Chapter 37: Drive Away the Wolves and Swallow the Tigers!

  "We are all tomb raiders, tomb raiders of the Eastern Han, digging east and west, treasures rolling in, rolling in!" Now that Old Cao has handed over Mo Jin's school to Lü Rui, Lü Rui will certainly make the tomb raiding business flourish!

  Cao Jin became a merchant team leader in the Hou Ye Fu from the moment he joined Lü Rui, traveling everywhere under the name of the merchant team to rob tombs. However, Lü Rui was smarter than Cao and only robbed tombs of the Warring States period, not those of the Han Dynasty!

  Why? First, it's valuable! Second, no one will care! The Liang Wang Tomb incident was the reason for the disbandment of Cao's tomb raiding team. Stealing the tombs of Han Dynasty aristocrats would definitely have someone to take responsibility. During the Han Dynasty, many descendants were still around and not a few had considerable power! However, as for the Autumn Warring States period? The years are too distant, and many descendants are unknown, officials will only condemn but won't take real action! Everyone sweeps the snow in front of their own door, don't care about the frost on others' tiles!

  "Master, it's time to get up! Today is the day that Minister Si Kong has arranged for you to attend a meeting on state affairs!"

  Not again, so early? Lately, Old Cao has started to train Lv Rui. As long as it doesn't involve the highest secrets of the Cao army, he generally lets Lv Rui follow him around to see how everyone handles government affairs. The work schedule of the Great Han is usually twenty days a month, with seven days that Lv Rui must attend as an observer, and the rest depends on Old Cao's arrangements!

  It's time to get up and study! Today is a fine day with clear skies, beautiful scenery everywhere! Nǎinǎi, on such a good day, I want to stay in the house! Under Ling'er's service, Lü Rui was reluctant and slowly changed his clothes before heading to the main hall of the Cai family residence. Cao and others should be ready for discussion!

  Lü Rui arrived at the main hall of the Imperial Chancellor's mansion, where only Xun Yu, Xun You and Guo Jia had arrived. Lü Rui walked straight to Guo Jia's side and sat down beside him. As master and disciple, they naturally sat together, ready to receive their teacher's instructions at any time!

  Soon, Cao and others also arrived. After paying respects to Emperor Xian of Han, Cao issued a decree to recruit talents, and many people had already been sent to various places by Cao. Today, several new faces came to the Sima Mansion, namely Zao Hedong, Mao Jie, Man Chong, Dong Zhao, all four were exceptional talents! Cao indeed had strategists like rain, casually picking a few people would be exceptional talents!

  Cao sat in the main seat, looked around at everyone and said: "Everyone has worked hard today. Our army's current military strength is all thanks to you all. Let me offer each of you a cup!"

  "Thank you, Sir Cao!" The monarch and his minister clinked their cups together in a toast!

  "Good wine!" Xiahou Dun, that drunkard, got dizzy after just a few sips.

  Cao glared at Xiahou Dun, who shrank his head. Cao said: "Everyone, our army has already pacified Yan Province, and the tuntian system has shown initial results. Today I have decided to launch another eastern expedition against Xuzhou. What do you gentlemen think?"

  Lao Cao is going to attack Xuzhou? Liu Dae? Hehe, I'll get you killed!

  Xu Chu can't stay by Cao Cao's side anymore, it's time to fight. Xu Chu is excited. Hey, hey, Xu Baozi, don't be so excited, either Zhang Fei or Guan Yu alone can match you!

  "Your Excellency," Xiahou Dun stepped forward and said, "I, Xiahou Dun, request to lead an army of 30,000 to conquer Xuzhou!"

  Yuan Rang? You lead the troops? In the previous battle of Puyang, if it weren't for Zhu Ling, would your army still exist? Yuan Rang can only be a brave general and vanguard, but not a commander!

  Seeing everyone ignoring him, Xiahou Dun could only pick up the wine in front of him and drink it all in one gulp!

  Cao Ren saw this and cupped his hands, saying: "My lord, in my humble opinion, there are two tigers in Xuzhou - Lü Bu and Liu Bei. Their strength cannot be underestimated. If our army attacks Xuzhou, the two of them will unite, and it's likely that we won't be able to capture it."

  Cao stroked his beard and asked, "Zixiao, what do you think our army should do to attack Xuzhou?"

  Cao Ren cupped his hands and said: "My lord, Lü Bu is the one who killed Dong Zhuo. Although he was defeated at Xiaopei, his strength still exists. On the other hand, Liu Bei has just taken over Xuzhou, and the people's hearts are not stable. If our army joins forces with Lü Bu, using the division of Xuzhou as bait, Lü Bu will definitely agree. When the time comes, our army can take Xuzhou, easily and effortlessly!"

  Hmmm, unite with Lü Bu and divide Xuzhou equally? This is a good suggestion!

  Xun Yu stepped forward after hearing Cao Ren's suggestion and said, "My lord, I have two plans that can help you easily capture the three states of Xu, Yu, and Yang!"

  "Oh, Wen Ruo, how did you come up with this plan so quickly?" Cao Ren only took Xuzhou, how could Xun Yu have a way to capture three cities? Wen Ruo is indeed worthy of being my strategist!

  Xun Yu bowed his hands and said: "My lord, I'll present the first plan to you. Let's set two tigers against each other! You can issue an imperial edict ordering Liu Bei of Xuzhou to attack Yuan Shu in Huainan. The two will fight each other, and one of them is bound to be wounded."

  Cao nodded and said: "Wen Ruo, will Liu Xuan De listen to the imperial edict of the court?" Indeed, Liu Xie's court is now just a small court in the eyes of various lords, and it cannot represent the great Han. None of the lords came to congratulate Liu Xie on his return to power in Xu Du, which shows how weak Liu Xie's court is!

  Xun Yu smiled and said: "My lord, Liu Xuande was given Xuzhou by Tao Qian's humble yielding. Has he ever had a legitimate claim to it?"

  Haha, Xun Yu is indeed a strategist, to give a name to it, many people need it, in ancient times, isn't it "the army goes out with a name"? Tao Qian was the Han Dynasty's Xu Zhou Mu, but you gave it to Liu Bei? Did he get recognition from the imperial court? To put it bluntly, Liu Bei is now an unappointed Xu Zhou Mu, Tao Qian, at least Dong Taishi gave him an official position, what does Liu Bei have?!

  Cao laughed and clapped his hands, saying: "If Wen Ruo is indeed clever and wise, what would be his second plan after the two tigers have finished fighting?"

  Xun Yu bowed his hands and said: "My lord, the second plan is to drive away the wolf and swallow the tiger!"

  "How to swallow wolves and tigers?"

  "My lord, Liu Bei has not been formally appointed, and the imperial edict from Xuchang will take time to arrive in Xuzhou. As for Lü Bu, Duke of Wen, General of the Valiant Martial Guard, with the authority of a temporary envoy, he can lead troops to conquer all directions. Driving out the wolf that is Lü Bu, swallowing the tiger that is Liu Bei - what a wonderful plan!"

  Isn't it? Xun Yu also has a proud moment? It seems that Xun Yu is quite pleased with his own plan!

  Cao Cao, on hearing this, exclaimed, "Excellent! Excellent! Wen Ruo has indeed grasped my intentions!" Cao Cao rose from his seat and said: "Let us act according to Wen Ruo's plan. Quickly dispatch someone to Xuzhou to discuss this matter with Liu Bei."

  "What a wonderful plan indeed!"

  "Thank you, sir!"

  Cao Cao and Xun Yu were on good terms with each other, while Lü Bu sat beside Guo Jia eating fresh fruit. "This fruit is not bad," he said, "I'll take some back for Ling Tong to try!"

  "Rui'er, just now about dealing with Liu Bei, Lü Bu and Yuan Shu, what do you think?" Looking at Rui'er's appearance, Old Cao was not satisfied, wanting to test Rui'er!

  Isn't it? Even eating fruit is affected? Isn't it that the gun shoots out the leading bird? I didn't take the lead, I was just quietly eating fresh fruit!

  "Rui'er? I heard that Rui'er has been diligently studying military books lately. What are your thoughts on this, Rui'er? Speak freely, we'll listen to the words of a child!"

  Look at Nainai, if I don't come up with some excuses today, Old Cao will definitely make me copy books as punishment! My handwriting is already very good-looking, no need to practice anymore!

  But what to do? Xun Yu's plan has already been presented, what good plan can I have? Lü Rui scratched his head, heh heh, got it! Liu Dajie, I'll give you a big gift!

  Lv Rui nodded and said: "Uncle Zhong, Teacher Wen's plan is profound and far-reaching. I'm not as good as him. I can only offer a small suggestion to add some finishing touches to your plan!"

  "What clever plan does Rui'er have? Quickly tell me!"

  "Liu Bei needs to make a name for himself, sending troops to attack Yuan Shu. This plan is feasible, but how many soldiers will Liu Bei send? Is there any intention to deceive our army? Please think thrice about this matter, Uncle!"

  Cao Cao listened and thought it was interesting. If Liu Bei didn't mobilize his main force, would Lü Bu be able to seize Xuzhou? It might be difficult, as Xuzhou also had many wise strategists.

  "Rui'er, what plan do you have?"

  "Brother-in-law, we just need to increase the bait, so that Liu Bei clearly knows it's a trap and will fall into it!"

  "What method?"

  "Could they be relatives? Liu Bei is a Liu from Hebei, and the Han Emperor also bears the surname Liu; could there be a connection between them? Using the pretext of being a relative of the imperial family, Liu Bei will surely raise his army to attack Yuan Shu!"

  "Haha! Rui'er is indeed clever. With this, Liu Bei will surely be greatly injured, Lü Bu will take Xuzhou, and I, Cao Mengde, can follow up with the army! Xuzhou will be easily broken!"

  "What do you all think?"

  "What a wonderful idea!"

  "Agreed!"

  The rest of the people also agreed with Lü Rui's plan, Cao was very happy, Lü Rui finally grew up, and Cao entertained the civil and military officials at the Sima Mansion before letting everyone go.

  "Another sunny day, but Xiao Ye wants to study!" Today is again Lü Rui's study day, no need for alarm clocks, I got up on my own initiative today, hehe, I'll be a little diligent for a day!

  "Master? How did you get up?"

  "Ling'er, I know we have school today, so I got up. How's it? Not bad, right?"

  "But, however? Young master, the housekeeper just came to inform us that Sir Cao has an urgent matter to attend to today, so today's meeting is cancelled!"

  Speechless for 15 seconds!

  "Cancelled?" No way, I'm so diligent in getting up early for the first time, and Old Cao actually has an urgent matter to attend to?

  "Your Highness?"

  "I'd better sleep!" Lü Rui quickly took off his outerwear and went to bed!

  Ling'er's face turned red as she looked at Lü Rui's everything. Young master, Ling'er is still by your side!

  "Snore!!!" Is that so? Young master has fallen asleep? Ling'er walked over to take a look at Lü Rui, and indeed he had fallen asleep. Ling'er covered Lü Rui with the quilt and left. (Ever since returning to the Three Kingdoms, it seemed like Lü Rui could control his own sleep, and as soon as he slept, he would start snoring!)

  Just as Lü Bu was fast asleep, Cao Cao's envoy had already arrived at Liu Bei's Xiaopei. Liu Bei welcomed Cao Cao's envoy with the ceremony of a court envoy.

  Liu Bei sat in the main seat and looked at the envoy, asking: "I don't know what business you have come from Xudu?"

  The envoy bowed and said: "Gong Zhendu, I have brought the imperial edict to appoint Gong Zhendu as the Governor of Xuzhou. Please lead your troops to Huainan to attack the rebel Yuan Shu!"

  Liu Bei was stunned, appointed as the Marquis of Xuzhou? To exchange the title of Marquis of Xuzhou for attacking Yuan Shu? This must be Cao Cao's plan. Anyway, let's get it first and talk about it later! Liu Bei cupped his hands and said: "Liu Bei thanks Your Majesty, but where is Your Majesty's sacred decree?"

  The envoy bowed and said: "Gong Zhendu, I am just the deputy envoy of the imperial court. The Minister of Works is preparing to send Envoy Xun Yu to come to Xuzhou to formally confer the title on Gong Zhendu!"

  Indeed, there are no free lunches. Liu Bei said: "I see, but Yuan Shu has been stationed in Huainan for a long time and his foundation is strong. If we want to send troops, I'm afraid it will take some more time to prepare!"

  The envoy bowed and said: "Of course, Lord Xuan De, the military affairs of Xuzhou are still presided over by Lord Xuan De. I am only responsible for conveying the meaning of Master Xun. Everything must wait until Master Xun arrives in Xuzhou to settle the matter of the imperial seal!"

  Liu Bei nodded and said: "Since that's the case, Vice Envoy, please return to Xudu first. Xuande will make arrangements himself!"

  The envoy said: "I obey the order of Lord Xuande! I have one more thing to ask Lord Xuande."

  "Please speak, Vice Envoy!"

  "Is it true that Lord Xun Yu has heard in Xuchang that Imperial Uncle Liu is a relative of the imperial family?"

  Liu Bei was stunned, and everyone else was also stunned. Soon Liu Bei understood the meaning behind it, and with a sad expression said: "Xuande is a descendant of Zhongshan Jingwang Liu Sheng, but unfortunately the ancestral temple has been lost, and I am unable to claim my rightful name!"

  "I understand! I will return to Xudu immediately and report back to Lord Xun!"

  After the envoy left, Liu Bei looked at everyone and asked: "Zizhong, Gongyu, what do you two think?"

  "Sir, this is Cao's plan. However, the title of Governor of Xuzhou and the imperial clan's noble title are very beneficial to our army!"

  Sun Qian also appended his opinion: "My lord, it's not just that. My lord has newly unified Xuzhou; if there is a great victory in battle, the army's morale will be stabilized!"

  "Our army is at war with Yuan Shu, can we win?"

  "The lord can unite with Cao, and attack Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu holds the heavy troops of Huainan, and harasses Yu Province to the north. Cao is also unable to eat or sleep peacefully!" Yu Province is now the confluence of Huainan and Yanzhou, where the armies of Cao, mountain bandits, Yellow Turbans, and Yuan Shu's forces are interlocked, and Yuan Shu will occasionally send troops to make surprise attacks on the surrounding provinces near Yanzhou.

  Liu Bei nodded and said: "Alright, Gong Yu, you will be our envoy to Xudu, act according to the situation!"

  "Alright!" Sun Qian retreated and went down to prepare for his trip to Xudu.

  At night, in the Taishou Mansion of Xiaopei, Lü Bu was under the lamp, looking at Chen Gong and asking: "Gongtai, Cao Mengde wants us to attack Xuzhou, what do you think?"

  "My lord, I know it's a trick, but our army must capture Xuzhou!"

  "Public platform?"

  "This is Cao Cao's plan to drive out the wolves and swallow the tigers, but Liu Bei has just entered Xuzhou, and the army's morale is unstable. If our army captures Xuzhou, we still have the strength to compete with Cao Cao, please make a clear decision, my lord!"

  Lü Bu thought for a moment, then revealed his determined eyes and said: "Let's follow Gongtai's plan!"

  Xun Yu sent someone to secretly instigate in Xuzhou, while Cao led soldiers on patrol in Chen County, luring Yuan Shu into a trap!

  Chen County, this county town on the border of Yan and Yu states, has become a base for Yuan Shu's harassment of Yan state. Yuan Shu frequently sends large armies to attack this place and raid Yan state. Cao Cao has brought his army here this time in order to intimidate the Yuan forces!

  Early in the morning, Cao led a dozen or so soldiers out of the city to inspect the terrain as usual. When Cao first arrived at Chen County, he was very excited and took these soldiers to patrol thirty miles outside the city.

  "Capture Cao Mengde alive! A reward of 500 gold!" Unfortunately, Cao was discovered by the large army left behind by Yuan Shu.

  Cao was shocked upon hearing this, and looked around to find himself surrounded by the sounds of killing in the dense forest. The people beside him also understood the current situation!

  Cao Cao's deputy general took off his own battle robe, knelt down on one knee and said: "My lord, please put on the clothes of the last general. The last general will wear my lord's attire to lure away the enemy!"

  Cao was taken aback and said: "Really?"

  "My lord's life is tied to the safety of the entire army; how can we lightly speak of his death? I, your humble general, am willing to share your worries!"

  Cao was also a bold man, nodded and said: "Good, General please get up, if the general has any concerns, my family will be taken care of by me Cao Mengde!"

  "Thank you, sir!" In no time, the two changed clothes and Cao and his deputy galloped off in opposite directions!

  "Halt! Who are you?"

  "General, I am one of Cao Cao's personal soldiers. He abandoned me and went east, please spare my life!"

  Yuan Shu's general saw the unimpressive-looking Cao and snorted, saying: "Alright, we'll let you off today, we're going to chase after Cao!" After that, the large group of soldiers headed east. Alas, poor Cao, you are always being overlooked! Cao thus escaped this calamity, while the deputy general was killed by Yuan Shu's army.

  "Your Highness, Duke Zuo has returned to the manor. Everyone is summoned to the grand hall!"

  Lao Cao is back? Do we need to go to the main hall again? Is there something urgent? Lü Rui didn't think much, changed his clothes and headed towards the main hall.

  Soon, Lü Rui arrived at the hall, and the Cao family members rushed over.

  Everyone gathered in the hall, Cao came out of the side hall with a child in his hand, looking at his age, not even five years old? No way, when did Old Cao have an illegitimate child? There is no record in history!

  Cao looked around at the crowd and said: "Everyone, a few days ago, our Prime Minister went to Chen County for inspection, but unexpectedly encountered Yuan Shu's large army. Fortunately, General Qin Jiao led the enemy away, so our Prime Minister was able to avoid being slaughtered!"

  It was Cao Zhen, Cao Zi Dan. Father saved Cao Cao, and now Cao Cao wants to adopt him as a son!

  "This decree is hereby made: Qin Zhen is adopted as the son of Cao Pi, with the surname Cao and the name Cao Zhen. All members of the Cao clan should treat him as a close relative!"

  "I humbly obey the orders of Master Cai!"

  Haha, looking at Cao's appearance, he was also bullied when he was young, and now there is another person bullying him! Thinking of this, Lü Rui licked his lips!

  "What a scoundrel! Is this Cao Mengde? This is Cao Mengde!" Yuan Shu was raging in the Taishou's mansion, originally thought he had gotten rid of Cao, but unfortunately this head was just an unknown little soldier.

  Yuan Shu flew into a rage, and everyone didn't dare to look straight at Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu looked around at the trembling soldiers and asked: "Is there anything else?"

  The little soldier's hands trembled as he brought up a piece of intelligence and said, "My lord, this is the secret report we intercepted from Cao's army!"

  Yuan Shu received the secret report and took a look, immediately tearing it to pieces in anger, shouting: "Liu Xuande! You're deceiving people too much!" It turned out that this was a deliberate leak from Cao's army to Yuan Shu's army, as Cao and Liu Bei had formed an alliance to attack Yuan Shu.

  Cao Cao is nothing, but Liu Bei, who makes straw sandals, also wants to come and attack me in Xuzhou? Fine, I'll take the opportunity to seize Xuzhou! Yuan Shu decided to send troops to Xuzhou to punish Liu Bei! The plan to drive out the wolf and swallow the tiger has begun!