In this way, Xiang Ao followed Xu Shu's suggestion, and after arranging the defense of Hanoi and Shangdang, he rushed back to Wuyuan in early April.

After more than a year of conquest, most of the state has fallen into the hands of Xiang Ao. As for the remnants of Xihe and Taiyuan Baibo, the people in the Northern Regions are not too worried. However, the Qiang people in Shangjun and Liangzhou Beidi County may endanger the annexed state. The recovery of the state made Xiang Ao, who rushed back to Wuyuan, not idle. Under the advice and urging of Hu Zhao and others, Xiang Ao redeployed to the state again without stopping.

Although Zhao Yun is stationed in Hanoi, Zhao Yun is a military general after all, and even if Xiang Ao is trained, there are still great flaws in government affairs. Xiang Ao appointed Ma Jun as the Taishou of the Shangdang and concurrently served as the head of Zhao Yun in Hanoi. Li Jin was appointed as the captain of the Shangdang and presided over the defense of the Shangdang, and his brother Li Zhu was appointed as the deputy. Xi Zhong is still Taishou of Taiyuan, leading the army to garrison Jinyang, and letting Gao Shun serve as Xi Zhong's deputy.

Under the coercion of Jiang Yan, Xihe County included Lishi from Xihe Zhishu under Xiang Ao's rule, and suppressed Bai Bo in the area from Zhongyang County to Tongtian Mountain. Shangjun Taishou was temporarily appointed by Zhang Long, who had followed Xiang Ao for many years and made great contributions, and stationed Gao Shun to recover Gao Nu to strictly guard against the Qiang tribes in the west. The two counties of Dingyang and Diaoyang, which border Shangjun and Sili, were unclear by the scourge, and it was of little significance to recover at this time, so Xiang Ao agreed to Gao Shun's suggestion, and the fleeing people could be gathered, and Dingyang and Diaoyang were temporarily left unattended.

Luan He has been in the Northern Regions for many years, and has served as a Taishou in the clouds, Xiang Ao went to the imperial court, and Luan He was the Marquis of Guannei, and moved to Yanmen Taishou. Dingxiang is the hinterland of the state, in Xiang Ao's view, the significance of setting up Dingxiang County is not too great, so let Zhang Chen and Geng Shou lead Yunzhong and Yanmen too guarded. Shuofang County is the grain and grass base in the Northern Regions, which is still the top priority, and it is still held by the extremely loyal Wang Wu, who cooperates with Hu Zhao to preside over Shuofang affairs.

Dai County is still served by Lu Zhi as the Taishou, leading the army to occupy Danhan Mountain to prevent the resurgence of Xianbei. As for Mrs. Fan's City, which went deep into the hinterland of northern Xinjiang, Jiang Zhuo, under Xiang Ao's instructions, led Bian Jing to build more than a dozen fortresses, and built Mrs. Fan's City like a fortress.

When the princes of the world were recuperating in the Northern Regions and fighting fiercely, Han Hao, who had been away for several months, finally reappeared.

"Hao doesn't say goodbye, let the lord worry, please punish the lord!"

Looking at Han Hao, who knelt on one knee and pleaded guilty in front of him, Xiang Ao smiled happily. After talking to Han Hao a few years ago, although Xiang Ao was very confident that Han Hao would be convinced, Han Hao did not say goodbye, making Xiang Ao think that he had no chance to be such a talent.

"Why blame? It's too late for me to be happy! Xiang Ao's expression was slightly excited, and he stepped forward to help Han Hao and said, "Since the Yuan heir has been connected, presumably the Yuan heir will not leave the Northern Regions in the future?" ”

Without waiting for Han Hao to answer, Hu Zhao darkened his face beside him, and said unhappily: "Lord, my northern region is not a land of fireworks, come if you want, and leave if you want!" ”

"The lord cherishes talents, and it is understandable!" Hu Zhao said to Xiang Ao with a straight face: "But my Northern Region has always had clear rewards and punishments, meritorious coronations, and severe punishments. Since General Han Hao recognizes his own identity, he must follow the military and political orders of the Northern Regions! ”

Han Hao raised his head with his back upright, looked at Hu Zhao, and had no dissatisfaction in his heart, and hugged his fists at Hu Zhao: "What Chief Hu said is extremely true!" Hao is willful and deserves to be punished! ”

After that, Han Hao turned to Xiang Ao and knelt down on one knee again and hugged his fists and said, "Please punish the lord!" ”

Although Xiang Ao was annoyed that Han Hao said goodbye before, Xiang Ao also knew that Han Hao was not a proud and arrogant person. The suggestion put forward by Hu Zhao was also a military order formulated by Xiang Ao himself. But Han Hao rarely came to the Northern Regions sincerely, and Xiang Ao was a little entangled in his heart. Gao Shun, who had not yet gone to Taiyuan to take office, after seeing the expression of his father-in-law, thought about it for a while, and also understood Xiang Ao's thoughts.

Seeing the man dressed as a military general standing silently behind Han Hao, he quietly stepped forward and said, "General Han Hao's disposal is an internal matter in the Northern Regions, my lord..."

Xiang Ao looked at Gao Shun suspiciously, followed Gao Shun's eyes and suddenly realized, quickly took two steps forward, took Han Hao up and hugged his fist at the mighty warrior led by Han Hao and said: "Slack off the strong man, please strong man Haihan." ”

"The grass people don't dare!" The warrior dressed as a military general hurriedly replied: "The grass people can see that Xiang Gong is already a blessing for three lives today, and it is inevitable that Xiang Gong's military affairs are heavy. ”

"Haha..."Xiang Ao laughed heartily: "Yuan Hei, hurry up and introduce me!" ”

When Han Hao heard this, he knew that Xiang Ao planned to use such an excuse to erase Han Hao's willfulness like this, and his heart was full of gratitude.

"Lord, this is Shi Lian Shi Gong Liu, a native of Peiguo, Yuzhou! With General Cao Cao, he quelled the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and had a strong reputation in the territory of Yuzhou, and his loyalty and courage were unparalleled! ”

"Oh?!" Xiang Ao was curious for a while, the people under Cao Cao in the past? Xiang Ao secretly discussed in his heart, and led everyone in the tent to sit down and said: "General Meng De is my confidant and friend, and he is also the humerus of the Han Dynasty, and it is a great luck for Gong Liu to be able to serve Meng De!" ”

"Xiang Gong misunderstood!" Shi Jian knelt and hugged his fists and said: "After the Yellow Turban was pacified, he didn't like the treachery of the court, so he had already resigned from his official position and had been idle at home for many years. ”

When Xiang Ao heard this, he was secretly happy in his heart, but his face was flat and asked, "I don't know why Gong Liu came to the Northern Regions this time?" ”

"Xiang Gongren's reputation has spread to the north and south of the river, and he has admired him for a long time!" Shi Lianzhan got up, clenched his fists and said solemnly: "Xiang Gong is to support the Han family, crusade against Dong Zhuo, and do his best, that is the Ming Duke of the world." There is only a little bravery, and there is no great talent. But he also has ambitions, and he can serve Ming Gong Kuang to help Jiangshan Sheji in his lifetime. ”

Shi Jian knelt down on one knee in front of Xiang Ao with a little excitement and said: "If Ming Gong does not give up, he is willing to saddle the horse for Ming Gong." ”

Xiang Ao laughed again, slowly stood up, came to Shi Jian and said, "Haha... It is my luck to be able to get Gong Liu, and the luck of the people of the Northern Regions! ”

Shi Jian was slightly stunned, for fear that he had served Cao Cao and made Xiang Ao feel a little guilty, but he didn't want Xiang Ao to agree so easily. Shi Lian's body trembled slightly, his expression was excited, and he clenched his fists and shouted: "Meet the lord!" ”

"Haha... Gong Liu, please get up! ”

Under the congratulations of his ministers and generals, Shi Jian officially joined Xiang Ao's command. But just when everyone was happy, Hu Zhao stood up again.

"Lord, the distinction between rewards and punishments is one of the foundations of my Northern Regions!"

Looking at Hu Zhao's solemn appearance, Xiang Ao sighed, turned around and said aloud to everyone: "Han Hao didn't listen to the military order, left his post without permission, cut off his position, and was fined for half a year. He also recommended meritorious service, temporarily led Hanoi Taishou to take up a position, and assisted Zhao Yun to garrison Hanoi. ”

"Shi Lian Xintou, go to Hanoi immediately, and the position will be arranged by General Zhao Yun at the opportunity!"

"The lord is wise!"

After saying that, Xiang Ao flicked his sleeves slightly, glared at Hu Zhao, and seemed to leave the Wuyuan Mansion with a little anger. Hu Zhao's face was calm, as if he hadn't seen it, and led a group of generals and ministers to send Xiang Ao away.

It's night, Xiang Ao's mansion.

"Husband, the inner servant reported that Chief Hu came to pay a visit."

Xiang Ao slightly tightened his big hand on Cai Yanman's waist, sighed softly and said, "This Kong Ming, it's really..."

"Husband, go quickly!" Cai Yan shyly opened Xiang Ao's stealing big hand, and said angrily: "Chief Hu is in charge of the rear for his husband, and he works hard, but his husband is still dissatisfied?" ”

Xiang Ao let go of Cai Yan, grabbed the coat next to the wooden couch, put it on his body, and said as he walked: "I'm not dissatisfied, I just think Kong Ming is a little pedantic and doesn't know how to be flexible." ”

"I'll come as soon as I go, Madame wait patiently for a moment!"

Cai Yan looked at Xiang Ao's meaningful eyes, and his heart jumped in his chest, which made Cai Yan, who was now a woman, turn his head in shame and no longer pay attention to Xiang Ao.

Xiang Ao smiled and walked out of the room.

"Lord!"

"What's the matter with Kong Ming?"

"The lord is still angry about the things of the day?" Hu Zhao looked at Xiang Ao, who was still a little dissatisfied, and asked with a soft smile.

Hu Zhao picked up the teapot above the table, poured tea for Xiang Ao, and said solemnly: "Zhao is outspoken on weekdays, but he often reminds the lord that the emperor must have clear rewards and punishments. ”

"It's not easy for me to start a business, if it weren't for the support and assistance of Kong Ming, Zhicai, Awei Ayanru, etc., how would I govern the Northern Regions? I have always regarded you as my siblings, so why should I pursue such a small mistake? ”

"Lord!" Hu Zhao put down the exhibition, sat upright and looked at Xiang Ao and said: "The lord now only has one state, and the generals under his command can also be counted." But if the lord governs several states, has thousands of people under his command, and has countless courtiers, can the lord guarantee that there are no ambitious people? ”

"No rules, no rules! The lord is our lord, don't let us guess the lord's mind casually! If the lord's power is unstable and the meritorious ministers under his command are allowed to compete for power, what will happen to the people under his command? ”

Hu Zhao's questioning made Xiang Ao stunned, and he was even more panicked in his heart. Is it necessary for the Lord to be the king to abandon so many feelings?

Seeing Xiang Ao like this, Hu Zhao got up and said to Xiang Ao: "I hope that the lord will focus on the overall situation and the people!" ”

With that, Hu Zhao turned around and left alone, leaving Xiang Ao to ponder alone. Hu Zhao believes in his own vision and believes that his virtuous lord will be able to communicate. The chaos in the world has become a trend, and Hu Zhao gave up the little nostalgia for the Han family in his heart before Xiang Ao rushed back to Wuyuan, and tried to wake up Xiang Ao and become the overlord of one party. Hu Zhao thought so and slowly left Xiang Ao's mansion.

After the Northern Regions recovered the Shangdang, they seemed to have no interest in the struggle in the world, and they shrank their soldiers and horses in the Northern Regions, and there was no sign of going out, which greatly relieved the princes of the world. Heroes from all walks of life, who have not yet sorted out their own territories, and even those who do not have territories like Liu Bei, have integrated Xiang Ao, who has integrated the entire Bingzhou and the Northern Regions, and pressed on everyone's hearts like a mountain, making it difficult for all princes to breathe.

When Xiang Ao's mentality was actively or passively changing, all the princes were trying to annex their surrounding forces for their own plans, and were preparing for the Central Plains in the future. At this time, Jizhou, which seems to be calm, is floating in the undercurrent.