Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3891 Is it acceptable to look across the ditch?

Sishui Pass.

This majestic pass, straddling the foothills of Mount Song and the Yellow River, controlling the passage from the Central Plains to Guanzhong, now resembles a weary and wounded giant stone beast, lying prostrate and gasping for breath in the cold winter wind.

The walls of Sishui Pass are built of thick, bluish-gray stone blocks.

Time and war have left mottled marks of varying depths on its surface stone bricks.

Some of the repairs seem hasty and inadequate.

These newly repaired areas were not made of solid stone blocks, but of gray rammed earth and hastily felled logs, which clashed somewhat with the original gate wall.

Like the scars on a stone beast.

The banners that should have stood tall on the city wall were now much sparser and most of them were old and damaged.

The cold wind from the northwest howled past, carrying moisture from the great river, and when it hit the walls of Sishui Pass, it seemed even more biting.

The old Cao family military flag fluttered in the cold wind.

The flag was fluttering, as if it were making a sound of being unable to bear the weight.

The soldiers of Cao's army guarding the city walls also seemed to be hunched over, whether to reduce their surface area to minimize heat loss in the winter wind, or because the heroic spirit in their hearts had been completely worn away.

A complex smell filled the air.

This smell seemed to come from the cold stones, perhaps from the lingering smoke of gunpowder, or the stench of sweat from a gathering of men and horses, or even from the chaotic atmosphere emanating from the tattered banners...

This smell not only swirled with the tattered banners, but also seemed to have a tangible form, penetrating the thin armor of the defending soldiers and seeping into their hearts, stirring them up, making them even more viscous and cold, and giving rise to more unease and bewilderment due to the uncertainty of the future...

Because of their unease and confusion, the Cao army soldiers on the city walls of Sishui Pass often couldn't help but huddle together in twos and threes, whispering amongst themselves.

Previously, if such a situation occurred, Cao Cao's military officers and sergeants would rush out from their sheltered spots to reprimand or even whip the soldiers, causing them to separate...

After all, in such a time of widespread anxiety, what people fear most is the gathering of ordinary citizens.

Who knows, someone might just shout something like "You're so tough!" and then we're all doomed!
Of course, it should be stopped under the pretext of obstructing official business, leaving one's post without permission, or maliciously gathering.

However, Cao Cao's military officers and sergeants were already extremely worried and could no longer care about the gathering of these soldiers.

Because they themselves often got together and whispered among themselves...

Just over an hour ago, a messenger sent by the Flying Cavalry rode alone to the edge of the crossbow range below the pass and shouted to the city wall.

The messenger's voice was incredibly powerful.

Even in the cold wind, the Cao army on Sishui Pass could still hear it clearly.

Now that the messenger has left, and the sound of his shouts has faded into the empty pass, his mark remains in the hearts of the many soldiers and officers…

"The General of Chariots and Cavalry has spoken! A stalemate between the two armies only wastes lives, which is not the act of a benevolent man! Now, on a patch of land just outside the pass, two platforms have been built, facing each other across a moat. The platforms are ready, and we await orders. We respectfully invite Prime Minister Cao to come and join us for a meeting to discuss a strategy to end the war, to relieve our suffering, and to avert the calamity of war. We hope that Prime Minister Cao will consider the well-being of the people!"

These words not only caused discussion among the soldiers and officers on the city wall, but also acted as a boulder thrown into Sishui Pass.

The news has been made public!
Some things are minor if they aren't discussed openly.

Regardless of whether it was through envoys or letters, there was no official announcement, and the lower-ranking soldiers and officers of Cao Cao's army did not know much about the specifics of the so-called meeting.

Now, the Flying Cavalry's move has brought this matter to the forefront!

Whether the boulder, once dropped, creates ripples, waves, or even winter flies, remains unknown.

From the walls to the city walls, from the soldiers on duty to the lowly officials still following their routines, although not everyone gathered to discuss the matter, the exchange of glances, the movement of their Adam's apples, the direction their eyes were looking, and their trembling beards all seemed to reveal the trembling in their hearts and some indescribable expectation.

Peace?

talks?

Can this damned, endless fighting ever end?
In the cold winter wind, many people's hearts couldn't help but stir involuntarily amidst their stiff bodies!
……

……

The changes on and off the walls were naturally relayed to the temporary prime minister's headquarters.

This was originally a government office, so it was naturally not very luxurious.

The dilapidated beams supporting the roof, which was missing several tiles, created a whistling effect in the cold wind, occasionally emitting sharp sounds that were quite irritating.

In the hall, there was a curtain around the perimeter to keep warm.

Two braziers were set up inside the hall, but because there were too many gaps in the surrounding environment, the winter chill still seeped in little by little, as if it wanted to penetrate to the bone marrow, making people completely lose all warmth in this winter.

The messenger's message had already been relayed to Cao Cao.

After hearing this, Cao Cao showed little change in expression, neither anger at being provoked nor delight at seeing a turning point.

But deep within those small eyes, a faint light flickered, like the undercurrents at the bottom of a deep pool, and no one knew what they were thinking.

After a long silence, Cao Cao waved his hand slightly, his voice calm and even: "Understood. You may leave."

The military academy officer who had reported the incident hurriedly bowed and withdrew. Only after leaving the hall did he feel as if some invisible pressure had been lifted from his body, and his steps became lighter and quicker.

The military officer who delivered the message escaped the heavy, invisible pressure, but Dian Wei, who was guarding Cao Cao in the hall, couldn't take it anymore.

Dian Wei's messy eyebrows furrowed into a tight knot as he spoke in a deep, muffled voice that echoed in the somewhat empty hall: "Prime Minister! That scoundrel Fei Qian is full of cunning! Now he's built this ridiculous high platform—clearly he has ill intentions! Your Majesty's life is of paramount importance, concerning the survival of the entire army; how can you lightly venture into such a dangerous place? In my humble opinion, whether it's building a platform or constructing a temple, we should ignore it all! If he dares to nag again, I will lead my men out of the pass and chop off that bird's head, then let's see if he dares to make a sound again!"

Indeed, Dian Wei was right.

In Dian Wei's simple and direct thinking, when two armies are facing each other, the commander-in-chief is the source of the courage and courage of the entire army. How could he easily leave the strong defenses and go to the high platform in front of the two armies that has no cover?
This is utterly suicidal and incredibly foolish.

However, theory is theory, and reality is reality.

Just like the average wage in the US, official data shows it's increasing year after year, but what actually reaches individuals...?

Old Cao is clearly not financially well-off right now.

But people always have to celebrate the New Year.

Cao Cao's gaze slowly drifted out the window, as if trying to pierce through the curtains and walls, following the cold wind beyond the gate towards the direction of the Flying Cavalry's camp...

After a long pause, Cao Cao said calmly, "Whether it's bait or hook, we must first see its shape and smell its scent before making a judgment... Let's be patient and investigate thoroughly before making any decisions... Men!"

Cao Cao summoned his trusted subordinates and carefully instructed them, "You must go closer and examine that platform closely. What does it look like? How high or low is it? Is there anything unusual about it? After you have clearly seen it, report back immediately."

"Yes, sir!" The trusted aide accepted the order and left.

Time seemed to pass very slowly.

In the midst of growing anxiety, the trusted confidant finally returned, bearing the chill of a winter day from beyond the pass. He knelt before Cao Cao and reported in detail: "Your Excellency, we have arrived close and observed the situation clearly! The General of the Cavalry has built two platforms on either side of a ditch, about one loft away from the pass. The platforms are two-tiered. The first tier is constructed with large logs as the framework, covered with rammed earth, and is square in shape. The second tier is also made of wood, about two zhang high, with a flat top, and is about three or four zhang square. The top of each platform is surrounded by simple wooden railings, with tables and seats placed on each side. The two platforms face each other across the ditch, about twenty or thirty paces apart, with a ditch about three zhang deep in between, making it difficult to cross; one can only see and talk from afar. Judging from the construction, although it was hastily done, the structure is quite sturdy, not a hastily made arrangement. Furthermore…"

The confidant hesitated slightly before continuing, "The General of the Cavalry did not stop us when we approached, allowing us to ascend the platform and inspect it. They even sent men across the ditch to shout... uh, that if the Prime Minister agrees to a meeting, to show sincerity, the General of the Cavalry can first hand over the defenses of the high platform they built, located to one side of our army's formation, to our army... At that time, the Prime Minister can send his personal guards to the platform in advance to deploy defenses and ensure safety..." Dian Wei, listening anxiously from the side, interrupted Cao Cao before he could speak, shouting, "Prime Minister! This is undoubtedly bait! What do you mean by handing over defenses? Who knows if there are hidden traps and gunpowder hidden on that platform, in the earth and wood? Who knows what's buried in the rammed earth? And there are only twenty or thirty paces between us! As long as there are sharpshooters lying in wait at a distance, they can shoot the Prime Minister directly!"

"Besides, even if nothing happens on the platform, the General of the Cavalry has many cavalry! What if, just a short distance away, the Prime Minister suddenly attacks when he ascends the platform? Once on that platform, you'll be a sitting duck! You mustn't go, absolutely mustn't go!"

Cao Cao raised his hand, stopping Dian Wei from saying anything even more agitated.

Cao Cao was well aware of the risks Dian Wei mentioned.
Cao Cao's thoughts were even deeper and farther-reaching than Dian Wei's...

This meeting on the high platform is not about what can actually be discussed, but rather about its enormous political symbolism.

It also contains strategic probing tactics...

Just as Cao Cao used the emperor to suppress Fei Qian before, now Fei Qian is suppressing Cao Cao in return.

What a calculated scheme!
Once again, a well-intentioned but ultimately blatant scheme was laid bare before Cao Cao!

Going there means that Cao Cao sought peace talks under military pressure.

This would send a clear signal to the morale of the troops, to the various factions within Shandong, and even to those watching from the sidelines, producing changes that Cao Cao could hardly fathom...

If they don't go, they might be portrayed by the other side as war criminals who "disregard the common people, are stingy with lives, and have no sincerity in peace talks"!

This would further erode their already fragile will to resist, and might even place the blame for all casualties and the ruin of the state on the Cao and Xiahou families. Ultimately, if...

If this is not handled properly, even the entire nine generations of the Cao and Xiahou clans wouldn't be enough to fill this deep pit!

The fact that the Flying Cavalry offered to hand over the defense of their own high ground was a clever maneuver, demonstrating their "great sincerity"...

As he pondered, Cao Cao's heart suddenly skipped a beat. "Go with you to those scouts... never mind... you can go now..."

Currently, Cao Cao lacks a shrewd and insightful strategist, which inevitably leads to confusion and disarray under his watchful eye. These scouts who went out to investigate might very well spread their findings…

But since we didn't address the issue and appease them immediately, trying to do so now would only make things worse and more embarrassing. It's better to...

Cao Cao remained silent, weighing his options and calculating his moves.

This silence also gave room to maneuver for those others inside the pass who each had their own agendas.

……

……

The first to become restless were the court officials who were trapped inside the pass with the emperor's carriage.

Among them, several former officials of the capital, led by Liu Ai, the Minister of the Imperial Clan, and Liang Shao, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, who usually dared not speak out against Cao Cao's "arrogance," now sensed an opportunity that might influence the situation.

Of course, they would still use the excuse of thinking of the emperor and considering the well-being of the nation...

As the emperor's temporary residence, the charcoal supply is now insufficient, making it feel somewhat cold and damp.

Liu Xie, wrapped in a thin fur robe, sat in the main seat.

Liu Ai and Liang Shao stepped forward to pay their respects. After exchanging a glance, Liu Ai spoke first.

Liu Ai coughed, forcing a look of deep concern for the country and its people on his face, and spoke with earnestness, "Your Majesty! We risk our lives to come before you because the situation has reached a critical juncture, and we have no choice but to speak! Now, outside Sishui Pass, the mighty cavalry is gathering, eyeing us with predatory intent; within the pass, provisions are dwindling, and the people are restless! The safety of the millions of people in Shandong and the Central Plains, the safety of Your Majesty's sacred carriage, and even the continuation of the Han dynasty, all now rest on the decision of Cao Cao alone!"

Liu Xie's eyebrows twitched involuntarily.

Liu Ai crawled half a step on his knees on the floor, leaning closer, lowering his voice but sounding even more urgent, "Now the General of Chariots and Cavalry has built a platform to invite you, wishing to cease hostilities and hold talks with the Prime Minister. This is truly a sign of Heaven's benevolence, unable to bear seeing the Central Plains in turmoil and the people suffering, thus bestowing this glimmer of hope for ending the war! As the Prime Minister of the court, and a pillar of Your Majesty, if you truly care for the people and Your Majesty's safety, you should not hesitate to accept the invitation! Only in this way can you demonstrate your loyalty to the country and your sincere willingness to sacrifice yourself for your sovereign, and the people of the world will admire your courage and responsibility! This is the only good way to resolve the conflict and preserve the nation!"

Liang Shao chimed in at the opportune moment, his tone somewhat sharp, "Your Majesty is wise! If... if Cao Cao, concerned only with his own safety, hesitates and refuses to advance, disregarding this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to avert war, or even obstructs and sabotages it... then his true intentions will be crystal clear!"

Liang Shao kowtowed again, "If what Lord Cao is concerned about is not the safety of the nation, the suffering of the people, or His Majesty's health... then it is his fear that if he were to meet with General Huo Qubing, his power would be diminished! If so, how will the wise men of the world view Lord Cao? How can such a person, who seeks only the power and personal gain of his own family and clan, be entrusted with important responsibilities? If he is only seeking selfishness, what will become of His Majesty... and the people of the world?!"

The two of them worked in perfect harmony, equating the "meeting with Cao Cao" with loyalty to the world, protection of the emperor, and obedience to the mandate of heaven. They also stated that if "Cao Cao did not go," it would be tantamount to selfishness, cowardice, disregard for the overall situation, and harboring evil intentions!

It's as if Cao Cao, if he refused to step onto that high platform, would have committed an unforgivable and heinous crime, becoming the culprit who hindered peace and harmed the common people!
Standing on moral high ground and pointing fingers at others, as long as it doesn't apply to yourself, is incredibly satisfying...

As Liu Xie listened, a look of struggle and confusion appeared on his pale face.

Deep down, Liu Xie also longed for peace talks.

Even if it's only temporary peace.

He hoped to become the emperor, a ruler who could arbitrate among his ministers and balance the world, rather than a puppet who couldn't make any decisions...

Moreover, with the enemy's advance imminent, Fei Qian has clearly disregarded that imperial edict and has subtly indicated that he has already 'repaid' the previous favor. So, if…

On the other hand, he knew Cao Cao was suspicious and distrustful, so how could he easily put himself in danger?
Liu Xie was afraid of Fei Qian, but was Prime Minister Cao not afraid of Fei Qian?
Thinking this, Liu Xie's lips finally trembled slightly, and he said weakly, "Lord Cao...Lord Cao is well-versed in military strategy and understands the advantages and disadvantages. This time...this time he must have his own plans. I...I am deep in the palace and ignorant of external affairs. How can I...how can I force him to do so?"

Liu Ai sighed inwardly, lamenting that the emperor was too weak and incapable of shouldering great responsibilities; this was no longer the time to do things!
Before, Liu Xie's words were like farts, but now it's different!

At least it was a loud fart!

Not to mention that Cao Cao is obviously weak now, even if Cao Cao tries to hold on, how long can he hold on?

However, Liu Ai wouldn't say these things outright. He simply gathered his grief and indignation on his face, even causing his eyes to redden, and solemnly bowed, saying, "Your Majesty! This is not a forceful order, but the earnest plea of ​​the people! It is also the tearful wish of your subject, who cannot bear to see the Han Dynasty crumble! Your Majesty is the ruler of the land, the father of all people! If Cao Cao truly has even a shred of loyalty, he will surely understand Your Majesty's good intentions and follow Heaven's benevolent will!"

"But what if..." Liu Xie paused for a moment, "What if this General of the Cavalry... becomes even more arrogant..."

Liang Shao kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise! Have you not heard that before Emperor Guangwu restored the Han Dynasty, he also endured humiliation and hardship, lying low during the reign of Emperor Gengshi, yet finally the clouds parted and the moon shone brightly, reviving the Liu family? Now, General Fei, though…though he wields considerable power and possesses formidable military might, in his official documents and words, still considers himself a Han subject and dares not openly usurp the throne. If Your Majesty could temporarily endure this humiliation, feign compliance, and await future developments, what could be wrong with that? The Han Dynasty, with its four hundred years of glorious foundation, can be restored to peace and prosperity for generations to come by tolerating the arrogance of a powerful minister for a time. This is what our ancestors in heaven deeply desire, and it is also a blessing for the nation!"

On the surface, Liang Shao's words seemed to be encouraging Liu Xie, but in reality, they also revealed a kind of "survival philosophy" and "historical experience" deep in the hearts of these former dynasty officials...

What if a powerful minister is arrogant and domineering?

What about the abuse of power by maternal relatives?

It has been like this since ancient times!

From Huo Guang to Liang Ji, from Dou Wu to He Jin, and even Cao Cao in front of us, isn't that the case?

What difference would it make if another Fei Qian came along?

As long as the emperor's banner remains in place and the legal framework of the court is still in place, if we can tolerate this generation of domineering ministers, when they grow old and frail, or when internal changes occur, or when the next generation of rulers lacks prestige, there is no reason why we will not have an opportunity to take advantage of the inertia of the bureaucratic system, the public opinion of the literati, or even new military support to regain power!
Back in the day, the Huo family, the Liang family, the Dou family...

How many once powerful and arrogant families have ultimately vanished into thin air?
The important thing is to preserve the "shell" of the Han Dynasty's legitimacy; as long as they can maintain this, they will have hope and retain their rightful status and interests!
As for whether it's Cao Mengde or Fei Ziyuan currently sitting in that 'overbearing' position, for many of them, the difference might not be as significant as they imagine...

That's right, times have changed. They couldn't tolerate Fei Qian before because he wasn't strong enough, but now that he has shown strength beyond their imagination, they feel they can tolerate him.

As long as the Flying Cavalry can show respect for the old order, or at least the superficial order, and can end this war as soon as possible, restore the "peace" of the Han Dynasty, allowing them to continue to survive and even be promoted within the bureaucratic system, then replacing them with a "tyrant" might not be a bad thing!
It might even be a turning point to break free from Cao Cao's control and seize new opportunities!

Upon hearing this, Liu Xie felt a mix of emotions...

But on second thought, it seems to make some sense.

After all, Emperor Gaozu faced the siege of Baideng, and Emperor Guangwu faced the hardships of Hebei, but they both survived.
Perhaps, this really is an opportunity...

A faint glint flashed in Liu Xie's eyes, and he was about to say something when he suddenly heard a clanging sound coming from outside the courtyard!