Directly submitting to the New Han Dynasty, this opinion can be said to be the result that the people of Jingzhou are most willing to see. However, almost all the civil and military forces in Jingzhou were not very likely to agree with this opinion, so even if anyone dared to raise it, they would immediately encounter unanimous opposition, so that they would no longer dare to submit to the new Han Dynasty lightly.

Yi wanted to put forward the idea of direct surrender to the New Han Dynasty, but no one paid attention to his opinion.

"Ahem...... "Ahem" Cai Mao coughed twice, attracting the attention of Jingzhou's civil and military forces in the palace, and said: "Okay, everyone, Cai thinks that if we want to get peace in Jingzhou, I'm afraid we can't do it by ourselves." The New Han Army is menacing, and their ferocity is not something that our Jingzhou army can resist the enemy. If we just want to rely on our own soldiers to fight the New Han Army, I think that our Jingzhou will soon fall, and all of us present may eventually become the souls of the New Han Army. Therefore, I, Cai Mao, decided on behalf of the young lord that at this moment, we must do our best to establish a charter, even if we ask for the support of others, we must also determine which princely forces to ask for help, and how to invite reinforcements from others. Cai believes that Fang is the main issue we need to consider now. ”

"General Cai Mao, according to the opinion below, we should not think too much about this matter, after all, now that our lord is newly mourned, Jingzhou is up and down, and his heart is in a panic, if at this time, the New Han Army has already launched an attack on us, then I am afraid that we have not invited reinforcements to let the New Han Army go straight in, and when the time comes. None of us can escape. The ancestor has already formed an alliance with Cao Cao, although the lord is no longer there, but. We are still allies with Cao Cao, and at this time, I think that the only way to ask Cao Cao for support is to ask Cao Cao for support. ”

"Otherwise, although Cao Cao's army is indeed powerful, Cao Cao has already exposed his aggressiveness. Take a look at Xuzhou, Yangzhou, and Yuzhou. These large states have all been captured by Cao Cao, if we ask Cao Cao for help. This is undoubtedly tantamount to luring the wolf into the house. If you want Cao Cao's heart, you must also want to get our land of Jingzhou. So, under the thought. If you can not invite Cao Cao, you will not invite Cao Cao. In my opinion, I might as well send an envoy into Xichuan immediately to ask Liu Zhang for help, at least. We should also send someone to establish some good relations with Liu Zhang. When there is really no way, I think we can also transfer to Xichuan and ask Liu Zhang for help. ”

"It makes sense, I knew earlier that our alliance with Cao Cao is indeed tantamount to seeking skin with the tiger, not to mention. Even if Cao Cao's reinforcements were invited, I am afraid that they may not necessarily be the opponents of the New Han Army. Earlier, didn't Cao Cao's military horses be attacked by the New Han Army twice in a row? Nearly 200,000 troops were lost at once. This time, can we still put our hopes on Cao Cao? ”

……

The ministers of Jingzhou, they are not very accustomed to Cai Mao presiding over the overall situation of Jingzhou, most of them want to take advantage of Liu Biao's death, the new establishment of the young master, and when they are young and careless, they will try their best to establish their status in Jingzhou. At the very least, they want to show an attitude that they are not just obeying Cai Mao's orders, and they should give Cai Mao more stumbling blocks, so as to show their importance.

Although Cai Mao is temporarily presiding over the affairs of Jingzhou on behalf of the new lord, Cai Mao is not the real lord of Jingzhou, and many Jingzhou civil and military officers are indeed reluctant to follow Cai Mao's decisive orders in everything.

Cai Mao is now planning to direct everyone's opinions to the opinions of Cao Cao for help. But he just wanted to put it forward, and there were so many people with different opinions, which made Cai Mao's heart secretly annoyed.

If it weren't for Cai Mao's fear that his direct order would cause a rebellion in Xiangyang and would be opposed by the Jingzhou civil and military collective, he would have wanted to directly order Cao Cao at this moment, and then lead Cao Cao's army into Jingzhou.

However, Cai Mao did not dare to do this, because even Huang Zu, who also held military power, was afraid that he would not agree to surrender to Cao Cao lightly.

Therefore, Cai Mao now has to guide slowly, and finally let these Jingzhou ministers clearly understand that if they still want to have the current Yiqiē, there is only one way to return to Cao Cao, and nothing else, no matter how much it says, it is meaningless.

But now, Cai Mao's heart is annoyed, but he just takes his time.

He stopped the Jingzhou ministers who were arguing again on this point of view, and said, "Enough, now is not the time to argue." It's about coming up with a charter as soon as possible. Whether it is Liu Zhang or Cao Cao, we must all invite reinforcements from them to ensure the peace of our Jingzhou. However, the question is, which of you is sure that you can call for reinforcements now? Liu Zhang, Zhang Lu, do you dare to guarantee that they will definitely accept our request for help and will send troops? They are in Xichuan, in Hanzhong, with their own troops, and the princes of the Central Plains are difficult to form a direct threat to them, even if it is the New Han army, they can not imagine that they can pose a threat to them for a while. Can they sit back and relax, and with our call for help, they can support? ”

"In terms of taking 10,000 steps back, who of you can guarantee that even if we invite their reinforcements, we will definitely be able to ensure that our Jingzhou will not be lost? You must know that we have more than 600,000 military horses in Jingzhou. The number of troops is only a lot more than that of Liu Zhang and Zhang Lu. And on what basis did they help us defeat the New Han army? ”

"Also, even if we want to ask Cao Cao for help, Cao Cao has already lost 200,000 military horses in order to help us in Jingzhou, and now I want to ask them to send troops to support us, are they willing to come again?"

Cai Mao's question made the Jingzhou ministers in the hall all shut down, and they had nothing to say for a while.

In fact, the Jingzhou army still has more than 600,000 military horses, if it is difficult for even themselves to resist the attack of the New Han army, please invite ordinary princes, what can they help themselves?

"Humph! Why are you dumb? Seeing that the ministers didn't talk any more, Cai Mao couldn't help but snort coldly and said: "Originally, I, Cai Mao, planned to rely on our 600,000 troops in Jingzhou, and we should be able to deal with the New Han Army for a while, but I believe everyone is already very clear that Liu Yi has been determined to take our Jingzhou, even if we rely on our own strength, we can temporarily keep our Jingzhou safe, but it will never be a long-term solution." You see it too. The New Han Army has not moved for a long time, and has not directly waved its army to kill us in Xiangyang, and this defense line formed by our 300,000 troops is a reason. The most important reason. It should be that Liu Yi's troops in Wancheng are not enough. So now, he can only threaten us, want to force us to surrender to the New Han Dynasty, and want to surrender without a fight. Lewi should be waiting now, what are you waiting for? Wait for the battle in Jizhou to be over. After the real main force of the New Han Army has captured Jizhou, it will be transferred to our Jingzhou. Think about it. If the main force of the New Han Army, hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers, will be killed, why should we fight the New Han Army? Let alone. Don't forget, in the heart of our Jingzhou, there are still 200,000 or 300,000 New Han army sailors, they. At any time, you can directly kill us from Xiangjiang to our Xiangyang City. What do you think. Now that we still have more than 600,000 Jingzhou troops, can we really defend Jingzhou on our own? That's just wishful thinking! ”

Cai Mao finished speaking, then faced Huang Zu and said with a worried face: "General Huang Zu, what is your opinion?" Now, what are we going to do in Jingzhou? Where is the way out for our Jingzhou? ”

"The soldiers are coming, and the water is flooding!" Huang Zu didn't think too much about it, he said directly: "No matter what. It doesn't matter if you ask for reinforcements, or if you don't. Huang believes that what we have to do now is to improve ourselves, no matter how well you discuss, after today, Huang will lead his army and horses to the defense line of Anzhong County, and strictly guard against the Xinhan army, beware of them taking advantage of the death of our lord and sending troops to attack us. ”

"Brother Huang Zu, ...... are you" Cai Mao couldn't help but feel a little surprised when he heard Huang Zu say that he was going to leave Xiangyang at this time, because if Huang Zu left Xiangyang, then he would really be able to cover the sky with one hand in Xiangyang.

"Counting on others is not my Huang's character. At the beginning, Huang was reluctant to form an alliance with Cao Cao. Only when our own army becomes tougher can it be possible to change the impression of the people of the world that our Jingzhou army is weak. I, Huang, want to see how powerful the New Han Army can defeat Dong Zhuoxi's Liang Iron Cavalry and destroy a Huns of a foreign race outside the Saiwai who have plagued our Han for thousands of years! Therefore, I don't care what your decision in Xiangyang is, Huang is determined to go to the front line and fight to the death with the Xinhan army! Huang Zu said resolutely.

"Brother Huangzu, but now Xiangyang can't live without you." Cai Mao pretended to persuade him.

"No need to persuade much, now that the lord has gone, Huang Zu can only do his best for the lord and try his best to ensure that his country is not lost, but if Huang's ability is not enough, he can only follow the lord under Jiuquan." After Huang Zu finished speaking, he arched his hand at the Jingzhou civil and military forces in the hall, and then strode out, not even wanting to listen to their deliberations.

Huang Zu doesn't have too much demand for interests, he doesn't have big families such as the Kuai family, the Cai family, and the Zhang family behind him, all the time, he is obedient to Liu Biao, but he has Liu Biao's trust and is closer to Liu Biao. Now that Liu Biao is gone, he is in Xiangyang, and he seems out of place with everyone. Therefore, he thinks that it is no longer meaningful for him to stay in Xiangyang. Now, since it has been proved that Liu Biaofei was killed by Cai Mao, and the young master is also Cai Mao's nephew, I guess what Cai Mao will do to this nephew in the near future. As long as Liu Cong has no problem with his safety, he can ignore the affairs of Xiangyang.

Of course, Huang Zu is not just a rough person, and he is not unable to see through the current situation in Jingzhou at all.

In Huang Zu's heart, he was actually a little disappointed in Jingzhou, and he didn't think that Jingzhou could remain independent as it was when Liu Biao was still alive. Jingzhou, I'm afraid that if it is not occupied by Liu Yi, it will be taken by other princes, and his Huang Zu is no longer able to return to the sky. In addition, Liu Biao's foundation is now in the hands of this young master, Liu Cong, who has not dried up, and the power has fallen into the hands of Cai Mao. Even if he Huang Zu wanted to protect Liu Biao's foundation, Liu Cong would not listen to him. Therefore, he is in Xiangyang, even if he does more, there is no meaning.

Jingzhou is no longer the Jingzhou of the past, even if he is desperate, I am afraid he is not working hard for Liu Biao. Therefore, he could only lead his army to the front line to seek a battle with the New Han Army. Just begging for a horse leather shroud, in order to repay Liu Biao's kindness, it can be regarded as doing his best to protect Liu Biao's foundation.

In the hall, watching Huang Zu step by step, he walked out with a resolute face, and many people felt as if they had knocked over the five-flavor bottle, not a taste.

Because, they gathered in the hall, discussing and discussing, but none of them could make such a decision as Huang Zu, thinking that if everyone was like Huang Zu and resolutely fought against the New Han Army, they would now. What's the point of arguing here about these seemingly never-solvable problems?

"General Huang Zu is admirable, he is the most loyal warrior of our lord. It's a pity that we are in the Jingzhou army. How many warriors like Huang Zu are there? Cai Mao also sighed.

"Ahem, General Cai, General Huang Zu is indeed admirable, but I secretly thought that he was just a rat and didn't know how to judge the situation. If he led the army to fight against the New Han Army like this, I am afraid that he would just send him to death in vain. Want to solve our problems in Jingzhou. You'll have to think of something else. ”

An official said.

"Well, that's right." Cai Mao rolled his eyes and said slowly: "Since General Huang Zu has decided to lead the army to the front line. Enemy the New Han Army for us, then in the future, Cai Mao will take over the heavy responsibility of defending Xiangyang City, here. Cai hopes that all adults will support you. Let's work together. Strive to ensure that Xiangyang is not lost. ”

This is Cai Mao who wants to take advantage of the situation to completely control Xiangyang, but now in Xiangyang City, only Cai Mao is qualified to command the army and horses, and none of them have that qualification.

In this way, the civil and military forces naturally have nothing to say. can only acquiesce to the fact that Cai Mao will be in full control of Xiangyang.

Since Huang Zu was leaving Xiangyang, Cai Mao didn't have to rush to put forward a plan to surrender to Cao Cao immediately. He only needs to wait for Huang Zu to leave now, and then Shun Lì will take over the defenders of Jingzhou City, then he can completely issue orders according to his own wishes.

The following issues, Cai Mao did not have the scheming to discuss with everyone anymore.

He directly ordered that, according to the issues discussed by everyone before, he would send someone to Wancheng immediately to see if he could negotiate with Liu Yi and delay the attack of the New Han Army as much as possible. On the other hand, he immediately sent people into Xichuan to meet Liu Zhang in Yizhou and Zhang Lu in Hanzhong to see if he could ask them for reinforcements.

Of course, he also sent an envoy to see Cao Cao, but instead of asking Cao Cao for help, he reported to Cao Cao about the current situation in Xiangyang City. Report the good news to Cao Cao, and ask Cao Cao to leave for Xiangyang immediately, so that Cao Cao can prepare in advance and prepare to receive Jingzhou.

Don't wait until the next day, though.

In the middle of the night, an urgent report was received that the New Han Army had launched an attack on their defensive lines in Jiaxia, Anzhong County and other places.

Huang Zu, who received the news, immediately led his army and horses to the front line before dawn.

And Cai Mao, a little worried and a little secretly happy, seized the time to take over the city defenders of Xiangyang City, and then after dawn, once again gathered the ministers of Jingzhou to discuss matters in the palace.

said that it was a discussion, but in fact, it was equivalent to announcing his decision to the ministers of Jingzhou.

There was no more noise like a market, Cai Mao's murderous spirit, and a group of brightly armored soldiers guarding the hall, no one dared to express their opinions at will, or talk loudly.

Cai Mao looked at the ministers in the hall with cold eyes and said, "Everyone, I believe you have received the news that the New Han Army has launched an attack on us, right?" What does this mean? This shows that in the new Han Dynasty, Liu Yi didn't want to give us time to breathe, and now, no matter how we ask for help, I'm afraid it's too late for reinforcements. We all have to rely on ourselves. However, who of you dares to guarantee that our Jingzhou army can withstand the attack of the Xinhan army by itself? How many loyal martyrs like General Huang Zu are in our Jingzhou army? All of you present, who of you is willing to rush to the front line like General Huang Zu and fight to the death with the New Han Army? Do you have? If so, I, Cai, will personally send him out of the city! ”

No, hearing that the New Han Army had launched an attack on their Jingzhou, most of them, the civil and military forces of Jingzhou, were panicked, who would dare to rush to the front line to engage the New Han Army at this time?

There was silence in the hall.

Cai Mao glanced at the ministers and continued: "Or, now that any of you have ideas, who has a way to keep our Jingzhou from losing, I, Cai Mao, will listen to him." Do you obey him? ”

There was still silence.

"Okay, if everyone has nothing to do about the current situation in our Jingzhou, then you have to listen to me Cai Mao, if anyone has any objections, it is tantamount to going against me Cai Mao, no matter who it is, there will be no forgiveness!" Cai Mao shouted murderously: "Knife and axe hand, if anyone dares to disagree with Cai's words for a while, he will pull Cai out of the noon gate and behead him!" ”

With a bang, everyone in the hall was so frightened by Cai Mao's momentum that their faces changed, all of them were a little pale, and their bodies couldn't help but tremble a little.

Cai Mao, who seemed to have a good deal with everyone yesterday, suddenly became so vicious, which surprised them all, and they were a little uncomfortable.

"Ladies and gentlemen, to be honest, in the face of such a situation in our Jingzhou, I, Cai, have no way to ensure that our Jingzhou is not lost. Therefore, my Cai's method is, first, to surrender to the New Han Army. Second, it is to surrender to Cao Cao. But surrendering to the Xinhan Army, not only you, but even my Cai Mao's interests cannot be guaranteed. But if you surrender to Cao Cao, I, Cai Mao, can guarantee your current interests, at least, I will safeguard most of your current interests. Therefore, I, Cai Mao, decided that our Jingzhou would surrender to Cao Cao. As long as we submit to Cao Cao, then Cao Cao will immediately lead his army into our Jingzhou, join with our Jingzhou army, and confront the New Han army. Now, which of you still has objections? ”

……

Who would dare to say a word of dissenting opinion? Under the swords and guns of the soldiers around him, no one dared to say a word. (To be continued......)