Three Kingdoms: I, the eldest son of Cao, a loving father of a great man!

Cao Ang understood what Li Ru meant. These aristocratic families were deeply rooted, and Cao Ang wanted to eradicate them all.

Not only does it take a lot of energy, but there is also the possibility of failure, and it may even cause public resentment and unrest.

Li Ru said this because he hoped Cao Ang would act cautiously and avoid heavy losses.

Cao Ang said, "I understand."

Seeing that Cao Ang had understood what he meant, Li Ru said no more.

Chen Gong was not as optimistic as Li Ru: "My lord, these aristocratic families are entrenched in every county.

Colluding with local officials. If the lord wants to eradicate them, it will inevitably anger the local officials. I am worried. "

Cao Ang understood Chen Gong's concerns: "Don't worry, these are minor problems. As long as I continue to increase taxes, I believe they will not dare to risk the world."

"My lord is wise." Chen Gong said.

"By the way, Gongtai, I want Wen Ruo to temporarily take charge of Youzhou. What do you think?" Cao Ang suddenly changed the subject.

Chen Gong was slightly stunned. He knew that Cao Ang wanted him to lead Jizhou.

But the Governor of Youzhou is a local lord. Does Cao Ang really want to hand him over to him?

Chen Gong was filled with surprise. He could not understand why Cao Ang wanted to hand over the position of Mu of Youzhou to him.

Cao Ang looked at Chen Gong and knew that he was overthinking, so he explained, "Gongtai, I know what you are worried about.

Youzhou is a frontier fortress. Once problems arise in Youzhou, Jizhou will be in danger."

Chen Gong was startled, thinking that Cao Ang was hinting at him.

"My lord, although Youzhou is on the border, it is easy to defend and difficult to attack. It will be difficult for Cao Cao to take it in a short period of time." Chen Gong retorted.

Cao Ang shook his head and said, "Gongtai is right. But I always feel that it will not be so easy for Cao Cao to invade Yanzhou this time, because Cao Cao has a trump card in hand."

Chen Gong was stunned. What trump card did Cao Cao have? Cao Ang actually knew it.

The other counselors were also confused. Did Cao Ang discover Cao Cao's trump card? Otherwise, why would Cao Ang remind Chen Gong?
"Gongtai, we all underestimated Cao Cao. He must have made preparations for his attack on Yanzhou this time," Cao Ang analyzed.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Cao Ang continued, "I once heard that Cao Cao used Jingzhou as a bargaining chip to threaten Sun Ce of Jiangdong to surrender to him.

I think Cao Cao wanted to use this trick to deal with Yanzhou.

If you, Gongtai, can control Youzhou, the situation in Yanzhou might not be so bad. If you are defeated by Cao Cao, I am afraid the situation in Yanzhou will be extremely bad. "

"My lord, I will try my best." Chen Gong understood the meaning of Cao Ang's words.

“Wenruo, Gongtai, the two of you will be responsible for Yanzhou’s logistics and food supplies. You must ensure that there is enough food to be delivered to Yanzhou.

I will deal with Cao Cao within half a month.

Yanzhou will depend on you when the time comes." Cao Ang warned.

Chen Gong and Jia Xu said solemnly: "We will definitely fulfill our mission."

Cao Ang nodded with satisfaction.

The other counselors did not have any objection, after all, this matter was very crucial.

After Cao Ang had arranged all these matters, he said, "Gongtai, I plan to have Xu Shu and Huang Zhong join the Northern Expedition together this time."

“My lord, Xu Yuanzhi and General Huang are both highly skilled in martial arts, but the situation in Yanzhou is not stable.

If they go to Yanzhou, what if Cao Cao launches a surprise attack?" Chen Gong said worriedly.

"Don't worry, Gongtai. I will send Zhang Xiu and Xiahou Dun to support us.

If the situation in Yanzhou stabilizes, Zhang Xiu and Xiahou Dun will return. Cao Ang already had a plan.

After thinking about it, Chen Gong decided that this was the best approach.

Chen Gong was still very convinced of Xu Shu's ability, and Xu Shu was definitely competent. As for Huang Zhong's ability, Chen Gong was a little skeptical.

After thinking for a while, Chen Gong said to Cao Ang: "My lord, I have thought of a candidate."

Cao Ang's eyes lit up and he said with a smile, "Oh? Who is it? Gongtai, why don't you tell me?"

Chen Gong said: "Yuan Shao!"

Cao Ang frowned after listening to this. Chen Gong’s suggestion was not without reason.

Yuan Shao had been operating in Xuzhou for many years and had an army of 50 to 60 million.

The defensive fortifications in Xuzhou were exceptionally strong.

Yuan Shao himself was a great hero of his time, his wisdom and courage far surpassed those in history.

Cao Ang felt that he could ask Yuan Shao to help suppress Xuzhou, even though Yuan Shu was a little reluctant.

But for the sake of his own life and reputation, Yuan Shu would still agree.

"I understand. Let's put this matter on hold until I pacify Qingzhou and Yangzhou. Mr. Gongtai will be in charge of the affairs of Yanzhou." Cao Ang said.

"Yes, sir!" Chen Gong breathed a sigh of relief. After all, Cao Ang did not make a decision immediately, which made him feel relieved.

Afterwards, Cao Ang began to handle government affairs. For several days, Cao Ang was immersed in tedious government affairs and did not pay any attention to the changes in the outside world.

Chen Gong and others also knew that Cao Ang was quite tired during this period, so they endured it and did not report to Cao Ang.

It was not until three days later that Xu Shu, Huang Zhong and Dian Wei came to the palace to pay a visit to Cao Ang.

"Your Majesty, we greet you." The three men knelt down and saluted Cao Ang.

"Please stand up. Take a seat!" Cao Ang said, raising his hand.

The three of them thanked him before sitting down.

Cao Ang first said to Xu Shu: "Yuanzhi, you have worked hard to rush from Jiangling to Yanzhou!"

"Thank you for your concern, my lord. It is our duty." Xu Shu said modestly.

Cao Ang looked at Xu Shu and said seriously, "Gongtai, Lord Chen and I just discussed the affairs of Yanzhou. Did you know?"

"My lord, I know about it." Xu Shu answered respectfully.

Cao Ang continued to ask: "What do you think of the situation in Yanzhou?"

"My lord, I am not very familiar with Yanzhou, but when I heard that Cao Cao was marching into Yuzhou, I felt that Yanzhou was a piece of fat meat and we must be on guard against it." Xu Shu said bluntly.

"Haha, Yuanzhi is indeed a quick-witted man." Cao Ang laughed.

“But Yanzhou is indeed a big piece of fat meat, and I don’t want it to fall into Cao Cao’s hands.

However, Yanzhou had already fallen into Cao Cao's hands. If it was taken by force, there would probably be heavy losses.

Therefore, I am prepared to negotiate with Cao Cao."

"My lord is wise!" Xu Shu complimented.

"I would like to invite you and Gongtai to go to Yanzhou to preside over the negotiations. Are you willing?" Cao Ang stated his purpose directly.

Xu Shu and Chen Gong looked at each other and immediately stood up: "I am willing!"

"In that case, you should go to Yanzhou and be careful. If you encounter any trouble, inform me in time." Cao Ang ordered.

"I will obey your command." Xu Shu and Chen Gong bowed and took their leave.

"Gongtai, please stay." Cao Ang suddenly stopped Chen Gong who was about to leave.

"My lord, do you have any other instructions?" Chen Gong asked.

"I have another thing to tell you. I hope you can consider it carefully." Cao Ang said seriously. (End of this chapter)