Xi Zhicai's evaluation of Cao Cao, Bao Xin, and Xu You is not inaccurate, based on the historical events known to Xu Chu, Xu You is indeed not a scholar with 'integrity'.

Just as he was about to speak, there was a knock on the door. Xi Zhong walked to the door, opened it, and said happily: "Wen Ruo, Yuan Chang!" ”

It turned out that Xun Yu and Zhong Xuan came to meet Xu Chu.

When Xi Zhong was in Yangzhai, his reputation was not obvious, Du Xun Yu and Zhong Xuan recommended it to the county several times, and the relationship between the two and Xi Zhong could not be better.

When they met in a foreign land, before the gentlemen were present, the three of them were not allowed to narrate, but now they have arrived in a private house, even if the future is uncertain, the three of them can hardly hide their joy.

Xun and Zhong are not only friends of Xi Zhong, but also half of Xu Chu's 'master', and Xu Chu's respect for the two is from the heart. Invite them to sit down, Xu Chu borrowed flowers to offer Buddha, and personally served the tea and soup prepared by the servants in the Taifu Mansion.

Xun Yu smiled and said: "Zhongkang, now that you are too noble, you don't need to be so polite to me and Yuan Chang." ”

Xu Chu shook his head and said: "If you don't take the old grace, the sage of the two monarchs also deserves to be rude." ”

Everyone sat down, Xu Chu mentioned the situation of the Xun and Zhong families in Yingchuan County, Xun Chen, Xun Yan, Xun Yue, Zhong Jin, and Zhong Yan all served in the county, Xu Chu said: "Thanks to the two high-ranking talents, they can sit firmly in the position of Taishou." ”

Xun Yu and Zhong Xuan both nodded slightly, talked a few words about Yingchuan County, and chatted with Xi Zhong for a while, so they brought the miscellaneous things over and talked about Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao.

"Si Li has a strong army, and he is still hesitating, what can Taifu and Hu Ben Zhonglang do?" Xun Yu looked worried, and said slowly: "Yu thinks that once tonight passes, the best time has been lost, and if you want to drive Dong out of Beijing, you can only rely on external forces." ”

As soon as he said this, Zhong Yao also bowed his head, and Yuan Shao's performance was too much for his mother-in-law.

Zhong Xuan said: "Yes." Taifu and Yuan Huben did not want to raise troops to take risks, and the day after tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, Dong Zhuo's command rushed to the city, and then they could only see whether they could let Ding Yuan, the commander of Wumeng, and Qiaodong County lead troops into Beijing. ”

It seems that this is the only way.

Xu Chu couldn't help asking: "It's just that the Son of Heaven and the Queen Mother are in the palace, is Ding Duwei still willing to obey Yuan Kui and Yuan Shao's orders to enter Beijing without the death of the general?" ”

Xun Yu's eyes closed slightly, and he shook his head slowly, "I'm afraid it's difficult." ”

"It's hard to blame, it's really impossible to do it." Xi Zhong suddenly spoke, he raised his glass to the three people present, and said: "Wen Ruo, let me ask you Ding Jianyang, are you willing to take refuge in the Yuan family?" ”

Xun Yu came to his senses after hearing this, and said with a smile: "I was negligent." But he ignored Ding Yuan's identity for a while. Ding Yuan is a martial artist, and he is deeply valued by He Jin during his lifetime, and now He Jin is dead, Dong Zhuo has entered Beijing, the situation is ambiguous, how can Ding Yuan easily go to the Shiren group, which has no good impression of martial artists, to 'send people under the fence'.

Xi Zhong continued: "Ding Jianyang is reluctant to enter Beijing, but Qiaodong County is too far away. ”

Ding Yuan was in Mengjin, about fifty miles from Luoyang; Qiaomao is in Chenggao, a hundred miles away. Even if someone was sent to Chenggao immediately, and Qiao Mao rushed to Luoyang immediately after receiving the letter, Dong Zhuo had already controlled most of Luoyang.

It is worth mentioning that Qiao Mao is probably not willing to come to Luoyang. The imperial court clearly sent people to stop the army with Dong, Ding, and Qiao, but Xu Chu was able to enter Beijing because of his weak voice. Now that He Jin is gone, the Son of Heaven is controlled by Dong Zhuo in the palace, even if Qiao Mao wants to enter Beijing, his accompanying subordinates will do their best to stop him. After all, it is really beyond the power of a minister to bring his troops into Beijing privately. After Qiao Mao prides himself on being famous, he cherishes his feathers even more, and does not want to become the object of criticism by later generations.

After all, I missed the opportunity, and no matter how I made up for it, I fell behind everywhere.

Zhong Xuan said with resentment: "Even if Si Li is the first merit of the eunuch, plus he is famous all over the world, and his demeanor is untouchable, it's a pity...... It's a pity that there seems to be some 'more planning and less decision'. ”

Xi Zhong said with a smile: "Of course, what Yuan Chang said is reasonable, but Si Li also has his thoughts. ”

Xu Chuyin asked, "Zhicai, what are you thinking?" ”

Xi Zhong sighed: "Ruyang Yuan's family, the fourth generation and the third duke, its protégés, former officials, clans, and in-laws are all over the state and county of the world, which can be described as a hundred responses, and the crown of the world's wealthy families. Taifu Yuan Gongjin is the only one to record Shangshu affairs, and he is in power, although Dong Zhuo's army is menacing, his foundation in Luoyang City is still shallow, and it is not enough to compete with the Yuan family. That is to say, in Si Li's view, Dong Zhuo may be a temporary scourge, and it will be difficult to stand in the court for a long time. ”

Xu Chu knew that Xi Zhong's words would make him feel that Yuan Shao and the others were too naïve at first glance, but if he put aside his understanding of Dong Zhuo from later generations, who could be sure that Dong Zhuo would do the next series of 'heartbreaking' things? Yuan Shao, Yuan Kui and others, or as Xi Zhong said, may still have some illusions about Dong Zhuo.

Xun Yu and Zhong Xuan are even more reminiscent of a series of changes in the court after the death of Emperor Ling: at the beginning, Shi Hou Liu Wei ascended the throne, Empress Dowager He came to the court, and the general He Jin and Taifu Yuan Kui recorded Shangshu at the same time, and at that time, the power of the court was in the hands of He Jin, Yuan Kui, Empress Dowager He, and eunuchs. Now He Jin and He Miao are dead, and the eunuchs who murdered He Jin are all dead, without He Jin, He Miao's two brothers and the eunuchs, the Empress Dowager He lives in the deep palace, like an ordinary woman, and has no right to speak at all. The power of the government was at least nominally controlled by the scholar clique headed by Yuan Kui and Yuan Shao. At this juncture, although Dong Zhuo has become an unexpected variable, he really wants to draw a debut to let Yuan and Dong wrestle inside and outside, where will Dong Zhuo be Yuan's opponent.

When Xun Yu and Zhong Xuan thought about it, they suddenly had a hint of fantasy, maybe things haven't reached the worst yet. Thinking about it like this, Xi Zhong immediately continued: "However, Dong Zhuo will never compete with the Yuan family with common sense. ”

Xun Yu and Zhong Yu both sighed, the former drank all the tea soup, and said to Xu Chu seriously: "Zhongkang, the situation is like this, you must not plan early." ”

Xu Chu raised his eyes and glanced at Xun Yu, what does it mean to 'make plans early'?

I heard Zhong Xuan say again: "If there is disharmony, Zhong Kang should leave the Beijing Division as soon as possible!" ”

Only then did Xu Chu know that the two of them came to visit him thinking about what would happen after the Yuan family was defeated at this stage. I have to say that Xun and Zhong are still very far-sighted, and they smelled the smell of the collapse of the dynasty through their own political vision, so they reminded Xu Chu - you are too big and small, and you have some soldiers and talents, so prepare early.

After sending the two away, Xu Chu held the tea soup and was speechless for a long time.

Xi Zhong broke the silence and said: "Now the Yingchuan Tuntian matter should be completed, but it's a pity that Kyoto is in turmoil, the channel is cut off, and I don't know how much grain Xu Jun and Zaojun have received." ”

Xu Chu's thoughts were brought back to the Yingchuan base by Xi Zhong, and he couldn't help but think that at this juncture, Yuan Shao would rearrange a group of people as much as possible to get hands on the counties closer to Luoyang. And he, the Yingchuan Taishou, will he be unable to continue for various reasons?

As soon as this idea was born, Xu Chu couldn't sit still. Fortunately, when he arrived in Luoyang, he had the opportunity to contact Yuan Shao Group, but fortunately, he had Xi Zhong by his side and an object to discuss. Otherwise, if he stayed in Yingchuan, the imperial court would express the edict of others as Yingchuan Taishou, Xu Chu would have 'ambition', and he really didn't know how to deal with himself without the strong support of the family.

Zhong Xuan and Xun Yu reminded him to make plans early, which probably also means this.

Talking about these considerations to Xi Zhong, Xi Zhong was relieved: "The lord helped Si Li to attack the palace and welcome back the Son of Heaven, which is a merit. And at present, the lord has done a good job, unswervingly standing on Si Li's side, and Dong Zhuo is the enemy. Therefore, even if the lord is a 'martial artist' and is suspected of being despised by Si Li and Zhu Gong, there is no need to worry that Yuan Sili will move your Yingchuan Taishou position. ”

Xu Chu's heart was a little wider, but he heard Xi Zhong say: "I just have to guard against Dong Zhuo." ”

Yes, Dong Zhuo's subordinate Hu Zhen was folded by Le Jin at the foot of the mountain for a while, at least he said that he had a personal grudge with Xu Chu, and at worst, it also made Dong Zhuo understand that Xu Chu was the one who dared to resist him. Therefore, Dong Zhuoxing may have some thoughts about Xu Chu sitting on the Yingchuan Taishou seat so close to Kyoto.

"My lord, Dong Zhuo's foothold is not stable, and he can't spare his hands to take care of us in a short time. Make good use of this time. ”

Xu Chu nodded yes.

This night seemed to be particularly long, Xu Chu and Xi Zhong talked about the late night, and Fang fell asleep indiscriminately. The next day, it was dark, and suddenly someone asked to see him outside the door.

Cao Cao is here.

Xu Chu hurriedly tidied up his robes and clothes, and invited Cao Cao into the house with Xi Zhong, but saw Cao Cao with huge dark circles under his eyes, as if he had not slept all night.

Xu Chu asked with a smile, and Cao Cao smiled bitterly: "Talk with Ben Chu Bing Candle Night until Tianming'er." ”

But it turned out that after everyone broke up the meeting, Yuan Shao invited his cronies back again, in addition to Cao Cao, there were also Zhang Miao, Xu You, Gao Gan, Wu Qiong and others. The person who talked about it is nothing more than the established policy for dealing with Dong Zhuo next.

"I slept well, and Yuan Shao's side actually had a final. It turned out that Xun and Zhong couldn't win Yuan Shao's conviction. Xu Chu thought to himself.

At this time, Cao Cao thought that he was tired and still busy coming to Xu Chu, there should be something important to say, the first thing is the policy set by Yuan Shao.

Eight words, 'win over Ding Yuan, watch Dong Zhuo'.

How to win over, Cao Cao said: "Cao and Meng Zhuo proposed, Biao Ding was originally the ruling Jinwu, and Dong Zhuo was co-ordinated!" ”

"Good plan!" Xi Zhong clapped his hands.

Cao Cao saw Xi Zhong coming in with Xu Chu in the hall yesterday, and he didn't have time to ask who it was, but now he saw Xu Chu sleeping in the same room with Xi Zhong, and guessed that the person who looked like a scribe should be Xu Chu's mastermind, so he asked for his name first.

Xi Zhong replied respectfully: "No, Yang Zhai Xi Zhong, Captain Cao smiled." ”

Cao Cao smiled: "It turned out to be the king of drama!" Yingchuan County has many talents, such as Xun Ciming, Xun Wenruo, Zhong Yuanchang, Cao is very admired, once talked with Xun Wenruo, Zhong Yuanchang, I heard the two of them mention the talent of the drama, but they are already under Zhongkang! Cao Cao smiled, but anyone could see that there was a bit of regret in his smile.

Xu Chu knew that Cao Mengde liked talents very much, and he was eclectic in employing people, unlike Yuan Shao's 'show', Cao Cao was really a corporal of Lixian, and hoped that someone would help him. When he heard that the scribe in Xu Chu's room was Xun and Zhong, Cao Cao inevitably felt a sense of loss.

Xu Chu diverted the topic without a trace and asked, "Zhicai, what's so good about this plan?" ”

Xi Zhong said: "Lord, Captain Cao." Zhijingo is in charge of security in Kyoto, and his job is to protect the capital and the palace province, which is very important. Although it is not among the three princes and nine kings, it is two thousand stones in the ranks, which is not much better than the nine kings. Ding Jianyang is also in charge of this position, and with the backing of his state soldiers, Dong Zhuo will be deeply afraid of it! In addition, Taifu Yuan Gong recorded the Shangshu alone, and Ding Yuan would be grateful for it. ”

Cao Cao praised: "The heroes see the same thing, Fang Xu Ziyuan and Zhang Mengzhuo have the same words. Zhongkang got this good help, which is really enviable. ”

Xu Chu laughed dryly twice and sighed: "It's true that it's a good plan, but it can't be compared to expelling Dong Zhuo from Luoyang." ”

Cao Cao said with a smile: "The matter has come to this point, and it is useless to say more." Zhong Kang, I came here to discuss something else with you. ”

"What?"

"Before meeting you, I went to visit Bao Yuncheng, and looking at Yuncheng's words, it seemed that he meant to leave Beijing...... In fact, if you want me to say, Zhongkang still has to make plans early. ”

Xu Chu was stunned, why did Cao Cao also let him make plans early?

Seeing that Xu Chu was stunned, Cao Cao didn't say much, and said goodbye and left. Xu Chu turned to Xi Zhong and said: "Zhicai, in your opinion, how should I deal with it?" ”

Xi Zhong didn't think much about it, and said bluntly: "Cao and Bao Erjun should both have the intention of leaving Beijing, and the two of them feel that the lord may be able to be a strong reinforcement, so after Captain Cao, Captain Bao should also come soon." ”

Xu Chu opened his mouth, "Cao Mengde is also leaving Beijing?" "It's not the kind of history he knows. It is true that history will change because of his arrival, but leaving Luoyang at this time, Xu Chu can't see any benefit to Cao Cao.

Xi Zhong waved his hand and said: "Captain Cao wants to leave, but he can't." He was the backbone of the Yuan Party, and if he abandoned the party and left Beijing at this time, his status in the Yuan Party would inevitably plummet. Xu Chu nodded, and Xi Zhong said: "Bao Duwei is the same as the lord, not the backbone of the Yuan party, he foresees that Yuan Shaofei is the 'Ming master' and 'strong master' who can be assisted, and he should leave Beijing and return home in ten days as early as possible." ”

This is the first time Xu Chu has heard someone directly say that 'Yuan Shao cannot be assisted' since he came to the Eastern Han Dynasty, which was a little surprising. On second thought, it's normal. Xi Zhong is such a shrewd and intelligent person, during the previous discussion, Xu You, Cao Cao, Bao Xin, including Xu Chu, all suggested that Yuan Shao immediately launch an offensive against Dong Zhuo, but Yuan Shao hesitated several times and felt very indecisive. If in the eyes of ordinary people, it may be possible to win over Ding Yuan and wait and see Dong Zhuo's actions can still be called a decent old plan, but who are Zhongzhong, Cao Cao, and Bao Xin, this alone can see some flaws in Yuan Shao's bones.

Just as he was talking, Bao Xin really came. said similar things to Xun Yu, Zhong Xuan, and Cao Cao, and persuaded Xu Chu to leave early.

Bao Xin is not the same as Xi Zhong, he is not a person with a good reputation, on the contrary, He Jin promoted him because he 'rarely has a big festival, is generous and loves people, and Shen Yi is strategic'. Bao Xin and Xu Chu escorted the Son of Heaven back to the palace together, and their perception of Xu Chu was much better than that of Cao Cao, and they all felt that Xu Chu was a person with lofty ideals who could be deeply acquainted, so he confided in Xu Chu, "Zhongkang, I want to leave Beijing tomorrow, what are your plans?" ”

Xu Chu saluted and said: "Bao Jun told him bluntly, and he didn't hide it. I want to stay a few more days before I leave. ”

Bao Xin didn't ask Xu Chu why he stayed a few more days, and said: "Si Li has no determination to expel Dong Zhuo, and Kyoto is in danger, so he can't sit back and wait for it to change." ”

The gentleman does not stand under the dangerous wall, Bao Xin's words can be said to be quite 'heartfelt' to Xu Chu.

Xu Chu thanked him again and sent Bao Xin away.