Chapter 42: The Incident at Huainan, Yang Bing and his son

  Recently, the streets and alleys of Xudu have been hotly discussing a topic: Yuan Shu of Huainan has proclaimed himself emperor! Since the founding of the Great Han Dynasty, except for Wang Mang's usurpation of the Han throne, this is the first time such an event has occurred. Officials and civilians are all discussing this issue, and the dignity of the Great Han is facing unprecedented challenges!

  "Master Hou should get up, today is the day for court." Is that right? Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, and the dignity of the Han Dynasty was damaged? And it also affected me? Emperor Liu Xie ordered his ministers to attend court and discuss plans to attack Yuan Shu. Lü Bu rubbed his eyes, extremely unwillingly put on his clothes, and followed Cao Cao's carriage out of the mansion, heading towards the imperial palace in Xu Du.

  "Your Majesty, long live, long live, forever!" Lü Rui followed the group of officials to shout "long live" and then returned to his own position, watching how Liu Xie would respond to Yuan Shu's change.

  Emperor Xian looked around at the officials and asked: "All of you, my dear ministers, Yuan Shu has committed a great evil by proclaiming himself emperor in Huainan. Who is willing to lead an army to punish this rebel and display the mighty military power of the Great Han? Let us restore the imperial authority!"

  Liu Xie expressed his views with righteous indignation, originally thinking that he had the support of a large number of officials, but unfortunately, the officials just whispered to each other and didn't have anyone stand up to express their stance. The scene was awkward!

  Liu Xie's face was burning with heat, where did all the loyal ministers who used to shout loudly go? Why didn't anyone come out willing to conquer Yuan Shu? In fact, most of the courtiers were very clear in their hearts that shouting slogans was okay, but fighting and losing one's life was definitely not something they could casually express!

  Liu Xie clenched his fists and asked in a low voice: "Is there no one willing to share the worries of the Emperor and punish the national thieves?"

  Liu Xie asked again, but still only the ministers discussed, and no one came forward to express their opinion. Cao wore a smile on his face, waiting for Liu Xie to ask him, with military power in my hands, why don't you ask me? Who else can you ask?

  Liu Xie saw the officials again playing Tai Chi, and in his heart he was very helpless. He asked: "Cao Ai Qing, as the Minister of Works, leading all officials, what is your high opinion?" Unable to help it, still had to ask Cao!

  Cao Cao heard Liu Xie's summons and slowly walked out, every step making Liu Xie feel like he was being tortured. In the imperial court, there was no one who could rival Cao Mengde!

  Cao bowed his head and said: "Your Majesty, I think that Yuan Shu's rebellion is not to be feared. You can issue an edict to the various lords of the world to attack and punish him, while at the same time reorganizing the troops in Xuchang, eliminating the remnants of Yuan Shu's party in Xuchang, selecting good generals to lead the expedition against Yuan Shu."

  Liu Xie listened and was furious in his heart. Cao Mengde, how could you not immediately send troops to punish Yuan Shu? The vassals of the world will jointly punish him. In what year and month can we send troops? By then, where is the majesty of the great Han? Liu Xie asked: "Cao Ai Qing, Yanzhou has been recuperating for nearly a year, why not immediately send troops to punish Yuan Shu?"

  Xun Yu stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, although Yanzhou has been recuperating for a year and its vitality has recovered, military affairs are a major matter of state. If preparations are insufficient, it will instead harm the great Han dynasty's prestige. Therefore, we need to thank you for your careful consideration, Your Majesty!"

  The officials also came out one after another to agree with Cao, Liu Xie saw it and just nodded his head saying: "At this time, will it be handed over to Lord Cao?"

  "What about Yang Biao? Where did Elder Yang Biao go? Why can't I see Yang Biao?" Liu Xie hastily asked, "Where is Yang Biao?"

  Cao bowed and said: "Your Majesty, Yang Biao is a relative of Yuan Shu's family and has the suspicion of colluding with the enemy. He and other former associates of the Yuan family have been imprisoned, awaiting my interrogation to give Your Majesty an answer!"

  Liu Xie was stunned, Yang Biao had been imprisoned? Cao Cao? He had seized the opportunity, and Yuan Shu's usurpation of the throne had given Cao Cao a chance. Even if Liu Xie believed in Yang Biao, he still had to go through the motions. After going through the motions, would the court officials be replaced again? Thinking of this, Liu Xie said: "Cao Ai Qing handled it properly, but Yang Gong is a veteran of three dynasties. Cao Ai Qing must conduct a thorough investigation. All documents will be reviewed by me personally. Anyone who is imprisoned without my order cannot be executed!"

  "I humbly obey Your Majesty's orders!"

  "Fall back!"

  After finishing the courtesy, Lü Rui patted his mouth and let out a sigh of relief. Not killing? Alright! Making him half-dead would be enough!

  As Lv Rui had expected, after Yuan Shu declared himself emperor, many officials in Xuchang who were tracked by Cheng Yu's GPS lost their positions and were replaced by new ones, while Yang Bi was still imprisoned!

  "It's another big harvest, caught a wild boar back, and we can add dishes again!"

  "Ring, order the kitchen to process this wild boar and send it to Uncle Zhong and all the aunts tonight!"

  "Yes, Master Hou!"

  "Your Lordship, Yang Sui's son Yang Xiu has come to pay his respects. This is his calling card!"

  Has Yang Xiu arrived? For Yang Bing's matter? Alright, let me see what this "Chicken Rib Yang Xiu" is all about!

  "Let him in, I'll be waiting for him in the study."

  "Yes, Lord Hou."

  Soon, a young man dressed as a scholar came to Lü Rui's study, "Greetings, Your Excellency!"

  "Oh? You are Yang Xiu, son of Old General Yang Biao and grandson of Yang De?"

  "It is indeed beneath him, and yet even you, young master, know the name of De Zu!"

  "I once heard Uncle Zhong say that Dezu Sheng had exceptional talent and quick thinking, and was a leading figure of his time."

  "Your Excellency's praise is excessive, I dare not accept it!"

  "Please have a seat, sir!"

  Then, the two men sat in order of seniority and juniority. Lü Rui took a look at Yang Xiu, who was a talented person with a majestic appearance, wearing elegant clothes, and only the fourth generation of the Yang family could cultivate such a person. He was absolutely talented, with an impressive aura.

  Lü Rui smiled and said: "His Excellency has had some dealings with De Zu in the past, but I don't know what brings him here this time."

  Yang Xiu bowed and said: "Dezu has just paid homage to Master Xun Yu as his teacher. Master Xun Yu is the mentor of all the young masters in the Cao household, so Dezu and your lordship can be considered fellow students. Today, he specially came to visit your lordship, bringing a humble gift to express his sentiments." After finishing speaking, he had the servant present the gift.

  Lü Bu was not interested in gifts, but Yang Xiu was indeed a talented person who had grasped the old Cao's mind. Although I am still in prison, going to pay respects is seemingly unreasonable, but it is actually a clever move!

  Yang Biao's influence is too great, and with Cao Cao's current strength, he will not truly deal with him, but only whip him. As long as the Yang family shows a soft attitude, Cao Cao will achieve two goals at once, intimidating some of the two-faced factions who are wavering between Cao and Liu, while also striking at the forces supporting Emperor Xian.

  Lü Rui scratched his head and asked: "De Zu brother? You're wrong, this matter is in charge of Man Chong, you should look for him instead of me."

  Yang Xiu said: "Lord Hou, my father is old, please look at the face of the elderly and speak to Prime Minister Si Kong a few words, just express Dezu's concern for the old man, please Lord Hou help!"

  The Yang family sent a humble and submissive message to Cao Cao through the mouth of a child, using filial piety as a cover. This way, they could maintain their leadership position among Liu Xie's former ministers while also highlighting their willingness to submit to Cao Cao.

  Lv Rui smiled and said: "De Zu is indeed clever, good at calculating, good at calculating!"

  Yang Xiu was taken aback and asked: "What does Master Hou mean? De Zu doesn't know."

  "His Excellency suggested to Prime Minister that if Yang's family does not directly show submission, they can gain the praise of all officials. This is one reason."

  "Dezu and Benhou have a friendship of the same window, with filial piety to speak out, can express Dezu's thoughts, without losing the dignity of the Yang family, and also show the attitude of cousin Cao. This is the second point."

  "De Zhu, you've taken all the advantages!"

  Yang Xiu was stunned, having heard that Lü Rui was clever and wise, but he himself had also been talented since childhood. He didn't expect that this time his plan would be exposed by Lü Rui.

  Yang Xiu calmed himself and asked: "Then what does Master Hou think?"

  "De Zhu? We were classmates, could such wealth reveal our friendship?"

  "..................." Speechless Yang Xiuzi, isn't it? Lü Rui exposed himself, thinking that the money he sent was not enough?

  Yang Xiu asked tentatively: "Is the lord saying that Dezu thinks this wealth cannot highlight the friendship between Dezu and the lord? Dezu has many private treasures, willing to share half with the lord, I wonder if the lord..."

  "De Zhu brother is too polite, since brother wants to share rare treasures, how can I not follow?"

  "Please be at ease, Uncle De. The matter of Elder Yang is also my own matter, I will definitely exert all my efforts to speak out for it!"

  "......" Another speechless moment, and half of his treasured possession was gone? But it was worth it for the sake of his father!

  "Thank you, Lord Hou. My grandfather still has to go to the Manchu lord's mansion, farewell!"

  "Third Uncle De, slow down!"

  It's not yet time for dinner, but Yang Xiu's delicacies have arrived. Hehe, Little Lamb, you're really a fat sheep with so many good things! This can be given to Ling'er, that can be given to Jie'er, and the rest... reward some to E'lai...

  "Lord Hou, the treasure has been stored in the warehouse, here is the ledger."

  "Hmm!" After looking through the account book, Lü Rui patted his mouth and said it was time to eat and sleep.

  After finishing dinner, Lü Rui went back to her room to sleep. Help Yang Xiu speak out? No need, Xiaoman will handle it well. Since Yang Piao can come out, why bother herself? The key is to check the things sent by Yang Xiu!

  "Sir, Man Chong is bringing Yang Biao here!"

  After several days, it was time for Cao Cao to deal with Yang Biao.

  Yang Biao was brought before Cao Cao by Man Chong, Lv Rui took a look and was stunned. Was Yang Biao stewed with pork and noodles? Covered in wounds? Little Man Chong, you have to show respect to the elderly, can't be cruel!

  Xun Yu and Xun You saw Yang Bi like this, and they started to scold Man Chong. Originally, the two had already greeted Man Chong not to use torture, but Man Chong actually used torture on Yang Bi!

  Cao looked and was stunned for a moment, then asked: "Boning, is there any result?"

  Man Chong cupped his hands and said: "Sir, the interrogation of Yang Bi did not yield any evidence. If you want to execute him, you must find evidence first. This man is famous throughout the land, if we can't find evidence but still execute him, it will greatly lose the hearts of the people, please sir think thrice!"

  What's going on? Xiao Manman is indeed a straightforward person, daring to speak like this to Old Cao without any room for maneuver.

  Cao was also taken aback, it's been a long time since anyone spoke to him like that. Since so, Yang Bi was released! Cao nodded and said: "The old man is innocent, release the old man, maintain his official salary."

  Soon, the rumors spread throughout Xudu, and the common people couldn't understand the elegant words, but they definitely understood the plain talk! One person told ten, ten told a hundred, and it became a street rumor. Many people with ulterior motives also retreated, not understanding? Old Yang was only spared because he had been tortured, his mouth was hard, and he had a reputation, otherwise, if it were someone else? Weigh your own weight!

  After the Xudu government stabilized, Lü Bu and Sun Ce also accepted Cao's edict to attack Yuan Shu for their own interests, giving Yuan Shu a blow. Seeing that the timing was ripe, Cao also led his army on an expedition against Yuan Shu!