Puyang, Yanzhou

At this time, Cao Cao had already collected his troops and attacked for several months, if it was not for the exhaustion of grain and grass, Cao Cao would not necessarily retreat from Xuzhou. It's just that Tao Qian was not solved this time, and Cao Cao obviously did not give up, and announced the start of preparations for a second attack within a few days of returning to Puyang. Most of the cronies and generals who accompanied Cao Cao at the beginning were Cao Cao's clan or the Xiahou clan who were good friends, and they were unconditionally obedient to Cao Cao's determination, but Chen Gong, as a strategist, raised a resolute opposition at this time.

Speaking of which, Chen Gong and Cao Cao met very early, on the way to Cao Cao's assassination of Dong failed to escape, he was once caught by Chen Gong, who was the commander of Zhongmu County at that time, and Cao Cao's life and death can be said to be between Chen Gong's thoughts. Chen Gong did not kill Cao Cao, but was moved by Cao Cao's words, abandoned the official and prepared to fight against Dong with Cao Cao, but on the way, Lu Boyu happened, so that Chen Gong was dissatisfied with Cao Cao, and then chose to leave Cao Cao.

Although Cao Cao was not a stingy person, he was still a little uncomfortable when he saw Chen Gong who had abandoned him in Yanzhou. If you have a conflict with the leader, it will naturally become difficult to reuse it. However, Chen Gong did not leave this time, although he did not like Cao Cao's personality, but Chen Gong still recognized Cao Cao's ability. In fact, as Chen Gong expected, after Cao Cao settled in Yanzhou, Yanzhou quickly settled down from the chaos, and Cao Cao's next series of actions also made Chen Gong full of confidence in Cao Cao. Until Cao Cao led his troops to attack Xuzhou, there were no chickens and dogs left everywhere, this practice was really beyond the moral bottom line of Chen Gong, coupled with the fact that Cao Cao killed Yanzhou famous people Bian Rang before, Chen Gong's dissatisfaction with Cao Cao became more and more serious.

Cao Cao was dissuaded in public to stop the attack on Xuzhou, at least to wait for the end of spring sowing, but he was put forward to the center and rushed to Dongjun as a garrison. Disheartened, Chen Gong left Puyang and prepared to go to Dongjun to take office after saying goodbye to his friend Zhang Miao.

After drinking a few glasses with Zhang Miao, there was nothing that could not be said between good friends, so he told Zhang Miao about the indignation in his heart and scolded Cao Cao for his cruelty. What is strange is that Zhang Miao neither stopped nor agreed, and waited until Chen Gong had vented enough, then he whispered to Chen Gong: "Gongtai, since you also think that Cao Cao is not the master of you and me, then why not vote for someone else?" ”

“…… Meng Zhuo, what did you say? Chen Gong was half drunk, he didn't hear what Zhang Miao had just said, and when he heard Zhang Miao say it again, the wine also woke up, and he lowered his voice and said to Zhang Miao: "Meng Zhuo is talking nonsense, if you spread this, your life will be in danger." ”

"Hmph, how did you become so daring? This is my house, and no matter how good he is, he can't know about today's conversation between you and me. To tell you the truth, I am as dissatisfied with Cao Apu as the public station. Bian let Yanzhou celebrities, he actually said that he would kill him, just this one, I can't forgive him. ”

"Meng Zhuo, you just said that you voted for the Ming Lord, I don't know who this Ming Lord is? Nanyang? Hebei? Or ...... Guanzhong? Chen Gong looked at Zhang Miao and asked.

"Why does the public station have to send people under the fence? This Yanzhou is our Yanzhou, and Cao Apu is just an outsider. Why do we want to give away our great inheritance? Zhang Miao asked with a smile.

"Meng Zhuomo didn't want to rebel? Although Cao Cao is not the master of you and me, he has a lot of generals, and I am afraid that you and I will not be able to do it. Chen Gong said in surprise.

"The public platform is worry-free, even if he has countless fierce generals under Cao Agui, he is not the opponent of the world's number one fierce general." Seeing this, Zhang Miao smiled and comforted.

"Isn't Meng Zhuomo already taking refuge in Guanzhong?" Chen Gong looked at Zhang Miao suspiciously and asked. Seeing Zhang Miao shook his head, "No, it's just that I have a lot of correspondence with Wen Hou." Gongtai, in your opinion, if you can lead Lu Wenhou to Yanzhou, the enemy Cao Apu? ”

"Meng Zhuo, Lu Bu is now a Marquis of Wen, will he give up the imperial court to be your subordinate?" Chen Gong asked with some disbelief.

"It's impossible to be my subordinate, but what if he is a prince all the way? Gongtai, Lu Bu is just a reckless man, with your ability, can't you let him obey his words? Zhang Miao still said with a smile.

Now Chen Gong understood it, and Chen Gong felt a little amused at Zhang Miao's whimsy. Today's Lu Bu has a good relationship with the imperial court, although Lu Bu has not yet been named a general by the imperial court, but the position of general has always been vacant. Lu Bu was not cornered, how could he give up his good future and run to Yanzhou. And in the eyes of Chen Gong, Lu Bu was capricious, first betrayed Ding Yuan, and then betrayed Dong Zhuo, and Chen Gong was a little reluctant to do things under such a real villain.

"It's not that the public doesn't believe it, you can take a look at this." Seeing that Chen Gong didn't seem to be very interested in his proposal, Zhang Miao got up and went to the inner house to take out a stack of letters. Chen Gong took it and saw that it was Lu Bu's reply to Zhang Miao. The content of the letter is that Lu Bu complained to Zhang Miao that there was no war in Guanzhong, and that his military generals were about to gain fat.

Zhang Miao is a celebrity, and being able to be a pen pal with Zhang Miao, Lu Bu feels quite face-saving. And Zhang Miao is also flattering to Lu Bu, and after coming and going, the two have become friends for a long time. If you have anything in your heart, Lu Bu will sometimes confide in Zhang Miao in the letter.

"Gongtai, how's that? After reading these letters, do you have a little more confidence in persuading Lu Bu? Zhang Miao looked at Chen Gong and smiled.

“…… With the support of you and me alone, it may not be enough to let Lu Bu enter Yanzhou. Chen Gong put down the letter and said to Zhang Miao.

"Gongtai rest assured, there are many people in Yanzhou who are as dissatisfied with Cao Apu as you and me, Xu Yan and Wang Kai have promised, as long as you nod, they are also willing to contribute to the expulsion of Cao Apu."

“…… Good. ”

After Chen Gong left, Zhang Miao's brother Zhang Chao walked in and helped Zhang Miao back to the inner room to rest. Seeing that his younger brother wanted to speak and stopped, Zhang Miao asked puzzledly: "Brother Chao, you and my brother, what's not to say?" ”

“…… Brother, the younger brother really doesn't understand why the elder brother wants to oppose Cao Gong? Zhang Chao asked Zhang Miao softly.

Zhang Miao didn't get angry after hearing this, but sighed and asked Zhang Chao: "Brother Chao, do you know which prince is the strongest today?" ”

“…… It is Yuan Shao, Hebei. Zhang Chao replied after thinking about it.

"Then do you know that Brother Wei offended Yuan Shao when he was begging Dong?"

"Huh? I have never heard my brother mention this matter, so why did my brother offend Yuan Shao? Zhang Chao was taken aback and hurriedly asked.

"It's just a few words of quarrel, but I didn't expect Yuan Shao to hold a grudge all the time, after Cao Cao entered Yanzhou, Yuan Shao once sent a message to Cao Cao to send my head to Hebei. It's just that Cao Cao had a good relationship with me at the time, so he refused Yuan Shao's request. ”

"Brother, since it was Gong Cao who saved your life, why did you oppose him?" Zhang Chao asked puzzled.

"I'm scared. Originally, I was also very grateful to Cao Cao for his protection, but when I saw Cao Cao's treatment of Bian Rang and Bian Rang's family, I couldn't help but wonder, if one day Cao Cao couldn't withstand Yuan Shao's pressure and wanted to take my life, would our Zhang family also face the same disaster as Bian Rang's family. ”

Zhang Chao couldn't help but shudder when he heard this, and after Bian Rang was killed by Cao Cao, more than 300 members of his family were also ordered to be killed by Cao Cao. The sin is not as small as the family, Cao Cao's practice of cutting the grass and eradicating the roots not only made Zhang Miao feel afraid, but also caused the dissatisfaction of many families in Yanzhou. It's just that because Cao Cao is strong, and the family is cunning, no one wants to be the first bird. And Cao Cao was also carried away by anger at that time, and did not notice the undercurrent surging under his rule, and when he collected the troops, he found that Xuzhou was vulnerable, and Cao Cao devoted himself to attacking Xuzhou, and he forgot to ask about other things.

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Wenhou Mansion of Chang'an

Lu Bu is frolicking with his beloved daughter Lu Lan. Lu Bu has no son, and his wife Yan only has one daughter, so Lu Bu is very doting on the pearl in his hand. Before, he led his troops to fight with Li Dao Guo Yan, and later went to Fengyi County to guard against the invasion of the Huns, which was just in time for the Chinese New Year to come back to reunite with his family.

"Wen Hou, there are people outside the door who claim to be Zhang Miao's family and ask to see him."

"Huh? Zhang Miao's family? Are you here to give a New Year's gift? Is the year all over the place? …… Take him to the living room and wait, Ben Hou will come in a moment. Lu Bu took Zhang Miao as a friend, and he didn't take Zhang Miao's family visit seriously, and put down his daughter to order the next humanitarian.

Not long after, Lu Bu came to the living room and saw a scholar drinking tea, so he coughed lightly and walked into the living room. Chen Gong saw the main master, and hurriedly put down the tea bowl and saluted: "Chen Gong has seen Wen Hou. ”

"Chen Gong? Aren't you Zhang Mengzhuo's family? Lu Bu frowned and asked.

"That's just to hide people's eyes, and please don't blame Wen Hou."

“…… So why are you here? Lu Bu asked with a frown. When he returned to Beijing for the New Year, Liu Xie once talked to Lu Bu alone, saying that the imperial court would not take the initiative to use troops outside the country in three or five years, and hoped that Lu Bu could be patient and not be impatient. Lu Bu was unhappy at first, but when Liu Xie asked people to come up with a financial list to record the imperial court, Lu Bu could only agree. It is difficult for a good woman to cook without rice, and there is no money left in the hands of the court, so a hero like Lu Bu is also stumped.

Started with the Xiliang army in advance, although he won in the end, but the savings of the imperial court also bottomed out, if it wasn't for Liu Xie leading his troops to destroy Song Jian in Caohan, the reward of the army this time may not be able to be taken. Although there are some harvests in the autumn harvest, they can also be used to support the reconstruction of the four counties of Longxi, Guangwei, Nan'an, and Anding, and the money and grain that can be used for war can really not be taken out by the imperial court in a short period of time.

Lu Bu also thought about requisitioning it from the people, but Liu Xie was resolutely unwilling to give in on this matter, and clearly told Lu Bu that an army with sloppy military discipline would definitely not last long, and the Xiliang Army was the best example. When Dong Zhuo was there, the Xiliang Army still knew that it had been restrained, and there was still a little bit of the appearance of the army, but after Dong Zhuo's death, the Xiliang Army was getting worse and worse, thanks to Liu Xie, who coaxed the Xiliang Army to Longxi, otherwise it would not only be Longxi County that was harmed by this group of Xiliang Army who became bandits and horse thieves.

Not being able to lead the troops to fight was really uncomfortable for Lu Bu, but fortunately, he was not unreasonable, knowing that the court was in difficulty, he waited patiently, and by the way, he prayed in his heart that there was the initiative of the short-sighted man to make trouble, so that he would have a reason to send troops. What disappointed Lu Bu was that the surrounding forces were very respectful to the imperial court, and no one dared to show their teeth from the imperial court, which made Lu Bu have no excuse for using troops abroad.

"Chen Gong is here to offer advice for Wen Hou's future."

“…… Do you want to take refuge in me? Lu Bu looked at Chen Gong with some surprise and asked.

"Uh...... It is to contribute to the future of Wenhou. Chen Gong emphasized.

“…… I'm doing well, the Holy One treats me well and trusts me very much. If you didn't come to join me, might it be that you want me to introduce you? Then you can go directly to the Recruitment Hall, as long as you pass the assessment, the court will not bury you. ”

"Wen Hou thinks it's good? Could it be that this kind of idle life at home is what Wen Hou wants? Chen Gong asked in a strengthened tone.

"What's wrong with that?" Lu Bu asked puzzled.

“…… It seems that I misjudged Wen Hou, I thought that Wen Hou was the first brave man in the world, and naturally he also had some ambitions, but he didn't want to be a short-sighted person who was a little rich and peaceful. Farewell, farewell! Chen Gong stood up with a disappointed face, and walked out as he spoke.

"You stop! Make it clear before you go! Lu Bu grabbed Chen Gong and shouted.

"Why should Wen Hou be angry? Chen Gong is just telling the truth. ”

“…… Do you believe it or not? Lu Bu asked coldly.

"Wen Hou's martial arts are the best in the world, but this ambition is a little worse." Chen Gong replied fearlessly.

If Chen Gong begged for mercy at this time, Lu Bu might have killed Chen Gong on the spot, it can be seen that Chen Gong was not afraid, but Lu Bu let go of Chen Gong, "Then you should tell me, why is Ben Hou's ambition so bad?" Supporting the revitalization of the imperial court is a matter of glorious lintel. You say, what's wrong with Ben Hou's ambition? If you can't make sense, you don't want to walk out of this door today. ”

"Wen Hou, please sit down, and listen to Chen Gong speak slowly." Chen Gong tidied up his clothes, and asked Lu Bu slowly: "Dare to ask Wen Hou, how do you think of today's general trend?" ”

“…… The princes rose together, and the Han lost its deer. Lu Bu thought for a moment and said eight words. After hearing this, Chen Gong looked Lu Bu up and down with some surprise, and that kind of unexpected look made Lu Bu feel very unhappy. It's true that what he just said just relayed what Liu Xie had said to him, but you Chen Gong look at people like this, let's find a beating.

Chen Gong ignored Lu Bu's unhappy look at him, and continued to say slowly: "Since Wen Hou knows that if there is a big chaos today, doesn't he have the heart to divide one side and achieve a career. Why bother to be a minion of the court, does Wen Hou feel that the court's qi is not exhausted? And did Wen Hou ever think that even if the imperial court was really revitalized in the future, and the cunning rabbit died and the lackeys cooked, Wen Hou would really be able to get a good ending? ”

Lu Bu could ignore the first half of what Chen Gong said, but the last sentence really touched the uneasiness hidden in his heart. But anyone who is a subordinate is afraid that he will end up with a rabbit and a dead dog in the future. Lu Bu's own family knows his own affairs, his reputation is not very good, and now the court is polite to him, and he doesn't necessarily really want to use himself, I'm afraid that he is afraid that the 50,000 and state troops in his hands are more. Although the Son of Heaven treats himself very kindly, he is still young after all, who dares to guarantee that he will not deal with himself when he grows up in the future. And there is another point that Chen Gong asked very right, is the current life really the life he wants?

When he was depressed, Lu Bu liked to perform the martial arts dance in the backyard, but after dancing today, his mood was not only not soothed, but even more impetuous.

"Ah~" Lu Bu shouted, and a halberd swept down the weapon rack.

"Husband." Hearing his wife Yan's voice, Lu Bu looked back, stepped forward and frowned and said, "Your body has not healed, why are you here to recuperate?" ”

"I heard Lingqi say that the husband is angry, and the concubine is worried, so come and take a look."

"The little girl is really talkative." Lu Bu put Fang Tian's halberd aside, helped Yan to sit aside, and said softly: "I'm fine, I'm just a little bored, you don't have to worry." ”

"Husband, no matter what you decide, we will be by your side." Yan didn't say much, just reached out to hold Lu Bu's hand and said softly.

"Lady, I, I, I don't want to stay in Guanzhong anymore."

“…… Well, no matter where you go, we will be with you. Yan didn't ask for a reason, nodded and said to Lu Bu.

Lu Bu was very moved and hugged Yan tightly in his arms......

……

The next day, Chen Gong came to Wenhou's mansion again and entered Wenhou's study. Don't look at Wen Hou doesn't like to read, but there is still a study. Lu Bu can let Chen Gong enter the study, which means that Lu Bu was indeed moved by Chen Gong's words.

"Since you dare to come, it must be a bamboo in your chest, Benhou doesn't like rappers, you might as well say it straight to the point." Lu Bu looked at Chen Gong and said in a deep voice.

Chen Gong didn't expect Lu Bu to be so direct, and couldn't help but be stunned, but then calmed down and said in a slow voice that he intended to invite Lu Bu to Yanzhou.

"Do you want to serve me as Lord?" Lu Bu was a little surprised, he thought that Chen Gong was someone's lobbyist, but he didn't think that Chen Gong was here to persuade him to stand on his own, and he even prepared a foothold for himself.

"Exactly, in troubled times, it is the time for people like Wen Hou to show their ambitions, and we are willing to attach ourselves to Wen Hou's wings and contribute to Wen Hou's hegemony." Chen Gong said sincerely.

"Ben Hou doesn't want to cause the court to be attacked by foreign clans because of his departure, if you are really talented, then come up with a best of both worlds for Ben Hou." Lu Bu was silent for a moment and said to Chen Gong.

"What's so hard about that? As long as Wen Hou is willing to part with love, this matter is simple. Chen Gong replied confidently.

“…… Will the plan be settled? Lu Bu asked with some surprise. How much work has it taken to come up with a plan?

"Wen Hou can order Gao Shun to lead people to stay in Feng Yi, and Zhang Liao can continue to garrison Anding."

"What? You asked me to give up two generals? Lu Bu suddenly said angrily. Zhang Liao and Gao Shun can be said to be Lu Bu's right-hand men, and this Chen Gong actually had a bad idea to let himself abandon these two.

"Why should Wen Hou be angry? Although Zhang Liao and Gao Shun are outstanding people, there are countless capable people in the world, as long as Wenhou is based in Yanzhou, and some are brave people who serve Wenhou, why should Wenhou be so petty. Chen Gong said disapprerovingly.