“Pi’er is already quite old. This is related to the great cause of the Cao family. How can he not go just because it is dangerous?”

Listening to the advice of her sisters, although Mrs. Bian was reluctant to let her son Cao Pi go to Xuzhou, which was not safe, she still said it involuntarily.

“This……”

Hearing what Mrs. Bian said, Mrs. Du, Mrs. Huan, Mrs. Yin and other women suddenly didn’t know how to respond.

“Okay, you all can go back first. There’s no need to comfort me.” Mrs. Bian smiled at everyone.

“Then sister, let’s go back first.”

Madam Du, Madam Huan, Madam Yin and other beautiful ladies also understand that they can’t change anything, and Madam Bian needs to be alone for now.

The girls leave.

But the woman who was standing in the corner before, listening to the words “Ang’er is lost”, with eyes and eyebrows as beautiful as a painting, a hint of sadness and charm in her brows, a beautiful and charming woman with natural beauty, stayed.

“Sister, it’s my fault. If it weren’t for me, Ang’er wouldn’t have died.”

The Ang’er mentioned by the beautiful and charming woman is none other than Cao Cao’s eldest son Cao Ang.

Undoubtedly, this absolutely beautiful and charming woman was Zhang Xiu’s aunt, Zou.

Zou was the widow of Zhang Ji, who was Zhang Xiu’s uncle. In the second year of Jian’an, Cao Cao led his army to attack Zhang Xiu, who surrendered to Cao Cao on the advice of Jia Xu. However, Cao Cao fell in love with Zou and forced her to sleep with him. This behavior caused Zhang Xiu’s dissatisfaction and rebellion, which eventually led to the outbreak of the Battle of Wancheng.

There are different opinions about Zou’s whereabouts.

First of all, some people speculated that she was taken away by Cao Cao and made one of his concubines.

Another possibility is that although Cao Cao took Zou away, for some reason (such as political needs, internal disputes, etc.), she did not leave many traces in Cao Cao’s harem and was therefore forgotten by history.

Some say he was killed by Zhang Xiu.

During the Battle of Wancheng, Zhang Xiu’s betrayal and revenge against Cao Cao may have involved Zou. In order to protect the reputation and dignity of his uncle Zhang Ji, Zhang Xiu may have chosen to kill Zou to calm his inner anger and dissatisfaction.

Escape or disappearance, Zou may have taken advantage of the chaos in the Battle of Wancheng to escape the pursuit of Cao Cao and Zhang Xiu. She disappeared in the war, and her whereabouts became an eternal mystery.

However, no matter how outsiders speculate privately, this is always Cao Cao’s dark history that he is unwilling to talk about, and it is not worth telling to outsiders.

Although Cao Cao lost his son and general, he finally accepted Zhang Xiu’s surrender and even generously employed Zhang Xiu.

(The following may also be one of the possibilities the author thinks:
As for Zou, she had already become Cao Cao’s woman, so Zhang Xiu naturally couldn’t interfere and say anything about killing Zou. Zou was also taken into Cao Cao’s backyard, but after all, this matter had a great impact. Even though Zou entered Cao Cao’s backyard, she was still alienated by Cao Cao and all the other women.

“Alas, Zou, the matter has passed. There is no need to mention it again.”

Madam Bian looked at Zou’s pitiful and charming appearance and thought to herself, which man can resist the temptation of such an alluring enchantress like you?

However, women have to suffer as women, and this matter cannot be blamed on Zou.

“Okay then.” Zou looked at Mrs. Bian who was still persuading and comforting her as always, and nodded gratefully.

Soon, Mrs. Bian was the only one left in the room.

Only then did Mrs. Bian think of her son Cao Pi, who was about to go to Xuzhou in place of his father. Thinking of the dangers along the way, Mrs. Bian couldn’t help but have tears in her eyes.

Call the maid and ask Cao Pi to come over.

After meeting Cao Pi, Mrs. Bian had calmed down.

He told Cao Pi to be careful on his way to Xuzhou, to be careful not to catch a cold, not to eat randomly, and so on, and gave him instructions on many important and small matters for nearly an hour.

However, the only thing he didn’t say was that he should go and plead with Cao Cao not to let him go.

Although Cao Pi forced himself to smile, he was actually very worried about his trip. However, Cao Pi understood his mother’s character, and he knew that Madam Bian would definitely not plead with his father for mercy considering the overall situation.

really.

Before Cao Pi and Jia Xu left Luoyang City, Lady Bian did not say anything to Cao Cao about not letting Cao Pi go, which made Cao Pi very disappointed in Lady Bian.

In a caravan heading to Yuzhou, Jia Xu looked at the distraught Cao Pi and said with a smile:
“Young Master, are you disappointed that the Madam didn’t ask Sikong for mercy?”

Cao Pi listened to Jia Xu’s question, bowed to Jia Xu, and said:

“Mr. Wenhe, Pi is wondering, Liu Wu has already occupied six states, and now he wants to wipe out Sun Quan. Who will win the world?”

Jia Xu listened to Cao Pi’s question without answering, but he didn’t care. He stroked his beard and said with a smile:

“Your Highness asked a good question. If we analyze who will win and who will lose based on the right time, right place, and right people, I’m afraid Liu Wu has a better chance of winning now.”

Cao Pi listened to Jia Xu’s words, his brows tightened, and he bowed to Jia Xu and said, “Please teach me, sir!”

Jia Xu was generous in giving advice to Cao Pi and said:

“First of all, from the perspective of timing, Liu Wu has the reputation of being righteous and the resources of the emperor. Even though Sikong is better at using political and diplomatic means to create a favorable combat environment for himself, Liu Wu still has the upper hand.”

“From the perspective of geographical advantages, Sikong has the upper hand. Both Guanzhong and Hanzhong have strategic terrains that are easy to defend but difficult to attack, which is enough to provide us with a solid defensive barrier. In the past, Qin was able to stand firm when faced with the invasion of the six countries, because the geographical advantages were unmatched by the six countries.”

“The six states of Guandong occupied by Liu Wu have flat terrain and convenient transportation, which is conducive to the assembly and rapid movement of the army. However, Liu Wu needs to guard against potential threats from multiple directions and ensure that his defense line is not breached. Therefore, in comparison, Sikong has an advantage in terms of geographical location.”

“As for the harmony of people. Although Sikong is strict in military discipline and good at employing people, he can inspire the fighting spirit and loyalty of soldiers. The army under Sikong has formed a strong cohesion and combat effectiveness in the past twenty years of fighting.”

“However, as a relative of the Han Dynasty, Liu Wu has a popular base and was named the King of Chu by the emperor. He has the support of the people, which is probably not comparable to Sikong. Therefore, Liu Wu has the upper hand in terms of popular support.”

“The right time, the right place, and the right people. Liu Wu has the right time and the right people, while Sikong only has the right place. Therefore, I say Liu Wu has a greater chance of winning.”

Jia Xu was not stingy in analyzing Cao Pi.

Listening to Jia Xu’s words, Cao Pi was naturally very dissatisfied, but he also understood that what Jia Xu said should be right.

However, Cao Pi looked at Jia Xu in confusion and said:
“Since Mr. Wenhe knows that my father has little chance of winning, why is he still so carefree? Or is he planning to go to Guandong and head to Liuwu?”

“Hahaha, young master, you misunderstood. Xu said that Liu Wu had the advantage of both timing and people, but that doesn’t mean Liu Wu would definitely win. Sikong had the advantage of terrain. Both Hanzhong and Guanzhong have strategic locations and are not easy to capture. They may not be impossible to win in the end.”

Jia Xu said to Cao Pi.

Cao Pi heaved a sigh of relief when he heard what Jia Xu said.

“I still don’t understand a lot about the situation in the world. Mr. Wenhe, please give me some advice. As your father’s second son, and my eldest brother is gone, I have to take responsibility and share my father’s worries.” Cao Pi changed the subject and said to Jia Xu.

Jia Xu’s eyes flickered slightly when he heard Cao Pi’s ambitious words.

According to his personality, he didn’t want to get involved in the Cao family’s heirs.

However, considering the current situation in the world, if Liu Wu really defeated Cao Cao, it would probably only take a few years.

Cao Chong, who was favored by Cao Cao, never had time to grow up.

Cao Cao himself was not in good health and was too old. Only Cao Pi was good in both political wisdom and intelligence.

“Well, if you ask, Jia Xu will tell you everything he knows.” Jia Xu agreed to Cao Pi.

When Cao Pi heard this, he was immediately delighted. Cao Cao had many civil officials and advisers under his command, but Jia Xu was definitely among the top three.

“Sir, don’t worry about the safety of this trip. This caravan has actually secretly joined Liu Wu’s Yuzhou Governor’s Mansion. Every year, they provide a lot of horses, cattle, and sheep to the Yuzhou Governor’s Mansion. However, they are still our people and are very safe.”

Jia Xu explained to Cao Pi why he was not worried about the safety of this trip.

“Ah, so that’s the case, that’s brilliant.” When Cao Pi heard that this caravan had secretly defected to the Yuzhou governor’s office, but was actually still their people, he was stunned for a moment, and then he felt relieved.

In this way, Cao Pi followed Jia Xu, learning all the way to Xuzhou.

……

the other side.

Guan Yu, as the supreme general of Chu, raised an army of 200,000 and gathered them in a mighty force, preparing to attack Hefei.

When Sun Quan in Hefei received the news, he was shocked. Then, without hesitation, he urgently mobilized troops from all over Yangzhou. He gritted his teeth and mobilized the army south of the Yangtze River to Hefei.

After Zhang Zhao, Lu Meng and others received the news that Guan Yu was going to lead an army of 200,000 to attack Hefei, they discussed it with Sun Quan. In the end, they transferred troops from all over Yangzhou to Hefei for guarding. After all, they were not safe on the Yangtze River now, and they had no choice but to defend Hefei with no way of retreat.

As many as 100,000 troops gathered in Hefei, but Sun Quan still did not feel safe, so he sent Zhang Zhao to Xuzhou, hoping that Sun Shao would send troops to fight against Liu Wu together.

……

Xuzhou.

As Guan Yu led an army of 200,000 to attack Hefei eastwards, the situation changed dramatically and Xuzhou was also caught in the vortex.

Penghou Mansion.

In the hall.

Sun Shao, who was fifteen or sixteen years old, sat in the main seat and had become much calmer.

Taishi Ci, Lu Su, Zhu Zhi, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang, Jiang Qin, Zhou Tai and other civil and military officials gathered together.

In addition to the civil and military officials of Xuzhou, there was also Zhang Zhao, an envoy from Hefei.

Even Cao Cao’s son Cao Pi came to Xuzhou in person. When Sun Shao first heard the news, he was shocked.

Now, Liu Wu wanted to attack Sun Quan, and the reason he gave was that Sun Quan was colluding with the traitor Cao Cao.

Now that Cao Pi has arrived, how can Sun Shao not be surprised?

“No matter what misunderstandings there were between Marquis Wu and Marquis Peng in the past, now Liu Wu is bullying the Sun family of Jiangdong. Marquis Peng is also from the Sun family of Jiangdong. Don’t just sit and watch Marquis Wu being conquered by Liu Wu. Liu Wu is ambitious and has long wanted to steal the world. If Marquis Wu is defeated, Liu Wu will definitely not let Marquis Peng go. The lips and teeth are cold. I beg Marquis Peng to send troops to help Marquis Wu repel Guan Yu’s army.”

Zhang Zhao pleaded with Sun Shao.

In the hall, Sun Shao frowned as he listened to Zhang Zhao’s words.

To be honest, he was very reluctant to be an enemy of Liu Wu.

Because you are soft-hearted when you receive favors, and you are grateful when you receive favors.

At the beginning, it was Liu Wu who won for him the titles of Mu of Xuzhou and Marquis of Peng.

Otherwise, there would be no Sun Shao who is in charge of a state today.

Later, when he was in trouble in Xuzhou, Liu Wu even squeezed out more than 100,000 shi of grain to help him overcome the difficulties.

Now, do we really want to send troops to fight Liu Wu?

Undoubtedly, this behavior is somewhat immoral.

Even in the eyes of many ordinary people, he is an ungrateful person.

“Send troops to help Sun Quan? Lord Zhang, it’s not that Shao doesn’t want to get involved, but Sun Quan almost killed me back then.”

Sun Shao said suddenly with an angry look on his face.

Zhang Zhao was slightly startled, then he bowed to Sun Shao and said:
“Replying to Marquis Peng, what happened that day was very strange. The imperial envoy arrived in Hefei to announce the decree, but Marquis Wu did not send anyone to invite Marquis Peng. However, Marquis Peng received the notice. After arriving, he directly received the imperial decree conferring him the title of Marquis Peng and Governor of Xuzhou. Obviously, this was arranged by Liu Wu’s subordinates.”

“This action was definitely not done by Marquis Wu. I’m afraid Liu Wu had someone frame Marquis Wu.”

Zhang Zhao said firmly.

However, Zhang Zhao was confident, but Sun Shao was very angry and said coldly:

“Put the blame on others? The imperial edict originally said that I should recall my father’s old subordinates. How could Sun Quan be willing to see his power greatly reduced? He might just want to take advantage of the fact that the King of Chu has his men in Hefei City to fish in troubled waters and send someone to kill me, and then put the blame on the King of Chu!”

Sun Shao said in a cold voice, and Zhang Zhao immediately stopped talking.

He understood that Sun Shao had great ill will towards Sun Quan, and that it would be useless to argue further.

Zhang Zhao bowed to Sun Shao and said:

“Lord Peng, can we put aside this grudge? Now, the Sun family has encountered a powerful enemy. Guan Yu is famous all over the world. He is now leading an army of 200,000 and is not far from Hefei. If the Lord Wu is defeated, the Jiangdong foundation that your father Sun Ce built with great difficulty will be lost. Does Lord Peng really want to sit back and watch the Sun family fail?”

Zhang Zhao tried to persuade Sun Shao again, and even invited Sun Shao’s father, Sun Ce, to come out.

Sun Shao listened to Zhang Zhao mention his father and remained silent this time.

Lu Su, who had been silent, saw that Sun Shao was silent and his attitude was obviously relaxed. He bowed and said:
“My lord, what Mr. Zhang said is right. Only by helping each other can the lord and the Marquis of Wu survive better in this chaotic world. If the Marquis of Wu is destroyed, the lord will be the only one left in Guandong. At that time, the King of Chu may be able to deal with us at will.”

“Su suggests that the lord send troops to jointly deal with the King of Chu’s troops with the Marquis of Wu!”

Lu Su said it with absolute certainty.

Sun Shao, who was sitting in the main seat, suddenly lost his voice and said:
“Do we really want to send troops? But can we defeat Guan Yu’s 200,000-man army?”

Sun Shao became more and more trusting of Lu Su because, during this period, Lu Su had devoted all his efforts to helping him govern Xuzhou.

However, he was still afraid of the powerful Liu Wu.

Zhang Zhao was overjoyed when he saw Sun Shao give in, and hurriedly said to Sun Shao:
“Marquis Peng, don’t worry. Zhao met with Mr. Wenhe and Master Cao Pi yesterday. They have expressed their stance on behalf of Cao Sikong. Both Xuzhou and Yangzhou are their allies. If we agree, they will immediately send 200,000 troops to respond to us!”

When Sun Shao heard that he could become an ally of Cao Cao, he immediately felt relieved and seriously asked Cheng Pu, Huang Gai and others for their opinions.

Finally, Sun Shao gritted his teeth and said:
“In that case, let’s send out troops. Taishi Ci will lead a 100,000-man army to Hefei to rescue the Marquis of Wu!”

(End of this chapter)