After speaking, Liu Biao glanced down again, and Cai Mao felt that his eyes stopped on him for a while: "Now Jingzhou, there are people who are pregnant... Do you think I don't know?" Liu Biao said this word for word. Suddenly, Cai Mao was terrified when he heard this, and he was in a cold sweat. Could this Liu Biao be talking about him? Perhaps Liu Biao was already deeply dissatisfied with Cai's rise to power? Perhaps Liu Biao has already noticed the clues in the two assassination cases?

Who is Liu Biao? Although Liu Biao is usually weak and not very decisive, he is still a prince who dominates the roost. He rode into Jingzhou alone and integrated the nine counties of Jingzhou in less than a year. When Dong Zhuo was in power, he responded to the call of the Kwantung Army and sent troops north to fight against Dong Zhuo. After the Kwantung Army disbanded, it fought with forces in Jiangdong and other places for a long time. Yuan Shao planned to kill Sun Jian in the north, which led to the collapse of Jiangdong forces and relieved the serious trouble in the southeast. When it comes to political power and tactics, this Cai Mao was still a small official when Liu Biao was in charge. It was only because of his sister that he was promoted and reused by Liu Biao and gradually established the Cai clan. Speaking of power struggle, this Cai Mao can only be regarded as a novice in front of Liu Mian.

Cai Mao saw that Liu Biao was usually not a director, but he became more and more rampant and acted arrogantly. Many people with good knowledge and knowledge could see the clues. Cai Mao wasn't too afraid, because Liu Biaosu didn't care about such things, and he listened to Mrs. Cai's decisions when making decisions, as if everything was kept in the dark. Unexpectedly, Liu Biao gave such a serious warning at the high-level meeting this time.

When Liu Biao said this, those who didn't understand it were at a loss, and those who understood were terrified. The minister here, who is not scheming and extremely deceitful, how can he not hear this 5.1? This question is really too sensitive, everyone bowed their heads and did not dare to stand in line. Cai Mao couldn't help but feel annoyed when he saw that none of the ministers who had always shown goodwill to him did not get up to ease up.

Liu Biao may still want to talk, but he seems rather tired. He stroked his forehead and said, "I've been quite tired lately. I would like to ask you to do things better, and don't make me worry."

"Yes." The ministers took orders one after another, thinking that it was finally over. These few minutes were like a year of torment. The ministers were about to retreat, but Liu Biao suddenly said again: "Yi Yin, it seems that Cai He's court officials are not doing well. You are also his position. But there is no need to investigate further about the assassination."

Chapter 96 Mrs. Cai

Liu Biao's words were an understatement, but all the ministers were shocked. Not to mention Cai He, Cai Mao and others, even Yi Ji was surprised.

This command has too much information. As we all know, Na Yiji is a staunch supporter of the eldest son Liu Qi, and often stands up in front of Liu Mian to speak for the eldest son Liu Qi and Liu Bei. Recently, it has also attracted Liu Biao's attention, but it has also caused the hatred of Cai Mao and others. When Cai Mao and others saw him, they hated their teeth. However, this Iraqi nationality was a senior councilor, and Cai Mao could not easily remove him. As for the assassination, this Iraqi is quite shrewd, it is difficult to succeed, and the risk is too great, so Cai Mao still has no plans in this regard. Today, Liu Biao suddenly dismissed Cai He, who belonged to the Cai clan, and let Yi Ji, who had the eldest son, take over the high-level criminal supervision. This Iraqi citizen suddenly became a part-time administrative officer from a Senate official, and suddenly not only has the power to advise the staff, but also has the real power of criminal investigation.

This Tingwei Office is a place for high-level criminal investigation and supervision, and the cases it handles often involve high-level officials. Dealing with corrupt officials, collaborating with the enemy, political groups, etc. is the only weapon in political struggle. Now Liu Biao took the sword back from Cai's hands with a single word, and gave it to the eldest son's faction.

The ministers were shocked, the breath that had just been relieved was tense again, and the hall was silent. This high degree of silence is showing the weight of these words and the high sensitivity of the current atmosphere. Even a fool will feel very abnormal, but everyone is tacit.

"This..." Yi Ji was suddenly named to take over as the chief of the Tingwei Department, and he couldn't help but come out to break the deadlock. "My lord, although Cai He has made mistakes, he has been in this position for many years after all..." Yi Ji wanted to persuade a little, but stopped again. This is a life-and-death political struggle, so why are you pretending to be polite? what! So Yi Ji spoke halfway, and simply stopped talking.

That Liu Biao didn't seem to hear it, but just held his forehead and said, "I've often been dizzy these days, I'm really getting old." After speaking, he returned to the inner room, leaving behind the ministers who looked at each other in dismay. Seeing this situation, Na Yi Ji did not stop, but stood up directly and walked over in front of the crowd. Only a few staunch eldest son factions bowed to him in congratulations, and none of the other Cai clans and centrist factions dared to look at him, nor did they dare to express their congratulations. Because it means that the celebration is standing in line, but Cai Mao is at the scene.

That Cai Mao didn't stop there, stood up proudly, and left with big strides. When everyone saw this, they dispersed.

Then Cai Mao didn't go anywhere else, and just took a few steps out of the door, then walked back with the guards and went straight to Mrs. Cai's house. Cai Mao confirmed that Liu Biao was not there and went in directly.

Mrs. Cai said, "Why are you so panicked? You came to my house just after the discussion? If someone finds out, it means that our Cai family is engaged in a small group."

"It's not a big deal!" Cai Mao didn't hide it after entering Mrs. Cai's house, looking panicked. "Liu Biao got angry today, he gave Cai He's official and let the old Yi Ji make up for it. And what's more serious... He also warned that some people have ghosts, and he knows it. This is not an obvious target for us. Brother and sister!"

Mrs. Cai was stunned for a moment: "Did he really say that?"

"Isn't it, I was so scared that my back was chilled." Cai Mao sat down on the bed, picked up the pear and began to nibble, while saying vaguely, "Sister, Liu Biao is going to keep going like this, I'm afraid it will hurt my big The position of general will be dismissed, and that's okay!"

"The Tingwei Department is now under the control of Yi Ji, so the Tingwei Department is not a place to stare at us!" Mrs. Cai was also a little nervous, "After operating for so many years, Liu Biao's words have become hostile to us. already?"

"That's not true." Cai Mao said, "Although Cai He was dismissed, Liu Biao couldn't dismiss all the officials of the Tingwei Department. Cai Hua, the chief of the investigation department of the Tingwei Department, was put in by me. No problem, his place is the core of the Tingwei Department, without the help of Cai Hua, Iraqi can't do anything. There are many people in the Tingwei Department, Cai Mao, and now I don't have to worry about it turning against us." Cai Mao appeared to be Proudly. "But this incident shows Liu Biao's attitude, that Liu Biao began to distrust the officials we arranged, and began to plan to weaken our power and strengthen the power of the eldest son."

Madam Cai nodded thoughtfully.

"By the way, sister, you have seen Liu Biao's attitude recently. Does he really plan to make the eldest son his heir? We have to be very careful in this case."

"That's not true. Although the old people from Yi Ji persuaded Liu Biao every day not to abolish the elders and establish the younger ones, Liu Biao has not made a statement yet. Isn't the heir position always vacant. By the way..." Mrs. Cai lowered her voice, "Liu Biao has been physically weak recently. Very bad, I doubt he will survive the winter."

"Not bad..." Cai Mao nodded, "During the meeting, he kept saying that his head was dizzy and he looked very tired."

Mrs. Cai continued to lower her voice and said, "Then Liu Biao won't be able to last for long. If you think about Liu Biao's death, who will rule Jingzhou? Now Yiji's people are arrogant, but they have no real power. Although Liu Bei leads the army, he is far away. In Xinye, the regime of Jingzhou will not be affected for a while. We control Jingzhou and announce Liu Cong's succession. There is almost nothing to stop us! So you don't have to be afraid. Now they are arrogant, and they are arrogant. In hand, let's see who has the last laugh!"

After listening to the analysis, Cai Mao couldn't help but be overjoyed, as if he saw that he controlled Liu Cong, mastered all the military and political power in Jingzhou, and became a relative like Huo Guang. Don't panic anymore, she came out of Mrs. Cai's house triumphantly.

Liu Bei led his troops to Xiaoxing for the night, arrived at Jingzhou, and met Liu Biao. Liu Biao comforted him, Liu Bei said some modest remarks, then left Jingzhou, and Yi Ji saw him off. Seeing that Liu Bei's team was strictly disciplined and the general in front was majestic, Na Yiji couldn't help but praised him repeatedly: "Liu Shijun has an excellent team, which he has never seen in his life."

Liu Bei hurriedly said: "Don't dare, there is Mr. Lao. Congratulations, Mr. Tingwei, who is also the chief of the Tingwei Department."

Yi Ji laughed, but seeing that many officials from Jingzhou came out to see them off, it is not appropriate to talk too much, and it is not polite: "Young master went to Jiangxia, and sent you back to Xinye, although it is a good thing, but there are only a few of us in Jingzhou city. The old bones are in control, the Cai clan is too powerful!" After speaking, he leaned into Liu Bei's ear: "Your Majesty sees Liu Jingzhou today, what do you think about Liu Jingzhou's health."

Liu Bei didn't hide it, and said, "From my cold eyes, I'm afraid Liu Jingzhou's health is quite bad, and I'm afraid it won't last for a year or two."

"Exactly!" Yi Ji sighed worriedly. "I am afraid that as soon as Liu Jingzhou dies, Cai Mao and others will immediately take over the regime of Jingzhou.".

Chapter 97 Hebei

But he said that Yi Ji expressed his concern about Liu Biao's death while he was sending Liu Bei back to Xinye. It would be fine if Liu Bei was in Jingzhou, but if Liu Bei was in Xinye, if something unexpected happened, Yiji would not be able to control the situation in Jingzhou.

"I still believe that Liu Jingzhou will make arrangements in advance..." Liu Bei said helplessly, "I also have to obey Liu Jingzhou's orders. Liu Jingzhou should not let foreign relatives take the opportunity to take power..."

Yi Ji sighed. In this situation, he was helpless. The Cai Group was still very strong. Nai said: "Please be careful on your way here. I have heard about the assassination last time, so please be careful. If there is any change, you should immediately announce it."

"Understood." Liu Bei said briefly, crossed his horse, waved goodbye, and walked away.

The words are divided into two parts, but it is said that Yuan Shao died soon after Cao Cao Guandu defeated Yuan Shao. Cao Cao was harassed by falling dust behind his back and had no choice but to turn back. Lead the army to Tongguan to fight against Luochen. Unexpectedly, Luochen immediately intervened, Cao Cao's two families reconciled, Luochen went north to attack the Xiongnu, and Cao Cao returned to Hebei.

After Yuan Shao's death, Yuan Shang was bequeathed by Yuan Shao to inherit the throne. Command the four states of You, Qing, Bing, and Ji. Although most of the land in the four states still exists, many strategic locations have been guarded by Cao Cao's troops. The Hebei military and civilians lost their hearts, and saw that Cao Jun was all frightened, and their factions were fighting with each other, and they had no strength to resist.

How could Yuan Tan be reconciled when he saw that Yuan Shang had taken the throne? He discussed with Guo Tu: "I am the eldest son, but I can't inherit the throne, but let Yuan Shang take the lead of the four states, how can I be reconciled?" Guo Tu said: "You can invite Yuan Shang to a banquet and kill him during the banquet. While they were discussing, a report came from outside the door: "The Jizhou side has sent a commissioner to transfer the 30,000 troops and horses from the Liyang camp." When Yuan Tan heard this, he couldn't help but be very annoyed: "Jizhou side? Commissioner? What the hell! Li Yang The camp is my soldiers, so if Yuan Shang says he will be transferred, he will be transferred'?" He raised his sword and went out the door, straddling his horse and heading for the Liyang camp. Guo Tu and a group of people also passed by.

The commissioner was originally Wang Xiu, the supervisor of Jizhou, but he belonged to Yuan Shang's faction. Wang Xiuzheng and the general of the Liyang camp replied, and said sternly: "Yuan Shang, the lord of the four provinces of Hebei, order your army to immediately move westward to the front line of Cao Cao." Unexpectedly, the Liyang camp has always been Yuan Tan's soldiers. How can you listen to him? Not at all moved. Then Yuan Tan drove his horse to the main camp, and he was relieved when he saw that the people in the camp were as usual. Said: "Yo...Isn't this Wang Xiu? I heard that you are the inspector of Jizhou, not to investigate corrupt officials, but to exclude dissidents." Then Wang Xiu sneered: "Mr. Yuan Tan, the lord asked the men from the Liyang camp to go to the front line. Resisting the enemy, it has nothing to do with you, what are you doing here?" Yuan Tan heard this, and couldn't help but sneer, "It has nothing to do with me?..." Yuan Tan couldn't help but see Wang Xiu's proud face. Stay outraged. He suddenly drew his sword and said, "Wang Xiu! You're such a mess, you dare to talk like this to your grandfather Tan?" Then Wang Xiu was shocked when he saw Yuan Tan's battle: "Yuan Tan, what are you doing when you speak so well and draw your sword? Where did I provoke you, you hurt me, and Young Master Yuan Shang can't spare you." Yuan Tan didn't plan to do anything to him, but Wang Xiu actually threatened him with Yuan Shang, so he couldn't help being furious and stepped forward. A sword stabbed at Wang Xiu, Wang Xiu never expected Yuan Tan to be so impulsive, screamed and fell to the ground and died.

Yuan Tan killed Wang Xiu, as if nothing had happened, wiped the blood on his sword, and said, "Listen to the soldiers of the Liyang camp! Without Yuan Tan's orders, you won't be mobilized!"

Liyang was not far from Jizhou, Yuan Shang saw that there was no news about Wang Xiu, so he sent someone to look at it, but he found out that Wang Xiu was dead, and he couldn't help but get angry. As long as the troops from Jizhou are ready, they will attack Yuan Tan. Jizhou soldiers surrounded Li Yang, and they scolded him outside: "Boy Yuan Tan, you killed my commissioner, are you going to fight back?" My idea? It's really deceiving!" The two scolded and fought each other. Yuan Tan raised his spear and stabbed, Yuan Shang's hand was quick, he flicked sideways, the other hand drew his sword, and he slashed over, Yuan Tan flashed quickly, and one was unstable. Seeing the opportunity, Yuan Shang threw his sword, raised his spear and stabbed it, hitting Yuan Tan's thigh. Then Yuan Tan screamed, turned around and ran away, Yuan Shang was killed by horses. There were many soldiers in Jizhou, and they came from all directions. Guo Tu did not dare to fight when Yuan Tan was injured. Yuan Tan's army was defeated, and ran to Liyang City to hide.

After Cao Cao's troops were withdrawn from Tongguan, there was no delay for a moment. As Guo Jia said, it was a race against time. If you win Hebei in the east, you can expand your strength as soon as possible. If you go south and win Jingzhou, you will have a clear advantage in the final competition.

The two Yuan killed for a few days, and no one could kill anyone. Cao Cao's troops and horses drove straight in, and within two days, an army of 300,000 people hit the city of Jizhou. Then Yuan Tan saw no benefit here, so he abandoned Li Yang and flew north with 40,000 to 50,000 cavalry to flee to Youzhou. Yuan Shang couldn't help but panic a little when he saw Yuan Tan slipping away and Cao Cao's black army under the city of Jizhou.

Nashen Pei said: ".'Cao's army is strong, and I suggest that the lord temporarily abandon Jizhou and retreat to the north. There are many Yuan troops in the north. You can integrate them from the north and gather your troops to fight against Cao's army. Now Jizhou has less than 100,000 troops, people are panicked, and it is impossible to do so. resistance."

Yuan Shang was a little hesitant, seeing Cao Jun in front of him was very frightened, but he looked back at Yuan Shao's mansion and palace, the prosperity of Jizhou, the seal of the four states of Hebei, shook his head and said, "Sir, I am the master of Hebei, and I should be in charge. Jizhou, how can you be worthy of your father by escaping in a hurry?" As he was speaking, Cao Jun shouted from all sides, the army began to gather and prepare to attack the city, and a large number of troops circled around the city.

(Zhao's) Yuan Shang heard the noise outside and said, "Come on, help me put on my armor and bring my gun! The army is ready to go out of the city to fight!"

Shen Pei was shocked: "No way! My lord! If you go out, you are courting death. Cao Jun's strength is too strong, how can he face it head-on! Only if the lord goes north to avoid the enemy has a chance! It's better to defend Jizhou than this!"

Yuan Shang shook his head, put on his armor, and was about to go out. Shen Pei grabbed Yuan Shang's sleeve and said, "Think again, lord! There is still a chance to break through!" Yuan Shang said with tears: "I don't know what Mr. I am now the ruler of Hebei, and even if Hebei is occupied by Cao Cao, I have to walk over my body!" Yan Bi threw off the trial and led his troops out of the city. After hearing this, Shen Pei knew that Hebei was bound to perish. .

Chapter 98 Yuan Shang's Death

Dong Zhuo called Shao, and discussed that he wanted to abolish the emperor and establish the king of Chenliu. At that time, Shao's uncle Kui was appointed Taifu, and Shao pretended to agree to him, saying: "This important matter should be discussed with Taifu." Zhuo said, "Liu's species is not enough to be reposted." As soon as Shao came out, he died and went to Jizhou. "Three Kingdoms Yuan Shao Biography" Zhuo Anjian scolded Shao and said: "Shuzi dares! The affairs of the world are not up to me? If I want to do it, who dares not to obey!" Shao Wei replied: "For the important affairs of this country, please go to Taifu. Discuss it." Zhuo Fu said, "Liu's species is not enough to reproduce." Shao Boran said, "There is only one who is healthy in the world, is it only Duke Dong!" Hanging at the upper east gate, and heading to Jizhou.

——"The Book of the Later Han Dynasty: Biography of Yuan Shao"

Then Yuan Shang picked up his gun and jumped out of the city.

When Cao Cao saw that Yuan Shang had come out by himself, he couldn't help being surprised. He said to the left and right: "This Yuan Shang is actually a bit bloody. He didn't run away and didn't hide in the city." Some of the generals and advisors on the left and right were silent and some laughed. Xu You sneered and said, "Yuan Shang's arm is a chariot, and his death is not far away."

Cao Cao grabbed his horse's belly and stepped forward. Cao Hong held the banner in front of the formation and ordered all parts to stop attacking and stop drumming. Cao Cao said, "Young Master Yuan! Your father Yuan Shao has a good relationship with me. You can go back to the city, sort out the records of Jizhou and surrender, and I will guarantee you the title of marquis. You can assist in Jizhou." Xu You heard this and said hurriedly. : "Why is Duke Cao so generous, now that the army has arrived, why be polite?"