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

Chapter 316 Turmoil
Liu Xie, who is already a frightened bird, is not worth Mi Wei's excessive worry.

There's no need to treat the three Cao sisters, who are among the four concubines, differently.

The reason for temporarily residing in the Duan family.

It's just that Liu Xie's identity is sensitive, and some necessary procedures have to be followed.

As for the story of Han, Zhao, and Wei moving the ruler of Jin to Duanshi, it is purely coincidental.

In any case, Miwei would never admit that he did it on purpose.

In short.

With the main force of the Wei army suffering a complete defeat in Hedong, the pivotal area of ​​Shangdang suddenly became highly sought after.

The so-called Eight Passes of Taihang.

There are three passes through the Shangdang Highlands alone.

If we include the ancient road that Mi Wei took from Jiang County to Duanshi, Shangdang can even be described as having a wide network of roads.

Of course, this kind of well-connected area is not the same as the well-connected, flat terrain of places like Nanyang and Xuzhou.

The accessibility of Shangdang is relative to the natural barrier of the Taihang Mountains.

The majestic Taihang Mountains stretch for eight hundred miles, running through the four prefectures of Si, Bing, You, and Ji, dividing the east, west, north, and south.

Such places have numerous natural passes and mountain formations that can serve as natural barriers to guard key passages.

Once occupied, one can advance or retreat as needed.

If we have to make an analogy...

Shangdang is to Hedong what Hanzhong is to Shuzhong.

It serves as a gateway for defending against enemies.

It also serves as a springboard for offense.

Currently, Shangdang, this "gourd-shaped" area, is only partially occupied by Miwei in the south.

"Fish and mutton are best cooked together for maximum flavor."

"Now that we've caught the fish, it's time to catch the sheep too."

Upon hearing Mi Wei's lame joke, the expression of one of the assistant officials beside him immediately became heated:

Deng Shizai said that the Wei army at Huguan Pass and Changzi dared not attack.

"Then Lord Yang had already sent his family to a neighboring prefecture."

"It is clear that he had no determination to defend to the death; he was merely observing the situation in Hedong."

"Now that the situation in Hedong is clear, why doesn't the general write a letter to persuade them to return to the right path?"

Mi Wei looked at the man, who was none other than Qiao Zhou Qiao Yunnan, who had come from Hedong to deliver the news.

Shangdang and Hedong are separated by mountains and rivers.

We cannot find out the outcome immediately.

Zhuge Liang was worried that Mi Wei might be defeated, so he sent Qiao Zhou to deliver a message early on.

The latter traveled over mountains and valleys, his feet worn out but he never stopped, and finally delivered the intelligence in time.

Mi Wei was able to withdraw to Shangdang safely and in a timely manner with his "spoils of war".

Sima Yi and Wu Zhi's troops came up empty-handed.

Qiao Zhou did indeed deserve credit in this matter.

Mi Wei couldn't help but be impressed by the man's drive and efficiency.

Indeed, not everyone can be a defeatist strategist.

He then said to Qiao Zhou, "That's exactly what I was thinking."

"Although Yunnan lacks the talent for court debate, he is learned and intelligent. You will take the pen and write down the advantages and disadvantages, and the decision of whether or not to serve that Lord Yang!"

Qiao Zhou was overjoyed upon hearing this and said:

"I will definitely live up to the general's trust!"

……

Luoyang Palace, Lingyun Terrace.

The north wind howls.

The exquisitely crafted wooden platform occasionally emitted a creaking, grating sound.

It looked like it was about to collapse at any moment.

Cao Rui stopped below the platform, frowning as he looked at the high platform that Cao Pi had loved in his lifetime, his eyes filled with fear and disdain.

Although the platform is high and steep, it sways in the wind, clearly indicating that its foundation is unstable.

How did he dare to sit in a high position all these years?
Do you really think you're blessed by heaven and can live forever?
Thinking of this, Cao Rui turned to a young eunuch and said:
"Tell the Imperial Guard Commander to find craftsmen tomorrow to reinforce this platform, lest it be blown down by the wind and injure someone!"

The eunuch responded and left.

But Cao Rui's face showed no sign of worry or fear.

After thinking for a moment, he said to another eunuch:
"Summon the Three Dukes!"

The second eunuch also left in response.

But before they had gone far, Cao Rui called them back.

"I heard that Grand Commandant Zhong and Minister Hua have caught a cold?"

The eunuch nodded in agreement.

Cao Rui: "Then there's no need to bother Lord Zhong and Lord Hua any further. I'll send some good medicine to your residences later."

"By the way, have Zhong Gong personally escort Wang Sikong!"

Not long after.

A white-haired, aged official in his golden robes, led by a young court attendant, approached Cao Rui. Cao Rui first nodded to the court attendant, then stepped forward to help the kneeling Minister of Works, Wang Lang, to his feet, and said:
"The affairs of the state are difficult, and I am filled with sorrow. I do not know who to turn to for help, so I have no choice but to trouble Your Highness to come and see me in this cold weather!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Lang straightened his hat and belt, and said solemnly:
"The Three Dukes are the ministers of the emperor."

"Now that the Emperor has some difficulties, I should naturally share his burdens. Why should I complain about being tired?"

Cao Rui waved his hand:

"I have not yet assumed power, I am not yet the emperor."

Wang Lang stood solemnly:

"Although he did not rule as emperor, the crown prince was the heir apparent. After the death of the late emperor, the distinction between emperor and subject was no longer a matter of debate."

Cao Rui smiled and said to the young official:
"I have long heard that the prince is strict and generous, and today I have seen that he is indeed so."

The latter nodded repeatedly but remained silent, appearing very tactful.

Seeing this, Wang Lang glanced sideways and asked:
"Are you the son of the late Prefect of Wuwei?"

The young official then began to introduce himself:
“The lower-ranking official Guanqiu Jian, courtesy name Zhonggong.”

“My father’s given name was Guanqiu Xing. In the second or third year of the Huangchu era, the Shu bandits invaded Liangzhou, and my father died defending the land.”

“The Crown Prince did not treat him with frugality or meanness, but as a close friend, and he has served him ever since.”

Wang Lang smiled and said:
"How can the descendants of loyal and virtuous men be considered despicable?"

"It is a blessing for the country that the Crown Prince has such a good friend as you."

Guanqiu Jian repeatedly said he dared not accept such praise.

Wang Lang turned to Cao Rui and said:

"The Crown Prince has no shortage of good teachers and helpful friends around him, who are able to answer his questions, resolve his doubts, and handle his affairs."

"You have summoned this old minister today, surely not for any other matter, but concerning the very foundation of the nation, is that not so?"

Cao Rui chuckled and said:
"I knew I couldn't hide it from the princes and nobles."

"Very well, I'll just get straight to the point."

"Several months have passed since the late emperor's death, but due to the military situation in Hedong, his death was kept secret."

"But lately, things have been going wrong, and the people of Luoyang are in turmoil. I believe this matter should not be delayed any longer..."

When the topic of misfortune came up, all three of them looked gloomy.

The relaxed atmosphere suddenly loomed over everyone like a dark winter cloud.

After a dozen or so breaths of silence, Wang Lang finally spoke:

"The more turbulent the times, the sooner we need to establish names and titles in order to appease people's hearts."

"Since Your Highness is so inclined, you may order the relevant officials to begin preparing the grand ceremony and choose an auspicious day for your ascension to the throne."

Upon hearing this, Cao Rui's expression visibly relaxed.

But it was only for a moment.

Seeing this, Wang Lang immediately understood and said:
"Is Your Highness worried that the unstable situation around Luoyang might hinder your succession?"

Cao Rui looked up and exhaled:

"Only princes and dukes truly understand me!"

"good."

"Since autumn, our Great Wei has been plagued by a series of bad news."

"First, the Shu bandits broke through Tongguan Pass, crossed Puban, and attacked from two directions."

"He died prematurely, not allowing the late emperor more years."

"I thought these were just temporary tests from heaven for me. As long as I work together with my ministers to overcome these difficult times, we will surely see the light at the end of the tunnel."

"Who knew that as soon as the winter snow fell, bad news came from Sanhe... To be honest, Your Highness, I toss and turn every night, wondering if I can still protect the legacy entrusted to me by my father and grandfather?"

These words were followed by another moment of silence.

After all, Cao Rui's words carried a somewhat negative tone.

Every single sentence is true.

Especially after winter set in, the situation in the Sanhe battle was truly plagued by one bad news after another.

In the Hedong region, Sima Yi was decisively defeated by Zhuge Liang at the gates of Anyi, causing the situation in Hedong to deteriorate rapidly.

Not only did they lose cities and territory, but they also completely severed ties between Bingzhou and Sili.

We can no longer go south to rescue Guanluo as we did in the past.

Henan direction.

With Guan Ping's cannons firing relentlessly, and Xu Shu's northward march to Shanjin leaving the army vulnerable, Shanxian County fell after holding out for only half a month.

Although the veteran general Zhang He quickly gathered his troops and moved them to Hangu Pass in the rear.

However, that fortified pass could only control the northern route of Xiaohan, and could not cover the southern route.

In other words.

At this moment, the Luoyang Basin was no longer impenetrable to the Han army.

As for Hanoi, it did not lose any cities.

But with the loss of Ha Dong, how could Hanoi possibly remain unscathed?
Not to mention the southern part of Shangdang, which was north of Hanoi, had already been occupied by the bandit general Mi Wei long before the great defeat in Hedong.

Not to mention that a former emperor, who was the focus of the world's attention, was also kidnapped there!

Wang Lang knew that Cao Rui's words about the turmoil in people's hearts were by no means an exaggeration.

This is a true reflection of Luoyang today.

The Wei emperor and his officials can no longer hold their ground in Luoyang!
(End of this chapter)