My younger brother Zhuge Liang

Chapter 501 Cao Cao: Of course I have to take advantage of the peak of my prestige to become Prime Minister
In response to Cao Cao's question, Xun Yu, Xun You and Guo Jia did not answer immediately, but circulated Xiahou Yuan's letter first.

Xiahou Yuan had made it very clear in his letter that there was no way to break through Diaoyu City by force, and the only option was to place it in a long-term siege and cut off its food supply, which was estimated to last until at least February next year.

Therefore, what Cao Gong is anxious to ask about right now is definitely not the military countermeasures, because there is no military countermeasure at all.

Diaoyucheng cannot be breached quickly. If they want to break through in winter or early spring, they have to turn back and attack Jiameng Pass, which Liu Zhang is defending. But even if they break through Jiameng Pass, what will happen? There is more than one dangerous pass on the Shu Road.

There are countless dangerous places on the subsequent Jiange Road. It has never been possible to expect to defeat them one by one since ancient times.

After all, it is only the Eastern Han Dynasty now, and there are only a handful of examples in history of conquering the Shu regime.

When Qin conquered Bashu, it took advantage of the fact that Bashu was not a single entity, so it could use spies and strategies instead of military force. When Liu Bang founded Han, there was no need to attack Bashu.

When Liu Xiu revived the Han Dynasty and destroyed Gongsun Shu, he took the Jingmen-Yiling waterway through the Yangtze River Three Gorges, which was very similar to the route Liu Bei took to enter Sichuan this time.

The precedent that Cao Cao wanted to follow in his footsteps by using land to break through the dangerous passes on the Shu Road and pacify Yizhou simply did not exist.

There is no military countermeasure, so Cao Cao’s focus must be on politics.

Both Xun and Guo Jia knew very well: as early as the beginning of the year, when Cao Cao made the plan to attack Han Sui in the west and annex Zhang Lu in the south, he had already planned to make further progress in the court with these merits.

It was just that Zhang Lu fell too quickly, which made Cao Cao want to gain more powers and come up with more ideas, which led to further delays.

As a result, it was not until the battle with Liu Bei in Ba County that the trend of expanding victory was completely curbed.

It seems that it is time to cash in on my achievements and prestige while I am still at my peak.

Thinking of this, Guo Jia couldn't help but glance at Xun Yu. Normally at this time, Xun Yu should have been the first to come out and persuade him to ascend the throne. Xun Yu has always had the most important say in internal affairs and personnel matters.

But unexpectedly, Xun Yu remained silent this time.

"Is Wen Ruo worried that the situation in Shu is unstable and prone to recurrence? In the future, Cao Gong has just been promoted, and if there is a mistake on the front line, it will reduce the morale of the court?" Guo Jia couldn't help but think so in his heart.

But he thought again, the more this was the case, shouldn't he persuade Sikong to seize this opportunity to completely control the court?

Guo Jia hesitated for a while, and was the first to make up his mind.

There was no other way. He was also considering his own health condition and wanted to leave more political capital for his family.

In history, Guo Jia died in the 12th year of Jian'an, which is two years away from now. In this life, Guo Jia fell off his horse and broke his leg during the Battle of Pengcheng, and his health deteriorated. It is possible that he died earlier than in history. Of course, he did not have to try to join the army in the expedition to Wuhuan, which could save him some fatigue. The pros and cons offset each other, and the specific outcome is still unknown.

But no matter what, Guo Jia still has some self-awareness about his health condition.

He felt that if he followed Xun Yu's cautious persuasion, he didn't know if he could live to the day when he persuaded Cao Gong to become the prime minister. In this case, he might as well give it a try.

Until this moment, Guo Jia still had great confidence in Cao Cao. Moreover, even if Cao Cao might have setbacks in the future and wanted to vent his anger on his rash and aggressive staff, he would not vent his anger on him, because by then he might have turned into a pile of yellow earth.

It is impossible for Cao Gong to treat an old friend with the same attitude. The descendants of the Guo family can also reap the benefits and avoid the harm. Why not do it?
After understanding these principles, Guo Jia cleared his throat. He knew that he was the only one who could take the lead today.

Guo Jiacheng said earnestly, "Please understand, although General Xiahou's offensive in Ba County has been frustrated, it is only due to the cold winter. The Qinling Mountains will soon be completely blocked by heavy snow, and it will be difficult for reinforcements to continue.

As long as the siege of Diaoyucheng lasts until the beginning of next spring, when the food in the city runs out, Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang will inevitably have to send troops to rescue it, and then they will have to fight a decisive battle with General Xiahou in the field.

After the snow melts next year, the imperial court can send timely reinforcements to General Xiahou and fight a quick decisive battle with Liu Bei, which will greatly weaken the strength of the stubborn enemies in Shu and avoid the shortage of military food caused by the army's long-term entry into Shu.

It seems that the court's great cause of punishing the rebellious officials has been gradually progressing and gaining momentum. In addition, two months ago, Ma Teng led Ma Chao and Pang De to successively capture Tianshui and Jincheng, beheaded Han Sui, and the court completely pacified Longxi. Your merits are great, and you deserve to be promoted to Prime Minister!"

People who do not pay attention to the situation on Cao Cao's side may find it difficult to understand what Guo Jia said. This is because we have to mention the final campaign against Han Sui launched by Ma Teng with the support of Cao Cao since the second half of this year.

Han Sui was cut off from all his wings east of Longshan in April. Ma Wan and Yang Qiu were defeated by Pang De at that time. Later, Xiahou Yuan led the main force of Cao's army into Sichuan to defeat Zhang Lu, while Ma Teng was in the direction of Longxi to resist Han Sui.

In this life, Ma Teng was carefully won over by Cao Cao. He was given military equipment, money and food, and was also given a high position with generous salary.

Cao Cao had no time to worry about whether Ma Teng would become too powerful in the future. As long as Ma Teng could help him now, open up the situation in the northwest and southwest as soon as possible and help suppress Liu Bei, then Cao Cao was willing to give him any official position.

With such strong support, Ma Teng's integration of Xiliang was accelerated unprecedentedly.

After Xiahou Yuan defeated Zhang Lu, he suffered a heavy setback when he tried to advance to Sanba. However, Ma Teng unexpectedly succeeded and finally killed Han Sui by the end of October.

However, it takes time to send the intelligence back to Luoyang and Xudu from the Xiliang front, so Cao Cao did not know the news until mid-November, which is more than a month ago.

From this perspective, although Cao's army failed to destroy Liu Zhang this year, they at least captured Zhang Lu and Han Sui, and took Baxi County from Liu Zhang. These three military achievements were enough for Cao Cao to be promoted to prime minister.

Cao Cao finally heard what he wanted to hear, but he still had to be humble. On the one hand, he said: "These are what I should do for the court. How dare I have other ideas. Besides, Zhao Situ has no faults, so he should be allowed to stay in the position until the end of his life.

Miaocai's achievements are not perfect after all, so let's discuss the reward for Ma Shoucheng as a general of the cavalry first. Wenruo, Gongda, why are you silent tonight?"

Xun Yu could not avoid the question when the two Xuns were named, so he had to answer directly: "A gentleman should take from the abundant and give to the scarce, and distribute things equally. You have been clearing out disloyalty for the court and protecting the emperor for ten years. Your merits and virtues are witnessed by the world. Why should you rush for a moment?
However, the current situation in Shu is still unclear. If we rush to judge the merits and demerits at this moment, once Liu Bei launches a counterattack, the front line will be careless and the court will certainly lose its fighting spirit."

Cao Cao was immediately unhappy when he heard this. This was the first time he realized that Xun Yu's confidence had waned.

Doesn't Wen Ruo think that I can eventually rule the world?

If the front line didn't achieve complete victory, shouldn't I be promoted? If I keep waiting and demanding stability, then when will it be possible?

However, Cao Cao would not openly show his desire for fame and fortune. He just snorted coldly and said, "Wen Ruo is confused! Today we are not discussing my affairs, but the promotion of Ma Shoucheng to General of the Cavalry! I am willing to give him the position of General of the Cavalry!

Even if Miaocai is in Shu, his future is not certain, but Ma Shoucheng should be rewarded for his great achievement in killing Han Sui, right? Otherwise, people will say that the court is unclear about rewards and punishments? Gongda! What do you think? "

Cao Cao had already pulled the fig leaf to such an extent, and Xun You could not care whether the uncle and nephew would advance and retreat together, so he could only bite the bullet and express his agreement.

Sima Lang, Mao Jie and others on the side were certainly not qualified to speak on such issues. They could only watch and think about how to help Cao Gong in the future.

……

Cao Cao was determined to take advantage of this winter, when he had the most chips in his hands, to make further progress. Of course, no one could stop him.

It was freezing cold, and it was not convenient to use troops. Even if the news was immediately heard by Liu Bei on the opposite side, Liu Bei could not launch an attack immediately. He would have to wait until the busy spring farming season next year before he could react - what's more, Liu Bei was still in Jiangbei City in Jiangzhou and had not returned to Jingyang.

So after Cao Cao made his decision, he immediately took two steps. On the one hand, he asked someone to formally present a memorial to the court to commend Ma Teng for his great achievement in killing Han Sui. Then Cao Cao modestly expressed his willingness to give his current title of General of Cavalry to Ma Teng, and only retain the position of Minister of Works.

After receiving the memorial, Liu Xie was confused and asked his attendants, "Sikong has made great contributions to the country and is also the General of the Cavalry. I think he is not qualified. How can I give up this position? Should I give him the title of General of Sikong?"

In the face of the emperor's doubts, Shizhong Xi Lu hastened to clarify: "Sikong is of high character and integrity, and has no desire for fame or gain. Now that he is getting old, he is unwilling to go on expeditions. He gave up the post of General of the Cavalry in order to concentrate on government affairs. Your Majesty, please do not doubt it."

Liu Xie knew that Xi Lu was Cao Cao's spokesperson, so he had no choice but to follow his advice.

After the decree was issued, it was immediately sent to Jincheng at an express speed of 600 miles. In just six days, it was delivered to Ma Teng.

When Ma Teng received the letter, he was both happy and surprised to hear that he was promoted to General of Cavalry for his contribution in completely pacifying the Xiliang generals.

"I didn't expect that Brother Meng De really kept his promise and was willing to give me such a high position. I will return the favor and, according to the previous secret agreement, lead the recommendation to make him the prime minister... However, to submit this recommendation and accept the position of General of the Cavalry, I must go to Xudu in person, but I don't know whether it is a good thing or a bad thing..."

Ma Teng thought so in his heart and was still a little hesitant at the last moment, so he consulted Ma Chao, Ma Tie and Pang De.

As for his nephew Ma Dai, he was still young and had no chance to attend the meeting. In history, Ma Teng was summoned four or five years later, when Ma Dai had already become an official. Ma Dai was not yet 20 years old.

In response to his father's question, Ma Chao was the first to express his opinion: "It is a great honor for my father to be appointed General of the Cavalry. But it is a long journey to Xudu in person. It would be best if you can claim to be ill and take the post from afar.

Besides, persuading Cao Cao to ascend the throne will eventually lead to disputes in the future. Since my father has been awarded the rank of General of Cavalry, he has reached the highest position among the officials. There is no need to argue about the credit of being the first to initiate the movement. Xun Yu and others can do whatever they want. We, the Ma family, can just sign the petition. In this way, no matter who wins the world in the future, the law will not hold everyone responsible, and we, the Ma family, will not be held accountable."

However, Ma Chao's words were severely refuted by Pang De.

Pang De had been following Cao Cao for the past few years and had done very well. Although he was still Ma Teng's subordinate in name, he was a general directly appointed by the court. He had made great contributions in the previous attack on Bingzhou and the later killing of Yang Qiu and Ma Wan. Working for Cao Cao, he could get promoted faster than working for Ma Teng.

Pang De naturally wanted to argue: "What you said is wrong! The lord has already secretly promised Cao Gong, how can he go back on his word? If he doesn't keep his word, how can he win the hearts of the people?
Moreover, Liu Bei is a mediocre traitor, how can he be compared with Cao Gong? Our wealth and honor are all due to the grace of the court, why should you worry about the unjust thing of "the law does not punish the masses"! "

Ma Teng was still hesitating, so Pang De urged him, "My lord, don't worry! Since such an important matter has been settled long ago, we should cut the Gordian knot. If we hesitate, it will only breed suspicion. It is better to go and come back quickly, accept the position of General of Cavalry, thank the emperor in person, immediately submit a memorial to repay Cao Gong's favor, and then find an excuse to return to Longxi as soon as possible!"

Even if Cao Cao is suspicious, he still has Liu Zhang and Liu Biao in the world. Cao Cao will not dare to attack the princes who are submissive to him. Otherwise, isn't he afraid that Liu Zhang and Liu Biao will be frightened and surrender to Liu Bei directly? "

Pang De was not a man of wisdom and strategy, and he said this purely for his own benefit. But Ma Teng felt that although his words were crude, they did make sense.

Since ancient times, when the world was still in turmoil and there were still many princes, there was no such shameless betrayal to kill the surrendered. Once such a thing started, the other princes would be afraid, and who would surrender to you in the future?

Even if Qin Shi Huang starved King Jian of Qi to death, it happened when Qin had already destroyed all other rivals and only Qi was left. At this time, there were no other latecomers to learn from, and there was no benefit in having a face, so the bottom line of shamelessness could be suddenly lowered.

Before this, even Qin Shihuang did not dare to be too treacherous, let alone Cao Cao?
Ma Teng figured this out and was finally convinced: "What Ling Ming said makes sense. Since I have already promised Meng De, how can I go back on my word and cause the blame of the world to fall on our Ma family? Liu Zhang and Liu Biao are still alive, and Cao Cao should also weigh his actions carefully.

Chao'er, I know you are filial, but don't worry. As long as you stay in Xiliang and lead the troops, even if Cao Cao wants to detain me, he won't dare to do anything.

"I will not stay in Xudu for long. As soon as I am granted the title of General of the Cavalry, thank you for your kindness, and submit my letter of persuasion to return the favor, I will immediately return to Xiliang. If anything happens, you can send troops to Chencang to be on guard and provide support."

Seeing that his father was determined to leave, Ma Chao had nothing to say. He simply handed over the military power of the Xiliang Army that day and took control of the army. Then he personally led the cavalry to escort his father for more than 200 miles, and only turned back after passing Longshan.

Ma Teng, Pang De and his party continued to move eastward, but unfortunately they failed to arrive in Xu Du in time for the New Year.

But it was not bad, they could at least arrive in Xudu seven or eight days before the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The remaining days were enough to go through the formalities.

(End of this chapter)