Chapter 250 The Battle of Crouching Tiger
Liu Feng took the initiative and said before Cao Cao could speak: "I have an idea that may help General Xiahou to worship Henan Yin."
"Yes. What's your idea?"
Cao Cao was delighted and urged: "A good nephew can't hide his secrets."
Liu Feng thought about it and said, "What do you think of Zhong Shizhong, general?"
"Zhong Shizhong...?"
Cao Cao murmured for a moment and then responded: "You mean Zhong Yuanchang?"
"Exactly."
Liu Feng praised Said: "Zhong Yuanchang is strong on the outside but good on the inside. He has a strong family tradition and is worthy of a heavy responsibility."
"In my opinion, Han Zhengdong really lacks the ability to govern the local area."
Liu Feng looked at Cao Cao's face and tentatively suggested: "In this case, it is better to transfer the post of Sili Xiaowei to Zhong Yuanchang, and Henan Yin to General Xiahou. As for the chariot, it can be sent to Hongnong. Serve as the prefect of Hongnong."
"This..."
Cao Cao fell into hesitation. Logically speaking, Liu Feng's proposal was not what he wanted. But the problem is that the essence of this plan is that Liu Feng takes Han Xian's Sili Xiaowei and goes to the imperial party to exchange him for the position of Henan Yin.
Not only could he not object, he also owed Liu Feng a favor, which he would have to repay in the future.
Liu Feng actually did not suffer a loss here. Han Xian's Sili Xiaowei was actually useless to Liu Feng.
Because Liu Feng will not be in the court for a long time, and he will not want to fight with Cao Cao politically, then the difference between having this sharp blade and not is not big. Moreover, this official position is now hung on Han Xian's forehead. Han Xian is currently on the outskirts of Xuzhou, clinging to Yang Feng's side and barely touching Xuzhou.
Moreover, this person is not very capable, has an impatient personality, and is reckless. If Liu Feng doesn't care about him, his position as Sili Xiaowei will definitely be given away in vain.
Since you can’t keep it sooner or later, why not make a deal and let both the Imperial Party and Cao Party owe you a favor?
"Okay, then Lao Zisheng will take care of it."
Cao Cao is Cao Cao after all. Although he was a little hesitant, he quickly made a decision.
Although Henan Yin's power was smaller than that of Qi Sili Xiaowei, it was still an equally important position for Cao Cao. To describe it simply, Captain Sili is the sword of attack, while Yin of Henan is the shield of defense.
As long as Xiahou Dun can take the position of Henan Yin, then Cao Cao will not have to worry about his safety in Luozhong.
If there was a choice, then Cao Cao would naturally want to have them all. Taking a step back, it would be a better choice to have Sili Xiaowei. After all, if you have a sword, you can grab the shield, but who can't choose between these two? Woolen cloth.
With Henan Yin, there is finally nothing left to gain.
“By the way, there is another matter that is urgent and I need your help, Zisheng.”
Cao Cao suddenly remembered something and said seriously: "Earlier, you and I expressed Brother Benchu's request to pay homage to the Great Sima, but the emperor has not approved it. This matter is very difficult. Does Zisheng have a solution?"
Cao Cao just received a letter from Yuan Shao in the past few days. For the first time, he did not reprimand or admonish. Instead, he affirmed Cao Cao's achievements in a gentle voice and asked him to help appease Liu Bei and allow the recommendation to be approved.
Cao Cao regretted it after receiving the letter.
Yuan Shao has always regarded him as his close younger brother, so he often criticizes him directly in his letters, which is not very polite. Now being so polite suddenly put a lot of pressure on Cao Cao, which obviously meant that he must succeed.
Of course Cao Cao didn't know that the nephew sitting opposite him also had a share of credit, and the nephew couldn't escape either. The letter sent to Suiyang of Liang Kingdom had been read by Liu Bei. Liu Bei's letter is on its way to Luoyang.
Fortunately, when Liu Feng used Liu Bei's name to dig a hole for Cao Cao, he sent a letter to Liang Guo to explain. Otherwise, when Liu Bei received Yuan Shao's letter, he would have been confused and had no idea what Yuan Shao was talking about.
"Uncle, this matter is indeed a bit tricky. The emperor won't allow it. What can I do?"
Liu Feng also felt a little guilty, and he probably guessed that Yuan Shao must also write to his father. Believed.
While turning around, Liu Feng secretly looked at Cao Cao's expression.
Judging from the other party's expression, it seemed as if he didn't know about the black case that he had secretly sued under the guise of his father's name.
Cao Cao said with a natural expression: "In my opinion, it is better for the two of us to mobilize all the ministers to report together this time, and we must let the matter pass. Otherwise, it will be difficult for Brother Benchu to explain."
There is something in Cao Cao's words. They are both foreign ministers. They are new to the country. What ministers can they mobilize?
Those who can listen to them are obviously warriors. Widow Cao wants to set rules for the little emperor.
Liu Feng thought carefully for a while and felt that there was something going on in this matter, and Yuan Shao would have to let him become the Great Sima sooner or later, otherwise this guy would definitely suffer all kinds of troubles.
This is a critical period for Xuzhou's vigorous development. Yuan Shaonan cannot be allowed to come and cause trouble, affecting the pace of Xuzhou's expansion.
Moreover, Cao Cao was so tormented, this is not what his father often said: Cao Cao uses violence, and I use benevolence; Cao Cao uses cunning, and I use loyalty; every time I go against Cao Cao, things will be successful.
Liu Feng agreed: "In that case, my nephew is willing to follow my uncle."
Cao Cao was overjoyed and entertained Liu Feng at a banquet that day, which didn't come to an end until dusk was already deep.
The next day, Liu Feng went directly to Zhong Yao.
The two were now considered acquaintances, and Liu Feng kept sending gifts.
At this time, everything was lacking in Luoyang City.
If it weren’t for Liu Feng, a philanthropic relative and friend, Zhong Yao might not have been able to eat enough for every meal, let alone use snow salt at home.
Zhong Yao is quite grateful to Liu Feng, and he is also quite close to him.
Zhong Yao is a famous scholar in Yingchuan. He is a descendant of the Zhong family among the four major local noble families. He seems to be the same generation as Xun Yu and Chen Qun, but in fact he is much older and has an official position. The road is also more tortuous.
Of course, this twist and turn does not come from the officialdom, but is caused by the times.
When Zhong Yao promoted the Central Committee, it was the period when the struggle between He Jin and the eunuchs was intensifying. This was followed by Dong Zhuo's entry into the capital, deposing the new emperor, and then the eighteen princes attacked Dong, Dong Zhuo moved the capital, Wang Yun executed Dong, and Jia Xu rebelled. Han, finally the emperor returned eastward.
In this series of events, more than one family was executed by the three princes. Even the second person in the name of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the Taifu Du clan, was executed.
It is really not easy for Zhong Yao to survive until now. What is even worse is that his marriage has been delayed and he is still a bachelor.
Hearing this, Liu Feng's heart suddenly moved, and he began to think about whether there was any reliable person under his command who still had a daughter who had not yet left the palace.
"Zisheng, it is not that I have not persuaded Yuan Jizhou's Grand Sima. Even Zhao and Guo, two of the three princes, have repeatedly spoken out. It's just that the emperor is determined to have his own way, so it may be difficult to persuade him to do so."
Zhong Yao looked at Liu Feng in front of him, feeling a little weird.
In terms of age, he can be regarded as Liu Feng's elder. He is ten years older than Liu Bei, and Liu Feng can even call him uncle.
But Liu Feng never regarded himself as a junior in front of him, and was almost a friend.
Zhong Yao was a little uncomfortable at first, but as time went by, he felt that it was good to have such a year-old friend.
After hearing Zhong Yao's words, Liu Feng nodded in agreement, and then changed the topic: "There is an opportunity at this time, but I don't know how much weight Brother Zhong has in front of the emperor."
"Oh!?"
When Zhong Yao heard this, he immediately became interested: "Brother Yu is considered quite important in front of the emperor, but I don't know if this weight is enough for what you need."
< br>Zhong Yao's words are also modest. He can be regarded as one of the top three confidants in front of the emperor, and he is trained as a backbone. This weight is very important.
Liu Feng laughed and explained: "That being the case, can the Crouching Tiger Sitting, coupled with the generals' performance, convince the Emperor?"
"Crouching Tiger" Tiger sitting?”
Zhong Yao was shocked. The Crouching Tiger Sitting was not really for a tiger to lie on, but specifically refers to Captain Sili.
In the Eastern Han Dynasty, Sili Xiaowei, Yu Shi Zhongcheng and Shangshu Ling all sat at a special table to show the emperor's favor, so it was called San Du Si. The Sili school captain had a high position and had the power to supervise the killings, so he was nicknamed Crouching Tiger.
"This..."
Zhong Yao's mind was spinning, and he was shocked and tempted by what Liu Feng said.
He is just a servant now. Although he can stay at the emperor's side for a long time, the imperial power is sluggish. Although the servant is still an important position these days, it is far less popular than it was a few decades ago. And even when it was most popular a few decades ago, Shizhong couldn't compare with Crouching Tiger.
This promotion is naturally very tempting for Zhong Yao, but it is not completely without problems.
Judging from the current situation where the military men in Luozhong are gaining power, if this Crouching Tiger does not have the support of the military strength, he will definitely be very aggrieved. Therefore, Zhong Yao's eyes shifted to Liu Feng. The other party could think of him, and he was a great prince in his own right.
Yes, in Zhong Yao's eyes, Liu Feng himself and Liu Bei have been treated separately.
Even among the emperor, Liu Feng was a local prince as important as Liu Bei.
Just watch the 30,000-strong army of the opposing commander-in-chief march south to Yingchuan. In just over half a month, the Yingchuan Yellow Turbans were wiped out.
In the court, from the emperor and the general to the three princes and nine ministers, all civil and military officials, who would still look down on Liu Feng? Who would dare to look down on Liu Feng?
Therefore, Zhong Yao must first figure out the most critical issue as a matter of urgency.
That means whether the Crouching Tiger position is for His Majesty or for Zhong Yao.
This problem seems to be the same, but the subtleties are still very different.
Zhong Yao regained his composure and said calmly: "Zisheng, what do you mean by telling me this?"
Sure enough, Liu Feng answered: "Since the Crouching Tiger's seat is free, Brother Yuanchang must be qualified to compete. In this case, how can I not help you? If you can let Brother Yuanchang get what he wants, you will definitely not forget it. "Hahahaha."
Zhong Yao laughed, pointed at Liu Feng with his right hand and said, "Zisheng, you have tens of thousands of troops in Luozhong." There are tens of thousands of crouching tigers."
Liu Feng also laughed and said, "This crouching tiger is not that crouching tiger. I will still have to trouble Brother Yuan Chang to take care of him in the future."
Zhong Yao nodded first, and then pointed out: "This position is not easy to sit in. If I go up, I won't be able to work for a long time without reliable manpower, let alone take care of you, my dear brother."
< br>Liu Feng heard the elegant meaning of Xiange and immediately said generously: "Brother Yuan Chang, what are you worried about? I have selected 500 elite soldiers from the army to serve as your personal bodyguards. I believe that everyone will give them a thumbs up." "
When Zhong Yao heard this, he was immediately overjoyed. He did not expect that Liu Feng would not only help him stand up, but would also lend him troops.
But then, Liu Feng also made a request. Not only did the emperor have to go through Cao Cao and his recommendation of Yuan Shao as Grand Sima, but he also had to agree to Xiahou Dun's appointment as Henan Yin.
In fact, these two conditions are not excessive. Sili Xiaowei is Henan Yin's immediate superior. The Emperor was originally fighting for Henan Yin, but now he has the opportunity to get the Sili Colonel. This deal is all about blood money.
"Okay."
Zhong Yao just thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "But Zi Sheng needs to give me three days, I still have some things to do."
Liu Feng understands , Zhong Yao is going to visit the bureaucrats who are closely related to him, otherwise he cannot let the military men nominate Zhong Yao as the Sili Colonel.
Besides, Xiahou Dun had to ask others to come forward to make peace with Xiahou Dun as he took over as Yin of Henan. We couldn't let Zhong Yao end everything personally.
That night, Zhong Yao visited several allies in succession.
The next day, Liu Feng entered the palace again to meet the emperor.
But this time is different from before. Liu Feng is accompanied by Han Xian, and there are many more people around the emperor, such as Taiwei Yang Biao, Situ Zhao Wen, Sikong Guogong, and Taipu Han Rong and others were by his side.
"Your Majesty, the general wants to harm me!"
As soon as he entered the palace, Han Siam knelt down with a plop and cried towards the emperor: "Please save my life! "
The Emperor Liu Xie was surprised at first, and then a mixture of nervousness, anticipation and joy came to his heart.
"Han Qing, there is no need to panic. If you have any grievances, you can tell them all."
The emperor's voice was a little high-pitched. While speaking, he also glanced at Liu Feng, who respectfully lowered his hands.
After receiving the emperor's consent, Han Xian immediately exhaled bitterness. The main statement was that Cao Cao coveted his position as Sili Xiaowei, so he framed him.
At the same time, Han Xian also admitted that he had a bad temper and his actions were very questionable. However, he believed that he was a minister of the emperor, and he deserved whatever punishment he was punished by the emperor. The general couldn't stand the trap.
The more the emperor listened, the more excited he became. He originally had a certain fondness for Han Xian and other Baibo troops, and had been trying to win over them, hoping to turn them into his team. Now he saw that Han Xian actually bowed to him, He also asked himself to stand up for him.
This is real progress.
"Why should Han Qing worry so much? The general's words may be excessive, but he is also serving the country and the people. Besides, haven't I already issued an edict to pardon your sins? Why bring up the old matter again?"
Speaking of this, the Emperor Liu Xie glanced at Liu Feng and casually said: "We are also looking for Liu Jianzhong. It should be noted that General Jianzhong has only returned to Luoyang for a few days. He has been fighting abroad for a long time, wearing armor and arms. He is exhausted and should have a good rest at this time, but you disturb his peace."
"Your Majesty treats me with kindness, and I am grateful."
Liu Feng also said at the right time: "That's not the case. The general was involved, and I didn’t dare to neglect him, so I went to the palace to see His Majesty.”
Liu Feng's attitude made the emperor Liu Xie quite satisfied, and he nodded repeatedly: "If Jianzhong has any clever ideas, please tell me." Your Majesty, will you listen to his statement?"
Liu Xie was stunned for a moment, and then he nodded: "Okay, let Han Qing explain it."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Han Xian bowed again, and then said: "Your Majesty, I am a warrior, and I have been rewarded by you. I am fortunate to be able to protect the emperor. This is my great luck. I am just a warrior. After all, he is just a border warrior who has no knowledge of government affairs and does not understand Chinese culture. His talents are insufficient. ”
Having said this, Han Xian paused for a moment, raised his voice and said: "I would like to resign from the post of Sili Xiaowei, and I sincerely ask your Majesty to choose someone more talented!"
"Han Qing, do you want to resign?"
Liu Xie was surprised again. In the past, warriors like Bai Bojun would only think that they had low official rank and few official positions. When did these people learn to be humble and aware of their own lack of talent, and to abdicate in favor of others?
"Exactly!"
Han Sianyi said sternly: "Your Majesty is so tolerant and generous to me, how can I still sit at the table? I am willing to give way to the worthy. .”
"You're talking about the vegetarian meal with corpses, right?"
Liu Xie was in a good mood, and he actually pointed out the fallacies in Han Siam's words.
Han Xian blushed. Liu Feng actually asked him to memorize these words. It took him a long time to remember them, but he didn't expect that something went wrong in the end.
Han Xian's embarrassment made Liu Xie laugh, but he quickly regained his courtesy under Yang Biao's eyes.
"I am well aware of Han Qing's heart. If this is the case, then Han Qing will be removed from the post of Sili Xiaowei."
Liu Xie continued: "I deeply appreciate Han Qing's loyalty and patriotism. Han Qing's courtesy to the virtuous will surely be passed down as a good news."
Han Xian continued to worship and said: "Your Majesty, I am so kind to you. I am very grateful.”
Liu Xie was very satisfied and felt quite satisfied for a while.
But before he could fully enjoy this strange yet refreshing feeling, Liu Feng's words broke his addiction.
“Your Majesty, the position of captain is probably quite hot.”
Liu Xie's heart trembled, and the familiar feeling seemed to have returned.
Only this time it was no longer Xiliang warriors and Bai Bojun who gave him this feeling, but the seemingly loyal and obedient Liu Feng in front of him.
Liu Xie opened his mouth and wanted to ask Liu Feng what he meant, but he opened and closed it several times, but in the end he still couldn't ask.
On the side, Taiwei Yang Biao couldn't stand it anymore. He asked a little presumptuously: "What does Liu Jianzhong mean by this? How could the official position in the imperial court become so hot?"
Liu Jianzhong asked. Feng hurriedly apologized and said: "I made a mistake, I just have a bottom line to ask the emperor to accept it."
Liu Xie also calmed down at this moment, but he still whispered unnaturally: "You can tell me exactly what Liu Qing meant."
Liu Feng looked up at the emperor and said sincerely: " What I’m worried about is the general.”
“The day before yesterday, I paid a visit to the general because of the Yingchuan incident. I was invited by the general to a banquet and wanted to ask for permission from him. He is the captain of the school, so his subordinates felt this."
Liu Feng gave Cao Cao eye drops without hesitation in front of Liu Xie.
Is there anything that would make Liu Feng happier than letting Cao Cao take the blame and handle his own affairs?
(End of this chapter)