Although there were four large charcoal stoves in the banquet hall, and the charcoal stoves were also full of red-burning charcoal blocks, Lu Su, Chen Qi, and Chen Deng, father and son, who were sitting in the hall, still felt very cold, as cold as an ice cellar.

It's not that the charcoal fire is not warm enough, it's not that the cold wind outside the door is too biting, it's not that the atmosphere of the banquet is not lively enough and the wine is not mellow enough, and it's just the opposite, the aged wine at the banquet is quite mellow, and the atmosphere is also very lively. And this coldness comes from the two protagonists of this banquet - Deputy Director Tao and Uncle Liu Huang.

The reason why Lu Su and others felt this way was the speech and behavior of Uncle Liu Huang and Deputy Director Tao at the banquet. suffered such a big loss in front of the city gate during the day, and was forced to slaughter his most loyal lackey accomplice in Xuzhou with his own hands, our Uncle Liu Huang was still able to talk and laugh freely and behave as usual, as if Mi Fang's incident had never happened at all, and his demeanor was heartbreaking. And our deputy director Tao is even more powerful, not only the same talk and laughter, behave as usual, but also call Uncle Liu Huang a piece of uncle sweet and kind, pull Uncle Liu Huang's sleeve just continue to persuade wine, and more than once left the table to personally pour wine for Uncle Liu Huang's three brothers, truly achieved the expression of acting skills are free, and out of the spirit.

It is precisely because of this that Lu Su and others, who are very aware of the grievances between Uncle Liu and Deputy Director Tao, feel chills in their hearts, and know that the acting skills of Deputy Director Tao and Uncle Liu Huang alone are definitely unattainable heights in their lives. Looking at Uncle Liu Huang and Deputy Director Tao's eyes, it was naturally the same as seeing two poisonous snakes coiled and spitting letters.

Tao Qian, who was seriously ill, did not attend this banquet, and asked Tao Ying to accompany him on his behalf, to pick up the dust for Uncle Liu's three brothers, and in front of everyone, he delegated the power to negotiate with Uncle Liu to fight against the enemy, and openly said that Tao Ying's decision could be finalized. In this regard, the civil and military officials of Xuzhou knew the meaning of Tao Qian's words, and Uncle Liu Huang saw it thoroughly, but things have come to this point, and Uncle Liu Huang no longer dares to dream that Tao Qian will give up the position of Xuzhou Mu to himself for the third time, and if you want to take the five counties of Xuzhou, you must speak by force, so Uncle Liu Huang has been thinking in his heart from the beginning, how to find an opportunity to annex Xuzhou by force, and how to solve Tao Ying, a dangerous opponent who is very similar to himself.

Quietly made up his mind, taking advantage of Tao Ying's opportunity to pour himself wine in person again, Uncle Liu Huang asked Tao Ying with a smile: "Virtuous nephew, just now Lingzun said, about the matter of Cao Jun, the virtuous nephew will make the decision for him, and negotiate with Bei to resist the enemy, I don't know what the virtuous nephew has in mind, how do you plan to join forces with Bei to fight the enemy?" ”

Tao Ying blinked his pure and innocent big eyes, and replied very loyally: "The little nephew is a little shallow, and he doesn't know much about the military. ”

"Hey, the virtuous nephew is too modest." Uncle Liu Huang smiled very gently, and said: "The virtuous nephew went south to conquer Zhenrong in the previous time, and broke more than 10,000 enemies with 800 cavalry, and became famous in the world with a battle. The military exploits are already so prominent, and the virtuous nephew even claims to be ignorant of military affairs, is it too humble? ”

"Uncle has won the award, those are just flukes, Zhenrong and Sun Ce underestimated the enemy, which made the little nephew pick up a big bargain." Tao Ying smirked modestly, and said: "Since my uncle said so, the little nephew has no choice but to be ugly, according to the little nephew's humble opinion, just maintain the status quo." ”

"Status quo?" Uncle Liu Huang was a little surprised, and hurriedly asked, "Virtuous nephew, do you think it's okay to maintain the status quo?" Can you block Cao Ying and Lu Wenhou? ”

"Exactly." Tao Ying nodded vigorously and said with a sincere smile: "According to the little nephew's foolish opinion, Xiao Pei is the north gate of Xuzhou, no matter whether Cao Ying or Lu Wenhou invade Xuzhou, they must first pass through Xiao Pei, so as long as the uncle guards Xiao Pei, Cao Ying and Lu Wenhou have thousands of troops and horses, millions of male soldiers, and they dare not go deep into the hinterland of Xuzhou." And in the eyes of the little nephew, the city of Xiaopei, which is surrounded by Surabaya and soaked water on three sides, is strong, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and there are famous generals like his uncle in charge, whether it is Cao Ying or Lu Wenhou, they can only sigh at Wangcheng. Therefore, the little nephew thinks that it is enough to maintain the status quo. ”

Uncle Liu Huang had the urge to strangle Deputy Director Tao to death, and said in his heart that your little thief's abacus is really good, maintain the status quo and let me defend Xiao Pei, let me stand in front and fight with Cao Ying and Lu Buhuo, and let you hide in the back and sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight, are you too much of a thief?

"Virtuous nephew, it's not that my uncle blames you, you're too conservative." Uncle Liu Huang shook his head and sighed, as if he regretted the conservative and negative attitude of the younger generations, and said with a smile: "The younger generations have read the scriptures and are familiar with Tao Strategy, don't they hear the principle of sailing against the current, and if you don't advance, you will retreat?" Xiao Peimin has little food and the city is ruined, how can he hold on for a long time? If Cao Ying and Lu Bu really attacked, even if they were uncles, how long could they hold on to Xiaopei? At that time, either the food in the city will be exhausted, or the preparation will be sparse, and the occasional loss will be lost, and the city of Xiaopei will be broken, and the virtuous nephew will be helpless? ”

"Don't worry, when the time comes, you should also lose with Cao Ying and Lu Bu, and it will be easy for me to defend Xuzhou, so I don't worry." Tao Ying smiled affectionately on his face, muttered in his heart, and said with a stupid smile: "Uncle, please rest assured, if the enemy comes to attack, the little nephew and father will supply food and grass for the uncle at any cost, and at the same time, the little nephew will personally lead the gentleman's army north at the right time to meet the uncle on the side." ”

"It doesn't have to be that much trouble." Uncle Liu Huang continued to shake his head, and said with a smile: "There is a plan, if the virtuous nephew is willing to do it, it can ensure that the five counties of Xuzhou are as safe as Mount Tai, and there will be no trouble for Cao Jun." ”

"What is Uncle's plan? Please also ask my uncle for advice. Tao Ying asked with surprise on his face.

"There is a cloud in the book of war: the enemy is harmful, take advantage of the situation, and be rigid and soft!" Uncle Liu Huang was also not modest, and kindly pointed to the younger generation: "The meaning of this sentence is that the enemy's situation is difficult, and I will take this favorable opportunity to send troops to resolutely and decisively strike at the enemy in order to achieve victory-virtuous nephew, do you understand what my uncle meant?" ”

"Not good!" Lu Su, Chen Qi and Chen Deng, who were listening attentively, suddenly changed color, and they already understood Uncle Liu's next plan - they wanted to use the excuse of taking advantage of the fire to rob Tao Ying to induce Tao Ying to take the initiative to send troops or form a Tao-Liu coalition army, and take the initiative to attack Cao Ying, who was troubled by the food shortage, and then use the Tao Cao war to profit from it!

Worried, Lu Su quickly stood up, wanting to quickly remind Tao Ying not to fall for the trick, but he never thought about it............

"Uncle's plan! What a clever plan! Tao Ying jumped faster than Lu Su, clapped loudly with both hands, and shouted excitedly: "Generals, adults, please be quiet, please be quiet!" There is good news to tell you, my uncle Xuande Gong proposed a clever plan, wanting to take advantage of the opportunity of Cao Ying's food shortage to lead Xiaopei's army to the north, take the initiative to crusade against Cao Ying's thieves, completely eradicate Cao Ying's thieves, and protect the safety of my five counties in Xuzhou! ”

Uncle Liu Huang almost vomited blood, but Chen Qi's father and son and Lu Su almost didn't laugh out loud, and said together, it seems that we don't have to worry about it, and the person in this world who can make our second son suffer and be fooled may not have been born yet. Over there, although Cao Bao and Zang Ba and other Xuzhou generals didn't understand why Uncle Liu Huang had become so generous and proactive, they also applauded desperately, wishing that Uncle Liu Huang would get out of Xuzhou and fight to the death with Boss Cao! Guan Yu and Zhang Fei looked at each other, not knowing why their brother's eldest brother was so crazy, and offered to fight with the notoriously bad boss Cao?

"Ladies and gentlemen, generals." Deputy Director Tao didn't give Uncle Liu Huang the slightest chance to defend himself, and shouted loudly: "Duke Xuande is so benevolent and righteous, and has made such a major decision for my Xuzhou, but all the princes and the subordinates saluted and thanked Duke Xuande. ”

Saying that, Tao Ying really bowed to Uncle Liu Huang, and the Xuzhou officials present also quickly left their seats and got up, ready to thank Uncle Liu Huang who was benevolent and righteous, chivalrous and courageous, but Uncle Liu Huang was anxious, and hurriedly waved his hand and said: "Virtuous nephew, you misunderstood, uncle didn't mean that, when did I say that I was going to send troops to attack Cao Ying?" ”

"That's not what you mean?" Tao Ying raised his head and asked with a surprised face: "Uncle, then why did you propose to take advantage of the enemy's plan?" Uncle, do you want your little nephew and father to take the initiative to send troops to attack Cao Ying? ”

"Yes, exactly." Uncle Liu Huang nodded hurriedly and explained: "At present, Cao's army is weak, and he is plagued by food shortage, and his virtuous nephew is extraordinary, and he uses soldiers like gods. ”

There was a slight boo among the generals in Xuzhou, all of whom were extremely disappointed by Uncle Liu Huang's words, and Tao Ying looked embarrassed and said with a wry smile: "Uncle, how is this possible?" The last time Cao Thief Rebellion, Xuzhou's vitality was greatly damaged, and self-protection was still insufficient, and the strength from that came was enterprising, and took the initiative to send troops to fight against Cao Ying? Besides, in the whole world, apart from his uncle, who else can be Cao Ying's opponent of the thief? The little nephew is stupid and loyal, and he took the initiative to send troops to attack Cao Ying, didn't he drive the sheep and fight the tigers? ”

"If you are stupid and loyal, then there will be no cunning and cunning people in this world!" Uncle Liu Huang roared angrily in his heart, and said with a smile on his face: "The virtuous nephew is humble again, according to my uncle's opinion, with your performance on the Guangling battlefield, you may not be the opponent of Cao Thief." ”

"The little nephew is just lucky in Guangling, and there are things in the world that keep having good luck?" Tao Ying shook his head and said honestly: "Besides, even my uncle didn't dare to go to crusade against Cao Thief, so did the little nephew have that guts?" ”

"Master Tao, what you said is not right." Zhang Fei, who was already drunk and had a red face and a thick neck, was a little unhappy, but he didn't shout out because he had a very good impression of Tao Ying, but he still said loudly: "Who doesn't dare to crusade against Cao Thief?" As long as the eldest brother gives an order, I will go and ...... the head of the thief. ”

"Third brother, don't talk nonsense!" Uncle Liu Huang was a little anxious, afraid that Zhang Fei would be instigated by Tao Ying to really attack Cao Ying, so he hurriedly opened his mouth to drink Zhang Fei. Then Uncle Liu Huang turned to Tao Ying again, changed to a more cordial smile, and said with a smile: "Virtuous nephew, why is your surname so urgent?" Uncle hasn't finished his words yet, you don't need to be in such a hurry, do you? ”

"The little nephew is guilty, please forgive my uncle." Tao Ying honestly confessed his guilt, and he was so respectful to Uncle Liu Huang that he really looked like a junior.

"It's okay, just listen to what my uncle says." Uncle Liu Huang waved his hand generously, and said kindly: "What Uncle wants to say is that Cao Ying's thief is indeed difficult to deal with, and now even if he is plagued by food shortage, he is still strong and cannot be underestimated, so don't say that Uncle and Virtuous Nephew have sent troops to fight alone, even if they join forces to fight against him, I am afraid it will be difficult to win." ”

Tao Ying didn't interject this time, just nodded obediently, and also had a bad premonition in his heart, knowing that Uncle Liu Huang definitely didn't have any good intentions, and he was going to use some idea to clean himself up because of his lack of morality. Sure enough, Uncle Liu Huang said with a smile: "Therefore, my uncle thinks that you can send Shanyang to form an alliance with Lu Wenhou and join forces to defeat the Cao thief." ”

"An alliance with Lu Bu? I'm looking for death? Tao Ying sneered in his heart, and said in his heart that Lao Tzu would rather form an alliance with Cao Ying than dare to form an alliance with Lu Bu! Although Boss Cao lacks virtue and is also vicious, he at least has some reason and rules in doing things, and he will not casually attack his allies and form an alliance with Lu Bu. That shameless Lu Xiaoqiang would be afraid of the infamy of killing allies?

"The virtuous nephew can rest assured, and the uncle can conclude that Lu Wenhou will definitely agree to the alliance!" Uncle Liu Huang said eloquently: "Cao Ying's retreat was all due to Lu Bu's attack on Yanzhou, and the two families formed a grudge against each other! After Cao and Lu's two families fought for half a year, each had a victory or defeat, and the battle situation was always stalemate, and the virtuous nephew proposed to form an alliance with Lu Wenhou to resist Cao at this moment, and Lu Wenhou must agree! At that time, the three of us will join forces to jointly send troops to defeat Cao thieves, why is it difficult to break Cao? And after breaking Cao, the five counties of Xuzhou can not only be as stable as Mount Tai, but also the son can avenge the soldiers and civilians of Xuzhou who were innocently killed before, and win the gratitude of all the people of Xuzhou, isn't it the best of both worlds? ”

Not to mention, Uncle Liu's proposal is really reasonable, if the Tao, Liu, and Lu families can really work together to discuss Cao Ying, Boss Cao really has to prepare for the future, so some of the Xuzhou civil and military officials are inevitably very moved, and they open their mouths to echo Uncle Liu's proposal, but there are also a few officials and generals who said worriedly: "I'm afraid this won't work, right?" Lu Bu is troubled by the food shortage, if he takes the initiative to seek an alliance, how can Lu Bu not take the opportunity to ask for grain and grass? ”

"It's possible." Uncle Liu Huang nodded, smiled again and said: "But it doesn't matter, Lu Wenhou once indirectly saved the Xuzhou disaster and the life of the son, and it is natural to repay him appropriately." Besides, after supporting grain and grass, Lu Wenhou has food and Cao Ying has no food, maybe there is no need for Gongzi to send troops, and the head of Cao thief has been sent to Xuzhou by Lu Wenhou to show the public, so why not spend some money and food? ”

Speaking of this, Uncle Liu Huang also took the initiative to say generously: "Bei also knows that Xuzhou is not rich in grain and grass, if Lu Wenhou opens his mouth to ask for food, Bei is willing to give 10,000 pieces of grain to help Gongzi support Lu Wenhou to break Cao." ”

"Take Lao Tzu's food as a favor to Lao Tzu, your Uncle Liu Huang is really a good material to be a businessman." Tao Ying muttered in his heart, but the civil and military forces of Xuzhou over there were greatly moved, and they all opened their mouths to echo, agreeing with Uncle Liu Huang's proposal, supporting Lu Bu's alliance, and the three joined forces to fight against Cao Ying. Even Cao Bao felt that Uncle Liu Huang was reasonable, and couldn't help but speak: "Childe, the idea of the last general can be considered, Lu Wenhou is extremely brave, unparalleled in the world, and there are countless elite soldiers under his command, if you can join forces with him, it will not be difficult to break Cao." ”

If it weren't for the fear of Lu Wenhou's capriciousness, Deputy Director Tao really wanted to agree to Cao Bao's request - and then take the opportunity to encourage Cao Bao to sell that ugly and terrifying Cao Ling to Lu Wenhou, who had a strange appetite, but because he knew Lu Wenhou's virtue better than anyone else, Tao Ying immediately shook his head and said: "Uncle Cao, don't be joking, Lu Bu is capricious, the surname of the jackal, and an alliance with him is not to seek skin with the tiger?" ”

As soon as the words in his heart came out, Tao Ying immediately regretted that he was talking bad about people behind his back, and he was a gentleman, and when he hurried to see Uncle Liu's expression, he saw that although Uncle Liu's expression was calm, the corners of his mouth were slightly raised, revealing a little mysterious smile that was unpredictable, Tao Ying was suddenly a little nervous, and said secretly: "Why are the big-eared thieves laughing?" What kind of immoral idea is he holding back? ”

"Since the virtuous nephew is unwilling to form an alliance with Wen Hou, it doesn't matter." Uncle Liu Huang changed back to his normal smile, and took the initiative to give in: "Then let's do it according to the idea of the virtuous nephew, the defense of the northern part of Xuzhou will not be adjusted, maintain the status quo, if the Cao thief comes, the uncle will stick to Xiaopei, do not let the enemy take the next step south, and wait for the reinforcements of the virtuous nephew." ”

Uncle Liu Huang finally agreed to his proposition, and was willing to continue to be a watchdog for Xuzhou, although Tao Ying was suspicious in his heart, but he was helpless, so he had to thank Uncle Liu honestly, and continued to be hypocritical and polite with Uncle Liu, and kept pondering in his heart, "Why should the big-eared thief take the initiative to give in?" Could it have something to do with that weird smile? What the hell is he having? ”

Patiently waited until everyone ate and drank well, Uncle Liu Huang led Guan Zhang and the others to leave, Tao Ying pretended to stay, but Uncle Liu Huang replied frankly: "Thank you for your kindness, but you don't have to, you have to go to the mansion of Mi Beijia." Today, although Bei ordered the third brother to kill Lord Mi Fang, but only for the sake of the law of the country to punish and annihilate evil, it has nothing to do with Mi Beijia, and Mi Beijia has always been friendly with Zaixia, his brother's new funeral must be heartbroken, and he must be prepared to visit him in the house. ”

"This is a hypocrite, I obviously want to continue to hook up with Mi Zhu, and I can still say so beautifully on my mouth, I'm still far away." Tao Ying sighed in his heart, but there was nothing he could do, he could only obediently apologize to Uncle Liu Huang, complaining that he was causing trouble, and forcing Uncle Liu Huang to the point of being forced to kill his friend's brother, Uncle Liu Huang was hypocritical and modest, and said a lot of nonsense that had nothing to do with Tao Ying, so he led Zhang Fei and Guan Yu, who were almost drunk, to say goodbye and leave, and rushed to Mi Mansion to meet Mi Zhu with a righteous and swaggering manner.

Uncle Liu Huang, the protagonist, is gone, and the civil and military officials of Xuzhou naturally leave one after another, and Tao Ying, who is only the second son of the lord, does not dare to slack off, and personally sends these future lackeys out of the gate one by one, and tosses for half an hour before basically asking these plague gods to leave. But Chen Jue's father and son and Lu Su did not leave with everyone, until there were only three of them left in the hall, Tao Ying returned to the hall exhausted, and Lu Su smiled at Tao Ying: "Childe, I really sweated for you just now, this Xuande Gong is really good, every word contains evil intentions, and the words are extremely high-sounding, fortunately, the son is wise and has no plan." ”

"So-so." Tao Ying, who was really tired, sat next to Lu Su, picked up the residual wine on Lu Su's case and drank it with his head, and said vaguely while moistening his already somewhat hoarse throat: "But I'm still worried, this Xuande Gong promised to maintain the status quo, and he promised too happily, and he was only afraid of fraud." ”

"The old man and the dog stayed, just to remind the son of this." Chen Jue said slowly: "Xuande Gong is the hero of the world, and he is by no means a long-term resident, and it is impossible to willingly guard the door for my five counties in Xuzhou, take care of the family and the hospital. ”

"Han Yugong, the younger generation has long wanted to send away this plague god." Tao Ying helplessly spread his hands and replied: "But there is no suitable excuse, this Xuande Gong did save our five counties in Xuzhou, and drove him away for no reason, who would dare to help us if Xuzhou is in danger again in the future?" ”

"There's no excuse, you can find an excuse." Chen Deng smiled and said: "With the talent of the son, can't he create an excuse to send Xuande Gong away justifiably and justifiably?" ”

"Don't dare to deceive Brother Yuanlong, I've racked my brains." Tao Ying pointed to his head and said with a wry smile: "I have thought of more than a hundred ideas to send the plague god, but none of them can create a suitable excuse to send this plague god away...... Hey? ”

Speaking of this, our Deputy Director Tao suddenly stopped, with a nervous look on his face, Lu Su and Chen Qi's father and son were all in the same place, and they hurriedly asked together: "Childe, what's wrong?" ”

With a "bang", Deputy Director Tao slapped his palm on Lu Su's desk, gritted his teeth and said, "It's not good!" I've been tricked! I gave the big-eared thief an excuse so that he could bring Lu Bu, the bigger plague god, closer to Xuzhou to stir up the situation, and force me into a dilemma! Big-eared thief, you're so fucking ruthless! Your immoral idea, from the moment you say it, you are not afraid that I will not be tricked! ”

"Childe, are you worried that Liu Bei will sow discord between you and Lu Bu?" Chen Deng asked nervously: "Tell Lu Bu your evaluation of Lu Bu, son, to Lu Bu, the villain angered him, and then took the opportunity to instigate Lu Bu to enter Xuzhou to seek revenge on you?" ”

"Nope! The big-eared thief will never sow discord so directly, which is not only bad for the reputation of the big-eared thief, but also easy to be recognized! Tao Ying waved his hand, his head was quickly calculated, and he said in a gloomy voice: "If I am Liu Bei's big-eared thief, if I want to pull Lu Bu, the plague god, into Xuzhou, I will first send a messenger to communicate with Lu Bu and ask Liu Beijun to form an alliance with Lu Bujun to fight against Cao!" ”