Shen Pei immediately suggested: "My lord, for the sake of the present, we should temporarily withdraw our troops. Our army was not going to rebel against the court. For many days, we have not taken advantage of the situation when the imperial army fought with Cao and Sun. Now, between the lord and Your Majesty, we have not yet reached the point of death. Now, our army is withdrawing troops, and the imperial troops will not come to pursue us. After the defense of Xuzhou City is settled, it will not be too late to make plans."

"This..." Liu Bei looked unwilling. He looked at everyone and then asked Tian Feng: "Does Yuan Hao have any good plans?"

Tian Feng lowered his head and thought for a while, and said, "In the humble opinion of his subordinates, the lord should take advantage of the plan."

"Oh? How to use the trick?" Liu Bei asked.

"First, we retreated temporarily, but did not return to Xuzhou, but continued to station in Licheng to intimidate Yanzhou and Jizhou. If the lord retreated due to the situation in Xuzhou, it would inevitably lead to a decent amount of people. He said that the lord was only devoted to his own foundation. In this way, the lord's name of "cleaning the king's side" would disappear."

Liu Bei nodded frequently: "No, it's exactly what I want, what about the second one?"

"Second, I immediately sent an envoy to see Cao Cao, but it was not to hold him accountable for the attack on Donghai County."

Liu Bei said in surprise: "If you don't take accountable, why can you do it?"

Tian Feng shook his head: "Our army has no real evidence for this matter. Now that the two sides are in alliance, if our army speculates, it will inevitably mean to destroy the alliance. Therefore, this sneak attack can only be fooled. Cao Cao did not say it, and our army did not mention it. This time, he only said that Xuzhou was unstable, and thieves repeatedly invaded the territory and disturbed the city, making our army unable to stabilize and affect the morale of the army. Then, using this as an excuse, he temporarily borrowed Pengcheng and Xia Pi from Cao Cao for the purpose of stabilizing Xuzhou. When the major event is completed, he will return it."

Liu Bei's eyes lit up when he heard this: "This plan is very wonderful, very wonderful."

But after thinking about it, he hesitated again: "But... just how could Cao Mengde give up Pengcheng and Xiapi counties? It should be noted that these two counties are the richest land in Xuzhou, accounting for nearly 40% of the population and taxes in the province. Cao Cao is now losing ground and is about to lose the land of Yuzhou. How could he be willing to give up the two counties?"

Tian Feng was very confident about this: "Don't worry, lord, Cao Cao will definitely agree."

Liu Bei thought for a moment and shouted: "Send the whole army to call the gold to withdraw the troops!"

Zhao Jin looked at the army retreating like a tide, and was filled with surprise. He grabbed Chen Gong's hand and was extremely excited.

"Public station, public station, I, Mr. Zhao, have completely convinced me this time. What method did you use to make Liu Bei withdraw his troops on his own initiative. Hurry up and help me to understand it, so that I can gain a better understanding."

Chen Gong laughed and said, "It's nothing more than three thousand small soldiers."

After saying that, he smiled and walked straight down the city tower, leaving Zhao Jin with a confused look on his face.

"Three thousand little pawns? What does it mean...ah, I understand, the official station, wait for me..."

Shenyang City, ten days ago, after Xiahou Dun captured this city, Cao Cao's defeated army fled here the next day. After the two sides gathered, Cao Cao ordered Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren to lead 30,000 troops to station in three directions outside the city, and to support the defenders in the city, both offensive and defensive.

Liu He personally led his army to attack twice. Seeing that it was difficult to break through, he withdrew his troops and rested, and both sides were able to temporarily stop the troops.

In recent days, many craftsmen have been constantly repairing and strengthening the city walls and gates on all sides, and the scene is full of enthusiasm.

At this moment, a group of people had just walked into the city gate and headed towards the mansion where Cao Cao was.

Among the two leaders, one of them was Cao Cao's advisers, Cheng Yu and Cheng Zhongde. A middle-aged man who looked like a scholar next to him was Sun Gan and Sun Gongyou, who had been following Liu Bei for more than ten years.

Since Sun Gan entered the city, he has been looking at the streets on both sides of the city wall from time to time. Seeing this, Cheng Yu asked with a smile: "Sir, our army has been here for the first time. We dare not slacken at all. In order to wait for the news of Liu Jun, we have advanced together to attack Liu He. Now that the teacher is here, I don't know why I teach me?"

Sun Gan glanced at him and gently stroked his long beard: "Due to Cao Gong's account, although the military power is strong, the city is also very strong, but..."

"Oh? But how?"

Sun Gan sighed lightly: "But it is always much inferior to the imperial army and the city, and I am afraid it is difficult to match. I wonder what kind of way does Cao Gong have to resist when the imperial army arrives?"

"This..." Cheng Yu's face changed slightly. Although Sun Gan's words were unpleasant, they were the truth.

Although Cao Cao personally commanded and defeated Liu He several attacks in the city, it was just a test of Liu He. Every attack was a brief attempt, and he immediately retreated if he was not at all. Cheng Yu asked himself, judging from the current gap in military strength between the two sides in Yuzhou, if Liu He made up his mind to fight with all his might, the Shenyang small city would definitely not be able to defend.

However, the only cities in Yuzhou occupied by Cao's army are Shenyang, Langling and Anyang, and Langling and Anyang are both near the border of Jingzhou. The city is small and flat, and it is neither able to station troops nor has any danger to defend. It has always been used as a transfer of food and grass between Jing and Henan.

Therefore, once Shenyang City is lost, the entire Yuzhou will be completely no longer owned by the Cao army. Therefore, Cao Cao knew that it was impossible to do it and insisted on the small county town of Shenyang.

"Sun Gan is indeed a bit wise. He knew that it was difficult for our army to deal with Liu He, so he had to use the forces of Liu Bei and Sun Jian to restrain him. He also deliberately replied like this. It was obvious that the visitor was not good. It seemed that Liu Bei was not an easy person."

Cheng Yu felt a little murmur in his heart, but his face was still full of smiles: "Hehe, as long as you work together with my lord, Liu He is no problem."

"Is that right?" Sun smiled dryly: "If this is possible, it's best."

Under the escort of a team of soldiers, the two soon arrived in front of the county government.

"My lord has been waiting for a long time, sir, please."

Cheng Yu led Sun Gan and walked in.

A long time later, in the lobby.

Cao Cao smiled and said, "Mr. Sun has come to work hard, so please go to the inn to rest first. After Cao discusses this matter with everyone, I will inform you tomorrow."

Sun Gan immediately stood up and bowed his hands to bow: "Since that's the case, Sun took his leave first. My lord is sincere and I hope Cao will think carefully about it and say goodbye."

After saying that, he turned around and left.

As soon as he left, Xiahou Dun slapped the table: "I'm a bitch, what's Liu Bei's a mat and footwear man. Meng De valued him so he formed an alliance with him. He dared to be more aggressive and ask Pengcheng and Xiapi. It's damn."

"Lord, don't talk much to him. Our army still has 50,000 troops in Pengcheng and Xiapi, so we won't let him go. If he has the ability, he will come to attack him."

Xiahou Yuan was also full of righteous indignation.

"Yes, let him fight by himself."

"Look at how capable Liu Bei has, and dares to clamor with his lord like this."

Many generals were all very angry.

However, Cao Cao himself had always had a gloomy face and said nothing.

Guo Jia looked at his face and then stood up: "Master, do you mean this?"

Cao Cao looked at him and asked back, "What is the meaning of filial piety?"

Guo Jia replied: "I think it's feasible."

"What? Guo Jia, don't talk nonsense. These two counties were conquered by us through a lot of hardships. How could they be taken away with Liu Bei's words? How could we convince our soldiers?"

Many generals objected, but Cao Cao ignored it and just asked: "Let me tell me your reasons."

"Here." Guo Jia turned around and looked at Xiahou Dun and other generals.

"There are four reasons below. First, since Lujiang and Huainan were occupied by Sun Jian, the two counties of Xuzhou and our army had no borders and were difficult to control. Although there were more than one million people and abundant people, they could provide tens of thousands of troops, but they could not mobilize troops to participate in the battle situation in Yuzhou, and it was even more inconvenient to recruit food and grass to support it. It was like a chicken rib, and it was tasteless to eat, and it was a pity to abandon it."

As soon as he finished speaking, Cao Hong shouted, "So what? After capturing Luoyang, Liu Bei and Sun Jian were also under the control of our army. At that time, the soldiers and horses of Xuzhou were just right from the rear. Then Xu, Qing and Yang Sanzhou were at their fingertips, how could they be useless?"

"The second reason is related to what General Cao Hong said. Please be careful not to be impatient."

After Guo Jia said this, Cao Hong and many generals temporarily suppressed their resentment and continued to listen to him.

"The second of these, our three-party alliances, but because of Liu He's great power, had to do it for the time being. In fact, the three parties have their own thoughts. General Cao Hong said just now that after capturing Luoyang, our army would cut off the other two. It is indeed good, but how could Sun and Liu not have such a plan? Leaving Pengcheng and Xia Pi, once the allied forces turn against each other, these 50,000 troops will not only not help our army to seize the thieves, but will also become food from Sun and Liu in an instant, without any resistance. Instead of taking away the army, food, grass, and weapons by them for free, and not withdrawing them in such a moment, it will also demonstrate the sincerity of our army's alliance. Moreover, if used properly, these 50,000 troops may be effective as strange soldiers. If we take the opportunity to recover Yuzhou, wouldn't it be worth ten times more than the two counties of Xuzhou?"

After hearing his reason, the generals looked at each other and could not refute for a moment.

Guo Jia smiled slightly and continued, "Thirdly, Liu Bei used the excuse of unknown troops and horses repeatedly invading Donghai County. Although Sun Qian's words did not express it clearly, he clearly suspected that our army sent people to harass him, and there was a potential meaning of accusing our army of destroying the alliance. But they did not make it clear, and we were not able to argue. Whether this matter was deliberately provoked by Liu Bei or someone to interfere, in short, if it was not resolved, the alliance between Liu Bei and our side would be gone. A few days ago, he suddenly withdrew his troops in the middle of the attack on Taishan County, which was for this."

"When transferring the two counties to Liu Bei can not only completely clear this suspicion, but also allow Liu Bei to have no worries and be able to attack Yanzhou with all his heart. With more than 100,000 troops in Yanzhou, he dare not say that Liu He could not take care of each other, and he would also be able to restrain his many troops. In this way, when our army counterattacks, his chances of victory will naturally increase."

"Fourth, the lord regards the emperor as an unjust minister, regards Liu He as a usurpant traitor, and our army claims to be righteous. This time, the transfer of the city is a move of respecting the great righteousness and giving up small profits. The superiors are in accordance with the will of heaven and the inferiors are in accordance with the hearts of the people. It can make the scholars of the world return to their hearts and the people admire it. Although Liu Bei gained profits for a while, he lost the hearts of the people. When the alliance broke down, the lord can take advantage of the matter and say that when he formed an alliance, he made a hindrance and framed his allies with a treacherous plan and planned the city. It was our army who took the overall situation into consideration and did not give him any concern. At that time, our army would advance eastward and attack Liu Bei, which would be a righteous army, and he could defeat all the battles."

"Not only that, the two counties are located at the border between Sun and Liu families. When needed in the future, the lord can enfeoff the two counties and Sun Jian, thereby provoking the battle between the two families. Our army can watch the fire from the other side of the river and make profits from it."

"I have a brief opinion, please give me a clear understanding."

After saying that, Guo Jia bowed and retreated to his position.

"Okay, well said." Cao Cao slapped the table: "The words of filial piety are just in line with my heart."

"Lord, this..." Xiahou Dun and others seemed a little unwilling to accept it.

"Yuan Rang doesn't have to say anything." Cao Cao's face darkened, as if he remembered something: "Cao Ang's hatred and the hatred of Yuzhou must be repaid. With the strength of our army alone, it is absolutely difficult to defeat Liu He. For this great cause, what should I cherish? Where is Cheng Yu?"

"Subordinate is here."

"You go and inform Sun Qian that I will hold a luncheon in the mansion tomorrow to welcome him and discuss the cemetery."

"Subordinates obey the order."

In the backyard of Ancheng County Government, Liu He sat upright in a pavilion, with Liu Zheng, Guan Ping, Cheng Yang and Zhuge Liang standing respectfully in front of him.

"This time, although you and four others sneaked out of Luoyang and came to Yuzhou without authorization, you should have been punished, but because you are loyal and brave enough to be praised and have made many great achievements, you will not be investigated."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhuge Liang and the other two bowed to thank him, but Liu Zheng tried his best and looked reluctant.

"Why are we just not pursuing it? The four of us brothers have made considerable contributions this time. The father has always been clear about the rewards and punishments of the army, so we should have some rewards."

Liu He looked at his expression and cursed, "You guy, you have been spoiled by your mother and grandmother since childhood, and you dare to talk back to your father. Okay, okay, even if you make sense, what reward do you want?"

Liu Zheng's eyes lit up and he blurted out: "The child wants..."

He had just said halfway through, Zhang Yong, Gao Shun and Xun You hurried over.

When Liu He saw that their expressions were all a little solemn, he waved his hand to signal Liu Zheng to stop first, and then called three people to step forward.

"I'm going to see Your Majesty."

"Please keep calm, what's the matter?"

Xun You took a step forward: "Just received a report, Cao Cao transferred the two counties of Xuzhou to Liu Bei. The 50,000 troops stationed in Xuzhou had already withdrawn yesterday. However, this army was dispersed into many small troops and sneaked into the mountains and fields, so it was difficult to find out where they were."

Liu He was slightly surprised, but then he laughed: "I didn't expect that Chen Gong's plan, although it solved the danger in Yanzhou, also made the alliance between Cao Cao and Liu Bei become more and more solid. He is worthy of being two heroes of the world. He responds to the situation. Humph, it is indeed difficult to deal with."

Zhang Yong said: "I think that we should take advantage of the fact that both sides have not yet established a foothold, first attack Cao Cao, then go to Liu Bei, and finally attack from north to south to annihilate Sun Jian. Although Cao Cao built fortifications in Shenyang and built camps outside the city, they were supporting each other, but in the end, there were only a few soldiers and few generals and the city was broken. With the strength of our army, we can break the city with all our strength, and with three days of force."

After saying that, he looked at Liu Zheng again and then added: "I am willing to work for Your Majesty and take over the head of the thief Cao. However, there are few generals in Weishi's army who charge and fall into battle. In addition to the fifth brother, he also asked Your Majesty to transfer the eldest prince, Ping'er, and Yang'er to my army to listen to it."

Liu Zheng and the other three looked happy: "Baby/nephew are willing to serve."

Liu He looked at them with a smile, shook his head and said, "No need. The fourth brother's opinion is very reasonable, but because of this, the battle is extremely critical, so I still commanded the army to make a complete plan."

Zhang Yong heard this and was a little disappointed, but he didn't say much: "Your Majesty is wise, and I am obeying the order."

Xun You stood up and said, "Your Majesty, Liu Bei attacked Taishan County a few days ago. Because there was a change in Xuzhou, he withdrew his troops. Now he has obtained the two counties of Pengcheng and Xiapi, and will definitely attack Yanzhou again. I must guard against it. I think that we should quickly send generals to increase our troops to Taishan County to prevent any accidents."

Liu He smiled mysteriously: "Don't worry, naturally someone will go to fight Liu Bei."
Chapter completed!