The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 291 Cao Cao: Ten years have passed. I have been suppressed by Liu Bei for ten years. Heaven has finally smiled upon me!

Yingchuan, Xuxian.

After his defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs, Cao Cao knew in his heart that he was no longer capable of competing with Liu Bei for the Central Plains.

Therefore, he sent Zhong Yao to pacify the Guanzhong region and to make contact with Han Sui.

The two sides agreed that Cao Cao would take the land of Xichuan, and Han Sui would annex the land of Yongliang.

The two were inseparable, each taking what they needed.

Cao Cao needed a stable place to establish himself.

Han Sui was an ambitious and ruthless warlord.

The Yongliang region was not solely ruled by Han Sui; there were more than ten other large and small vassal states in the area.

Such as Hou Xuan, Cheng Yin, Li Kan, Ma Wan, Cheng Yi, Zhang Heng, Liang Xing and others.

In the novel, Luo Guanzhong simplified these people into Ma Chao's generals.

In reality, however, they were all warlords who held military power.

With Ma Teng placed under house arrest by Cao Cao, Ma Chao fled to Bingzhou and established his own state.

Han Sui believed that he was just one opportunity away from unifying the Yongliang region.

At this point, Cao Cao used his military strength as a backing to put pressure on his generals.

Han Sui was then elected as the joint governor by the Guanzhong Allied Forces.

In exchange for favors, Han Sui also united these warlords to bolster Cao Cao's power.

They used intimidation and threats against Zhang Lu in Hanzhong and Liu Zhang in Xichuan.

Therefore, Cao Cao ordered Xiahou Dun to forcibly relocate people from the Central Plains to the Guanzhong region and to repair Luoyang, Chang'an and other places.

On the one hand, schools were established and scholars were invited to study.

Not long after, he met Zhang Su, the envoy from Xichuan.

After speaking with him, Cao Cao learned that the powerful clans in Shu were interested in having him replace Liu Zhang.

Therefore, Zhang Su was richly rewarded and appointed as the Prefect of Guanghan.

Not long after, Cao Cao met Zhang Song, the younger brother of Zhang Su.

Because Zhang Song was short in stature and lacked the imposing presence of his elder brother, Cao Cao was displeased.

However, for political reasons, Zhang Song was still treated with courtesy.

Zhang Song felt deeply that he was not treated as well as Liu Bei had treated him when he was with Cao Cao.

However, Liu Bei could not immediately send troops to Xichuan, as this did not align with his interests.

For a moment, Zhang Song hesitated and couldn't make a decision.

Cao Cao was suspicious, so he ordered someone to investigate Zhang Song's whereabouts.

Upon learning that he actually came from the State of Qi, he became even more suspicious and said to himself:

"...Song came from Qi and after arriving in Wei, he did not speak much about the affairs of Xichuan."

“His sincerity is far inferior to that of his brother. I suspect this man has already defected to Liu Bei.”

Thus, he conceived the idea of ​​killing Zhang Song.

These past two days, Yang Xiu and Zhang Song from the Duke's mansion have been in close contact.

Seeing that Zhang Song could recite the articles he had read from memory, I was deeply impressed by his great talent.

Therefore, they became friends.

Upon learning that Cao Cao intended to kill Zhang Song, he immediately found Zhang Song and urged him to return to Xichuan as soon as possible.

Zhang Song was also surprised, but hesitated and said:

"I was sent on a mission, but I have come to Qi and Wei without success."

"If we go back like this, we will surely be ridiculed by the people of Shu!"

Yang Xiu advised:

"Temporary retreat is not out of cowardice; preserving one's life to await merit is the mark of a true man."

"Although Qi is strong now, Wei may not necessarily lose completely."

"Liu Bei's generous treatment was nothing more than a ploy to conquer Western Sichuan."

"Even if you help them obtain the Shu region, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Li Yi will surely rise to high positions."

"Liu Bei will certainly treat these three people with great respect."

"Your talent and ambition will never be put to use."

"My lifelong ambitions may not be realized."

"Doesn't Wei Gongfang, with his quick wit and talent, and his ability to achieve great things, far surpass Liu Bei's?"

"You should be able to clearly see the advantages and disadvantages involved."

Yang Xiu's words were truly insightful, and every single one of them resonated deeply with Zhang Song.

During his time staying at the facility, Zhang Song was also struggling internally.

He was grateful for Liu Bei's great kindness to him, but at the same time, he hoped to be given a good position by Cao Cao.

It was a time of inner conflict and struggle.

Yang Xiu's words were like a wake-up call.

Yes,

No matter how well Liu Bei treated him, he always regarded Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Li Zicheng as his most important people.

Among the rising stars were Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu.

Not to mention that Liu Bei's circle of shareholders was already nearly saturated.

Cao Bao of Danyang, Mi Zhu of Donghai, Chen of Xiapi, Zhen of Hebei, and other powerful families from the Yan and Dai dynasties...

If Zhang Song chooses to invest at this point, how many shares will he get?
Zhang Song pondered for a long time before finally letting out a helpless sigh.

He immediately took Yang Xiu's hand and thanked him, saying:

"...Duke De's words were like the sun breaking through the clouds, and they enlightened me!"

“What you say makes sense, but now that Cao Cao suspects me, it might be inappropriate for me to help him again.”

“There is a map of Xichuan here, and Song has marked the geography, counties, and grain storage locations on it.”

"With this map, it should not be difficult for Cao Cao to take the land of Xichuan."

After saying that, Zhang Song took out the map.

He has a photographic memory, so drawing another one wouldn't be difficult for him.

"Please ask Dezu to deliver this map to Lord Cao on my behalf."

"Song has been away from home for a long time, it's time for him to go back."

Yang Xiu took the map and repeatedly told Zhang Song to take good care of himself.

Zhang Song thanked him and took his leave that night.

Subsequently, Yang Xiu presented the map of Xichuan to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was overjoyed to obtain the map and rewarded Yang Xiu handsomely.

He then convened his ministers to discuss taking Hanzhong and recovering the lands of Sichuan.

Just then, Xiahou Dun returned from Guanzhong, and they discussed the matter of conquest together.

After Xiahou Yuan's death in battle, Cao Ren suffered a series of defeats, which eroded his confidence.

As the first member of the imperial clan, Xiahou Dun carried an immense responsibility.

During the pacification of the Guanzhong region, Xiahou Dun also showed promise, and immediately advised Cao Cao:
"Now that we have just suffered a defeat at the Battle of Red Cliffs, Cao Ren has also been thwarted by Zhou Yu."

"Liu Bei has just acquired Jingzhou and his foothold is not yet secure, so he will not be in a hurry to take Xichuan."

"We should first take Zhang Lu in Hanzhong, and then use the victorious troops to take Shu."

"...In this way, we can take it down in one fell swoop."

Cao Cao was overjoyed, patted Xiahou Dun on the shoulder, and praised him:
"...Your words are very much in line with my thoughts."

"Liu Bei's energy was focused on the south, leaving him no time to look west."

"I have also heard that there have been constant disturbances in Hebei recently, and Li Yi has no time to look south."

"If you don't take what Heaven gives you, you will suffer the consequences."

"Today, Heaven has bestowed upon me the brothers Zhang Su. If I do not take Xichuan, I will surely regret it!"

Therefore, Cao Cao launched a western expedition.

However, before the western expedition, there was another problem that Cao Cao urgently needed to solve.

That's Weijun in Hebei!
This place was originally intended by Cao Cao as a new political foothold to free himself from the constraints of the Henan literati.

However, due to his failure to contend with Li Yi for the Hebei region, Hebei was left with only this one place, isolated and without support.

Cao Cao had no choice but to slink back to Henan and return to the fold of the scholars of Ru and Ying.

He has utterly lost face.

Even so, Wei Commandery's strategic location remains very important.

After much deliberation, Cao Cao made a surprising decision.

Cao Cao appointed Sima Lang as an aide in the Duke of Wei's office and Sima Yi as the governor of Wei Commandery.

He then appointed Guo Huai as military advisor to assist Sima Yi.

This was the only time among Cao Cao's many personnel appointments that he did not appoint a general from the imperial clan.

The appointment of a general from a different clan to be sent to a different location.

Especially since the Sima clan was a powerful family, they were sent to a wealthy region like Wei Commandery.

Cao Cao's move prompted many members of the imperial clan and military generals to urge him to reconsider.

Xiahou Dun was known for his fiery temper and impassioned voice.
"Wei Gong once said that Sima Yi has the eyes of an eagle and the gaze of a wolf, and should not be entrusted with military power."

"Why are you sending someone from outside to Wei Commandery now?"

"If Li Yi attacks, Sima Yi will surrender the city."

What should be done?

Although Xiahou Dun did not have a deep relationship with Sima Yi, he was still annoyed by the fact that this guy spent all his time hanging out with Cao Pi.

He always felt that this person was very good at being patient and discreet.

Moreover, he is extremely cunning.

How could such an important place as Wei Commandery be given to someone from a different clan, especially someone from a prominent family, to govern alone?

Cao Cao smiled coldly and said:
"...You all only know one aspect, but not the other."

"They only know the surface, but not the essence."

"The Sima clan was headed by Sima Lang."

“I appointed him as a clerk in my household, and his other six brothers also serve in my army.”

"Sima Yi has his family's constraints, how could he betray me?"

"Since Fengxiao's death, I have observed many young people, and indeed only this person has shown outstanding talent."

"I intend to use this man to block Li Yi's troops coming from Hebei."

Everyone suddenly realized that Cao Cao's strategy was to sacrifice Wei Commandery in exchange for time to attack Hanzhong.

Although it was agreed that if Wei took Hanzhong, Wei would cede Wei Commandery.

But you should only listen to what politicians say, and not take it too seriously.

In critical moments, military force is still the most important thing.

Sima Yi was skilled in military strategy, and Guo Huai was also adept at defense.

Given the strength of Wei Commandery, it should be able to buy Cao Cao a considerable amount of time.

Having made his decision, Cao Cao officially launched his western expedition.

Divide the troops into three groups:

Vanguard commanders Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren;
Cao Cao himself led his generals in the center;

The rear reinforcements, led by Cao Hong and Cao Xiu, escorted the grain and fodder.

Spies had already reported this to Hanzhong.

Zhang Lu then discussed with his generals a strategy to repel the enemy.

"Cao Cao's power is immense, and I am isolated and helpless in Hanzhong."

"If we surrender the entire city, we will not lose our title of marquis."

"What do you, the esteemed priests, think?"

Zhang Lu was a rather unique individual.

He was the only warlord who combined politics and religion during the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period.

However, the Five Pecks of Rice sect was not founded by Zhang Lu; he seized it after killing Zhang Xiu.

However, this religion was indeed greatly developed and popularized by Zhang Lu.

Zhang Lu was resourceful and ambitious.

He was both ruthless and merciful, a typical warlord in a chaotic era.

Because of his repeated victories in battles against Liu Zhang, Zhang Lu's territory extended beyond Hanzhong.

They also occupied Brazil and the Padang region.

In fact, the reason why Bavaria was divided into three parts.

It was because Liu Zhang couldn't defeat Zhang Lu that Zhang Lu occupied the area north of Ba Commandery.

Liu Zhang was forced to re-divide the administrative regions of Ba Commandery for easier management.

Zhang Lu's ambitions were never limited to the Hanzhong region.

He was determined to promote and develop his Five Pecks of Rice sect.

Because believers were required to pay five pecks of rice to join the religion, it was called the Five Pecks of Rice Religion.

Abbreviated as "Mijiao".

Zhang Lu, as the Prefect of Hanzhong, was not called Prefect, but "Master-Lord".

The soldiers under his command were not called soldiers, but "ghost soldiers".

The officials under his command were called "Jijiu".

Higher-ranking officials were called "Chief Sacrificial Officer for Governing the Head".

Zhang Lu is currently focused entirely on his teaching.

In his view, if Hanzhong were surrendered to Cao Cao...

I only lost Hanzhong, but I gained the entire Guanzhong region!

He was able to spread the Five Pecks of Rice sect not only to Guanzhong, but also to Yingchuan, a paradise for scholars.

This was incredibly tempting for Zhang Lu.

"...Master, this idea is absolutely unacceptable!"

The speaker was Zhang Wei, Zhang Lu's younger brother.

He also believed in the Five Pecks of Rice sect, but he was a tough nut to crack.

In his view, Hanzhong was prosperous, and we also had tens of thousands of soldiers.

They could advance and seize the land of Xichuan to become king, or retreat and block the invading troops from Guanzhong.

How can one so readily surrender the country?

"...The most dangerous pass in Hanzhong is Yangping Pass. If we hold this pass, the Wei troops will be unable to advance."

"My intention is to set up more than ten stockades around the pass, relying on the mountains and forests, to meet the enemy."

"Master, just stay in Hanzhong and allocate more grain and fodder to meet the needs."

Zhang Lu was only thinking about how to surrender in a dignified manner and receive better treatment so that he could facilitate his missionary work.

But to his surprise, his younger brother Zhang Wei insisted on fighting, so Zhang Lu had no choice but to comply.

He then dispatched two generals, Yang Ang and Yang Ren, to assist his brother in defending Yangping Pass, and they set off immediately.

The army arrived at the pass and immediately set up camp.

Xiahou Dun, Li Dian, and other vanguard troops arrived first and learned that Yangping Pass was already prepared.

They then set up camp fifteen li outside the pass.

That night, the soldiers were exhausted and went to rest.

Suddenly, a fire broke out behind the stockade, and it was the arrival of generals Yang Ang and Yang Ren.

Xiahou Dun and Li Dian mounted their horses and hastily prepared for battle.

Because the soldiers were exhausted from their long journey, they were quickly overtaken by the Hanzhong army.

The two generals returned to Cao Cao, who then rebuked them:
"You two are veterans in my army, and have followed me on campaigns for many years."

"Don't you know that if soldiers are exhausted from a long march, they can be protected against raids on their camp?"

"How can we not make preparations?"

Therefore, they wanted to punish the two.

Suddenly, he remembered that since the first year of Xingping, he had suffered repeated defeats against Liu Bei.

Despite having such a significant advantage, they still lost at the Battle of Red Cliffs.

Now, how can we possibly have the face to blame these two generals?
Thinking of this, Cao Cao sighed helplessly and said:

"I will pardon your sins for now, but you must do your best when we break through the barrier."

The two men thanked Cao Cao and joined his army to continue their march.

Cao Cao personally led his troops to inspect Yangping Pass. The terrain here was treacherous, with dense forests and no known path.

Cao Cao shook his head and sighed:

"Yangping Pass is so well-fortified, it's difficult to take it quickly!"

The soldiers on both sides said one after another:
“Our troops marched out from Guanzhong, and the grain supplies of Chang’an and Luoyang far surpass those of Hanzhong.”

"We'll be able to take Yangping Pass sooner or later!"

Cao Cao frowned and said to the crowd:

"If I bring a large army here, I will soon alarm Liu Bei."

“These people know that I am attacking Hanzhong, and they will surely come to take my Central Plains.”

"The Central Plains cannot be defended for long; I should quickly take Hanzhong as the best course of action." Logically speaking, Cao Cao should have conquered one territory at a time and should not have easily given up the lands he had painstakingly built.

Unfortunately, Liu Bei's power had completely enveloped him.

Strategy is all about "momentum." Once you lose momentum, what's the point of defending those places?
Therefore, Cao Cao had no choice but to tactically abandon the Central Plains and concentrate his resources on Guanzhong.

Just as they were discussing the matter, a shout came from behind, and arrows rained down like a storm.

Yang Ang and Yang Ren attacked from two directions.

Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and hurriedly led his army to meet them.

After a fierce battle, both sides ceased hostilities.

In the following days, Zhang Wei defended the strategic locations, building fortifications along the mountains for more than ten miles.

Cao Cao was anxious to leave the city and led his troops in a fierce attack.

After several days of continuous attacks, they suffered heavy casualties and were unable to advance.

Cao Cao, feeling helpless, sat in his tent at night, his brow furrowed with worry, and said to his generals:
"Yangping is a strategically important and fortified position, and Zhang Wei has held it firmly. Our army has been unable to capture it despite a prolonged siege."

"If this continues, the Central Plains will surely descend into chaos."

Therefore, the plan to withdraw the troops was made.

Cheng Yu advised:

"The enemy's strength is still uncertain, why do you retreat, my lord?"

Cao Cao sighed:

"The rice thieves are preparing every day, and it's difficult to win quickly. I have no solution for the time being."

Just as they were hesitating, they suddenly heard thunderous hoofbeats coming from the mountains and forests outside the pass, as if a thousand troops and ten thousand horses were galloping in.

Cao Cao was greatly alarmed and immediately ordered his generals to be on high alert.

"...Beware of a nighttime attack by rice thieves!"

Shortly after, a scout rushed to report:
"Reporting to Lord Wei, they are not enemy troops."

"Several thousand deer burst forth from the mountains and forests, charging straight towards Zhang Wei's camp!"

"What?!" Upon hearing this, everyone in the tent was shocked.

Cao Cao quickly got up and left the tent, leading his men to look up from a high place.

It turns out that there are many deer in the mountains and fields of Yangping. Zhang Weijun has been cutting down trees and building stockades for days, which has disturbed the animal herds.

That night, the deer herd was startled and, like a torrent, rushed straight towards Zhang Wei's camp.

The soldiers in Zhangwei's camp heard a tremendous commotion outside the camp and mistakenly thought that Cao Cao's troops were launching a night attack.

They all roused themselves and prepared to defend against the enemy.

Unexpectedly, as the sound drew nearer, thousands of deer surged forth like a flood.

They broke through the gate of Zhang Weijun's stronghold in one fell swoop.

Where had the ghost soldiers ever seen such a sight before?
They were so frightened that they scattered and fled in panic.

Someone had informed Zhang Wei beforehand, and when Zhang Wei came out of the camp to see for himself, he was also shocked by the scene before him.

"...This...this is simply beyond human capability!"

"Could it be that Cao Cao also knows sorcery and can command wild beasts?"

Zhang Wei was horrified to witness the deer break through the camp and destroy the entire palisade.

Caught off guard, the soldiers scattered in panic.

They trampled on each other and were in complete chaos.

As the soldiers fled, they inadvertently stumbled into Cao Hong's camp.

Cao Hong was leading his troops on a patrol when he suddenly saw flames shooting into the sky and figures in disarray ahead.

Mistakenly believing it was Zhang Wei's night raid, he immediately gave the order:
"...The enemy has raided our camp! All troops, follow me to meet them!"

Upon receiving the order, Cao Jun charged forward with great courage.

Zhang Weijun was already in chaos, and then he was attacked by Cao's army, and his army was immediately routed.

Upon seeing this, Cao Cao stroked his beard and laughed heartily:
"Heaven helps our Great Wei! Heaven helps our Great Wei!"

"It seems that even Heaven has its favor on me, Cao Cao!"

Seeing the scene before him, Cao Cao was so moved that he burst into tears.

Previously, fate had always favored Liu Bei.

Even in winter, he would use the "southeast wind" to hit himself.

Now, I am also blessed by God.

It caused Heaven to summon thousands of deer to help him defeat the enemy!

Cao Cao seized the opportunity and ordered his entire army to break camp.

Launch a fierce attack on Zhang Wei's stronghold!

Wei soldiers rushed into the camp and set it on fire.

Xiahou Dun led his troops to attack, where he encountered Yang Ren, and the two generals clashed.

After about thirty rounds of fighting, Xiahou Dun roared and stabbed him to death with a single spear thrust.

The remaining troops were horrified and were defeated by Xiahou Dun.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Zhang Wei had no choice but to surrender the pass.

After Cao Cao captured Yangping Pass, he temporarily detained Zhang Wei in his army.

They continued their advance, heading straight for Nanzheng.

Zhang Lu heard that Yangping Pass had fallen and his younger brother Zhang Wei had been captured.

They were thrown into chaos and decided to surrender the city as originally planned.

Yan Pu quickly advised:

"...Master, you must not surrender now!"

Zhang Lu then asked:

"Before the war began, I commanded tens of thousands of ghost soldiers at Yangping Pass."

"Then you all said that we cannot surrender."

"Now that Yangping Pass has fallen, the ghost soldiers have all been killed and scattered by the Wei troops."

"You gentlemen still urge me not to surrender. Do you want me to die with Hanzhong?"

“…Master, that is not what I meant.”

Yan Pu calmed himself down and methodically analyzed the situation for Zhang Lu:

"Now that you have been defeated, if you rush there, your merit will be diminished."

"It would be better to rely on Bazhong first, and then submit our allegiance; the results will surely be great."

In Yan Pu's view, we surrendered after being defeated.

To commit wrongdoings without merit would have unimaginable consequences.

Why don't we escape to the Bazhong region first? Aren't the tribal leaders there on good terms with us?

If we get there and manage to persuade them to surrender, we'll be considered meritorious.

In this way, it would be more prudent to discuss surrender with Cao Cao.

That's why Cao Cao treated us so well.

A person walks many paths in life, but only a few steps are crucial!
Yan Pu was a competent strategist.

When Zhang Lu first wanted to claim the title of "King of Hanning," Yan Pu opposed it.

They say you've become king, and you're the top leader of Hanzhong.

Even without claiming the title of king, he was still the top leader of Hanzhong.

Then why call yourself king?
Isn't this just making enemies for no reason?
Now at another crossroads in his life, Yan Pu once again helps Zhang Lu maximize his profits.

Zhang Lu agreed and led his men to Bazhong.

Hanzhong was wealthy, and Zhang Lu did not take all of its treasures with him.

Those around him all advised Zhang Lu to burn the treasure warehouses and leave nothing for Cao Cao.

Zhang Lunai said:

"I never intended to fight Cao Cao, but my intentions were not fulfilled."

"Now that I have no choice but to flee, how can I bear to abandon the granaries and treasuries that belong to the people?"

So he sealed off the entire treasure vault, and at the second watch of the night, he led his whole family to flee.

When Cao Cao led his army to Nanzheng, he did not order anyone to pursue them, but instead ordered his men to search the government treasury.

This was Cao Cao's habit: whenever he conquered a territory, his first priority was to plunder the spoils of war.

Originally, Cao Cao's expectation for the treasury was that even a small amount would be enough.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Lu had sealed the treasury perfectly, and no one had touched the treasures inside.

Therefore, Cao Cao felt great pity for him.

At this moment, Xiahou Dun and others rushed over and advised Cao Cao, saying:
"Lord Wei, now that Hanzhong has fallen, you should quickly send men to capture Zhang Lu."

"He has been in charge of administration in Hanzhong for many years. If he does not die, the land of Hanzhong will not last long."

As mentioned before, conquering territory doesn't mean it's truly yours just because you've taken it.

Only when you have complete political, economic, and military control will it truly belong to you.

It's merely a military occupation; it only belongs to you temporarily.

That's why Xiahou Dun advised Cao Cao to take down Zhang Lu first.

Cao Cao shook his head and said:
"The fact that Zhang Lu sealed the treasury intact shows that he intends to submit to me."

"It was only because Fang was defeated that he dared not surrender directly, so he fled to Bazhong."

“We can send someone to Bazhong to persuade him to surrender, saying that I am willing to treat him well.”

"Please, Master Zhang, there's no need to hide anymore."

Therefore, an envoy was dispatched to the Bazhong region to persuade Zhang Lu to surrender.

As for Zhang Lu's escape to Bazhong, according to Yan Pu's words...

Using his title of "Zhang Tianshi," he successfully persuaded Yuan Yue, Pu Hu, and other three Ba ​​Yi kings to surrender.

When the kings heard that the Celestial Master had arrived, they all led their troops out to greet him.

Zhang Lu climbed to a high place and cried out:

"...Now that we are defying orders while holding this strategic position, we are only causing suffering to the common people!"

"May you all keep the well-being of all people in mind!"

So they burned the talismans and sealed the treasury, and led their people north to surrender.

Just then, Cao Cao's envoy arrived to persuade Zhang Lu to surrender. He was overjoyed to see that Zhang Lu had brought the three Yi kings of Ba to surrender as well.

The group went to see Cao Cao, who personally came out to greet them.

Seeing that Zhang Lu's troops were well-organized and their provisions and weapons were intact, he sighed and said:
"...This is truly a man who protects the land and ensures the safety of the people!"

Therefore, Zhang Lu was appointed General Who Pacifies the South and enfeoffed as Marquis of Langzhong.

He was appointed Colonel of the Puhu Bayi and granted a gold seal and purple ribbon.

Yuan Yue and others were rewarded with a thousand bolts of silk and a thousand catties of gold and silver.

As a result, the land of Hanzhong was annexed by Cao Cao.

……

Meanwhile, Li Yi bid farewell to Liu Bei and returned to Hebei, a place he had long since left.

Because the capital was located in Bohai, the route passed through many counties.

Wherever Li Yi went, he would always inspect the political achievements of each prefecture.

Those who perform meritorious service will be rewarded, and those who commit wrongdoings will be punished.

Everywhere we go, it is transformed.

The people all praised it.

At this time, Bohai was unaware that Li Yi had returned to Hebei.

The most influential figure now is the legendary immortal Zuo Ci, who is said to be able to summon wind and rain.

Zuo Ci went to Bohai and continued to use his "magical arts".

He toured various counties, distributing talismanic waters and treating people's illnesses.

Perhaps it was due to effective publicity, or perhaps it was simply a case of people echoing what others were saying.

Zuo Ci's reputation grew louder and louder, and his followers increased in number.

rumor,

On the shores of the Bohai Sea, Zuo Ci set up an altar and performed his magic.

He used talismans and water to cure diseases without charging a penny, and the people were grateful for his virtue, gathering thousands of people every day.

Zuo Ci then spent his days waving his whisk and sprinkling sweet dew.

The sick are cured upon drinking it, and the ignorant worship it as a god.

In less than half a year, believers had spread to seven counties.

Seeing that the number of believers is increasing,

One day, Zuo Ci climbed a high platform and shouted:

"...This humble Taoist descended to the mortal realm not out of greed for wealth."

"However, the way of Heaven is constant, and only by accumulating good deeds can one eliminate karma."

After saying this, he ordered the boy to set up a "Purifying Heart Merit Box" in front of the altar.

A "Relief Book" was established to record the names of donors.

And he said:
"...The money is not for my own pocket, but to wash away your sins."

Immediately, even the most ignorant men and women rushed to donate.

An old woman pawns her hairpin, a farmer sells his grain.

Countless merchants donated half a year's profits.

Some of the more clear-headed whispered:
"...In the past, you helped people for free; why do you now seek to amass wealth?"

The believer angrily rebuked, "Your heart is not sincere, how can you know the immortal's profound intentions!"

Seeing that the people were gradually "out of control," the government mobilized its officers and soldiers to prohibit the people from donating money.

Xu Shu and others knew that this fundraising campaign would cause a large outflow of wealth from Hebei.

However, the government's forced intervention aroused public resentment.

Zhang Liao was furious and wanted to lead his troops to capture Zuo Ci and roast him alive.

And said:
"If that sorcerer truly possesses extraordinary abilities, capable of summoning wind and rain."

"Then you can pray for three feet of sweet rain to save yourself."

"Otherwise, it would be no pity to be burned to death!"

Xun You, Xu Shu, and others stopped him and advised Zhang Liao to act calmly.

Zhang Liao said to the two men:

"You are all educated men, why are you so unreasonable?"

“In the past, Zhang Jin of Nanyang served as the governor of Jiaozhou and believed in heretical cults.”

“Abandon the teachings of the former sages and abolish the laws of the Han dynasty.”

"She played the zither and burned incense, and always wrapped her head with a red handkerchief."

“Reading heretical and vulgar Taoist books is believed to aid in their transformation.”

He claimed he could enhance the army's prestige, but was later killed by the enemy.

"Such things are of no use, but you gentlemen do not realize it."

"I want to kill Zuo Ci, precisely because I want to stop his evil and deluded thoughts."

"Previously, Prime Minister Li entrusted us with the affairs of Hebei, hoping that we could stabilize the situation."

"The wicked Zuo Ci is now stirring up people's hearts, recruiting followers, and defrauding the people of their property."

"You are still hesitant to kill him because you fear the consequences."

Why?

Xu Shu then said:

"Precisely because Zuo Ci is quite popular, we should not act on our own initiative."

"Let's wait until the Prime Minister returns before discussing this further."

Just then, a minor official rushed into the main hall excitedly.

"Great joy! Great joy!"

The minor official stumbled and knelt before the crowd, bowing deeply:
"...Reporting to the generals and gentlemen, the Prime Minister has returned!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was overjoyed.

Xun You and Xu Shu stood up at the same time, their faces beaming with smiles.

"Quickly! Notify officials at all levels to prepare to leave the city to welcome them!"

Li Yi has been away for a year, and there are many things that he needs to handle personally.

Everyone had been looking forward to their return, and now their wish has finally come true.

at the same time,

A follower planted outside the city informed Zuo Ci of Li Yi's return.

“Li Ziyu is a genius of the world. Now that he has suddenly returned, he must be after the immortal master.”

"What can I do?"

The believers all asked questions.

Zuo Ci slowly opened his eyes, reached out and scooped up a handful of gold, a faint smile unconsciously curving his lips.

……

(End of this chapter)