The Rebellious Officials and Traitors of the Late Han Dynasty

Chapter 454 Cao Cao’s Heart
Cao Cao looked at the army formation on the opposite side and sighed, "Zhang Liao's martial arts are not outstanding among the Cavalry, but Qin Shou still let him take charge of one side and made him the General of the Eastern Expedition, mainly because of his ability to command the army. Seeing him today, he is indeed extraordinary."

Cao Cao also had to admit that Zhang Liao on the opposite side was far superior to ordinary generals in his ability to command troops. Even for himself, it would be very difficult to find flaws in the enemy's camp.

But no matter what, Zhang Liao became a mountain that Cao Cao could not get around. The tens of thousands of troops in front of him weighed heavily on his heart, and he was unable to move.

"My lord, we must get rid of Zhang Liao as soon as possible, otherwise, the aristocratic families in Jiangdong will definitely become disloyal." Xun Yu reminded from the side.

When Cao Cao heard this, his face suddenly turned gloomy.

Although he occupied Jiangdong, he actually did not have a good impression of Jiangdong. This was because there were many cowards in Jiangdong, especially those from aristocratic families, who did not have much loyalty and only cared about the interests of their own families.

When Sun Ce was powerful, these aristocratic families abandoned Wang Lang, Liu Yao and others. When Cao Cao was powerful, they abandoned Sun Quan without hesitation. Now that Cao Cao has been defeated, it can be imagined that after these aristocratic families get the news, they will definitely abandon Cao Cao and turn to Qin Shou.

Although the Cavalry Army was not very friendly to the noble families, it was better than being wiped out by the Cavalry Army. These noble families had plenty of time and patience to deal with these problems.

The appearance of Zhang Liao's army at the gates of Moling would have a serious impact on the morale of Jiangdong. Even if he managed to save Moling, Wujun and other places would soon surrender.

At that time, what would it matter even if I saved Moling?

Right now, the only way is to defeat Zhang Liao as soon as possible and restore the confidence of the Jiangdong families.

Cao Cao hated aristocratic families, but he had to rely on them. He needed them to help him in terms of talent, money, food, etc.

Especially now, with the cavalry army approaching, Cao Cao has a greater need for these noble families. But the reason why these noble families help Cao Cao is also for their own interests. They use Cao Cao to realize their own interests.

But when Cao Cao could not guarantee his own interests, these aristocratic families would sell him out without hesitation, and Cao Cao would not get any replenishment in terms of food, money, population, etc.

Don't underestimate the aristocratic families of this era. In some ways, they didn't even care about the emperor. Especially in the Eastern Han Dynasty, these aristocratic families became extremely powerful in politics. They occupied important positions in the court and local places, and the emperor had to obey their wishes at certain times.

Didn't he see that Qin Shou was very tough, but what could he do? He could only think of ways to weaken these aristocratic families, and his subordinates, the Xun family, the Sima family and other aristocratic families, didn't they also occupy the court?

The only difference is that Qin Shou is relatively strong. At the beginning of the founding of the country, these people could only surround Qin Shou. If they wanted to be completely resolved, it would take a hundred years, or even thousands of years.

Therefore, in this situation, the only thing Cao Cao could do was to defeat the enemy as soon as possible and restore the confidence of the Jiangdong aristocratic families so that they would continue to support Cao Cao's military strategy.

Otherwise, Cao Cao would be deserted by his friends and relatives.

"The army will leave the city and set up the Eight-Gate Golden Lock Formation."

Cao Cao understood the reason, so he made up his mind to start a decisive battle with Zhang Liao as soon as possible, and he used his most powerful skills as soon as he made a move.

The Eight Gates Golden Lock Formation was a formation he created based on the art of Qimen Dunjia, and he once taught it to the generals of the Cao family. However, the only one who could truly use this formation to perfection was Cao Cao himself.

He believed that as long as he used this formation, he would be able to defeat the enemy, defeat Zhang Liao, and temporarily ease the situation he was facing. Cheng Yu and others seemed to be inspired by Cao Cao's words, and the fear in their hearts was reduced a lot.

In Moling City, some aristocratic families also knew that Zhang Liao was approaching the city, and they were panicked. Some aristocratic families were already thinking about how to deal with the current situation. It can be said that Cao Cao and others still knew these aristocratic families very well.

Outside Moling City, Zhang Liao, Pang Tong and others also began to observe the city walls of Moling. Everyone frowned slightly. This was because the Moling City in front of them was a rare and majestic city in Jiangzuo. Even the city walls were rammed with huge stones, and it was very difficult to break through.

"This city has been painstakingly built by Liu Yao, Sun Ce, Sun Quan, Cao Cao and others, and has reached its current size. It will be very difficult for us to break through."

Zhang Liao said with a frown.

"Then why should we attack it?" Pang Tong's eyes sparkled with wisdom. He looked at the mighty city in front of him and said, "In fact, when we arrived in Moling, Cao Cao had already lost."

Zhang Liao nodded, not quite understanding what he said.

He was a military commander who was good at marching and fighting, but he was far from being politically wise. He didn't know that the arrival of the army had more political significance than military significance.

"Is that Zhang Liao and Zhang Wenyuan outside the city?" Cao Cao's voice came from the city wall.

"Marquis Wu, our army is now at the gates of the city. You have no chance. Why don't you open the city gates? The king has heard of your talents for a long time. The position of General of the Western Expedition has long been vacant. He also said that after you die, your tombstone will be engraved with "Tomb of General Cao Hou of the Western Expedition". Marquis Wu, you must not let the king down!"

Zhang Liao shouted loudly.

Cao Cao's face suddenly changed when he heard this. This was his childhood dream. He wanted to be a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, become a figure like the General of the Western Expedition, pacify Xiliang, and be awarded a title for military merit. Unfortunately, now he has embarked on the path of betraying the Han Dynasty and dividing the world.

But even so, Cao Cao believed that he was loyal to the Han Dynasty and was still a subject of the Han Dynasty, in stark contrast to Qin Shou. It was impossible for him to submit to Qin Shou and become a subject of the Tang Dynasty.

"Zhang Liao, no more nonsense. Tomorrow I will personally lead the army to fight you. If you win, you will take my head. If you lose, you will retreat back to Jiangbei. How do you think that is?"

Cao Cao didn't want to continue talking nonsense with the other party. Verbal disputes could not change the other party's attitude, nor could they change his determination to unify the world.

There was no way he could become the other side's prisoner.

"Okay, I'll do as Lord Wu says."

Zhang Liao looked at the other person deeply.

The person in front of him is a figure who is as famous as Qin Shou. Such people are all tenacious and would rather die than surrender. It is impossible for them to open the city and surrender to him. The only way is to defeat them and kill them.

Zhang Liao respected the other party's choice and believed that even if he could not defeat the other party, it would be impossible for the other party to defeat him.

Everyone turned their horses around and returned to the camp to prepare for the decisive battle tomorrow.

(End of this chapter)