I will be the master of Xuande

Chapter 734 Benefits between the North and the South
Shouchun, in Cao Cao's pastoral office.

"Zhuge Liang has met Duke Cao!"

This was the first time Cao Cao met Zhuge Liang.

He had learned about this person from Gu Yong before.

He knew that this man was a rare young hero in Xuzhou in recent years, and he was someone Liu Bei valued very much.

When Cao Cao saw him today, he thought to himself: His reputation is indeed well-deserved.

Regardless of his ability, just looking at Zhuge Liang's current appearance and temperament is enough to see that he is a wise man, not an ordinary person.

Indeed, sometimes, a person's external temperament and conversation can reveal a person's cultivation.

Judging a book by its appearance cannot be said to be right, but it cannot be said to be completely wrong either.

This appearance does not refer to the person's natural beauty or ugliness, but to the temperament he has acquired.

Zhuge Liang bowed his hands to Cao Cao respectfully and said in return: "I don't take what Mr. Cao said seriously. I didn't make much contribution to Cao Zi and the general's return to Jiangdong. It was just that both sides had what they needed before, so Liang couldn't do it." Just go with the flow."

"It's just that these good years haven't passed for long. It's hard to say whether we can continue to carry out border trade in the future."

"Liang just happened to say some things that made the two parties agreeable during the previous peace talks. He didn't make much actual contribution. It would be too much for Cao Gong to place this credit on Liang."

"No matter how arrogant Cao is, it is impossible for him and Yuan Shao not to be close friends and rely on each other at this time."

"Mr. Cao, with all due respect, what you said is a bit too petty. For this reason, Zhuge Liang feels that there is a huge difference between you and our Prime Minister Liu."

Cao Cao couldn't help laughing when he heard this.

After listening to Cao Cao's words, Zhuge Liang immediately stood up and saluted Cao Cao.

Cao Cao stared at Zhuge Liang seriously for a while, and then said: "Cao has heard about Kong Ming's name for a long time, and heard that among the young heroes in Xuzhou, Kong Ming is now the best. Being able to return to Shouchun safely after the reception is really thanks to Kong Ming’s hard work, and Cao is very grateful.”

"No wonder my prime minister is now sitting in the court, holding the power of the world, while Duke Cao can only live in a corner of Jiangdong."

"But if you continue to be so close to your prime minister, let him destroy Yuan Shao. I am afraid that Cao's Jiangdong will be in danger in the future and will not survive."

"How come this matter has not been carried out for a long time before Mr. Cao himself feels that it is not feasible?"

"It's not that Cao doesn't want long-term trade with the north, it's just that your Prime Minister Liu is so powerful and powerful now. After Nanyang County was lost to Yuan Shao, Shao was no longer able to carry out the Northern Expedition. From now on, I'm afraid you If Prime Minister Liu is from the north to the south, he will have a crushing momentum."

After saying this, everyone present was stunned.

"Now Pi and Guangling will not open markets to allow trade between the north and the south."

"It's just that Cao and Yuan Shao are really in love with each other. How can you and I be like this again?"

"The north and south trade through ports and mutual markets, which is a good thing for the people in the north and south. Moreover, the overall construction and development of Hebei and the north is now much stronger than that of the south. Border mutual markets have been opened, and there are sea routes to transport talents and materials. , it is also a great thing for Duke Cao to build Jiangnan."

"How did Mr. Cao say this?"

"But if it weren't for you, Zhuge Kongming, how could Cao be able to open so many ports along the coast east of the Yangtze River and conduct such frequent trade with people from the north?"

Zhuge Liang's face immediately showed confusion.

When he was young, he saw Xia Houyuan stand up suddenly.

After Cao Cao heard this, he let out a long sigh.

"Where did you come from, this little thief, how dare you talk nonsense here? Believe it or not, I will chop you up alive?!"

Dian Wei on the side also reached for the sword at his waist, as if he wanted to kill Zhuge Liang.

Cao Cao suddenly stretched out his hand to stop Dian Wei's actions. Then he looked at Zhuge Liang with a deep look on his face and said, "Is Kong Ming not afraid of death?"

"A man of the Zhuge family cherishes life, but is not afraid of death."

"Okay, I am young and promising, so I would like to ask you, what do you mean by what you just said?"

Zhuge Liang said: "Mr. Cao, what is the purpose of my prime minister and Cao Gong to open a mutual market and build a port? Does Cao Gong know?"

Cao Cao said: "Your prime minister has always been good at governing. Since the invasion of Hebei, new policies have been introduced one after another. Although Cao cannot understand some of the policies, the fact is that under his governance, the world's The people's lives are getting better and better, and the population of the Han Dynasty is getting more and more prosperous."

"As for your Prime Minister and Cao opening mutual markets and building ports, I think it is also to use commerce to drive the economies of the north and the south to become more prosperous, so that people's transactions will be smoother, and the people will be richer."

Zhuge Liang smiled and said: "That's right. Everything the Prime Minister does is for the people, not just our people in the north, but also the people in the south of the Yangtze River under Cao Gong's jurisdiction."

"In the eyes of the Prime Minister, the Han Dynasty is the Han Dynasty. The Han Dynasty does not belong to the Prime Minister alone. The Han Dynasty does not belong to Cao Gong and you alone. The Han Dynasty. Hebei is not an individual's Hebei, and Jiangnan is not an individual's Jiangnan. Prime Minister The grievances with Duke Cao, or the disputes between the prime minister and Duke Cao and Yuan Shao, naturally need to be resolved on the battlefield, but the people of the world cannot be ignored just because the prime minister, Yuan Shao and Duke Cao are competing for power."

"Jiangnan still needs to develop, Hebei needs to develop, and the Central Plains needs to develop. The interests of the people at the bottom cannot be ignored because of the struggle between the top people. This is the starting point of the Prime Minister and his wish. "

"So, even if there is an all-out war with Duke Cao, opening up mutual markets can make the people in Jiangnan richer and increase the population in Jiangnan, but these are what the prime minister is happy to see."

"Does Mr. Cao think that even if you form an alliance with Yuan Shao, the Prime Minister will impose a blockade on Jiangnan? And the people of Jiangnan will be plunged into dire straits?"

"The Prime Minister is definitely not such a person! Therefore, what Mr. Cao just asked made Liang feel that Mr. Cao is still far from being comparable to my Prime Minister."

Zhuge Liang's words can be described as sharp words, and they also touched on the softness in Cao Cao's heart.

When it comes to vision and ambition, although Cao Cao was a eunuch, he was far from inferior to those of prominent families.

But if Liu Jian is really the person Zhuge Liang said, then there is really a huge difference between Cao Cao and the Liu Jian Zhuge Liang said.

Cao Cao let out a long sigh and said, "I didn't expect that Prime Minister Liu really has many heroes under his command."

"Since a young boy can say such a big truth, it really makes Cao feel guilty and ashamed!"

"Kong Ming, you are such a great person." Zhuge Liang then raised his hand and said, "I don't dare, I don't dare, to criticize the prime minister and Duke Cao. It's just a family opinion, but there are some unrealistic points. I feel free to correct them, Duke Cao." That's it... of course, if Mr. Cao wants to kill Liang, then Liang will have no complaints, after all, it is better to die for telling the truth than to live for telling lies."

Cao Cao said sternly: "Kong Ming, you can rest assured. Although I am not as open-minded and far-sighted as your prime minister, I am definitely not jealous of talents and can't tolerate a few words of truth."

"From this point of view, what you said is indeed the truth. You don't need to go out of your way to provoke Cao. Cao will not kill you."

"Your Prime Minister and I are indeed not of the same level."

"However, even if they are not people of the same level, Cao still has to rely on Yuan Shao in this situation."

"But what you just said is right. The fight between Cao and your prime minister is a fight, but the people of the world are innocent. The benefits of north-south trade must be developed. If your prime minister doesn't mind, then of course Cao will I won’t mind either.”

Cao Cao's words can be regarded as the truth. After all, the trade between Jiangdong and the north is good for the north, but the benefits are really limited.

The trade materials in the north are all scarce for Jiangdong. As for the development of Jiangdong, once the trade in the north is opened, a large amount of cultural and practical materials will enter Jiangdong, which will save Jiangdong from making detours. , people’s lives will definitely be greatly improved.

Therefore, this matter is of more benefit to Cao Cao.

Seeing what Cao Cao said, Zhuge Liang said: "In that case, please continue to improve the construction of coastal ports according to the previous agreement. We will also provide people and technology to assist Cao Cao in building coastal ports and merchant ships." more perfect.”

"As for the new route, we will also sort out the relevant materials and send people to deliver them to Jiangdong. I will ask Mr. Cao to consider it carefully."

Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction and said: "Kong Ming is really a strange person. Since your Prime Minister has such kindness, then Cao will naturally be disrespectful."

"However, Cao would like to ask one more question, can what you say really represent your prime minister?"

Zhuge Liang laughed when he heard this and said: "If Cao Gong can't believe it, after Liang returned to Xuzhou, he asked Liu Shijun to submit a document to the prime minister, and the prime minister reported it to the emperor. A piece of writing was sent from the minister's desk to Shouchun. In this way, can Cao Gong Do you still have doubts?"

Cao Cao shook his head and said: "That's not necessary. Although Cao is not as broad-minded as your prime minister, he is not such a treacherous villain. With your words today, Cao will believe you. Our business is business, and political affairs are How about returning to politics?"

Zhuge Liang hurriedly said: "Gong Cao's words are very good, and this is what my prime minister hopes for."

……

That night, Cao Cao hosted a banquet for Zhuge Liang in his official residence.

Cao Cao enjoyed this banquet very much. He drank a little too much and even felt a little confused when he walked.

After the banquet, Cao Cao returned to his official residence with his eldest son Cao Ang.

After returning to the room, Cao Cao immediately ordered Cao Ang to bring the tea produced in Hebei to him and brew it in hot water.

Cao Cao drank a cup of tea and said with emotion: "Sure enough, this is a new tea produced in Hebei Province. It tastes better to relieve hangovers."

"It's much better than making tea. I don't know how Liu Jian figured out these things."

Cao Ang asked from the side: "Father, today Zhuge Liang insulted my father in front of everyone, saying that his father's mind is far inferior to Liu Jian's. Why is my father not angry at all?"

Cao Cao said calmly: "Why should I be angry? What Zhuge Liang said is just the truth. When it comes to my mind and foresight, I am indeed not as good as Liu Deran."

"But... Zhuge Liang was wrong about one thing! Cao believes that the reason why Liu Deran insists on conducting business with us in Jiangnan will not be delayed due to military and political matters. It is not because he loves the people too much, but because Liu Deran still thinks very highly of himself."

Cao Ang said: "Why does he think so highly of himself when he is doing business with us in the south of the Yangtze River?"

Cao Cao said calmly:
"This matter is very simple. The reason why Liu Jian wants us to develop Jiangnan is just because he feels that unifying the world is inevitable for him. Once Jiangnan is developed, in the future he will invade Jiangnan with a large army and directly take Jiangdong out of someone's hands. Take it over, and Jiangnan was also very prosperous at that time under my leadership. In this way, after Liu Jian unified the country, he would get a prosperous Jiangnan instead of a ruined land. This is also very beneficial to him. It’s beneficial.”

Cao Ang said: "He thinks about victory before he even speaks of victory, which shows that this person is not an ordinary person."

"I don't know whether to call him crazy or confident."

At this point, Cao Cao laughed loudly, picked up the teacup and took a sip, and said: "Ang'er, Liu Deran is indeed not an ordinary person.

"But we, the Cao family, must not let him look down upon us. In the future, we will not only develop people's livelihood, but we cannot lose to him politically and militarily."

Cao Ang said: "What my father said is true. I, Cao and his son, will never compromise with them."

Cao Cao raised his head, drank the tea cup in his hand, and said: "Ang'er, Zhuge Liang will return to Xuzhou tomorrow. We will immediately send people to Xiangyang to communicate with Yuan Shao about the alliance."

"Now Cao is no longer Yuan Shao's vassal. From now on, I will be Yuan Shao's close ally."

"Since we are allies, we can no longer give to Yuan Shao without reservation as before. Now we have to ask Yuan Shao for something that should be ours."

Cao Ang asked hurriedly: "According to father? What should we ask for from Yuan Shao?"

Cao Cao pondered for a moment and said: "As long as Jiangdong, Jingzhou, and Yizhou are closely related, it is not difficult to confront Liu Jian. It's just that Yuan Shao is not steady in his work. Will Jingzhou remain in his hands for a long time in the future? , no one knows about this, so we still have to leave a backup plan for ourselves."

"My father feels that it is more important for us now to let Yuan Shao cede the two counties of Jiangxia and Changsha."

"At least if there is an internal problem with Yuan Shao in the future, we can also use Jiangxia and Changsha to directly take over the southern counties of Jingzhou and make Jingzhou fall into our hands. By then, the natural chasm of the Han River will not be occupied by Liu Jian. In this way, we Then we can confront Liu Jian from the north to the south and form a separatist regime."

Cao Ang said hurriedly: "I will obey my father's order."

……

At the same time, Liu Jian had begun to send troops to Yuzhou, and his first target was Runan County.

Runan County was now also entrusted by Yuan Shao to be defended and garrisoned by Sun Ce. Liu Jian ordered Zhao Yun, Xu Huang, and Yan Liang to each lead an army, and the troops were divided into three groups and went straight to Runan County.

Among them, Zhao Yun's troops went straight to Yangdi.

Sun Ce sent Huang Gai, Zu Mao, Zhu Zhi and others to attack respectively, but how could these people be the opponents of Liu Jian's powerful generals?

After just a few confrontations, they began to retreat one after another!
Especially Zhao Yun, after he faced Huang Gai, he never stopped at all. The cavalry and horses drove straight in, as if they were entering an uninhabited country.

(End of this chapter)