After the will was read, the hall continued to speak. Liu Cong was puzzled: "Uncle, although my father is gone, Brother Qi is still alive, why does he want to abolish Chang Liyu?"

Cai Mao said: "Ling Zun believes that Liu Qi has no virtue and no talent, and is not qualified for the post of state lord; ”

"But I'm still a child!" Although Liu Cong is young, he has a quick mind and is good at observing things. Intuitively, he thought that there was something wrong with this will, and if his father really wanted to make him the governor of the state, why didn't he summon him to meet in advance, but directly made a will and let Cai Mao read it in public?

"You are smart by nature, and with our support, you will definitely be able to do this job. Cai Mao encouraged him.

Liu Cong shook his head and said, "I don't think it's appropriate." Although my father is dead, Brother Qi is now in Jiangxia, and my uncle Liu Bei is now in Xinye, and they are full of troops, if they ask for guilt, what should I do?"

Cai Mao said: "This is Ling Zun's last order, I don't expect them to come nonsense, besides, Xiangyang's troops are sufficient, even if they want to rebel, I will raise troops to suppress it, please rest assured." ”

"What if they question the authenticity of the will?" Liu Cong is indeed smart and hits the nail on the head.

"This ......" Cai Mao was speechless for a while.

The shogun, Lee Gyu, said: "I think the second son is reasonable. According to the foolish opinion, it is the best policy to immediately send an obituary to Jiangxia and Xinye, and ask the eldest prince to succeed the governor and Liu Bei to serve as the director. In this way, the north can reject Cao Cao, and the south can enemy Sun Quan. ”

Cai Mao shouted: "Li Gui, you dare to talk nonsense here! The new lord is here, and you actually call him the second son? The will makes it very clear that you dare to have objections to the appointment of the second son, Liu Cong, as the state lord, do you want to rebel?"

Li Gui was also furious, and scolded him: "Cai Mao, I have long seen that you are not pleasing to the eye, and you are a thief and a rat-eyed person, and at first glance you are a traitor and a great evil! I suspect that this will was forged by you, and the purpose is to seek power and power and boost your power in Jingzhou, so that one day you can also ascend the throne of the state lord! You are the rebel!"

"You..."Cai Mao was so angry that he smoked, "Come on, drag him out and behead him!"

Zhang Yun ordered someone to escort Li Gui down. Lee Gyu was escorted out by the guards and shouted and cursed all the way.

Cai Mao said: "Lord, this person is deceiving the public, you must not kill him, you must not take his words to heart." ”

Liu Cong nodded, but began to be suspicious in his heart.

Cai Mao sent Deng Xi and Liu Xian to the counties near Xiangyang to station in the counties near Xiangyang on the same day to prevent Liu Bei and Liu Qi from rebelling.

That night, Liu Cong asked his mother about the will. Mrs. Cai said: "Cong'er, don't worry, your father's will is true, and I was also present at the time. Although your brother Qi is older, he is inferior to you in terms of intelligence, insight and other aspects. Your father's choice is right, and you are truly worthy of the position of state lord. ”

"Then today Li Gui said that his uncle wants to be the state lord in the future, is it true?"

"This man is talking nonsense, so he will be killed. You are my son, De Jue (Cai Mao's character) is my brother, and for me, you are the dearest. At all times, the interests of both mother and son are aligned. I grew up watching, and I know his character best, he is not that kind of person, at least he doesn't dare to show it in front of me. What you have to do now is to seize this opportunity and learn how to govern the state well, only if you cultivate your internal strength well, no one will be able to drive you away. Within a few years, you will grow up, and your position will be strengthened, and you will be more comfortable in governing. Mother will definitely support you well, don't worry. ”

Liu Cong nodded suspiciously, but was always worried.

The next day, the state government received a letter saying that Cao's army had arrived in Wancheng and would soon arrive in Xiangyang. Liu Cong was shocked, and hurriedly gathered everyone to discuss countermeasures, and asked everyone for advice: "Originally, I was afraid that Brother Qi and Uncle Liu Beixing would ask for guilt, but now Cao Cao has come, what should I do?"

Cai Mao said: "Not long ago, I received a report from Xinye, saying that Liu Bei had led the army and people to evacuate Xinye and settle down in Fancheng in order to prevent Cao Cao from being wiped out; Don't panic, I have a plan, which can not only protect the lord's name, but also protect the people of Jingxiang. ”

"Oh, what's the plan?" Liu Cong was overjoyed.

"Dedicate Jingzhou to Cao Cao. Cai Mao said something earth-shattering.

"Ridiculous!" Liu Cong was furious, "My father usually treats you well, and now that his bones are not cold, you will have to give up the foundation he has worked hard for several years! I will never let you do this!"

"Lord, please listen to me. Cai Mao paused and said, "Jingzhou was originally the land of the Han Dynasty, and Cao Cao's southern expedition was in the name of the Son of Heaven to expropriate the lost land and return Jingzhou to the imperial court, which is not inappropriate; if we refuse, it will be tantamount to opposing the imperial court, and the name is not right; besides, Cao's army is so powerful that our army is like a grasshopper shaking a tree." In addition, the lord has just taken office, and the people's will is unstable, and if he resists strongly, he will undoubtedly seek his own death. "Stay in the green mountains, even if there is no firewood", please think twice. ”

Liu Cong listened and was silent. He had long expected that Cai Mao was not very reassuring, but he didn't expect him to behave so excessively.

Kuai Yue said: "General Cai is reasonable. Cao Jun's soldiers are fierce, repeatedly set records, and have defeated famous generals such as Lu Bu, Yuan Shao, and Wu Huan Touch, and we are fighting with them, which is tantamount to blocking the car with the mantis arm; In addition, the new death of the lord of Liu Biao, and many people in Jingzhou are dissatisfied with the lord, which can be described as internal and external troubles. The Lord should make a wise choice quickly!"

Cai Mao added fuel and vinegar and said: "Yes, if the lord doesn't make a decision, Cao Jun's iron hooves will step into Xiangyang!"

Liu Cong knew that he was unable to support the overall situation, so he had to sigh and say: "I'm still young, and I don't have any experience in this area, so let General Cai call the shots." ”

Cai Mao thanked him: "Thank you, lord." Then it was decided, and Jingzhou was dedicated to Cao Cao, one to protect the lord, and the other to protect the people, killing two birds with one stone. ”

When Liu Cong heard this, he felt very uncomfortable, thinking that his father's inheritance would be cut off in his hands, and he suddenly felt shameless to face his ancestors.

Cai Mao asked everyone if they had any objections, and everyone agreed, but no one dared to say nothing.

Liu Cong said: "This matter must be reported to my mother. ”

Before the words fell, Mrs. Cai turned out from behind the screen and said, "No need, I heard everything, just do what General Cai wants, I am a woman's family, and I have no opinion." ”

Cai Mao said: "Then ask the lord to sketch the book." ”

Liu Cong didn't expect his mother to finish his words of encouragement last night, and today he agreed to let him give Jingzhou away, which is really too contrasting, but in desperation, he had to write a letter against his will and let Cai Mao take it to Cao Cao. He didn't expect that he would encounter this kind of thing as soon as he took the throne, not only could he not make the decision, but his subordinates were also insensitive, and no one dared to oppose it—they were unwilling to follow in Li Gui's footsteps.

Cai Mao drove his horse to Wancheng, entered Cao Cao, and presented a letter of surrender. Cao Cao was overjoyed after reading it, rewarded him again, and said that he would go to Xiangyang tomorrow to meet the lord of Xinzhou in person.

Cai Mao returned to Xiangyang and talked about the past. Mrs. Cai said, "Then let's go out of the city early tomorrow morning to meet him." ”

The next morning, Liu Cong and his colleagues burned incense under the city gate to greet them. Soon, Cao Cao came with a team of men.

Liu Cong said: "The prime minister came from afar, and we failed to wash the dust for the prime minister, which is really unwelcome." I respectfully invite the Prime Minister into the city. ”

Cao Cao smiled solemnly: "Liu Gongzi is a talent, and the position of state lord is well-deserved!"

"The prime minister has won the award, let's go to the house first. Liu Cong had no intention of being praised at the moment.

Cao Cao followed Liu Cong to the state capital and entered the lobby. Liu Cong personally handed over the state seal to him, and invited him to the throne, saying: "I have dedicated this state to the prime minister, and this position should be reserved for the prime minister to sit." ”

Cao Cao sat down unceremoniously, deliberately put the state seal aside, and said: "Don't get me wrong, Gongzi Liu, in fact, the old man's southern expedition this time is aimed at crusading against Liu Bei, and he does not intend to fight with you for land. Liu Gongzi took the initiative to offer the city and county, and the old man was grateful. After the old man returns to Xuchang, he will play the Son of Heaven and ensure that you will always be the lord of Jingzhou. ”

"Prime Minister Xie. Liu Cong symbolically bowed to show his gratitude.

Cao Cao motioned for exemption and asked, "Where is Ling Zun's coffin buried?" ”

"My father's tomb is just outside the city in the Eastern Han Dynasty. ”

"Well, after the old man cleans up Liu Bei, he must go to worship. ”

"Xie Cheng is relative to his father's heart. Liu Cong knew that he was hypocritical, but he could only pretend to appreciate it.

"The prime minister's presence in person is really a blessing for Benzhou!" Mrs. Cai also flattered on the side.

"Haha, Madam is really good at talking!" Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled, "The old man went out on this expedition only to eradicate the alien party on the order of the Son of Heaven, as long as it is a person related to Liu Bei, I will kill him." I hope you don't mind, the old man just doesn't want to leave any trouble. ”

Cao Cao's words made everyone present tremble, and the next person in the hall was quietly leaving.

Cai Mao said: "Prime Minister, I heard that Liu Bei has given up Xinye and led the army and civilians to take refuge in Fancheng, and Xinye has become an empty city. ”

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, Liu Bei has already learned about the Prime Minister's personal recruitment, and has arranged for all the personnel to evacuate in advance. ”

"That's good, our army can divide into Xinye and then attack Liu Bei. ”

"Why is the prime minister so afraid of Liu Bei that he actually dispatched the White Tiger Team?" Cai Mao was puzzled.

"Liu Bei has a military advisor named Kong Ming, and his talent is immeasurable, and he is Zhang Liangye in the world. ”

"Could it be 'Fulong' Zhuge Liang?"

"Exactly. What the old man is really afraid of is not a single Liu Bei or Kong Ming, but the cooperation of the two. When Liu Bei got Kong Ming, it was like dry firewood encountering a blazing fire, burning more and more vigorously, and if it was not eliminated as soon as possible, it would become a great disaster in the future. ”

"The prime minister is right," Zhang Yun said, "Kong Ming is a rare strange person, such as the son of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty and Fan Li of the Spring and Autumn Period. ”

Cao Cao sighed: "It's a pity that such a good mutton was taken away by a dog." I think back then, if the old man hadn't killed Guo Jia (who was the first strategist of the Cao Army before his death) in the West Expedition, what would he be afraid of!"

With that, he burst into tears. Everyone present knew Guo Jia's name, and they all sighed.

At this time, Xu Shu was also beside him, and said: "Prime Minister don't be sad, although Guo Jia goes, there are still me, and the White Tiger Team, even if Kong Ming has three heads and six arms, don't worry." ”

Cao Cao wiped away his tears and said, "Yes, with you here, the old man is not afraid of anything!"

He stood up and said to everyone: "I, Cao Mengde, have been ordered by the Son of Heaven to march south, and I am here to crusade against the rebel Liu Bei, I hope you can help me to annihilate Liu Jun and repay the favor of the court!"

"We will swear to help the prime minister to clean up the chaotic party!" everyone except Liu Cong said in unison.

Liu Cong was in a state of confusion at the moment, his home was handed over to the Han thief, and his uncle was facing a crisis of chasing and killing, he really didn't know what to do. He thought that it would be good if his father entrusted the inheritance to his uncle, but now that he is on the throne, he can neither save his home nor save his uncle, so how can he feel at ease!

After the meeting, Cao Cao said goodbye to Liu Cong and returned to Wancheng to discuss the next step.

Xu Shu asked, "When does the prime minister plan to send troops?"

"Tomorrow morning, the troops will be dispatched. The army is tired from afar, so it can rest in the city for one night, and then camp in Xinye tomorrow morning, and then attack Fancheng. Without further ado, we must fight a quick battle!" Cao Cao was well aware of the truth that "soldiers are noble and swift," but at the same time, he also understood that the march should not be carried out in a hurry, otherwise the speed of the march would not be achieved.

Xu Shu said: "I estimate that the other party has already set up an ambush in Bowangpo, and our army must be careful." ”

"The old man had already expected it, so the speed of the march should not be too fast, nor too slow. Cao Cao said to the generals.

"Yes!" the generals replied in unison.

Cao Cao ordered the fierce general Xu Chu to lead 3,000 troops as the vanguard and take the lead; the first and second teams followed closely with the vanguard and set off from the main road to Bowang and then to Xinye; the third team set off from the small road to Xinye, rested in the private houses, and met the front army; and the fourth and fifth teams stayed in Wancheng.

Zhiming was busy arranging a day's work, and he could finally rest for a while. He asked the team members to stop and rest, and then sat on the stone bench with Xiao Song and chatted.

Zhiming asked: "Jing Heng (Xiao Song's character), when did you start joining the army, do you regret it?"

Xiao Chung smiled bitterly and said, "I can't talk about regret, I just let others down." I originally had a partner, who was planning to get married in the countryside, and then the army came to the village to recruit soldiers, and I could have escaped, but when I heard that it was Uncle Liu's army, I joined without hesitation, ignoring her feelings. Later, she left her hometown in a fit of rage, and I heard that she went to Xuchang and became a Fengyue woman, just to forget me. ”

"Could it be her?" Zhiming remembered the melancholy woman he had seen in front of Xuchang Cuixiang Building.

"General Lei, you should have seen her, her name is Xiaoyun, she came to the barracks to look for me before, we happened to meet you when we went to dinner, and we said hello. Do you remember?"

Zhiming finally remembered, nodded and said, "Hmm." The world is unpredictable, everyone wants to live a stable life at home, but the times don't allow it. Right now, we must win this battle, otherwise we won't be able to explain to the lord and Kong Ming's military division!"