Chapter 80: Poison Scheme

After the army retreated, it was discovered by Liu Bei every time. The only possibility of Cao Zhen withdrawing his troops was that there was a change in the rear, so Liu Bei also knew from this that Wei Yan had succeeded, and Cao Zhen quickly returned to the army to counterattack Chang'an.

Liu Bei immediately launched a large-scale attack on Chen Cang. After Cao Zhen left, Chen Cang left only a thousand people. Facing Liu Bei's 200,000 troops, he was captured by Liu Bei for only half a day. Then Liu Bei immediately marched into Chang'an.

Liu Bei had to conquer the city along the way, so Liu Bei also traveled day and night, but it took Cao Zhen three days before he arrived near Chang'an.

The arrival of Liu Bei's reinforcements also made Cao Zhen realize that it was impossible to counterattack Chang'an. Facing Liu Bei's 200,000 troops, Cao Zhen retreated back to Tongguan with tactfulness.

However, the war in Yongzhou has not ended. Tongguan is the gateway to Yongzhou. Liu Bei stationed his army in Chang'an and waited for an opportunity to seize Tongguan. At the same time, because there were still many places in Yongzhou that did not surrender, Liu Bei sent a small group of troops to attack the cities that had not surrendered.

In Liangzhou, Liu Bei added 20,000 troops to Ma Chao, Liangzhou, so that Ma Chao could occupy Liangzhou as soon as possible.

Xudu Palace.

Cao Zhen tied himself up, knelt in the hall, lowered his head and said, "I am incompetent and unable to defend Chang'an. Please punish me for my death!"

Cao Pi looked at Cao Zhen, who was kneeling down below and said sternly: "Cao Zhen, for your contributions in previous years, I will write down this time. I will first be fined for one year and remove the position of Grand Commander. I will temporarily guard Tongguan and make meritorious service."

"Thank you for not killing your Majesty." Cao Zhen hurriedly stood up and retreated aside.

Cao Pi was reluctant to kill Cao Zhen. Today, the Wei State was when two generations of generals changed between the old and the new. The older generation of Xiahou Dun and others had already died of illness, and the younger generals had not yet grown up, so they were not enough to entrust the important tasks. Cao Zhen was already one of the few commanders in the Wei State who could lead troops.

However, Cao Zhen failed to defend Yongzhou, so he still had to be punished. A year's salary was nothing to Cao Zhen. Cao Zhen was not short of money. Although the position of Grand Commander was cut off, Cao Pi did not deprive Cao Zhen of military power. Therefore, Cao Zhen did not lose any losses in terms of real power, and the 100,000 troops in Tongguan were still under the command of Cao Zhen.

Cao Pi looked at the rows of civil and military ministers under the hall and asked, "My dear friends, Liu Bei's army has occupied Chang'an and threatened Tongguan. I wonder what good advice do you have?"

Everyone looked at me, and I looked at you, but they didn't say anything. Liu Bei had a 200,000 army, with troops far above Cao's army; Guan, Zhang and Zhao were both powerful generals, and no one in Cao's camp was their opponent; Pang Tong, who was beside Liu Bei, was even more wise and well-versed in military affairs. In addition, with the powerful backing of Zhuge Liang in Hanzhong, Cao's army had no advantage in any aspect.

The civil officials and military generals in the hall were all sensible. They all knew that Liu Bei’s strength is far beyond the reach of the Cao army, which was incomparable to the incomparable Cao army, so no one could do anything about Liu Bei’s occupation of Guanzhong.

After a long time, Wang Lang walked out strode.

"Your Majesty, if you defeat others without fighting, you are the best plan. I am willing to go to Chang'an to persuade Liu Bei to surrender with my words. Let Liu Bei know that our dynasty is so great that everyone hopes, and he is just a rebellious person. Liu Bei is just a person who acts against the will of heaven. Liu Bei will be willing to bow his head and submit it to Guanzhong and the two rivers." Wang Lang said loudly.

Cao Pi gave Wang Lang a blank look and cursed the old nerd in his heart. He was really stupid in his study and actually went to Chang'an to persuade Liu Bei to surrender. Liu Bei was not a fool, so he would give up such a large foundation and surrender. It was really a fool. If everyone could surrender after taking a bath in the "grace of heaven", then there would not be a situation of separatist in the Three Kingdoms. Only an old nerd like Wang Lang could think of such a stupid way.

However, Wang Lang is a great scholar today and has a respected identity, so even if Cao Pi knows that what Wang Lang said is unreliable, he cannot say that Wang Lang is not. So Cao Pi had to nod silently and then said: "Mr. Wang Lang's words make a lot of sense, but this is dangerous to go to Chang'an. Besides, Lord Wang is old and may not be able to withstand the fatigue of boats and trains. I think Mr. Wang should not go."

"Your Majesty, I will share your worries for the country and the people. Even if I die, I will have no regrets! How can I worry about the danger!" Wang Lang continued to say loudly.

Cao Pi was stunned in embarrassment, and then said helplessly: "Mr. Wang is a minister of our dynasty. There are many big and small affairs in the dynasty. How can you leave Mr. Wang? Besides, I still need Mr. Wang to give me some advice on weekdays, so Mr. Wang should not go."

Before Wang Lang interrupted, Cao Pi continued, "Mr. Wang is loyal to the country and his ambition is commendable. Do you have any countermeasures to Liu Bei in Guanzhong?"

Seeing Cao Pi asking others, Wang Lang had to retreat silently, while the others stood there with their eyes and noses and hearts, without saying anything.

"It's nothing, just leave the court." Cao Pi said and waved his hand. The ministers in the hall could see that Cao Pi was not in a good mood, so they stood up and sent Cao Pi away respectfully.

Cao Pi had a blue face and walked in the imperial garden. When the palace maids around him saw that Cao Pi looked bad, they all obediently avoided him.

After losing Guanzhong, Cao Pi naturally felt in a bad mood. However, what made Cao Pi even more depressed was that Liu Bei had taken to Guanzhong. In addition, Liu Bei's original Yizhou, Liu Bei had completely occupied the land of the old Qin.

Guanzhong has a fertile land of thousands of miles and a strong people. Guanzhong has huge advantages in terms of resources and military sources. In the past, the Qin people were the most arduous in fighting. After several generations of Qin kings, the First Emperor finally unified the world, and Emperor Gaozu also revived the world with Guanzhong. Now Liu Bei seems to have followed the path that Emperor Gaozu had taken before.

"The land of dragon prosperity, the land of dragon prosperity!" Cao Pi sighed softly, suddenly pulled out the sword from his waist, and cut hard towards a bonsai next to him. Suddenly, wood chips and soil flew everywhere, and the bonsai was cut into a mess.

"Cough cough cough..." A dry cough came from behind. Cao Pi turned around and found that Cao Pi's mother, Mrs. Bian, was standing behind.

"My son has seen his mother." Cao Pi hurriedly put down his sword and saluted Mrs. Bian.

After Cao Pi became emperor, he was conferred the throne and his grandfather, and Mrs. Bian, as Cao Pi's biological mother, was also conferred the title of Empress Dowager.

"Hey... Is the emperor worried about Guanzhong?" asked Empress Dowager Bian.

Cao Pi nodded: "Mother, Liu Bei was originally a hero of the world. Originally, Liu Bei occupied the two rivers and became a big trouble. Now he has seized the fertile land of Guanzhong and traveled thousands of miles. A few years later, it may be difficult to stop Liu Bei's army."

"The world was in chaos and all the heroes emerged, and dozens of princes of all sizes were left. Now only Liu Bei is left. When your father was alive, he said that Liu Bei was a hero of the world and should not be underestimated." Empress Dowager Bian said, looking at Cao Pi's face, and then asked: "What countermeasures can Chinese civil and military officials in the court deal with Liu Bei?"

Cao Pi shook his head: "Hmph, those trash people are all mute when they can use them. I have sent Cao Zhen to guard Tongguan and Zhang He to guard Wuguan. You must not let Liu Bei enter Sili half a step."

"Imperial son, I am a woman. This great man did not allow the harem to interfere in politics, but today I, the mother, want to make an exception and give you an idea." Queen Mother Bian said.

"My mother, please speak."

"I'm afraid there is only one person in the court who can solve such a big problem."

"Who is it?" Cao Pi asked hurriedly.

"Hehe, this person hasn't been to court for more than half a year!" Empress Dowager Bian replied with a smile.

"Have you been to court for more than half a year?" Cao Pi's mind immediately showed a thin literati figure. This man doesn't like to talk on weekdays, but his eyes always have a deep darkness.

It was Jia Xu, the person Cao Cao relied the most, the tumbler in the political arena among the Cao Wei forces, and the person who is the best at saving his life.

"It's Taiwei Jia! Mother, I'll send someone to invite Taiwei Jia over here." Cao Pi said.

"Your son, you are wrong again. Do you remember that Taiwei Jia has been ill for not paying respects these days? You don't think he is really sick! You should go to the Jia Mansion in person to show sincerity."

Cao Pi immediately understood the meaning of Empress Dowager Bian. Jia Xu was not allowed to come out of illness, which was obviously a sign of unwillingness to participate in the government. In this way, Cao Pi really needed to invite him in person. Thinking of this, Cao Pi nodded: "What the Empress Dowager said is that I will go and invite him in person."

Since Cao Pi ascended the throne, Jia Xu can count the number of times he went to court with one hand. Most of the time, Jia Xu stayed at home and said he was sick and did not go to court.

Of course Jia Xu was not sick. Jia Xu said he was sick and did not court, but it was just a means of self-protection. The most taboo thing about the new emperor ascended the throne was that old ministers like Jia Xu were relying on their seniority. Moreover, Jia Xu also saw that Cao Pi was eager to cultivate his own power. An old man in his seventies and eighties, like Jia Xu, who was about to be silenced, would not compete for favor with those young people. So Jia Xu simply sued him at home and was happy to be idle.

At this time, Jia Xu was sitting in a small pavilion in the mansion, wrapped in several layers of thick fur, and a pot of wine was boiling on a small charcoal stove next to him. The fragrance of wine wafted and filled the pavilion. There was a plate of green plums on the small table next to him, which looked particularly attractive.

Jia Xu picked up a green plum, put it gently into his mouth, chewed it slowly, and then added a bite of the hot wine in the bowl, closed his eyes, and looked very enjoyable.

"Father, father!" Jia Mu's urgent voice came from a distance, disturbing Jia Xu's mood. Jia Xu opened his eyes slightly and asked, "What happened?"

"Father, his Majesty is here," said Jamu.

"Hurry up and go and welcome Your Majesty." Jia Xu said immediately.

"Haha, you don't have to be too polite, Lord Taiwei!" Cao Pi's voice came from outside, and then Cao Pi walked into the courtyard.

Today, Cao Pi wore a casual outfit and only had an eunuch beside him. He looked relaxed, but judging from Cao Pi's dark circles, I'm afraid Cao Pi had not been asleep all night last night.

"Old minister Jia Xu, please see Your Majesty." Jia Xu said and knelt down, while Cao Pi drove away a few steps and stepped forward to support Jia Xu, and said at the same time: "The Taiwei does not need to be too polite. My Taiwei is in poor health recently, so I come to see the Taiwei."

"I am afraid..." Jia Xu said respectfully.

Cao Pi glanced at the pot of wine cooked behind Jia Xu and the plate of green plums next to him, and said happily: "Taiwei, aren't you going to invite me to have a bowl together?"

"Your Majesty, please!" Jia Xu said, and invited Cao Pi to the pavilion.

Cao Pi took a sip of wine, and then said, "I remember that my father and Liu Bei were also in the same pavilion when they were cooking wine. Hey... If my father killed Liu Bei, how could he have today's disaster? Raising a tiger is a disaster..."

Jia Xu smiled. Jia Xu had long expected that Cao Pi came to him for the sake of Liu Bei occupying Guanzhong. Now Cao Pi talks about the matter of heroes when cooking wine, so naturally it is to ask Jia Xu for advice.

Jia Xu was a smart man. When he saw Cao Pi, he immediately said with an excuse: "I think Your Majesty is not in good spirits, but I am worried about Liu Bei's occupation of Guanzhong?"

"The Grand Marshal said it is right. I have been unable to sleep at night for the affairs of Guanzhong in recent days. Now Liu Bei has occupied Guanzhong. The pre-Qin period is the land of dragons, and Liu Bei is also the heroic ruler of the world. In addition, Guan Zhang and other tigers and wolves are assisted by Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong and other wise men. Liu Bei has already become a wing. I really don't know what to do."

"Your Majesty, if the lower third of the momentum is now completed, Your Majesty thinks, who is stronger, Liu Bei or Sun Quan of Jiangdong?" Jia Xu suddenly asked.

Cao Pi thought for a while, then said, "Although Sun Quan of Jiangdong occupied Jiangdong and Jingzhou, the land of Jiangdong was far inferior to that of Central Plains in terms of population and resources, so Sun Quan of Jiangdong should be the weakest. Liu Bei originally only had Yizhou, but now he occupied Guanzhong, and I also enjoyed the wealthy land of the Central Plains, so I and Liu Bei should be just a little bit."

"Your Majesty, if Liu Bei did not get Guanzhong, who would be stronger or weak?" Jia Xu continued to ask.

Cao Pi said without thinking, "If Liu Bei had not obtained Guanzhong, even Jiangdong would not be as good as the land of Yizhou alone."

"Your Majesty said very well. What Your Majesty is nothing more than the great increase in Liu Bei's strength after he obtained Guanzhong. If Liu Bei did not have Guanzhong and only relied on Yizhou, it would not be a big problem, so it is only necessary to prevent Liu Bei from obtaining Guanzhong." Jia Xu said.

"But Grand Marshal, now Liu Bei has occupied Guanzhong, and even Chang'an has been captured by Liu Bei..."

"Your Majesty, don't worry, listen to me, Your Majesty cares very much about Guanzhong, so you must take it?"

"The Central Plains is vast and has a large population. In recent years, the wars have continued in Guanzhong, and there are Qiang, Di, Xiongnu and Xianbei tribes, which are extremely difficult to govern. Moreover, Liangzhou has been rebelling for many years, so it doesn't matter whether there is Guanzhong or not. For me, this Guanzhong is not a must."

Jia Xu smiled slightly and said, "What Your Majesty is worried about is that Liu Bei's strength has increased greatly after he obtained Guanzhong. Since this is the case, there is a plan that Liu Bei cannot obtain Yongzhou. However, using this plan, Your Majesty will not be able to retake Yongzhou."

"Please speak with a sir, Grandmaster." Cao Pi said with a very modest look and said.

Jia Xu took a deep breath, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and then he said four words in a sonorous manner: "Turn Hu into Yong!"

"Turn Hu into Yong?" Cao Pi looked puzzled, obviously not understanding what Jia Xu said.

Jia Xu also knew that Cao Pi was far less conscious of military affairs than Cao Cao, so Jia Xu patiently began to explain to Cao Pi.

"Your Majesty, the place on the border of Liangzhou to the west of Yongzhou is Qiang Di Er tribe. In the north of Yongzhou, there are the Xianbei Budu Gen and Fu Luohan tribes. There are also Liu Bao, the left wise king of the Southern Xiongnu. At the same time, the Xianbei Kebineng tribe in the east can also pass through Shangjun and enter Yongzhou. In the northwest of Yongzhou, there are hundreds of thousands of Jie tribes. Therefore, Your Majesty only needs to burn Xiaoguan in the north, Xianbei Budu Gen and Jie tribes can directly cross the Great Wall and enter Yongzhou. At the same time, if Your Majesty opens Shangjun, allowing the Xiongnu Liu Bao and the central Xianbei Kebineng to enter Yongzhou through Hetao, and then promises heavy profits to allow the Qiang and Di people to invade Yongzhou. The more than 700,000 or 800,000 people and horses of the Five Barbarians, how can Liu Bei resist? Therefore, Liu Bei must withdraw his troops, and we only need to guard Tongguan and Wuguan to prevent the Five Barbarians from entering the Central Plains. Although Your Majesty lost Guanzhong, Liu Bei could not get Guanzhong."

Cao Pi took a breath of air and immediately spoke, "If you are not a clan, your heart will be different. If you follow the Taiwei said, what should the people in Yongzhou do? If the Five Barbarians enter Guanzhong, the people will inevitably be poisoned, and then the people will probably suffer from disaster!"

"People? Those in Guanzhong are now the people of Liu Bei, not the people of Your Majesty! What does the life and death of these people have to do with us!" Jia Xu said indifferently.

"But……"

Seeing Cao Pi hesitating, Jia Xu continued to persuade: "Your Majesty, war is a major event for the country, and the way to survive and die. If Your Majesty does not do this, let Liu Bei stay in Guanzhong safely. Within three years, Liu Bei will be able to create another 100,000 troops! As for those people... there is no one who will never die in this war. It's just that they were born in this chaotic world!"

"Master Taiwei, I always feel that this move is inappropriate. If I really lead the Five Barbarians into Guanzhong and slaughter our Han people, what will this future generations think of me? I am afraid that it will leave a stigma for the ages!"

"Your Majesty does not need to worry. As long as your Majesty can unify the world, you will be in power and enjoy the world. Are you afraid that you will not be able to block the long mouths of the people in the world? As for how the historian should write, it is not a matter of your Majesty's words!"

Cao Pi nodded deeply. Jia Xu was right. This historical book was always written by the winner. As long as he could unify the world, no one in the world would dare to say that he was not!

"Your Majesty, in this chaotic world, human life is like grass. When the staple food and grass were not enough, he also ordered Cheng Yu to use human jelly as military rations..." Jia Xu then enlightened Cao Pi.

The first lord Jia Xu mentioned was naturally Cao Cao. Human jelly was human flesh. In the early years of Jian'an, that was the most difficult time for Cao Cao. At that time, Cao's army was short of food, and Cheng Yu used human flesh as military rations for the army to eat. Jia Xu said that this was mainly to tell Cao Pi that some people were not a big deal at all, and even Cao Cao used human flesh as military rations.

Listening to Jia Xu's tone, thinking about what Jia Xu just mentioned about the strategy of attracting Hu into Yong, Cao Pi began to weigh the pros and cons. If it were really as stated by Jia Xu, it would be difficult for Guanzhong to recover its vitality for thirty or forty years! This can be regarded as a vicious plan that is extremely powerful!
Chapter completed!