Chapter 939 Secret Struggle

   "Wu Shu swore an alliance with heaven and earth. I only think that they are close, but I didn't expect Sun Quan to still be the same as before, keeping the idea of ​​taking advantage of both sides."

  In the Taiji Hall in Luoyang City, Cao Rui read the urgent letter sent from Jingzhou, and a sneer appeared on his face.

   "Come here, call Sun Zi Liu Fang."

   Accompanying Lian Zhao quickly agreed, "No."

  Then trotted all the way to the door and ordered to guard the small yellow door on the corridor.

  Zhongshu Supervisor Liu Fang and Zhongshu Ling Sun Zi got the edict, so they rushed here without daring to neglect.

  Walking to the East Hall of Taiji Hall, I saw Lian Zhao guarding the door.

   "Meet the two Zhongshu."

  Liu Fang and Sun Zi returned the gift, and while getting up, one of them asked in a low voice:

   "How is Your Majesty feeling?"

  Lian Zhao replied in the same low voice:

   "Fair."

   It’s okay.

  The two looked at each other and felt relieved.

  Some time ago, rumors were rampant in Luoyang.

   Among them, two poems by Feng Zei, "Crying for Cao Zijian" and "Han Daochang", were sung all over Luoyang.

   Made His Majesty feel extremely bad.

  It is good news to hear that His Majesty is in a good mood this time.

   "I have seen Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live forever and live forever!"

"rise."

  After letting the two sit down, Cao Rui asked Lian Zhao to hand over the letter on the desk:

   "Let's take a look, two Zhongshu, this is a letter intercepted from Jingzhou."

  Zhongshu Supervisor Liu Fang was in front of Zhongshu Ling Sun Zi, so Liu Fang took it first, looked at it carefully, and showed a little dignified expression on his face.

   After he finished reading, he handed it to Sun Zi.

  Sun Zi only saw half of it, and couldn't help but angrily said:

   "Sun Quan, you are a villain! Just received His Majesty's thousand horses, turned around and wrote to Zhuge Liang, wanting the two countries to join hands and attack our great Wei!"

  Cao Rui looked at Liu Fang: "What do you think?"

   Liu Fang nodded and agreed:

   "Sun Quan has always been at the top of the pile, and everyone knows that if this is indeed not a conspiracy by the Wu people to deliberately let Dawei intercept the letter, then it is better for Dawei to make preparations early."

  Over the years, the people of Wu have intercepted countless material and personnel letters.

  So the other party has also learned how to behave, and sometimes sends out fake letters, which are deliberately intercepted.

   Then when Wei went to attack according to the content of the letter, he fell into the trick of the Wu people.

   "It doesn't look like they were intercepted by Wei on purpose." Cao Rui shook his head, "Sun Quan suggested in his letter to attack Wei together next spring, so there must be some consideration."

  During the Battle of Longyou, Zhuge Liang dispatched from Hanzhong as soon as the spring began, borrowing the water transportation of the Western Han River.

  And in July and August, September at the latest, there will be heavy rain in Hanzhong, the river will surge, and all roads will be difficult.

  For the Jianghuai area, the situation is just the opposite.

  In spring, the Jianghuai River is constantly raining, and the river is full of water, which happens to be beneficial to the Wu people.

   As for Wei, the road was muddy, and Jingqi could not exert its due power.

  So Sun Quan's suggestion that the two countries attack together next spring must have been considered.

  When Liu Fang and Sun Zi heard what Cao Rui said, they couldn't help showing worry on their faces.

   "Your Majesty, for such an important matter, it is better to call important ministers to discuss it."

   "No rush." ​​Cao Rui said calmly with a slight smile on his face, "Sun Quan is just a suggestion, and it hasn't come true yet."

   "Besides, even if the Shu people have the intention at this time, they are probably powerless."

   In the first battle of Xiaoguan, under the command of Feng Thief, the people of Shu were not good at attacking the city, and they were not good at riding and fighting.

   Siege is like wind and thunder, riding and fighting like ghosts and gods.

  But according to reports from the Guanzhong armies afterwards, Feng Thief was able to win Cao Da Sima.

  The most important point is that he took all the elite as bait from the very beginning.

   Even deliberately caused heavy losses to all the elite soldiers, almost falling into a complete defeat, which made Da Sima misjudge the situation on the battlefield.

  That's why the armored cavalry that was brought out at the last moment caught the Guanzhong army by surprise.

  After this battle, although the Guanzhong army was defeated miserably, there may be very few elites under Feng Thief's command.

  In recent years, the Shu people have continued to fight in one state, and they have to appease Liangzhou and other places in Longyou.

  How could it be possible to recover so quickly and be able to make an appointment with the Wu people to attack next year?

   "I hope that the people of Shu can agree to the people of Wu."

  Cao Rui sighed, "In this way, as long as we survive next year, the life of Dawei will be much easier."

  The Shu bandits, who were exhausted, tried their best to march into Guanzhong. Facing the preparations that Da Sima had made in Guanzhong in the past few years, I was afraid that they would suffer a lot.

   "If you wait for the Shu people to regain their vitality, and then attack with the Wu people, that will be worrying."

  Sun Zi also sighed: "Ge Bandit and Feng Bandit are outstanding people in the world, I'm afraid they have already seen this point!"

  Cao Rui nodded: "So I predict that Sun Quan's letter is not because he really wants to agree to attack together, but to show the people of Shu that he will not break the covenant between Shu and Wu."

   Liu Fang heard Cao Rui's words so affirmatively, and immediately understood that His Majesty might have made a decision in his heart, so he tentatively asked:

   "Then His Majesty means..."

  Cao Rui looked at Liu Fang, smiled slightly, and said slowly:

  "Liu Zhongshu, I have always known that you are good at forging books. My intention is that you add words according to this letter, and make sure to change the content to the intention of Sun Quan proclaiming his vassalship to us."

   "Then it will be sent to Zhuge Liang in the middle of Shu, and the two countries will be separated."

   Liu Fang hurriedly said: "I obey the order."

   "Your Majesty, Zhuge Liang may not be so easily fooled."

  Sun Zi reminded.

  He is not worried about Liu Fang's ability to tamper with letters.

  Liu Fang's imitation of other people's handwriting can almost reach the point of confusing the real.

  Even adding text can communicate with the context without any hindrance.

   What he was worried about was that this move might not achieve what His Majesty expected.

  Cao Rui smiled lightly:

   "If there is no such thing as Sun Quan receiving a thousand war horses, then naturally Zhuge Liang would not be able to become suspicious."

   "But this time, Sun Quan may not be so easy to explain clearly. After all, Wu people have never been trustworthy. I know, and Zhuge Liang also knows..."

   If it is said that Sun Quan took advantage of the thousand horses, it is a majestic conspiracy.

   Then this time, it's a conspiracy.

   There are false in the true, Yin and Yang alternate, which can confuse people the most.

  Even if Neng Zhuge Liang is not suspicious, as long as the Shu people are dissatisfied, that is enough.

  This kind of secret struggle requires long-term efforts and unremitting persistence.

  Cao Rui didn’t expect to be able to separate the two kingdoms of Shu and Wu at one time, but as long as there are more times and there is a rift between the two countries, there will always be a day for Wei to seize the opportunity.

   "Your Majesty is wise."

  Sun Zi understood Cao Rui's thoughts, rolled his eyes, and suggested:

   "Since Your Majesty mentioned the matter of war horses, why don't you also write something about the jewels sent by the Wu people?"

  When Cao Rui heard this, he quickly asked with great interest: "Oh, what's Sun Zhongshu's plan?"

   "A few days ago, there were rumors in Luoyang, and there must be people from Shu who did something carefully."

   "Your Majesty, why don't you deliberately show the jewels you got from the Wu people to others, so as to prove that they were presented by the Wu people as ministers."

   "Presumably the Shu people have seen it carefully, and they will definitely report the matter to Zhuge Liang, and then confirm it with the letter. Let's see how Sun Quan can distinguish himself?"

  Cao Rui and Liu Fang cheered together: "Brilliant plan!"

  The three of Wei Guojun and his ministers discussed again, and after confirming that there were no omissions, the matter was settled.

  Then Cao Rui picked up another secret note, motioned for Lian Zhao to hand it over again, and said with a slight sigh:

   "Yangzhou Inspector Wang Ling came to give another memorial. He only said that after defeating Sun Quan, Man Chong became increasingly arrogant and complained about the imperial court.

   "It is also said that he is not a clan relative, but in Yangzhou, he often buys people's hearts, fearing that he will be disobedient. What do the two Zhongshu think?"

  Wang Ling and Man Chong have always had a rift, which is well known.

  So it is not surprising that Wang Ling will write a letter to impeach Man Chong.

  But His Majesty took it out to ask the opinions of the two of them at this time, which is enough to show that His Majesty may have scruples again.

  Sun Zi got up and left his seat, bowed and bowed, and said sincerely:

   "Your Majesty, the one who is full of favors is also a veteran of the three dynasties. He is honest and strict in law, brave and resourceful, so Emperor Wu and Emperor Wen both value him."

   "At that time, His Majesty asked his former general to supervise the military forces in Yangzhou. The soldiers and people in Runan loved each other, and they followed the road according to size. This cannot be prohibited."

   "It can be seen that the heart of pampering the people has always been like this, so how can it be said that it was only in Yangzhou that people bought people's hearts?"

   "Now is the time when the country employs people. Man Chong only defeated Sun Quan last year, which is a great achievement. If His Majesty doubts it now, how can the people of the world be used by the country?"

   "The minister is willing to guarantee that he will have no second thoughts if he is full of favors!"

  Liu Fang also followed Sun Zi:

   "The last time His Majesty ordered Man Chong to return to Beijing, Man Chong claimed to be old and did not want to return to Yangzhou. This has proved his determination!"

   "Your Majesty personally persuaded Man Chong to return to Yangzhou. Now if there is another incident, it will appear that His Majesty has backtracked."

  With the successive deaths of Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen, the two important clan officials, the hundreds of thousands of Wei foreign troops were all in the hands of people with foreign surnames.

  Combined with Cao Rui's unstable foundation, he is still sensitive to the matter of the general in charge of the army.

  However, Liu Fang and Sun Zi have been holding mobile phones for a long time, since Sun Zi dared to use his wealth as a guarantee for Man Chong.

  In addition, what Liu Fang said was very reasonable, so Cao Rui put off his thoughts of sending people to investigate:

   "Would I be suspicious of the veterans of the three dynasties, but Wang Ling is fighting with Man Chong, and I am afraid that the people of Wu will take advantage of me."

   "Your Majesty, Wu Lu has repeatedly invaded Hefei, but has never benefited. It can be seen that although Wang Lingmanchong and his wife are at odds, they can still fight against the bandits with all their strength. There is no need to worry too much about it."

  Speaking of this, Sun Zi hesitated for a moment, and continued, "The governor of Bingzhou Bigui first forced the Hu people back, and then defeated the troops outside the Great Wall."

   "Your Majesty only reprimanded him, but still let him be the governor of Bingzhou. I'm afraid there is something wrong."

   "If you don't follow what Jiang Hujun (that is, Jiang Ji) said, transfer him back to Beijing and take the position of the central center, and you will avoid further troubles."

  When Cao Rui heard the name of Bi Gui, he couldn't help feeling agitated.

  He shook his head:

   "Bi Gui is a talented person. Although he was wrong before, I have sent someone to reprimand him. I think he will act cautiously in the future, so don't let him go back to Luoyang."

   It would be a lie to say that Cao Rui does not bear a grudge against Bi Gui.

  But after the Xiahou clan was banned in Luoyang, the poem "Crying for Cao Zijian" has now been spread throughout the Central Plains.

   Now there are already rumors that the Wei Emperor is narrow-minded and has always treated his clan and relatives badly.

  Bi Gui's son married the princess, so he is considered a relative of the emperor. If he is called back to Luoyang at this time, wouldn't this rumor be confirmed?

  So Cao Rui is naturally unwilling to move to the end of the track at this time.

  Anyway, the land of Bingzhou is remote and far away, and it is a frontier land. In addition, after Ke Bi Neng was defeated by Qin Lang, it is said that the court tent has been moved to Jiuyuan.

  Although it was moved to the west of Bingzhou, it happened to be blocked by the five Huns left by Emperor Wu.

   Coupled with the fact that Ke Bineng's vitality was seriously injured, he must have merged with You Erzhou, and finally he can be stable for a while.

   That is, the Da Sima in Guanzhong has to work harder, and he must pay attention to Ke Bineng's crimes against Beidi County in the south.

  But how can Da Sima be compared to someone like Bi Gui?

  As long as Bi Gui is not allowed to lead the army, and then he is reprimanded so that he does not behave mischievously and bully the barbarians, it will be almost the same.

  I heard that when Qin Lang led the army to Bingzhou, Bi Gui not only respected him very much, but even wanted Qin Lang to drive to the government office.

   It can be seen that Bi Gui is in awe, so Cao Rui is still sure that Bi Gui will not dare to make the same mistakes as before.

  Sun Zi proposed the completion of the track, but he still wanted to preserve his full favor.

  He was secretly reminding Cao Rui that if His Majesty is unwilling to make a big defeat of Bi Gui, then Man Chong, who has made great achievements, would have no reason to pursue his small mistakes?

   "Since Your Majesty has already made a decision, I will not say more."

  Saving Man Chong and letting Bi Gui go, Sun Zi retired very wisely.

  He will not be like Yang Fu and Jiang Ji, desperately persuading, insisting that His Majesty follow his own will.

   That's why he and Liu Fangneng have been in charge of the machine for many years, and they are deeply respected by His Majesty, and they are responsible for all affairs in the court.

   Like Jiang Ji, but he can only say with jealousy that the two of them have too much power, and they serve His Majesty every day, so His Majesty should be on guard to avoid the disadvantage of "evil officials monopolizing power".

   A few days later, the Peerless Residence in Luoyang City.

  In the most luxuriously decorated private room, Mi Shishilang is personally directing his servants to serve exquisite wine and dishes.

  The servants who come in with the dishes must be dedicated, and their feet must be washed clean with soap first.

   Then barefooted, he caught the dish passed from the door.

  Because the floor in this private room is a fine pile carpet.

   One foot stepped on it, floating like a cloud.

  So everyone has to be careful not to spill a drop of soup.

  The top cover of this case is the Shu brocade handed down from the Shu land.

  The pattern on the top is extremely complicated, and you can tell it is a high-quality brocade cloth at a glance.

  Ordinary rich and noble families may not have the means to get brocade cloth of this quality.

  Using this kind of Shu brocade as a table cloth, the identities of the guests used to entertain are naturally very important.

   "Lang Jun, Lang Jun!"

  Suddenly someone shouted at the door, "The princess sent someone over."

   "Oh?!" Upon hearing this, Mi Shishilang quickly walked out, saw Princess Qinghe's servant, and hurriedly said, "Princess is almost here, so-and-so..."

   Before he finished speaking, the servant sent by the princess shook his head and said:

   "Back to Mr. Mi, the princess said that today I have something important to do, so I won't come here, so that Mr. Mi doesn't have to worry about it."

  When Mi Shishilang heard this, he was startled:

   "Princess why... Oh, yes, I get it."

  The handsome face went from surprise to disappointment, and finally to embarrassment, and the perfection was presented in sequence, which made people feel distressed.

  The servant glanced at the room, feeling even more emotional:

   "Your Majesty, you don't need to be like this. The princess has confessed to the villain on purpose. This time it is because the Wu people sent a large number of treasures to His Majesty."

   "Your Majesty is very pleased with it, so he specially ordered that the jewels be carried across the street and shared with the officials."

   "The princess specially reserved a good position for the lord, so she sent a villain over to ask if the lord is interested?"

  When Mi Shishilang heard this "whether or not", his body trembled.

   Then there was a surprise smile on his face again: "Intentionally, intentionally! How can it be unintentional?"

  The servant only said that the gentleman in front of him was trembling with excitement, smiled with satisfaction, took his leave and left, ready to go back and report to the princess.

  Mi Shishilang gritted his teeth:

   "Come here, rearrange these dishes, put them in a warm box, and send them to the princess's house."

  But when he closed his eyes and stomped his feet, he secretly thought that he was feeding a tiger with his body!

  (end of this chapter)