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Liu Min said goodbye and left, Sun Quan ordered someone to find Zhang Zhao. Soon, Zhang Zhao hurried over and bowed and said, "Is there anything wrong with the old minister in Wuhou looking for the old minister?"

Since Zhou Yu's death, Zhang Zhao was reused by Sun Quan and gradually gained the power of government affairs in Jiangdong. In the power struggle in the Jiangdong officialdom, the Jiangbei faction represented by Zhang Zhao also had an advantage, while the Lujiang faction of Lusu was at a disadvantage. In the open recruitment of scholars in Jiangdong last year, the Jiangbei faction recommended by the Zhang Zhao faction and the Wu Yue faction recommended by the Eastern Wu faction occupied most of the places. Only the Lujiang and Yuzhang factions recommended by the Lusu faction were admitted and suffered a crushing defeat.

In fact, Sun Quan also hoped to follow Jingzhou completely, regardless of scholars and common people, but only talented people were promoted, but he could not do it. His subordinates unanimously opposed it. In the end, he had to adopt a compromise method, firstly the famous families of each county and then choose the best candidates for the best.

In the end, the competition for official resources by various factions evolved, ending with Zhang Zhao's Jiangbei faction and the Wuyue faction represented by Gu, Lu and Yu families, which were a great victory.

This made Sun Quan realize that the factional disputes in the Jiangdong officialdom were deeply rooted and had become the biggest constraint on his reform and innovation. The most typical example was the failure of Jiangdong craftsmen. Zhou Yu founded Jiangdong craftsmen in order to learn from Jingzhou, abolished the craftsmen, and enjoyed the same treatment as officials. This reform measure was strongly opposed by Zhang Zhao, Gu Yong, Yu Fan and others. When Zhou Yu passed away, Lu Su was unable to save the craftsmen, and was finally cancelled last year because of the loss of all the students.

It can be said that this is the bitter wine brewed by Sun Quan. In order to consolidate his power, he deliberately strengthened his sense of faction in the officialdom. In the end, the struggle in the officialdom became a major cancer in Jiangdong. It was too big to be eliminated and it was difficult to eradicate.

After seeing Zhang Zhao enter the house, Sun Quan greeted Lu Su coldly. He felt a little unhappy, but he did not show his face. He said gently: "I just met Liu Jing's envoy Liu Min, who was the resident envoy of Liu Jing. He said that Liu Jing planned to visit Jiangdong, and the excuse was to accompany Princess Shangxiang to visit relatives. Jing and I speculated that Liu Jing should have something to do, and I don't know what Bu thought of it."

Zhang Zhao stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, and then smiled and said, "If the old minister was not wrong, he came to Jiangdong in person to consolidate the Sun and Liu alliance, but his real purpose was to hope that Jiangdong would send troops to the Northern Expedition to echo his Western Front to seek the greatest political benefits."

"Bu is consistent with what we think. It seems that Liu Jing has indeed come up with something, so how should we deal with it?" Sun Quan asked again.

Zhang Zhao thought for a while and said, "Since Liu Jing is asking for help from Jiangdong, we also ask for corresponding benefits. I suggest that the lord should not agree to Liu Jing's substantive request first, but look at his specific sincerity, and then show our attitude and seek the greatest benefit for Jiangdong."

Sun Quan nodded, turned around and asked Lu Su with a smile, "What do you mean by respect?"

Lu Su said slowly: "If Liu Jing treats each other with sincerity, we should also show sincerity and we cannot consider interests in everything. Just like in the Battle of Hefei, Gan Ning did come here with all his might, but the journey was long and he did not arrive in time. This is not entirely the responsibility of the Jingzhou navy. I think Wu Hou also needs to show apologies to Liu Jing. This is the basis for cooperation between the two sides. Treat each other with sincerity and courtesy to seek common interests between the two sides. This is the way for the long-term stability of the Sun and Liu families."

Lu Su's words were obviously aimed at Zhang Zhao. Zhang Zhao's face changed slightly. He was about to refute, but Sun Quan waved his hand and smiled: "Bu said it well, Jiangdong's interests are preferred, and Jing said it well. Both sides should cooperate honestly. You Jing will go to Chengdu to welcome Liu Jing on behalf of me. All etiquette arrangements are fully responsible. Bu will start preparing food and supplies. Once the two sides reach a consensus, Jiangdong may be going to send troops."

...........

Just as Lu Su and Liu Min were sailing to Chengdu to welcome Liu Jing, Cao Cao's detailed work in Jianye also found out the news and immediately sent this important information to Yedu with a pigeon letter.

The information that Liu Jing was going to visit Jiangdong suddenly made Cao Cao nervous. Cao Cao knew very well that Liu Jing must have visited Jiangdong at this critical moment to join forces with Jiangdong to plot against the Central Plains.

In the inner hall of Tongquetai, Cheng Yu, Guoyuan, Liu Ye, Chen Qun, Mao Jie and other important counselors gathered together. Cao Pi and Cao Zhi were also sitting there. Cao Cao told everyone the news that Liu Jing wanted to visit Jiangdong. He said worriedly: "Now the Han army has taken the initiative in Guanlong. At this time, Liu Jing defended but did not attack, but went to visit Jiangdong. It is obvious that he wanted to join forces with Jiangdong to launch an offensive in the Central Plains. I want to discuss with you how we should deal with it."

There was silence in the lobby. This news really shocked everyone. I didn't know how to answer. At this time, Cao Cao glanced at Cheng Yu and saw that he seemed to have thought about it, so he said, "Let's talk first."

Cheng Yu sighed and said, "Frankly speaking, this news shocked Weichen, but I am not surprised. Liu Jing's intention was already very obvious. He had a strategic advantage in Guanzhong, but he did not cause any trouble. Instead, he joined forces with Sun Quan to attack the Central Plains in the north, which made us be attacked from both sides. Weichen believed that he clearly wanted to attack the Central Plains, but in fact, it was for Guanzhong. What made Weichen feel helpless was that he knew he was for Guanzhong, but he had to be restrained by him. Guanzhong is important, but Zhongyuan is even more important."

At this time, Shangshu Guoyuan interrogated: "Even if Liu Jing was to attack the Central Plains, he would have to travel around Jiangdong for at least four or five months. When they launched a war against the Central Plains, it was autumn. But it was only mid-May. Can we use the few months when Liu Jing was not on the front line to concentrate our forces to regain Chencang and Longxian, drive the Han army out of Guanzhong, and even regain Longxi? I ​​wonder if the Mao Envoy thinks it is feasible."

Mao Jie was a strategist who escaped from Chen Cang and knew very well about the situation in Chen Cang and Long County. Although Guoyuan was sincerely asking for advice, Mao Jie's face was still red, and he felt deeply ashamed, and he lowered his head and said nothing.

Cao Cao understood his mood and smiled and said, "I have this kind of thought, Xiaoxian might as well say it frankly."

Mao Jie had no choice but to say slowly: "Although Liu Jing is not in Chencang, Jia Xu is in Chencang. There are 50,000 elite troops in Chencang and 10,000 in Longxian. In addition, Sanguan is also firmly controlled by the Han army. I heard that the first thing Liu Jing did after seizing Chencang was to strengthen the city, broaden the moat, and strengthen defense. If we want to conquer Chencang, we need at least 100,000 troops. In addition, we need to prevent the Han army from attacking Chang'an in Longxian County. In this way, a 150,000 army is more than half of our army. Chang'an can no longer bear the food and supplies that need to be consumed. He must transport grain from Bingzhou. This is still under the premise of being able to conquer Chencang. Once Chencang cannot be captured, he will be attacked by the Han army of Longxian and Chencang. 80,000 to 100,000, we have no confidence in winning. Once the army is defeated, the consequences are serious. I think everyone should understand."

Cao Cao's face changed. Mao Jie was right. With Jia Xu guarding Chen Cang, Huang Zhong and Zhao Yun's courage, if he could not conquer Chen Cang, he would be defeated. The consequences were indeed very serious and he could not afford it.

At this time, Cheng Yu continued: "I'd better continue the words of the empress just now. Although Liu Jing attacked the Central Plains in a virtual way, once the Central Plains has a chance, he will definitely turn virtual into real and really march towards the Central Plains. The Central Plains will be unfavorable and the world will be shocked. I hope the Prime Minister can fully pay attention to this."

Cao Cao nodded silently. Although he was unwilling to admit this, he had to face the reality. He sighed in his heart and asked, "With Zhongde's opinion, what should we do?"

"Weichen proposed a plan called: guarding the points in Guanzhong and laying the borders in the Central Plains. Specifically, it is to station 50,000 heavy troops to defend Chang'an and confront the Han army. Guanzhong only needs to release 50,000 troops. The Central Principles deploy 150,000 troops, divided into four points, Nanyang, Runan, Hefei and Xuzhou, and another 100,000 troops stationed in Xudu. Support wherever there is a crisis. As long as Liu Jing's Central Plains offensive can defeat us, we will turn back to attack Guanzhong. We believe that the situation can still be restored."

Cao Cao also felt that this plan was feasible, so he said, "Zhongde stayed for a while, everyone should step back first."

He saw that he wanted to speak but stopped, and nodded, "Pier can stay."

Everyone left, and only Cheng Yu and Cao Pi were left in the inner hall. Cao Cao first asked Cao Pi, "Do you have anything to say?"

"I report to my father, the child wants to remind him that there were many heroic men in the battles between Longxi and Guanzhong, who were reluctant to receive rewards, which was not good for the morale of the army. For example, Jiang Ping would rather commit suicide than surrender to Liu Jing. How heroic is it? Why didn't my father reward him well?"

"My son is right. I didn't think about it. Jiang Ping was heroic and loyal. He could posthumously named Zhong and was given the title of Marquis of Jieting. He inherited it. The soldiers who committed suicide with him were all named Marquis of Marquis of Legal, and each person was rewarded with a thousand taels. You will handle this matter."

"Boy obeys the order"

Cao Cao praised his long-term consideration. He pondered for a moment, and sighed at Cheng Yu and said, "To be honest, the most urgent thing I have now is to save my reputation. Zhongde successfully counterattacked Nanyang. Although he has regained a lot of reputation, it is not enough. If I can win another victory and my prestige increases greatly, I can continue to recruit soldiers and increase my strength. Now Liu Jing is going to visit Jiangdong. I think we can use these few months to do something and recruit soldiers as soon as possible, I don't know."

Cheng Yu knew very well the pressure Cao Cao was under. He kept him in hopes of sharing his worries for him. Cheng Yu thought about it and smiled: "There is a way to increase the reputation of the prime minister."

Cao Cao was overjoyed and asked quickly: "What's the solution?"

"As the saying goes, if you want to pick up the soft persimmons, besides the southern forces, there is another soft persimmon in the world. Did the Prime Minister forget it?"

Cao Cao was stunned and suddenly realized, "Zhongde is talking about Liaodong."

Cheng Yu nodded, "The Yuan family remnants retreated to Liaodong. Although they defeated the Gongsun family, I heard that they had a strong internal struggle and fought each other, and their army was gradually splitting, and their military discipline was very chaotic. I didn't have to worry about them at first. They would have a civil war within a few years. But if the Prime Minister wanted to increase his reputation, it would be better to send a powerful force to defeat it in one battle."

Cao Cao happily stroked his beard and said, "Zhongde knows my heart but doesn't know who is better for the mission."

Cheng Yu looked at Cao Pi, and Cao Pi immediately bowed and bowed, "The child is willing to share his father's worries and lead his army to pacify Liaodong."
Chapter completed!