The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 218 It's all Cao Zilian's fault!

Luoyang has been known as the center of the world since ancient times.

Although it suffered several wars and was once burned down during the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

However, it served as the capital of the Han and Wei dynasties for most of its history.

Wealth, food, people, and talented individuals from all over the world constantly flocked to Luoyang.

This place remains the most prosperous place in the world.

Xu Shu spent most of his life traveling between Luoyang and Yingzhou, and witnessed firsthand the prosperity of the Central Plains.

Sometimes I can't help but think about it.

If I hadn't left my lord back then, how would I have fought against the overlord who controlled this prosperous land?
The more I thought about it, the more desperate I felt.

It wasn't until I went to Sichuan last year and relived my old dreams that I finally got some clues.

However, the road ahead remains difficult.

This is exactly what is happening now.

Looking around, the main street in front of Zhong Yao's mansion was jammed with carriages and horses, making it impossible to move an inch.

Xu Shu felt that waiting like this was not a solution.

Looking left and right, he suddenly spotted his friend Shi Tao standing by the roadside.

I simply got off the ground and walked over to greet them.

"Why did Guangyuan suddenly enter Luoyang?"

Upon seeing that it was Xu Shu, Shi Tao joked:

"I came here specifically to try and get in your favor after hearing about your promotion!"

Xu Shu laughed heartily, but didn't take it seriously:

"That's perfect, that's exactly what I was planning to do today, to seek help from Master Zhong. Shall we go together?"

Shi Tao: "Let's go together!"

There were still enough gaps between the carriages to pass each other.

As long as one doesn't care about saving face, one can reach the gate of the Zhong residence in no time.

The person who received the guests was a shrewd and experienced gatekeeper.

However, upon entering, a young boy with his hair tied up greeted them in the courtyard.

Upon inquiry, it was discovered that the man was Zhong Yao's eldest son, Zhong Yu.

Today's banquet, besides promoting Zhong Yao's promotion to the Three Dukes, also aims to build connections for Zhong Yu, who is about to come of age.

Xu and Shi were both seasoned veterans of the world of fame and fortune. They did not look down on each other because of the other's youth, and took the initiative to exchange names and backgrounds.
Then came the usual banquet.

Most of those present were scholars from Yingchuan, who were trying to curry favor by claiming to be from the same hometown.

But there are exceptions.

For example, the official in brocade robes and blue sash at the table next to Xu Shu.

His surname was Du, his given name was Xi, and his courtesy name was Zixu.

He was recommended by prominent officials in Yingchuan, such as Zhong Yao and Xun Yu, early on.

During Cao Cao's reign, he held the official positions of Chief Secretary to the Chancellor and Commandant of the Imperial Son-in-Law.

Now he has even been appointed as a minister in the imperial court.

Extremely refined and noble.

Today's banquet is more about supporting Zhong Yao.

Xu and Shi were not close to Du Xi, but since they were sitting next to each other, they naturally took the opportunity to get to know each other better.

Shi Tao went to great lengths to fabricate some "interesting stories from his hometown" that were difficult to distinguish between true and false, in order to deepen the old friendship with his fellow townsmen, whose stories were equally difficult to verify.

Xu Shu felt embarrassed but couldn't stop his friend from asking him to come forward, so he could only laugh awkwardly and keep him company.

As the conversation went on, the topic inevitably returned to the "Grand Commandant".

At this moment, Shi Tao changed his tone and looked at Xu Shu mysteriously, saying:
"I heard that when Lord Su (Jia Xu) attended court for the last time, he offered His Majesty a plan to save the country. Shortly afterward, His Majesty promoted Yuanzhi to the position of Imperial Censor?"

Xu Shu chuckled and said:
"Does Guangyuan think that this plan to save the day is related to me?"

"I had some doubts, so I came to you to verify them," Shi Tao said with a laugh.

"So what exactly was Marquis Su's dying plan?"

"How would I know if Your Majesty didn't tell me?"

Xu Shu shook his head, his gaze inadvertently falling on Du Xi.

The latter, who had been listening to Shi Tao's awkward boasting about old friendships, looked rather listless.

At this moment, a thoughtful expression finally appeared on his face.

They were clearly intrigued.

Xu Shu's heart skipped a beat, and he took the initiative to ask, "Zixu, you hold a key position in the government, have you heard any rumors?"

Du Xi raised his cup, took a sip of the light wine, and calmly said:
"Never."

"As you said, His Majesty is hiding something. Even if I knew, I could not reveal it during this casual conversation at the banquet."

"I understand, I understand!" Xu Shu nodded understandingly.

But he secretly tugged at Shi Tao's sleeve. The latter took Xu Shu's gesture as a good opportunity to remind him to "improve."

He hurriedly spoke up:

"Since it's just casual conversation, let's guess whatever we want."

"In my opinion, this plan will either be implemented in Guanzhong or Nanyang."

"After all, these two places are where the Shu bandits are most rampant at the moment."

"Speaking of Nanyang, I wonder if either of you has seen the proclamation of the Shu bandits?"

Xu Shu asked knowingly, "Are you saying that Cao Zilian is a despicable and immoral person?"

Shi Tao: "That is indeed the article! But Yuanzhi... from what you're saying, it seems you agree with this view?"

Xu Shu sneered:
"Cao Zilian is highly regarded, but he is insatiably greedy. If it weren't for Xin Zuozhi's timely advice and Xiahou Zhongquan's bravery and fighting spirit, Guan Yu's men would probably have already reached the gates of Luoyang!"

Shi Tao was taken aback by Xu Shu's outspokenness, and his tone was one of surprise:
"No...is it really that serious?"

Xu Shu: "How could it not be? Guangyuan has just returned to Luoyang and may not know this, but the other day we received good news from Yingchuan that Xiahou Zhongquan has successively recaptured Dingling and Yancheng, besieged Kunyang, and pushed back Yexian to the north. Soon, he will be able to open up the road to Fangcheng and pull out the army from Wancheng!"

"Such a great victory is all thanks to Xin and Xiahou!"

"And what about Cao Zilian? I've heard that he spends his days indulging in pleasure in Xuchang, and even secretly takes over the palace servants... He has absolutely no respect for the emperor!"

"To be honest, I have been busy gathering evidence of his crimes these days, preparing to report it to the Emperor!"

Shi Tao was so shocked that he dared not utter another sound.

He had spent most of his time serving in outlying counties over the years, and he had assumed that his friend was just as wasted and dejected as he was.

Who would have thought that he would come back so fiercely?

First, he publicly remonstrated with the Grand Commandant, and now he even dares to confront a top general of the imperial clan?
Du Xi, standing nearby, finally couldn't help but speak up:
"Xu Yuanzhi! As a senior official in the Censorate, you should be careful with your words!"

"The Shu traitors deliberately sent a proclamation to Luoyang and Yingzhou, clearly intending to sow discord between the emperor and his generals. Do not fall for their trap!"

Before the grand court assembly that day, Xu Shu naturally wouldn't have dared to act recklessly.

But now that he has seen through Cao Pi's intentions, he is naturally fearless:

"Who says this isn't a divisive tactic by the enemy?"

“That man from Miwei County is of such low intelligence that I cannot see through his intentions.”

"The key issue is that Cao Zilian made a mistake in this matter!"

"He is morally corrupt at home and lawless outside, and is full of flaws. This time, he has allowed the traitors to spread the so-called proclamation to Sili, causing an uproar in the court and the country, and shaking the morale of the army."

Have any of you considered His Majesty's predicament?

“If Cao Zilian is dealt with, a rift will inevitably arise between the emperor and his ministers, which will lead to the soldiers doubting their commander and making it difficult to command the army.”

"If nothing is done, what will happen to meritorious officials like Xin Zuozhi and Xiahou Zhongquan? Does Your Majesty appoint people based on personal connections and not punish those who have committed wrongdoings?"

"Isn't it Cao Zilian's fault to put His Majesty in such a dilemma?"

Du Xi was speechless.

Although he did not believe that Cao Hong really had a problem.

But that was based on military interests and personal feelings.

From the perspective of a Censor-in-Chief, it is his duty to investigate officials, uphold discipline, and safeguard the emperor's authority.

What Xu Shu said is indeed correct.

After all, Cao Hong's scandalous affairs were no secret.

At this moment, Xu Shu's deliberate loud speaking had already caused a commotion among the guests, which in turn attracted the attention of the host.

Zhong Yao came over with a cup in hand, first drinking with everyone before approaching Xu Shu and saying:
"Does Yuanzhi have a personal grudge against Cao Zilian?"

"If so, I can help resolve it! After all, we are all officials in the same court, and we should try our best to maintain harmonious relationships with our colleagues outside of official business."

Xu Shu sensed that the other party implied that he was being nosy, and he couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

The Wei Feng Rebellion, an undeserved disaster, wore down the spirit of this "Xiao He" under Cao Cao.

If I hadn't gone to Sichuan last year, I would probably be in the same state now.

His gaze shifted subtly, but Xu Shu deliberately ignored the gesture:
"To be honest, Master Zhong, I do have a grudge against him!"

"This time, the Shu bandits have marched north from Yiyang and invaded the western border of Yingchuan. I am hoping that the imperial army can rescue my hometown as soon as possible!"

"Who knew Cao Zilian would be so useless? If I don't blame him, who else can I blame?"

"I fear that the war will be delayed because of him, Wancheng will be difficult to save, and Yingchuan will be implicated!"

Most people disagreed with this statement.

After all, no matter how despicable Cao Hong's personal character was, his military abilities were still widely recognized.

However, most of the people present were scholars from Yingchuan.

It's not to the point of criticizing Xu Shu for this.

Is there a problem with speaking up for one's hometown?
Just as Zhong Yao was about to downplay the incident, a commotion suddenly broke out on the street outside.

Shortly afterward, a servant came to report.

It is said that Guan Yu has already captured Wancheng, killed Xu Huang in battle, and captured high-ranking officials such as Xiahou Shang and Man Chong alive!

　Thank you to [Wang Chuanze] for the donation!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)