Chapter 232: Divide the Cake
This was the first time Liu Feng saw Cao Cao in such a panic. He was quite angry and resentful, mixed with a little fear.
"Where did Uncle Shi get the news? When did it happen?"
Liu Feng was quite calm. First of all, it was impossible for Yuan Shao, whom he was familiar with, to really come to greet the emperor. For Liu Feng, it is better to doubt the reliability of Cao Cao's news than to doubt Yuan Shao's intention.
Secondly, even if Yuan Shao really comes, it may not be a bad thing.
Just looking at Cao Cao's reaction now, we know that his little brother has been suffering from Yuan Shao for a long time.
Apart from Cao Cao, is Zhang Yang really loyal to Yuan Shao? One-third of Hanoi is controlled by Yuan Shao, otherwise Yuan Shao would not be able to sleep well in Yecheng.
If Yuan Shao really dares to come, the emperor will have to blow up his hair first.
Maybe in the end the emperor did not welcome him, but instead welcomed an anti-Yuan Shao alliance.
Cao Cao calmed down, sat in front of Liu Feng, and replied: "The news just came from Hanoi. At the beginning of this month, Guo Tu commanded five thousand troops, crossed the border, and stationed in Ji. County.”
Liu Feng secretly lamented Yuan Shao's influence in this era. He just stretched his arms slightly, and Cao Cao was frightened.
"Uncle Shi, I think Guo Tu may not be here for the emperor."
After listening to this, Liu Feng gave an unexpected answer.
Hearing the words, Cao Cao suddenly became energetic: "Oh, how can I say this."
Liu Feng did not speak. After the servants finished serving tea and left, he spoke again: "Guo Gongze is the confidant of General You. At the end of last year, he had already led five thousand troops out of Yecheng to respond to the northward movement of King Qin's army in Guandong. But at the beginning of this month, he was still at the border of Hanoi, not even at the border of the state. Crossing over, why does Uncle Shi think it is?”
Cao Cao came to his senses.
He also knew that Yecheng was less than ten miles away from the border of Hanoi, so Yuan Shao had already effectively controlled the small half of Hanoi that relied on Jizhou.
Since Ji County, five counties including Gong County, Chaoge County, Dangyin County, and Linli County have been occupied by Yuan Shao's people for a long time, and Zhang Yang can't control them at all.
But even so, Guo Tu was stunned and did not dare to cross the state border even half a step. This move was indeed extremely strange.
If you really want to wait and see, wouldn't it be more convenient to station in Ji County like now?
The only explanation is that Yuan Shao did not want Guo Tu to cross the border.
Yuan Shao even suppressed Guo Tu when he crossed the border. How much thought could he have about welcoming the emperor?
After realizing this, Cao Cao gradually calmed down. He glanced at Liu Feng with a complicated expression. Thinking of his gaffe just now and Liu Feng's composure, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart. , Big Er really gave birth to a good son.
After Cao Cao pondered for a moment, he asked: "If this is the case, then why did Guo Tu cross the border again at the beginning?"
"Uncle Shi is testing me?"
Liu Feng replied with a smile: "If this was the intention of the right general, how could Guo Gongze stay in Jixian."
Cao Cao nodded slowly when he heard this.
Just as Liu Feng said, if Yuan Shao was moved, Guo Gongze should march straight in. At the worst, he should enter Zhi County. He hesitated and marched dozens of miles and stationed in Jixian County. How can the critical moment be compared with entering Zhi County?
Zhi County is a key point that can block the connection between Hedong and Hanoi.
Cao Cao nodded and added: "It seems that it is Guo Gongze's own wish to enter Jixian County."
"Uncle Shi, thank you."
Liu Feng nodded: "My nephew has the same view."
Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief when he realized that Yuan Shao did not move westward to snatch the emperor.
For him, the bottom line in his heart is that the emperor must not give it to Yuan Shao.
The emperor can offer it in Luoyang, or he can relocate it to Yingchuan as discussed with Xuzhou, or he can even give it to Xuzhou completely, but he cannot let Yuan Shao snatch it away.
Cao Cao's mind was very clear. Regardless of the potential risks and crises involved in serving the emperor and not obeying his ministers, the combination of the emperor and Yuan Shao was really scary.
He believed that Xuzhou also meant this, otherwise Liu Feng would not have been so calm just now.
After calming down, Cao Cao realized that Liu Feng's calmness was not only seeing through the actions of Yuan Shao and Guo Tu, but also preparing for the worst.
This means that Xuzhou is not willing to go to war with Hebei for the sake of the emperor.
This is undoubtedly good news for Cao Cao.
"Since Uncle Shi is here, my nephew happens to have some things to ask Uncle Shi."
Liu Feng said seriously: "Now that the emperor has arrived among our retinue, he is about to return to the east. After the emperor takes his throne, I wonder if Uncle Shi has considered this matter."
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes and was secretly stunned. Did Liu Bei even give such authority to this kid?
After a moment of silence, Cao Cao asked tentatively: "What do you think?"
Liu Feng smiled and said: "I intend to make Uncle Shi a general, what do you think of Uncle Shi?" ?”
"Don't be ridiculous."
Cao Cao's heart suddenly moved, but he forced himself to refute: "How could I dare to covet this position?"
The position of general is among the most important. The two Han Dynasties had extremely important power and status, especially the Eastern Han Dynasty, which was the symbol of the second person in the world, ranking above the Three Dukes and having the power to assist the government.
Cao Cao said that he did not dare to covet this position, but in his heart he was really greedy.
Historically, Cao Cao couldn't help but give it a try, serving as a general himself, and then conferring Yuan Shao the title of Taiwei.
As a result, Yuan Shao was furious and refused to be granted the title.
Cao Cao had no choice but to resign as general in embarrassment and transfer his title to Yuan Shao. He himself became a chariot and cavalry general and took control of the government.
Many people think this is because Cao Cao is pragmatic and pursues emptiness, not paying attention to false reputation but focusing on real power. Yuan Shao, on the other hand, abandoned reality and only wanted the false reputation of a general, but did not hold on to the emperor tightly.
In fact, this view is wrong.
The Emperor is already in the hands of Cao Cao. Unless Yuan Shao immediately raises his troops south to compete with Cao Cao, the title of general is the best way to check and balance Cao Cao.
Moreover, at that time, Yuan Shao's operation was almost killing three birds with one stone.
First, he has obtained the general, has the power of auxiliary power, can open a government and set up private subordinates, and has the right to defy the imperial court.
Second, Cao Cao was completely fooled and Cao Cao's reputation plummeted. He had to give up the title of General just because Yuan Shao was angry. Cao Cao's reputation was simply stepped into the ground by Yuan Shao.
Third, it showed its muscles and showed that although the emperor was not in his own hands, he still had a huge influence on the government.
It can be said that the title of general once screwed Cao Cao so badly that he would rather take the prime minister out of the old papers than stop being a general.
In fact, at that time, Cao Cao married several of his daughters to Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, and one of them became a queen.
It is most appropriate for Cao Cao to serve as general at this time.
But Cao Cao decided not to do it, probably because it made Yuan Shao so disgusted in the first place.
"Uncle Shi, my nephew is not joking."
Liu Feng said seriously: "If Uncle Shi comes to serve as this general, I, Xuzhou, will support it."
Cao Cao only felt that his heart was beating a little fast, so that he was a little dry: "My dear nephew, don't be ridiculous. Brother Benchu is in Hebei, with many soldiers, generals, and advisors like rain. How can he sit back and watch me wait for a while?" "
Liu Feng said: "General You is indeed a big problem. He is definitely eyeing the position of general and will never give up lightly."
Liu Feng's words disappointed Cao Cao.
Unknowingly, Cao Cao's emotions had aroused Liu Feng's excitement.
This is not because Liu Feng is smarter than Cao Cao, nor is it that he is smarter than Cao Cao.
In fact, Cao Cao had something to ask for, and the information between the two parties was not equal. Coupled with the importance of the position of general, Cao Cao couldn't help but be obsessed with it.
But even so, Cao Cao still tried to calm down and said: "In my opinion, Brother Benchu is bound to win against the general. I really can't compete with him. Don't provoke me, kid."
Cao Cao was talking about Liu Feng's provocation, but there was not much anger on his expression, which showed that he was actually looking forward to the provocation.
"Uncle Shi, why did you humiliate me so much?"
Liu Feng cried out: "In that case, Uncle Shi should allow me to explain carefully. If what my nephew said is true, Uncle Shi Dare you take a gamble?”
"Oh?"
Liu Feng's words made Cao Cao very interested: "What do you have to say? Say it quickly. If you have something to say, I will reward you heavily!"
< br>"Good! Uncle Shi's prize is already in my nephew's bag."
Liu Feng clapped his hands and smiled and said: "Uncle Shi, the right general covets the position of general for no reason. The name actually means that he does not want to be subordinated to others. Therefore, as long as we start from this point, the position of general must belong to Uncle Shi. That's the truth.
For Yuan Shao, it doesn't matter what the official position is. The important thing is that it cannot be below you, Cao Cao.
Cao Cao suddenly thought of something and said tentatively: "You mean..."
"That's right! It's the job of the Great Sima!"
Liu Feng sneered and said: "Li Jue, a rebellious minister and a traitor, how can he be in this position? My nephew can ask the emperor to remove Li Jue, and he can give the post of Grand Sima to the right general."
The Great Sima was originally one with the General, but later it was gradually split into two positions. The famous sage Wang Mang once held this position.
In the Han family system, the Great Sima is second only to the Taifu, slightly higher than the General, and has the power to assist the government.
After the founding of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Wu Han was once worshiped as Da Sima by Liu Xiu. After Wu Han's death, Liu Xiu took the opportunity to cancel this position.
From this day on, until He Jin died and Dong Zhuo took charge of the government, Da Sima was dug out and presented to Liu Yu, the shepherd of Youzhou.
After the civil strife in Liangzhou became fierce, Li Jue forced Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty to grant him the title of Grand Sima, a title he has held until now.
At this point, Cao Cao understood all Liu Feng's thoughts. After careful consideration, he felt that what the other party said was very reasonable and feasible.
However, there is one last point that Cao Cao did not figure out.
That's what Liu Feng did after doing so much, what did he want.
However, Cao Cao did not ask directly, but laughed loudly and said: "The younger generation is to be feared, the younger generation is to be feared!"
"I have a famous horse named Jueying, which is a good horse from Dawan. , is extremely fast and has the appearance of disappearing, so it is called Jueying.”
At this point, Cao Cao stretched out his hand and tapped Liu Feng: "Today, if Cao Cao is willing to admit defeat, I will give you this horse as a gift. I just don't know what other rewards my nephew wants besides this horse."
Liu Feng was a little surprised. Isn't this one of the famous Three Sages?
Cao Cao was quite generous and actually gave Jueying directly to Liu Feng.
Liu Feng is quite satisfied with this reward.
As for the last half of the sentence, it obviously means something.
Regardless, Liu Feng had no intention of hiding anything, so he said directly: "Uncle Shi, you are the general, and my father is willing to assist you as a hussar."
Cao Cao nodded, this is Something to be expected.
Yuan Shao has become the Grand Sima, he, Cao Cao, has become the Grand General, and Liu Bei doesn’t have the title of Three Dukes General, so how can they serve together in the future?
Moreover, General Hussar is a general of the Three Lords. Not only is he superior to the Three Lords, but he also naturally has the authority to open a government office, so there is no need for additional supplements. At the same time, he cannot get away with the matter of recording a minister.
This is only the most basic requirement and is not enough to reward merit.
"The Governor of Guo can be the Third Duke."
Liu Feng then put forward a second condition, which was to ask for an official position for Guo Gong, and he was the Third Duke as soon as he opened his mouth.
Cao Cao pondered for a moment: "Sikong or Situ, you can choose to settle in one of them."
Liu Feng followed Tu Qiongdagger and said: "My family still needs the three states of Yu, Xu and Yang. "
Cao Cao shook his head directly: "Impossible, Yu and Xu can. Liu Yao, the governor of Yangzhou, has no fault. How can he be dismissed? The situation in Yangzhou is chaotic. Removing Liu Yao at this time is useless. Let Yuan Shu be proud of you.”
Cao Cao coveted Yuzhou very much. How could he get a piece of meat and make Liu Bei swallow it all in one breath?
Cao Cao is not really unwilling to give Yangzhou state rights. Liu Bei and Liu Feng have no problem if they want Yangzhou, but you have to exchange the territory of Yuzhou.
Liu Feng raised two fingers: "Yingchuan, Hanoi."
Cao Cao clicked his tongue and counter-offered: "Add Liang Guo."
" Uncle Shi is too greedy.”
Liu Feng shook his head and refused: "It is absolutely impossible for Liang Guo. The most I can do is hand over Chen Guo to you."
In fact, even Liu Feng of Yingchuan doesn't want to give it to him. Who doesn't want the intact Yuzhou?
But since we want to push Cao Cao to compete with Yuan Shao, and at least make Yuan Shao fearful, then Cao Cao's strength cannot be too weak.
At the same time, if Yingchuan is not given to Cao Cao, the emperor will not be able to stand at all. When the time comes, he will go straight to Xuzhou, which will disrupt his overall plan.
"Chen Guo..."
Cao Cao weighed it up. In terms of sheer size, Chen Guo was similar to Liang Guo, but its position was not as important as Liang Guo's.
But precisely because of the important position of Liang Guo, he also knew that Xuzhou would never give it to Liang Guo if possible.
"Okay, let's go to Chen Guo."
Both parties had made a verbal agreement before and divided their spheres of influence.
But this time the partition was obviously more formal and involved the center of the imperial court, so Cao Cao did not treat Liu Feng as a child at all, but was extremely serious about spending every penny.
Cao Cao nodded in agreement, and then asked: "What else does the wise nephew want? Yuzhou Mu can give it immediately, and when the emperor returns east to Luoyang, I can go to the palace to express his gratitude. But Yangzhou has to wait a little longer. I want Xian Nephew, you also need time to arrange, right? "
Cao Cao's words are indeed true. Transferring Liu Yao now will only benefit Yuan Shu... No, to be more precise, it will benefit Sun Ce.
After the Xuzhou army is ready, he will be given the title of Yangzhou governor, and at the same time, he will be given the title of prefect of the two counties in Jiangbei.
Liu Feng is confident that he will destroy Yuan Shu within two years.
After all, no one knows that Liu Feng still has reinforcements for the drought.
Facing Cao Cao's question, Liu Feng also stated his next request: "General Zhendong, lead the governor of Xuzhou."
Cao Cao was not General Zhendong at this time. This title was historically for him to welcome the emperor. After arriving in Luoyang, the Yingchuan Yellow Turban was swept away and then sealed. It is currently vacant.
Although this position is not as good as that of the Three Dukes General, nor is it a regular general with an important title, it is considered to be relatively high among the miscellaneous generals. Coupled with the provincial governor, this can be regarded as the standard for the most trusted ministers under the princes. match.
Liu Bei's power has expanded to four states, and there are three states that can control state power. However, Liu Bei alone cannot directly govern the three states.
So when Liu Bei opened the palace of the Hussars General, he could also start to divide the important ministers to govern the states.
Moreover, the governor and the governor are enemies, so there is no need to worry about the governor being too powerful, and the general can command the military, which can be said to complement each other.
Liu Feng’s plan was prepared for the second master and Chen Deng.
History has proven Er Ye’s loyalty and ability, and he deserves this treatment.
Therefore, Liu Feng planned to let his father lead Yuzhou Mu as a hussar general and guard the Central Plains, while his second master would lead the Xuzhou governor as Zhendong general and guard Xuzhou.
The governor of Yangzhou was left to Chen Deng. It was Liu Feng's long-awaited plan for Xuzhou scholars to go south to Jianghuai.
Use people from Xu to fill the territory of Yang, people from Yu to fill the territory of Xu, and people from Yang to enter the Central Plains.
There are several advantages to promoting Chen Deng as the governor of Yangzhou. First, Chen Deng is the first descendant of the noble family to support Liu Bei, which is an irreplaceable weathervane.
Second, Chen Deng himself was extremely admiring and loyal to Liu Bei, and it was quite worth investing in him as the governor of Yangzhou.
Thirdly, there are already two governors in Yangzhou in the hands of Liu Bei, Danyang is in the hands of the Zhou family, Kuaiji County has Wang Lang, a famous scholar in Xuzhou, and Xu Gong in Wu County is still a local leader with a large number of followers. .
Therefore, the space left for Chen Deng to expand his power in Yangzhou is actually quite small. Moreover, there is Yuzhou, led by Liu Bei, and Xuzhou, controlled by Guan Yu. There is almost no risk of Yangzhou losing control.
As a result, Liu Feng seemed to have gained nothing, and he was purely on this journey to the King of Qin for Guan Yu and Chen Deng.
But in fact, Liu Feng is too young, so it is not a good thing to rush to the position.
Besides, Liu Bei was only thirty-five years old, which was the period of his rise as a politician, and historically Liu Bei could live to be at least sixty years old. As long as nothing unexpected happened, Liu Feng would have plenty of time to take over step by step.
Therefore, for Liu Feng, establishing and continuously expanding his team while improving his influence are the most important key points, rather than rushing to the top.
Liu Feng positioned himself as a general, and at the same time he had to try his best to gain the authority to open a government.
In this way, he could appoint his personal subordinates openly and honestly, and these people were all his subordinates under Liu Feng's personal conquest. According to the Han Dynasty system, they were required to be personally loyal to Liu Feng.
"Okay."
After thinking about it, Cao Cao nodded in agreement.
Although Cao Cao seems to be easy to talk to, he is actually very calculating.
The reason why he behaved so kindly was because Liu Bei took less, and he had doubts.
There is no other way. Who asked King Qin of Guandong, Liu Bei, to send the most troops and suffer the greatest losses this time?
Even if Liu Bei really wanted to help the Han Dynasty, help the Han Dynasty, and revive the Han Dynasty, would Cao Cao believe it? Will Yuan Shao believe it?
Do you believe Guo Gong and Zhang Yang?
In this regard, Cao Cao and Liu Feng reached a preliminary consensus and confirmed the basic positions of both parties.
Both parties seemed to be unscrupulous, exchanging court names at will.
But in fact, this is really not a big deal.
For example, the four local generals of Baibo Army in Hedong and General Xingyi of Yang Feng can record the affairs of the minister and have an overview of the government.
Of the other three, any one of them has the title of General of the Four Expeditions, has the authority to open a mansion, and in the end is equipped with a state pastor as standard.
In Zhang Yang's original history, he was even so lucky that he became a prominent official such as Grand Sima.
Of course, he will never have such an opportunity again in this life.
Is it too much to ask for both Bai Bothi and Zhang Yang to be so prominent, and their strength far surpasses that of Liu Bei and Cao Cao?
(End of this chapter)