chu intercepted his family, did you see his true intentions?" Lu Bu asked again.

Not understanding what he meant, Zhao Yun and Tai Shici glanced at each other.

Both of them were very puzzled in their hearts, Xu Chu intercepted his family, in addition to using them to control Xuzhou, what other intentions did he have?

From the expressions on their faces, it could be seen that they did not understand what they meant, and Lu Bu made his words more clear: "Is Xu Chu planning to kill our family members, or just trying to rob them?" ”

Zhao Yun and Tai Shici suddenly understood.

Tai Shi Ci replied: "I had a fight with Xu Chu, knowing that it was impossible to rob his family in front of us, he still decided to make a move, which shows that he didn't just want to get people away. His intention should be to kill them all if he can't get them out. ”

Lu Bu had already guessed that there would be such a possibility, Tai Shici replied, and he only nodded.

"Chu Hou, Cao Mengde is so ruthless, are we just going to suffer like this?" Zhao Yun followed and asked.

"Of course not." Lu Bu smiled indifferently: "We have turned against Cao Cao, although he has no excuse to send troops at the moment. Sooner or later, however, he will attack us despite all this. ”

"Chu Hou didn't ask us to embarrass Xu Zhongkang, can Cao Cao still find excuses and reasons?" Zhao Yun asked suspiciously: "Since this is the case, why don't you take advantage of Xu Zhongkang to intercept his family and solve him on the spot?" ”

"Again." Lu Bu said: "We don't give Cao Cao the truth, in the battle of Xiapi, he came to attack us, but there are many excuses." This time, I will repay the grievances with virtue, and see what excuse he uses to crusade against us. ”

"It's just an excuse, if he dares to come, we'll go up and fight." Zhao Yun replied.

When Xu Chu was released, it was he who explained to Lu Su.

However, he himself did not understand Lu Bu's approach.

Xu Chu is a fierce general under Cao Cao, if he is retained, Cao Cao's crusade against Xuzhou in the future will be one less available person. 、

Taking advantage of the fact that he intercepted and killed his family, Lu Bu didn't plan to leave him behind.

Even if you can't keep it alive, killing Xu Chu is a good choice.

"Just Xu Chu, is it worth keeping him deliberately?" Lu Bu smiled slightly, and said to Zhao Yun: "Zilong doesn't have to mind too much, when Cao Mengde uses troops to Xuzhou, we have a chance to capture his wise generals." At that time, Zilong should not be too much to catch, it is a good thing to work all day long. ”

Lu Bu said so, so it was inconvenient for Zhao Yun and Tai Shici to say more.

"Zilong and Ziyi have worked hard to escort their families, so let's go back and rest first." Lu Bu said to the two of them: "When the war comes, there will be no more idle days. ”

Zhao Yun and Tai Shici stood up, and the two of them retreated and left the study.

When they left, it was close to noon, and Sun Ce came to Lu Bu: "Do you want someone to send lunch here, or will Chu Hou go back to his room to eat?" ”

"Let them get here." Lu Bu said: "There are some things, and it's time to sort them out. ”

A few days before Lu Bu returned to Pengcheng, Mao Jue and Xu Chu returned to Xudu successively.

Mao Jue failed to persuade Lu Bu to recall his family members to Pengcheng, and Xu Chu intercepted him halfway but met Zhao Yun and Tai Shici, not only failed to succeed, but was recognized.

Cao Cao was in a very unhappy mood.

Xu Du, the back house of the Cao family.

Cao Cao and Guo Jia walked side by side along the bluestone path.

"Neither Xiaoxian nor Zhongkang succeeded, and Lu Bu also knew that I was going to deal with him, and he also asked Xiaoxian to bring back a message, which means that he will never be attached to me in the future, what does Feng Xiao think of this matter?" Cao Cao asked Guo Jia.

"I don't think the lord needs to take it to heart at all." Guo Jia replied: "Mao Xiaoxian's failure to succeed has long been expected by the lord. As for Zhong Kang, although he failed to stop the families of Lu Bu and Xuzhou officials, he led out Zhao Yun and Tai Shici. The two of them were not with Lu Zijing before, and they only appeared after Zhong Kang appeared, which shows that Lu Fengxian had already arranged. What he was waiting for was for the man sent by the lord to start and put the charge of treachery on the lord's head, so as to clear him of the guilt of betraying the lord once and for all. ”

"In other words, I arranged for Zhongkang to intercept him and the family members of the officials in Xuzhou, which happened to give him the excuse to betray?" Cao Cao frowned, and somewhat regretted sending Xu Chu to intercept Lu Bu's family.

For Lu Fengxian, the lord's arrangement really gave him the truth. But for the lord, it is not a good thing. Guo Jia said: "It is imperative for the lord to crusade against Xuzhou, and it is no longer very important to offend Lu Bu or not." What's more, the crusade against Lu Bu is not completely untruthful. ”

"He let Mao Xiaoxian and Xu Zhongkang gossip, if I send troops to fight again, won't it cause gossip from the world?" Cao Cao frowned and asked Guo Jia, "What is the way Feng Xiao can impose the fault on Lu Bu's head and give me a reason to crusade against him?" ”

"Mao Xiao's first move to Pengcheng first, Xu Zhongkang's family members behind, the lord didn't start directly, but first gave Lu Bu a notice." Guo Jia replied: "After he received the instructions of the lord, he did not act according to the order, but asked Mao Xiao to bring a message to the lord first, and he was dissatisfied. Later, he ordered Zhao Yun and Tai Shici to chase after their families to prevent General Zhongkang from bringing people back to Xudu for protection, and the betrayal had already been done, didn't the lord have a reason to crusade against him? ”

As soon as Guo Jia said this, Cao Cao suddenly suddenly said: "If it weren't for Feng Xiao's reminder, I was almost deceived by Lu Bu." ”

"The lord should not issue a crusade too early." Guo Jia said: "After all, we are not clear about the attitude of the Yuan family in Hebei. ”

"Didn't Feng Xiao already convince Yuan Benchu, why is it not clear?" Cao Cao's brows furrowed slightly.

The attitude of the Yuan family really determined whether he could send troops to attack Lu Bu.

Before the Yuan family did not send troops, if he sent troops, in case Yuan Shao returned halfway, not only did he not attack Xuzhou, but instead of troops coming to Xudu, Cao Cao, whose army was trapped in Xuzhou, would probably lose even the foundation.

Guo Jia was not sure whether Hebei would send troops to fight against Lu Bubing, and Cao Cao was also very worried about this.

"I did convince Yuan Benchu, but he is indecisive, and often what he has promised may be reversed in the end." Guo Jia said: "It's better for us to wait until Yuan Benchu sends troops first, once his soldiers and horses reach the border of Xuzhou, it is not too late for the lord to send troops to attack Lu Bu." ”

"But Yuan Benchu didn't seem to have any intention of sending troops at all, and he didn't see any movement from him until now." Cao Cao asked, "Is there a way for Feng Xiao to urge him?" ”

"Yuan Benchu has already promised the lord to crusade against Lu Bu, and it is obviously inappropriate for us to urge." Guo Jia said: "There is a person who can be used by the lord." ”

Guo Jia said that someone was available, and Cao Cao hurriedly asked.

"Liu Xuande." Guo Jia said: "This person was in Xudu and secretly colluded with many officials. He went to see His Majesty and was considered by His Majesty to be the emperor's uncle. Not long after that, Dong Cheng and others launched the edict of the cloth belt. Doesn't the lord think that there is something involved? ”

"I already knew that Liu Xuande was involved in that incident." Cao Cao clenched his fists and said with a very ugly face: "I just hate that I didn't find out in time, but let him deceive a lot of people and escape from Xu Du." If I had caught up with him at that time, I would have taken off his head to vent my anger. ”

"The fact that the lord failed to catch up with him at the beginning is not a good thing, but it is not necessarily a bad thing." Guo Jia said: "What kind of character is Liu Xuande, the lord knows it, doesn't Yuan Benchu know?" Although this person doesn't have much strength, he has always been ambitious. He is in Hebei, doesn't Yuan Benchu have any taboos? ”

"What does the crusade against Lu Bu have to do with Yuan Benchu's taboo against Liu Xuande?" Guo Jia went around in a big circle, and Cao Cao asked inexplicably.

"Liu Xuande is afraid that the world will not be chaotic, so he can get more benefits from it." Guo Jia said: "Since he didn't know what method he used to get Xuzhou from Tao Qian, he has always regarded Xuzhou as his foundation. He is not satisfactory in Hebei, if the lord can allow him to take Xuzhou afterwards, will he stand with the lord? ”

"Feng Xiao is right, I'm afraid that Liu Xuande will hold a grudge and refuse to help us." Cao Cao replied: "Although he has been like a lost dog all these years, he is not a person who can only see the benefits in front of him. He should know that even if I give Xuzhou to him, sooner or later I will have to get it back. ”

"If the lord is going to crusade against someone else, Liu Xuande may not agree." Guo Jia replied: "But it is Lu Bu who the lord intends to crusade, and he will definitely facilitate this matter for the lord." ”

Looking at Guo Jia suspiciously, Cao Cao still didn't think that there was too much certainty about this matter.

Guo Jia continued: "When Lu Bu snatched Xuzhou from Liu Xuande, the two of them have already become fire and water, if you want to say who Liu Xuande hates the most, it must be Lu Bu!" ”

"What are Bonghyo's plans? Who do you want to see Liu Xuande? Guo Jia said this, Cao Cao was also very clear, and he no longer had any doubts, he asked Guo Jia.

"You don't need to send someone to go there, the lord only needs to ask His Majesty to write a letter and send it to Liu Xuande, asking him to crusade against Lu Bu, and after the matter is completed, he will be promised the position of Xuzhou pastor, and this matter can be done." Guo Jia replied.

"Fengxiao is really more transparent than me." Cao Cao nodded and said to Guo Jia, "I'm going to ask to see Your Majesty." ”

********************************************

Xu Chu returned to Xu Du and returned to Cao Cao's side, accompanying him almost all the time.

Accompanied Cao Cao to the Xudu Palace, Xu Chu, who failed to intercept and kill Lu Bu and the families of Xuzhou officials, never dared to say a word.

Although it was not up to him to decide to meet Zhao Yun and Tai Shici, he still felt that things had not been done well, and he was ashamed of Cao Cao's trust in him.

"Zhong Kang came back this time, and he seemed to be silent a lot." Walking in front, Cao Cao said as if he had said something inadvertently.

Hearing Cao Cao talking to him, Xu Chu hurriedly replied: "I just feel ashamed of my lord, and I can't even do such a small thing......"

"You can't blame you for that." Cao Cao replied generously: "It was Lu Fengxian who had already made arrangements, and at first Zhao Yun and Tai Shici were waiting for you to appear, but I didn't find out clearly, and I almost trapped you there." If you want to talk about guilt, I should be deeper than you. ”

Cao Cao actually admitted in front of Xu Chu that he was wrong, Xu Chu suddenly didn't know what to say, and the guilt in his heart was much deeper than before.

Hearing that Cao Cao was coming, Liu Xie had been waiting outside the door of his residence for a long time.

Seeing Cao Cao from afar, he bowed and saluted: "Cao Gong is here, I have been waiting for a long time." ”

Symbolically returning a big gift, Cao Cao said: "Your Majesty doesn't have to wait outside the door, if it spreads, I'm afraid my reputation will not be good." ”

"That's what Cao Gong said." Liu Xie responded obediently and said to Cao Cao: "I will pay attention to it in the future." ”

Cao Cao gestured and said to Liu Xie, "Your Majesty, please speak in the room." ”

Liu Xie responded and followed Cao Cao into the room.

When he came to Liu Xie's residence, Cao Cao did not trespass and sat on the main seat.

He sat down under Liu Xie.

Liu Xie asked, "When Gong Cao came to see me, did he have something to tell me to do?" ”

"I came to see Your Majesty, and I did ask Your Majesty for help on something." Cao Cao asked, "Your Majesty and Liu Xuande still have a relationship?" ”

The incident left a deep psychological shadow on Liu Xie.

At the beginning, Liu Bei was also implicated, Cao Cao mentioned him, Liu Xie quickly stood up and bowed: "Cao Gong Mingjian, I was blinded at the beginning, so I recognized Liu Bei as the emperor's uncle." To this day, I regret it every time I think about it, how can I have any more contact with him? ”

Liu Xie stood up in panic, and Cao Cao pressed his hand on him: "Your Majesty, don't panic, I'm just asking casually." It would be a good thing if His Majesty still had dealings with him. ”

thought that Cao Cao was tempting, and he had no contact with Liu Bei in the first place, so of course Liu Xie would not make more trouble for himself.

He bowed down and said to Cao Cao, "I really don't have any contact with Liu Bei. ”

"Of course, I believe that His Majesty has no contact with him, but I came here today to ask Your Majesty to write him a letter." Cao Cao asked, "Is Your Majesty willing to relieve my worries?" ”

Cao Cao asked him to write a letter to Liu Bei, and Liu Xie was stunned and asked, "What does Cao Gong want me to write to him?" ”

"Please Liu Bei send troops to attack Lu Bu, and when the matter is completed, Xuzhou will be promised to him." Cao Cao said: "Your Majesty can first crown him as the pastor of Xuzhou and worship all the affairs of Xuzhou." ”

"Cao Gong wants to crusade against Lu Bu?" Liu Xie asked Cao Cao in surprise.

"Lu Bu's wolf ambition has long been unfavorable to me, of course I have to crusade against him first." Cao Cao asked, "Is Your Majesty unwilling?" ”

"As long as it is beneficial to Cao Gong, I will do my best." Liu Bei asked, "When does Duke Cao want this letter?" ”

"Write now, and I'll prepare ink for Your Majesty." Cao Cao instructed Xu Chu: "Fetch ink." ”

Cao Cao was in a hurry to ask for a letter, and Liu Xie could only write it for him on the spot.

According to Cao Cao's meaning, he wrote a letter to Liu Bei freely, and Liu Xie held it in both hands and handed it to Cao Cao.

After taking the letter and reading it, Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction, and then handed it to Xu Chu.

Xu Chu put the letter away, and Cao Cao bowed to Liu Xie: "Don't bother Your Majesty, the minister will retire first." ”

Cao Cao didn't give him a big gift, but Liu Xie gave him a big bow in return: "I send Cao Gong away!" ”

It wasn't until Cao Cao left with Xu Chu that Liu Xie breathed a sigh of relief and stood up straight.

Every time Cao Cao came here, Liu Xie would be shocked into a cold sweat, for fear that if he said something wrong, he would anger Cao Cao so that his life would not be guaranteed.

Coming to the window, Liu Xie looked outside and happened to see the back of Cao Cao disappearing from his sight with Xu Chu.

When Cao Cao went to Chang'an to invite him, he showed diligence and diligence, and he couldn't bear to see the loss of the Han Dynasty and his heartache.

Liu Xie also believed that Cao Cao would be diligent for the Great Hanke, and promised to come to Xudu with him.

In the days when he arrived in Xudu, Cao Cao was still very respectful to him, and gradually became less polite.

From then on, Liu Xie was dissatisfied with Cao Cao, but he never dared to mention it to anyone except Empress Fu and Concubine Dong.

It's just that Concubine Dong is an eventful person, and she relayed some of what he said to Dong Cheng.

was once Dong Zhuo's son-in-law Niu Fu's general, Dong Cheng also belonged to the Xiliang branch, although he followed Liu Xie to Xudu because of his meritorious escort, he and Cao Cao were always at odds with each other.

The emperor was dissatisfied with Cao Cao, and Dong admitted that the opportunity had come, so he planned the edict of the cloth.

It's just a pity that before they could attack Cao Cao, the news had been revealed, and everyone who participated in the edict, except for Liu Bei, had fled, and the others had been ambushed.

Liu Xie actually knew very well that Dong Cheng's edict was unsuccessful.

If he becomes a big deal, it will just be a different person to replace Cao Cao.

The strength of the Han Dynasty has been exhausted, and as the emperor of the Han family, he is just a puppet for others to use.

As time passed, he became more and more cold to the Kuangfu Han family.

When I met Liu Bei and recognized him as the emperor's uncle, I thought that Liu Bei would do his best for the Han family, but I didn't think that it was unreliable.

On the contrary, it was Lu Bu, although he followed Dong Zhuo and did a lot of bad things, but was later rebelled by Wang Yunce, Dong Zhuo stayed in Chang'an after being ambushed, and he really did some things for the Han family.

Cao Cao wanted to crusade against Lü Bu, and asked him to write a letter to Liu Bei, intending to unite with Liu Bei.

I don't know why, Liu Xie has a faint thought in his heart.

He hoped that the alliance between Cao Cao and Liu Bei would not be formed, and that Lu Bu would not be at a disadvantage in this battle.

already has a general understanding of the general trend of the world, Liu Xie knows that the more heroes he has, the greater the role of the emperor, and the more stable he will be if he stays in Xudu.

Once the world tends to be unified, his existence is no longer useful, and whether he is dead or alive can only be left to God to decide.

Seeing Liu Xie and asking for a letter, Cao Cao returned to his residence, invited Guo Jia to the front and made some detailed deliberations, and sent a messenger to Yecheng to ask to see Liu Bei.

With Cao Cao's letter, the messenger rode all the way to Yecheng.

I once went to see Yuan Shao, tested his plans, and learned that Yuan Shao was likely to choose to fight Lu Bu first, and Liu Bei was in a very good mood recently.

Just as Guo Jia expected, when he was in Xudu, he was almost implicated because of the edict, if he hadn't escaped quickly, his head would have left his neck long ago.

For Cao Cao, of course, Liu Bei hated him to the core.

However, compared to Lu Bu, who took Xuzhou from him, Liu Bei's hatred for Cao Cao was not so deep.

Lü Bu not only took Xuzhou from him, but later he led his troops to fight and suffered a big loss at Lü Bu's hands.

If Liu Bei had enough ability, he would not be able to bite Lu Bu hard and bite Lu Bu to death.

********************************************

The messenger sent by Cao Cao to Yecheng asked to see Liu Bei in the name of Liu Xie.

Now that His Majesty sent someone to Yecheng to ask for a meeting, Liu Bei was puzzled in his heart.

He immediately ordered Guan Yu to bring people to him.

Guan Yu came with a messenger, Liu Bei looked at the other party, and asked suspiciously, "Are you really sent by Your Majesty?" ”

"Exactly." The messenger replied: "Your Majesty asked me to send a letter to Uncle Huang, saying that I would wait for Uncle Huang's reply and then I would go back to restore my life." ”

As he spoke, he took out the letter that Cao Cao asked Liu Xie to write from his arms, and held it high above the top with both hands.

Taking the letter from the messenger, Guan Yu forwarded it to Liu Bei.

Picking up the letter, Liu Bei hurriedly skimmed through it, and said to the messenger: "I already understand what Your Majesty means, but this matter is not trivial, and I can't make a decision immediately, and I ask the messenger to go and rest first, and I will give a reply later." ”

When he got the letter, the messenger heard Cao Cao say that Liu Bei could not reply to him immediately, and asked him to wait in Yecheng until Liu Bei made a decision and then return to Xudu.

There was Cao Cao's reminder, and the messenger had already been ready.

Liu Bei asked him to go down and rest, but he didn't say anything, bowed and left.

When the messenger retreated, Liu Bei handed the letter to Guan Yu: "Yun Chang and Yide also take a look." ”

Guan Yu took the letter, and after reading it, handed it to Zhang Fei.

He asked Liu Bei, "Why did Your Majesty suddenly remember to crusade against Lu Bu?" What does my brother think about this? ”

"Where is Your Majesty going to crusade against Lu Bu, it is clear that Cao Cao intends to crusade." Liu Bei sighed sadly: "Poor Your Majesty, as the Ninety-Five, but you have to be coerced by the little ones." Every time I think of this, I feel bitter and hated that I was too inpatient to save His Majesty from hanging upside down. ”

"Since it was Cao ** who forced His Majesty to do this, I will kill the messenger, and my brother will refuse him again." Zhang Fei, who had already read the letter, said: "My brother plans to rescue Your Majesty, so persuade Yuan Benchu to send troops to fight against Cao Cao." Destroy Cao Cao, and then we will take His Majesty away and fly high. ”

"Cao Cao coerced the Son of Heaven to order the princes, Xu Du was heavily guarded, and it was not easy to rescue His Majesty." Liu Bei immediately rejected Zhang Fei's proposal: "Without ten percent certainty, crusading against Cao Cao is likely to put His Majesty to death." However, Lu Bu has always had a heart of disobedience, and even colluded with Yuan Shu earlier, a chaotic minister and thief like Lu Bu will not destroy him, and heaven will not tolerate it! ”

Liu Bei said that Liu Xie was coerced by Cao Cao, and at the same time planned to join Cao Cao to crusade against Lu Bu according to the request in the letter, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were a little surprised.

The two of them looked at each other, but neither said anything.

Since they have been in the world with Liu Bei and witnessed Liu Bei's growth step by step, they have an indescribable dependence on this brother.

Especially Liu Bei is also very good at winning people's hearts, always telling the two of them that brothers are like brothers and sisters, and they must not turn their backs on each other, and they are firmly tied to his side.

"What are you going to do, brother?" Guan Yu asked Liu Bei.

Liu Bei thought for a moment and replied: "I plan to go to see Yuan Xiansi and ask him to send troops first." As long as Yuan Xiansi's soldiers and horses engaged Lu Bu, Yuan Benchu had to fight, but the alliance between Yuan and Cao was reached. ”

"Can we also get Xuzhou back from Lu Bu's hands?" Lü Bu initially seized Xuzhou from Zhang Fei, who was always concerned about the matter.

"Your Majesty named me the pastor of Xuzhou in the letter, presumably it means Cao Cao." Liu Bei said: "The two families of Yuan and Cao jointly crusaded against Xuzhou, even if Lu Bu is strong, he will not be their opponent." It is not difficult to take Xuzhou, but the difficult thing is whether Cao Mengde can fulfill this promise by then. ”

"I think my brother should not believe too much in Cao Mengde's goodness." Guan Yu said: "Cao Mengde is as cunning as a ghost, I can't believe what he said." ”

"As long as he says it, we still have a chance." Liu Bei said: "If the Yuan and Cao families break through Xuzhou, they will definitely fight each other again for the Central Plains." At that time, we will not have a chance to take back Xuzhou. ”

Liu Bei obviously had a plan, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei glanced at each other.

Guan Yu asked, "Dare to ask my brother, when will you leave Yecheng to see Yuan Tan?" ”

"Since we came to Yecheng, Yuan Benchu was not very relieved." Liu Bei said: "He has arranged eyeliner everywhere, and our every move is within his supervision. If I want to leave here to see Yuan Tan, the only way is for me to resign and ask him for permission. ”

"Since Yuan Benchu has already supervised us, how can my brother resign, how can he agree?" Guan Yu shook his head and said, "Does my brother still have to think about it again?" ”

"There's no time left to deliberate." Liu Bei said: "If it drags on like this, the alliance between Yuan and Cao will not be able to be promoted, and we will never be able to go back to Xuzhou." ”

He stood up and said to Guan Yu and Zhang Fei: "The two virtuous brothers will accompany me on a trip, and we will go to see Yuan Benchu now." ”

Liu Bei decided to ask to see Yuan Shao immediately, and Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had no choice but to follow him out of the house.

In fact, Yuan Shao had already made the decision to crusade against Lu Bu, and he was just thinking about when it would be appropriate to send troops.

With the same mind as Cao Cao, Yuan Shao was also worried that once the soldiers and horses of Hebei fell into the battlefield of Xuzhou, Cao Cao would suddenly attack and launch a surprise attack from behind to capture Yecheng.

When Liu Bei came to ask for a meeting, Cao Cao was discussing with the judges, Feng Ji and others about the use of troops in Xuzhou.

Hearing that Liu Bei was coming, Yuan Shao said to everyone: "Liu Xuande also knocked on the side earlier, persuading me to crusade against Lu Bu. Stand down, all of you, and I will see him and see what he has to say. ”

Everyone got up and said goodbye.

Liu Bei was already waiting outside the door.

Seeing the crowd come out, he bowed.

Yuan Shao's staff and generals didn't take him seriously at all, and some people even regarded Liu Bei as an idler who came to Hebei to beg for food.

When Liu Bei saluted, two of them who still cared about the number of courtesies gave him a salute in return, and the others didn't look at him much. Talking to each other and leaving.

When everyone left, the guards beckoned Liu Bei into the house.

Yuan Shao was the only one left in the room.

Liu Bei walked in, and Yuan Shao asked with a smile, "Why is Xuande here?" ”

"I don't know that Yuan Chengcheng is discussing important matters, if I knew, I would never dare to come and disturb him." Liu Bei replied with a big salute.

"It's nothing important, it's just discussing when to crusade against Lu Bu." Yuan Shao said to him: "Since Xuande is here, please sit down, I happen to have something to ask you for." ”

"Yuan Gong asks for the word teaching, how dare you be." Liu Bei replied humbly, and then sat down opposite Yuan Shao.

"Xuande came to see me, do you have anything important to say?" Knowing that Liu Bei must have something to do when he asked to see him, Yuan Shao asked.

"I have been in Hebei for many days, and Yuan Gong has been very kind to me, but I have not been able to repay the size." Liu Bei said to Yuan Shao: "Recently, I saw that Yuan Gong was troubled by the crusade against Lu Bu or Cao Cao, so I came to visit and bid farewell to Yuan Gong by the way. ”

"Resignation?" Liu Bei mentioned that he was leaving, Yuan Shao frowned: "Where is Xuande going to go?" ”

Knowing that Liu Bei would not live under the people for a long time, Yuan Shao certainly didn't want him to leave Yecheng.

Leave him in Yecheng, as long as he doesn't give him any chance, even if Liu Bei has the ability to reach the sky, he can only nest here.

If he is let go, how much trouble will it bring in the future, Yuan Shaoke is not very sure.

"Don't get me wrong, Gong Yuan." Seeing that Yuan Shao's face was not good, Liu Bei hurriedly said: "I came to resign because of Yuan Gong's worries." ”

"How are you going to share my worries?" Even if Liu Bei said this, Yuan Shao's face still did not improve in the slightest, and his tone was very cold and stiff.

"Dare to ask Yuan Gong, have you decided who to crusade against?" Liu Bei did not answer directly, but asked Yuan Shao rhetorically.

Yuan Shao said: "I plan to crusade against Lu Bu, but I am worried that Cao Cao will suddenly attack from behind. If this is the case, Yecheng will be difficult to protect. ”

"Cao Mengde has always been cunning, and Yuan Gong's worries are not unreasonable." Liu Bei replied: "I came to resign to solve this matter for Yuan Gong." ”

"Xuande might as well talk about it." Liu Bei said that he had a way to solve this matter, and Yuan Shao was a little interested and motioned for him to continue.

Liu Bei replied: "What Yuan Gong was worried about was nothing more than provoking Lu Bu to fight a decisive battle with him in Xuzhou, Cao Cao not only did not rush to help, but secretly launched troops and horses to attack Yecheng. I have a way to provoke a fight with Lu Bu, and at the same time make Yuan Gong not worry about Cao Cao. ”

Knowing that Liu Bei had long wanted to put Lu to death, Yuan Shao thought that the method he came up with might be really useful. 、

He didn't interrupt Liu Bei, just listened silently.

Liu Bei continued: "I resigned to Yuan Gong because I planned to go to Qingzhou to ask for the eldest son, and ask the eldest son to allocate some men and horses to me, and I will march to Mount Tai and start a war with Lu Bu. ”

"Xuande means to transfer troops and horses from Qingzhou to attack Lu Bu?" Yuan Shao frowned: "You must know that Jiangdong Sun Bofu is not Lu Bu's opponent, what can Xian Si do with that little soldier and horse?" What's more, it is impossible for him to allocate too many people to Xuande, at most three or two thousand people. But I heard that Lu Bu's men and horses have exceeded 100,000, and Xuande rashly attacked, isn't it too risky? ”

"Yuan Gong Mingjian, I led the troops to attack, but I just led Cao Mengde to send troops." Liu Bei replied: "If Cao Mengde sends troops at that time, Yuan Gong can order the army to go south and enter Xuzhou in a big way. If he refuses to send troops, Duke Yuan can send someone to Xu Du to question. If Cao Cao still refuses to send troops, it means that he has the heart to plot against Yuan Gong, and Yuan Gong can choose to unite with Lu Bu to crusade against Cao Cao. This move is beneficial to Yuan Gong, and I ask for permission. ”

What Liu Bei said really made some sense, and Yuan Shao didn't think of a reason to refuse.

But he was unwilling to let Liu Bei go easily.

If Liu Bei leaves Hebei, it will not be so easy to get him back in the future......

Yuan Shao was silent, and Liu Bei didn't say anything more, just looked at him quietly.

"Xuande's method is indeed good, but I think it's too bad for you to do this?" Yuan Shao said: "Why don't we think about it again, what should we do, and wait until we come up with a practical idea......

"Yuan Gong!" Yuan Shao had the intention of refusing, Liu Bei stood up and bowed: "I don't mean anything else, I just want to share my worries for Yuan Gong, and I hope that Yuan Gong can sympathize with my hard work." ”

"Xuande, what is this doing?" Liu Bei made a big salute and begged Yuan Shao to agree, and Yuan Shao also stood up and stepped forward to help him: "It's not that I don't want to let Xuande go to Qingzhou, but this move is too risky, in case Xuande has three longs and two shorts, I don't have a taste in my heart." ”

"I am willing to sign a military order with Yuan Gong, if I fall into danger and Cao Cao does not send troops, I don't need Yuan Gong to send a soldier to rescue, just as I repay Yuan Gong's kindness." Liu Bei replied: "I was in trouble here at the beginning, if it wasn't for Yuan Gong to take me in, I would have been victimized. I can have today thanks to Yuan Gong. With the heart to worry about Yuan Gongfen, could it be that Yuan Gong would not even be satisfied with this wish? ”

Liu Bei said this, and Yuan Shao didn't know how to respond.

If he promised Liu Bei, he was worried that he would have endless troubles in the future if he let the tiger return to the mountain.

But if he doesn't agree, he will tell Liu Bei the truth, saying that he is suspicious, and even those who repay his kindness will be suspicious.

"Xuande has a heart, I am very relieved." Yuan Shao said: "It's better to go back like this, you go back first, I'll discuss it with everyone, and then I'll reply to you." ”

Yuan Shao never let go, and Liu Bei knew that it would only backfire if he continued to entangle, so he had no choice but to retreat and walk out.

********************************************

When Liu Bei went to see Yuan Shao, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were waiting outside the door.

When they saw him come out, they immediately greeted him.

Guan Yu asked, "How is my brother?" Did Yuan Benchu agree? ”

Liu Bei's face was not too good and he shook his head: "He is afraid that he is worried that I have done something unfavorable to him in Hebei, I have said all the good things, and he refuses to let go, only saying that he will discuss with everyone before making a decision." ”

"Counsel with the people?" Zhang Fei's face darkened: "He wants to discuss with everyone, and it is clear that he has rejected his brother." Counting on his permission, I am afraid that my brother will not want to leave Yecheng in this life. ”

When Zhang Fei said this, Liu Bei's face was also very bad.

Guan Yu glanced at Zhang Fei: "Third brother, don't talk nonsense, see how the elder brother decides." ”

After thinking for a while, Liu Bei said to Guan Yu: "Second brother, you go and invite Cao Cao's envoy, I have something to say to him." ”

Guan Yu immediately agreed.

Back at the residence, Liu Bei and Zhang Fei waited in the house, while Guan Yu went to ask for an envoy sent by Cao Cao.

A moment later, the messenger arrived.

When he saw the salute, Liu Bei asked, "Does Cao Mengde have anything else you want to bring to me?" ”

The envoy was stunned by the sudden question, and he said to Liu Bei: "Xuande Gongmingjian, I am a ...... sent by Your Majesty."

"Sent by His Majesty?" Liu Bei interrupted him with a sneer: "Your Majesty is surrounded by Cao Mengde's people, I really don't know when Your Majesty will be able to send someone out to deliver letters." ”

Liu Bei didn't know what to say, and the messenger didn't say anything for a while.

Liu Bei continued: "Cao Mengde wants you to bring me something, just say it in the clear place, so that I can make a decision." If you don't even want to say who sent you, how can I believe that Cao Mengde is really sincere? ”

"Now that Xuande Gong understands it, I will make it clear." Liu Bei had already said this, and the messenger knew that it was useless to say more, so he immediately admitted that Cao Cao had sent it: "It is indeed Duke Cao who ordered me to come to deliver the letter, but the letter is indeed written by His Majesty himself." ”

"I know that the letter was written by His Majesty's own hand." Liu Bei asked: "Did Cao Mengde say what he wanted me to do before he was willing to send troops to Xuzhou?" ”

"The lord said that as long as the soldiers and horses of the Yuan family start a war with Lü Bu, he will immediately send troops to Xuzhou," the messenger replied: "With the military strength of the Cao and Yuan families, either side can destroy Lü Bu." Therefore, uniting with the Yuan family is nothing more than seeking a safe place. ”

"He's very honest." Liu Bei snorted coldly and said to the messenger: "You go back first and tell Cao Mengde, I will facilitate the fight between the Yuan family and Lu Bu as soon as possible." As for Xuzhou, he agreed, and when Lu Bu is broken, don't go back on it with me. ”

"Xuande Gong rest assured." The messenger immediately agreed: "The Lord will never go back on what he has promised." I will bring Xuandegong's words to the lord, and ask Xuande Gong to bother about the Yuan family's use of troops against Lu Bu. ”

"I don't need you to say more, I know what to do." Liu Bei waved his hand and instructed Guan Yu: "Send the messenger out of the city." ”

Guan Yu agreed, and then said to the messenger: "Messenger, please!" ”

He made a big gift to Liu Bei again, and the messenger withdrew.

When he left, Zhang Fei asked Liu Bei: "My brother didn't get Yuan Benchu's permission, how did he promote the Yuan family to go to war with Lu Bu?" ”

"If he doesn't agree, we'll leave quietly." Liu Bei replied: "The opportunity is rare, is it possible that we will miss the opportunity to kill Lu Bu?" ”

(End of chapter)