The imperial court pointed to the annexation of the state, so that Cao Cao, Sun Ce, and Liu Bei, who were forced to be worried by the imperial court during this time, were all secretly relieved. After Liu Bei determined that Liu Xie had returned north and left Jingzhou, he mobilized manpower to fill the vacancy left by Liu Qi's departure, and on the other hand, prepared to go south to invade Jiaozhou. And Sun Ce began to drastically rectify the internal affairs, because the imperial court soldiers and horses were on the side, Sun Ce did not want to give the imperial court a chance, so he temporarily forbeared, and did not move those who had thoughts during his recuperation. Now that the imperial court has turned its attention to the north, it is natural that he will settle accounts after the autumn and eliminate those who are not with him inside.

Sun Xu became the new rich idler of Wu County, Cheng Pu also retreated to the second line, and was sent to Poyang Lake to train the navy. In Jiangdong's personnel change, Sun Quan benefited the most, he took Sun Xu's place and became the county guard of Danyang; The second is Lu Ji, because he was good friends with Sun Quan in Wu County before, this time Sun Quan took office, so he took Lu Ji to Danyang to serve as his own boss.

And Cao Cao, who was the most ruthless by the imperial court before, was meeting Liu Xie in Xiaoguan at this time. Cao Cao didn't want to see Liu Xie, and every time he saw Liu Xie, it would be fine, but Liu Xie wanted to see him in the name of returning important generals such as Xiahoudun and Xiahouyuan under his command, and he couldn't help but come.

The imperial court conquered the Central Plains, Cao Cao suffered heavy losses, not to mention the loss of Yanyu and the two states, but also lost his troops and lost his vitality. As the saying goes, a thousand troops are easy to get, but one will be hard to find. In the confrontation with the imperial court, there were not many generals killed on Cao Cao's side, and none of the generals in the army like Xiahoudun and Xiahouyuan were killed. But in the hands of Liu Xie, if he doesn't return it to Cao Cao, then Liu Xie has the final say.

In order to win back these beloved generals, Cao Cao had to bite the bullet to meet Liu Xie, ready to accept Liu Xie's exploitation again. However, contrary to Cao Cao's expectations, Liu Xie did not make a fuss about Xiahoudun and others, but made a proposal to Cao Cao, wanting to form an alliance with Cao Cao and the two families to fight against the Hu people in the north.

"What the hell are you up to again?" Cao Cao stared at Liu Xie and asked. Although there is a difference between the monarch and the minister, but today, the two families have already met each other, and Cao Cao has no respect for Liu Xie, and his speech is much more casual.

"Huh...... Don't be nervous, what kind of idea can I play, it's just that I want to help you fulfill a wish...... Okay, I admit that I am a little short of money now, and I am a little short of manpower, and I plan to transfer Zhang Liao and Xu Huang to lead my troops north, but I am worried that you will cause trouble for me behind my back, so I plan to form an alliance with you, so that you will have more scruples if you want to do it. Seeing Cao Cao's disbelief, Liu Xie gave up his plan to tell lies to fool people and tell the truth.

Cao Cao couldn't help but nod slightly after hearing this, believing Liu Xie's explanation. Since the imperial court sent troops to conquer the Central Plains, although the results were remarkable, the losses were also not small, especially the annihilation of the Han'an army, which made Liu Xie's mobilization of men and horses a little insufficient.

The Hu people in the north are known as the people on horseback, coming and going like the wind and not to be underestimated, Liu Xie does not plan to bring the newly built Han'an army with him, but in addition to Ma Chao's Fubo army, there is only the Son of Heaven around him. But the Son of Heaven's pro-army also shed a lot of blood for Jingxiang's defense, Tai Shici and Gan Ning's two generals went to the navy, Wei Yan and Hu Che'er stayed in Jiangling, and Jia Xu was going to Wenpin to assist in Jiangxia, and the only generals who could accompany Liu Xie to the north were Dian Wei and Pang De. If he hadn't promised Cao Cao in advance, Liu Xie would have taken Xiahoudun and others to Bingzhou first and then return them to Cao Cao after cleaning up the Hu people.

After listening to Liu Xie's explanation of the situation, and Cao Cao did not want to cause Liu Xie's misunderstanding, so he intended to solve his "hidden danger" first and then send troops north, so he agreed to Liu Xie's proposal to form an alliance between the two families. However, the alliance is an alliance, but Cao Cao is unwilling to lend it to Liu Xie.

Liu Xie didn't say anything about this, and according to the conditions negotiated in advance, Liu Xie returned Xiahoudun, Xiahouyuan and others and Cao Cao's family members who had been captured in Xuchang to Cao Cao. Cao Cao saw that there was nothing abnormal in his family except for a somewhat haggard look, and his heart was a little relieved, but after counting the number of people, Cao Cao's brows couldn't help frowning.

A few people are missing! Cao Ang, Cao Zhang, Xiahou Cheng, and Xu Ding, none of these four people who are considered outstanding in the second generation of Cao have been seen.

"A few of them were recruited by the imperial court, and this time they want to go north with me to fight against the Hu people, Meng De can rest assured that I will not treat them badly." Liu Xie said. Cao Cao had the intention to oppose it, but it was difficult to open his mouth, because he still had something to ask Liu Xie for next.

When there is a request for others, it is natural that there is not enough confidence to speak. Guo Jia was captured from Xiaoguan, fortunately Liu Xie ordered Hua Tuo to treat at that time, otherwise Guo Jia would have returned to the underworld at this time. What Cao Cao thought was to beg Liu Xie to put Guo Jia back. But how could Liu Xie release people! I have already let it go once when I was in Chang'an before, Liu Xie will not make the same mistake again, let go of Xiahoudun and others, these people are just lieutenant generals in the army, and it happens that Liu Xie is not lacking, so naturally he doesn't care so much. But Guo Jia is different, that is an important role that can help Cao Cao turn defeat into victory, even if he kills it, he can't put it back. Of course, Liu Xie was reluctant to kill Guo Jia, such a head that is one of the best in the Han Dynasty, it was a pity to cut it off like this.

"Mengde, you don't want Fengxiao to die on the road, do you? He was recovering from a serious illness and needed to recuperate. Do you think I kept Hua Tuo by Feng Xiao's side to spy on him? It's a big mistake, don't look at the poison source in Feng Xiao's body is taken out, but this knife will also cost him half his life, if it weren't for Hua Tuo staring at him, he would have hung up at this time. ”

There is a specialization in the art industry, Cao Cao is not a doctor, he doesn't know medical science, Liu Xie moved out of Huatuo as a shield, and Cao Cao has no way. “…… I wonder when Fengxiao will be cured? ”

"This Hua Tuo has said that it will be at least five years, but don't worry, this time I invited Zhang Ji and Zhang Zhongjing from Jingzhou, which is also for the divine doctor, and joining forces with Hua Tuo to recuperate for Fengxiao, it should make Fengxiao recover faster."

As soon as he heard Liu Xie say that it would take five years, Cao Cao's heart couldn't help but feel cold, five years, which means that Liu Xie gave himself five years at most to recover, and before Fengxiao recovered, Liu Xie would definitely attack himself again.

"In that case, then let Feng Xiao recuperate with peace of mind, can I meet Feng Xiao?"

"This ...... Meng De, in order to let Fengxiao recuperate with peace of mind, I have ordered someone to send Fengxiao back to Chang'an, if you want to go, then you can do it. Liu Xie's eyes flickered and said to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was suspicious by nature, and when he saw Liu Xie's words flickering, and heard Liu Xie say that Guo Jia was in Chang'an at this time, he suddenly had an alarm in his heart, and excused himself: "Chang'an is far away, and there is a mess waiting for me to deal with in Xuzhou, so let's go another day." "Just kidding, if you really go to Chang'an, what's the difference between it and throwing yourself into the net? When you're stupid?

Liu Xie smiled when he heard this, nodded and agreed: "What Meng De said is that there are still many people waiting for you in Xuzhou, and when you have time in the future, it will not be too late to meet Fengxiao." ”

"This time the Holy Emperor is driving in person, I don't know if there is a place where Cao needs to contribute?" Cao Cao asked casually.

"Yes, there is a shortage of people in my hands right now, since Meng De has spoken, then Xiahou Yuan will be borrowed from me with Yu Ban, and after the Hu people are solved, they will definitely be returned."

Cao Cao was polite, but he didn't want Liu Xie to beat the snake with the stick, and he would really borrow someone from Cao Cao. I had the heart to regret it, but the words were still in my ears, so I had to ask: "I don't know how the Holy Lord plans to arrange Miaocai and Wen Rule?" ”

Cao Cao's plan was that if Liu Xie's position was not good, he would have a reason to refuse, but he didn't want Liu Xie to reply when he heard this: "This time I went to Jingzhou, in order to prevent Liu Bei and Sun Ce, I left Tai Shici, Gan Ning and others who were originally generals in the pro-army in Jingzhou, and Miaocai and Wen Ze went to take over the positions of Gan Ning and Tai Shici and lead the army alone. ”

"The Holy One trusts them?" Cao Cao asked in disbelief.

"Why not? Although they are Cao generals, they are also Han people after all. This time, the Hu people from the north invaded the south, killed our people, and robbed our people's property, but all Han people should put aside their prejudices and unite with the outside world. When the external troubles are solved, then they will return to their own families and divide them into superiors. ”

Worshipping someone is an experience that everyone has had, and the same is true of Cao Cao when he was young, he or most people, the idol they worship is Hou Huo, the champion of the Han Dynasty, and sealing the wolf is the dream of their generation when they were young. It's just that the dynasty is sluggish, and their dreams have deteriorated when they grow up.

Liu Xie's honesty made Cao Cao a little stunned, and when he came back to his senses, he couldn't help but laugh at himself. No matter how they fight with the imperial court, it needs internal contradictions in the nation, and it is the general righteousness of the nation to compete with the Hu people. It's ridiculous that he has calculated for half his life, but he almost forgot this bottom limit.

"Shengshang, in addition to Miaocai and Wen Ze, can Zixiu and Ziwen also let them return after the war?"

"That's not good, they have already made me take a fancy to it, and they plan to cultivate it well, Mengde, don't think about it. And leaving them on my side is also for your consideration, at least no matter what the final result is, your Cao family still has a way back, so that the incense will not be cut off. ”

“…… In that case, then do as the Holy One wills. Cao Cao was stunned, and finally agreed with Liu Xie's decision.

……

In order to show his sincerity, Liu Xie personally sent Cao Cao away, and Xiahou Yuan, who had already received Cao Cao's orders in advance, followed Yu Banmu to send his colleagues away, and stood aside to wait for Liu Xie's arrangement.

"Miaocai, Wen Ze, after recuperating these days, it is estimated that you are also holding back your leisure, and I will order someone to take you to the soldiers and horses of the department to take up your post, what you have to do is very simple, familiarize yourself with military affairs as soon as possible, and master the heart of the army."

"No." Xiahou Yuan and Yu Ban invariably led the order.

Watching Xiahou Yuan and Yu Ban leave with the others, Zhang Liao frowned and asked Liu Xiedao: "Lord, are these two credible?" ”

"Believe it or not, you have to try to know, but I have confidence in the two of them, we are dealing with the Hu people this time, and they will not collude with the Hu people in order to deal with me, right?"

"But my lord, if our army gives up Xiao Pass, what if Cao Cao changes his mind halfway and sends troops?" Seeing that Liu Xie insisted, Zhang Liao did not continue to dwell on this issue, but instead asked about another thing that he cared about.

"If he Cao Cao really dares to send troops when we deal with the Hu people, then even if I have no eyes and no knowledge, then I will have nothing to say to him."

In order to deal with the Hu people with confidence, Liu Xie planned to transfer Zhang Liao's You Yi and Xu Huang's Xie to the north together, leaving only Zhang Ren's Tabai to stay in Shouchun to monitor Jiangdong. In addition, coupled with Liu Xie's Fubo army and the Son of Heaven's army, Liu Xie gathered 100,000 horses and prepared to go north.

The Han An army did not stay in Bashu, and Liu Xie did not let Zhao Yun and Sima Yi lead the army to converge, but ordered the two to lead their troops to Liangzhou to prevent the Xianbei Putou in the west from taking the opportunity to go south. Originally, Liangzhou had the support of the imperial court to contain Putou, and I didn't want this Putou to learn to be smart this time, so I secretly united with Kebineng, Budugen and others to take advantage of the carelessness of the Tuoba Department to send troops together, and killed the Tuoba Department in one fell swoop.

The reason for sending troops is actually easy to find, that is, losing a dog can be an excuse for the soldiers to press the border. So for the accusations of Kebineng and others, Liu Xie didn't take it seriously at all. When did the Hu people learn to be reasonable, the only thing they believed in was that the knife in their hands was unfavorable, and the horse under the crotch was not happy?

Treat reasonable people reasonably, and treat unreasonable people arrogantly and unreasonably, because reasoning with unreasonable people is purely playing the harp to the cow.

Liu Xieda didn't think about making peace with the Hu people at the beginning, peace is precious, even if he wanted to talk about it, it was a problem that he needed to consider after he cleaned up the Hu people fiercely. And now, Liu Xie has only one thing to do, tooth for tooth, blood for blood.

Liu Xie's order to Zhao Yun and Sima Yi is very free, that is, to let Zhao Yun and Sima Yi play freely, and there is only one task, so that Hu Ren will not dare to go south lightly in the future, as for the means, Liu Xie does not ask, that means that they can do whatever it takes.

After subduing the vulture bones and capturing Meng Shu, Sima Yi originally planned to persuade Zhao Yun to pursue and directly enter Jingnan, but he didn't want Liu Xie's side to temporarily withdraw troops and not launch an offensive against Jingnan.

At that time, the army stayed in Nanzhong, waiting for the next order of the imperial court, and the news of the Hu people's southward annexation of the state also reached Nanzhong shortly after. Zhao Yun was originally from Changshan, and he knew the Hu people's style very well, and Zhao Yun did not have the slightest mercy for the Hu people. One of the reasons why he voted for Gongsun Chan was that Gongsun Chan treated Hu Ren harshly and had a temper with Zhao Yun.

Now that I heard that the Hu people went south to merge with the state, and Yuan Xi from Hebei Province didn't care about the life and death of the people of the state, Zhao Yun's eyes were a little red at that time, if it wasn't for the long distance, Zhao Yun couldn't wait to fly to Liu Xie's side to ask for a fight.

Now that the order is here, Liu Xie's order is very good for Zhao Yun's appetite, and he can play freely, in the past, the Hu people regarded the Han people as their cattle and sheep, and they would be slaughtered when they were fattened, and this time, it should be what it is like for them to be treated as cattle and sheep. For the Han'an army under them, Zhao Yun and Sima Yi are full of confidence.

An army with combat effectiveness is not trained, but killed. During this time, he killed people in Nanban, and the murderous spirit of the army had already been practiced, and it was the time for the Hu people to review and review. Knowing that Zhao Yun was going to lead the army back to the north, he took the initiative to ask for battle for the vulture bone that Zhao Yun had already been convinced, hoping that Zhao Yun could take him back north with him.

Zhao Yun didn't doubt the vulture bone's loyalty, and nodded in agreement with the vulture bone's request. However, as soon as this opening was opened, the number of southern barbarians who asked Zhao Yun for permission to accompany him also increased for a while.

The way of life of the Nanban people is different from that of the Han people, the Han people mainly farm, while the Nanban people make a living by hunting, although they also learn from the Han people to open up wasteland near the village where they live, but it is only a side business, and they mainly rely on hunting for food. The difference in lifestyle has also created the habit of the Southern Barbarians to be brave and ruthless.

After being killed by Sima Yi's army, the nature of obeying the strong prompted the Southern Barbarians to bow to the Han and accept the rule of the Han people. In order to subdue the wildness of the Southern Barbarians, Sima Yi established an army composed of Han Chinese and Southern Barbarians after obtaining Liu Xie's consent.

"Take me, sir, I'll be useful." Duo Si pestered Sima Yi and pleaded.

"Nope." Sima Yi replied without hesitation: "Your elephants move slowly, take them to Liangzhou, and when the army arrives, the daylily will be cold." ”

"Then take me without the elephant."

"You? What else would you do besides raising elephants? ”

"My lord, you are a little underestimated, I can not only raise elephants, I can also tame beasts, no matter what kind of beast it is, as long as it is in the hands of my Duosi, it will not take long for Guan Bao to make it obedient." Duo Si confidently said to Sima Yi.

"Really?"

"If you don't believe me, just give it a try."

"Well, I just got two fierce dogs some time ago, if you can tame them, then I will take you back north."

"Okay, it's a deal, my lord, where is the fierce dog?" When Duo Si heard this, he immediately agreed.

Sima Yi said it casually, but when he saw that Duo Si was serious, he didn't change his words, and immediately ordered someone to take Duo Si away, so that his ears were clean. I don't think that three days later, Duo Si really brought two vicious dogs that were extremely fierce in Sima Yi's eyes to Sima Yi to find Sima Yi to restore his life. Looking at the fierce dog that obeyed Duosi's orders and continued to carry out instructions, Sima Yi suddenly had an idea and asked Duosi: "Duosi, if you are asked to be responsible for training fierce dogs, are you willing?" ”

“…… I wonder how much training adults need? If it's too much, Doth needs help. ”

"Hmm...... The number is to be determined, but there must be at least a thousand. How many people do you need? ”

"Most of them are in the thousands, and Duosi needs at least two hundred helpers, otherwise there are too many fierce dogs, and one person can't command them." Duo thought for a moment and replied.

"Okay, then you will choose five hundred people from your clan to come out and go north with me. Your mission is to train the dogs so that they can fight together with the army. ”

"Don't worry, don't worry, Duosi will never let your adults down." Duo Si patted his chest and assured Sima Yi.