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

Chapter 221 If Li Lang had a sympathetic heart for flowers, the goddess of Luoshui would also lower her eyes

But Cao Cao and Li Yi each led their own troops to besiege Yecheng, the capital of the Yuan family.

Xu You proposed a plan to open the Zhang River to cut off communication between the city and its surroundings.

In addition, Li Yi took out axes, seals and other items that he had seized when he defeated Yuan Shang's troops.

The morale of the troops in Yecheng was in chaos and everyone was in danger.

Based on this, Cao Cao and Li Yi were not in a hurry to attack the city and let it fall into chaos.

On this day, the two men discussed military affairs as usual, and talked more about how to deal with the property in the city after the city was captured.

Suddenly someone reported that someone outside wanted to see him.

The one who was ordered to enter the tent was Xin Pi under Yuan Tan's command.

Xin Pi almost cried and bowed as he entered, shouting:
"My brother's family and relatives were all killed by the dog thief Shen Pei."

"I wonder if this is true?"

Li Yi sighed with his hands behind his back:

"Lord Cao and I are both deeply saddened by the death of your brother's family members."

"After we conquer Yecheng, I will avenge you."

Xin Pi thanked him with tears in his eyes.

Cao Cao came over, looked Xin Pi up and down, and asked hurriedly:

"Are you Yangdi Xin's assistant in governing the country?"

Xin Pi was still heartbroken, but he still politely bowed and replied:
"To reply to Sikong Cao, my ancestors originally lived in Longxi, and later our family moved to Yangdi, Yingchuan."

"...Good! Good!"

Cao Cao stepped forward, shook Xin Pi's hand, and sighed:
"When I was in Xu County, Xun Wenruo often praised my talent in assisting the government."

"I also issued an imperial edict to recruit Zuo Zhi to serve in Xu County, but Zuo Zhi refused to take up the post."

"You and I are not meant to work together."

Xin Pi thought to himself, when you recruited me, the Battle of Guandu had not even begun.

At that time, Yuan Shao was at the height of his power, and you had not yet been able to unify Henan.

He will only come to you for help if his head is kicked by a donkey.

Of course, it is said that he who knows the times is a hero.

Now that the offense and defense of the two places have changed, Xin Pi also knows that it is time to hold on to Henan's thigh.

Cao Cao's leader of civil officials was Xun Yu, the leader of Yingchuan, so he also wanted to take this opportunity to win over Xin Pi.

But at this moment, Xin Pi was heartbroken and confused, and only thought about revenge.

I don't want to rush into taking sides.

Any astute politician could realize that the Yuan family was doomed and the world would sooner or later belong to Cao and Liu.

The struggle for supremacy between Cao and Liu will be an unknown outcome.

Who would dare to place a bet and risk their life and property at this time?

Li Yi saw that Xin Pi was not in high spirits, so he spoke to ease the situation:
"Destroying Yecheng is the top priority right now."

"We haven't even entered half of the city yet, so we're thinking too far ahead."

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled:
"...Haha, now that the water of the Zhang River has broken, the people in the city are in chaos."

"In my opinion, there should be changes in the city in the past two days."

As they were talking, a young man suddenly ran in hurriedly from outside the tent.

The young man broke in without permission.

Li Yi was slightly displeased and pointed his finger at him:

"...General Cao, who is this person?"

When the young man was called, he realized that he was being rude and quickly bowed to Li Yi to apologize.

Cao Cao quickly explained:
"This is my second son, Cao Pi, whose courtesy name is Ziheng."

"Since my eldest son died, I have taken Zihuan with me more often to train him in the military."

As the eldest son, Cao Ang was the undisputed first-in-line heir to the Cao family.

But since Cao Ang died in the battle at Wancheng, Cao Cao, in addition to being sad, also began to consider training the next successor.

As the second son, Cao Pi should have been given priority according to the order.

When he was born, there was a cloud of blue-purple color.

It is round like a car cover, covering the room and never falls apart all day long.

Someone who could read the weather secretly told Cao Cao:
"This is the aura of an emperor. Your heir will be indescribably noble!"

Cao Cao was secretly surprised by this, so apart from Cao Ang, the son he kept with him the most was Cao Pi.

By the way,
In the Battle of Wancheng, Zhang Xiu almost achieved a quadruple kill.

That’s right, in history Cao Pi was also taken to Wancheng by Cao Cao.

Cao Pi was only ten years old at the time, but he took advantage of the chaos and escaped on horseback.

It was like saving a life.

This is also the reason why Cao Pi particularly hated Zhang Xiu.

You said you killed my elder brother, but in fact you almost killed me too.

Cao Pi joined the army with his father at the age of ten, which indirectly showed the high hopes Cao Cao had for him.

According to Cao Cao's original idea, he wanted to train Cao Pi into a talented general so that he could assist his elder brother Cao Ang in the future.

But in the end, it backfired.

After Cao Ang died, Cao Pi became the eldest son.

"I heard that Marquis Tan also had a son last year. If you and Cao take off your clothes and armor, you can be considered as the same father."

Cao Cao was probably in a romantic mood again, and he said proudly to Li Yi:
"My son Huan was able to write at the age of eight. He has extraordinary talent and is well-versed in both ancient and modern times."

"By the age of ten, he was able to ride and shoot, and was skilled in fencing."

"There is a man in Yingchuan who is good at physiognomy. I will ask him to read Zihuan's face."

"The man replied, 'This child is so noble that it is beyond words.'"

"……Hahaha."

Li Yi heard this and laughed softly:
"So this is Cao Zihuan."

Li Yi is considered the most outstanding figure among the younger generation, and is also a role model that many second-generation people seek to emulate.

In particular, the Cao family often dealt with Xuzhou, and Cao Pi often heard about Li Yi's deeds when he was in Xu County.

Seeing that he seemed to recognize him, he couldn't help showing joy and said hurriedly:

"Does Marquis Tan also know Cao Pi?"

“…Haha, I know.”

Li Yi raised his lips and smiled, then spoke solemnly:

"But I heard that Cao Zhi, the third son of Cao Gong, could recite the Book of Songs, the Analects, and pre-Qin and Han fu at the age of ten."

"This boy has a quick mind and sharp conversation skills."

"Whenever Cao Gong asked him about something, he could always answer immediately and speak fluently."

"This boy is truly a world-class genius!!"

After saying that, I couldn't help but give a thumbs up.

Cao Pi frowned and thought to himself:
"Since my elder brother passed away, I, as the eldest son, have been working hard every day to improve myself."

"He dabbled in riding, archery, poetry and prose."

"Zijian is only good at writing articles for scholars and officials, but he is completely incapable of governing a country."

"Father always said that Li Tanhou was a man of great talent who could help the country. Why did he praise Zijian alone and not mention me?"

"Am I not as good as Zijian?"

Just when Cao Pi was doubting himself, Cao Cao couldn't help but laugh when he heard Li Yi praising Cao Zhi:
"I didn't want my son's reputation to reach Marquis Li Tan's ears."

"Although I have some talent, I am still far behind the Marquis of Tan..."

"……Hahaha."

Cao Cao was in a good mood and was proud of having pacified Japan.

It was another compliment from his mortal enemy, which made him secretly happy.

Li Yi continued:
"You don't have to be too modest, Lord Cao. When my son is ten years old, I hope he can be half as talented as you are."

"I will be satisfied."

Cao Cao was even more delighted and said to Cao Pi beside him:
"Zihuan, you heard everything!"

"As the elder brother, you should teach your younger brother a lesson after returning to Yingchuan."

"He will definitely have a bright future!"

Cao Pi smiled slightly and said softly:
"Father, you worry too much. Zijian is ten times more talented than me."

"As the older brother, I should ask him for advice more."

Cao Cao then laughed even louder, becoming carried away with pride.

Although Cao Pi had a smile on his face, he was very unhappy in his heart.

He thought to himself that Cao Zijian was just a boy in his early ten years old at that time.

I am already able to lead an army in the military camp, but the result is no matter whether it is my father or Li Tanhou.

He actually directed all the conversation to Cao Zhi, totally disregarding the feelings of the person involved.

It's really infuriating and annoying!
Cao Pi clenched his fist, suppressed his anger and did not lose his temper.

After a brief chat, Li Yi turned the topic to business.

"...Speaking of which, why did Zihuan suddenly break into my allied army camp?"

"You know this is a place for discussing important military matters, no one is allowed to trespass."

Cao Pi thought to himself that he was the son of Cao Gong, so how could he be considered an idle person?
"In reply to Marquis Li Tan, I just had an important military report, so I forgot about it."

"I hope Lord Li Tan will forgive me."

As soon as he finished speaking, Cao Cao also criticized Cao Pi with a serious face:
"What Marquis Li Tan said just now is correct. Although you and I are father and son, we cannot talk about father-son relationships in the military camp."

"Everything must be done according to the rules. If you dare to enter the camp without permission again, I will punish you together with you."

Cao Pi was stunned, not knowing whether it was because he was too sensitive.

I always feel like I have suddenly lost my father's love.

"...Yes...Yes, yes, my child will remember this."

Cao Pi bowed and answered with fear and trepidation.

"...Okay, considering that this is your first offense and you have something else to do, I will not pursue the matter."

"But tell me what it is."

"Reporting to father, this is Shen Rong, the nephew of Shen Pei."

"Write a secret letter, tie it to an arrow, and shoot it down from the city."

After saying this, Cao Pi handed the letter to Cao Cao with both hands.

Cao Cao looked into the matter and realized that Shen Rong was dissatisfied with Shen Pei's behavior and was planning to launch a military remonstrance.

He also made an agreement with the allies to open the west gate at dusk and lead troops to capture Shen Pei.

Cao Cao was suspicious by nature and was afraid that this was a counter-espionage plot by Shen Pei and his nephew.

The purpose was to lure their army across the river and enter the west gate, and then they would attack them halfway across the river, catching them off guard.

Thinking of this, Cao Cao handed the letter to Li Yi.

"...Does Li Tanhou think Shen Rong can be trusted?"

Before Li Yi could answer, the grief-stricken Xin Pi hurriedly said:
"Shen Rong and I have a close relationship. Shen Pei, the thief, killed my brother's family members. He must be angry."

"Xin Pi is willing to guarantee it with his own head. I hope that Cao Sikong and Li Tanhou will not have any doubts."

"Please send troops quickly to avenge Pi!"

Li Yi then said:

"Xin Zuozhi is not a deceiver. General Cao can send troops quickly."

Cao Cao agreed with his words and immediately ordered Li Dian and Le Jin to lead 500 soldiers each to head straight for the west gate.

Li Yi also led his troops and headed towards the west gate.

By evening, Shen Pei inspected the city wall as usual.

Suddenly, a large group of soldiers rushed up, led by Shen Rong.

Shen Pei shouted sternly:

"I have not given any order to increase the city's defenses. Who ordered you to come up here without permission?"

Shen Rong drew his sword and shouted:

"Shen Pei! You have committed many injustices. I cannot bear to see the soldiers and civilians in the city starve to death."

"So I have surrendered to the court, and I am here to arrest you by imperial decree!"

Shen Pei was furious, "Help me, quickly capture this traitor!"

After he finished speaking, the surrounding soldiers came up with guns, but most of them were not interested.

Shen Rong shouted loudly:

"Shen Pei wants to starve all the soldiers and civilians in the city to death. Your wives, children and elders are also in the city."

"Can you bear to see him die?"

When these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.

You look at me, I look at you, and neither of us is willing to take action.

Shen Rong continued:
"Sikong Cao and General Liu were ordered to fight against the rebels. You should quickly capture the rebel Shen Pei."

"The court will not punish you!"

After hesitating for a while, everyone finally stepped forward, pushed Shen Pei to the ground, and tied him up with ropes.

Shen Rong ordered his men to take Shen Pei to the outside of the west gate, and then ordered his men to open the main gate.

At this time, the Henan Allied Forces also arrived as scheduled.

Xin Pi rode his horse forward first, followed by his generals, and they charged into Ye City.

As soon as he entered the door, Xin Pi ran into Shen Pei head-on.

Xin Pi's eyes were red with anger, and he whipped Shen Pei with his whip, cursing:

"Slave, you deserve to die today!"

The whip hit Shen Pei, leaving his skin torn and blood all over his body.

However, Shen Pei's expression did not change. Instead, he glared at Xin Pi and cursed:
"You dogs, it was you, the rebel, who destroyed Jizhou."

"I wish I could kill you alive!"

At this time, Cao Cao's army and Li Yi's army also entered the city.

Cao Cao glanced at Shen Pei kneeling on the ground and said with a smile:
"Shen Gong, do you know who opened the city gate for me?"

Shen Pei remained silent.

Cao Cao insisted that he listen:
"This is presented by your nephew Shen Rong!"

Shen Pei snorted and said angrily:

"It is not enough for children, even to this extent."

Cao Cao looked at the top of the city again. The city wall was still intact, but the people's hearts had been dispersed.

"When I arrived at the city yesterday, I saw a lot of arrows and crossbows in your city."

Shen Pei sighed:

"I hate that they are too few! I hate that they are too few! I just hate that they are too few, and I can't shoot you, you bastard!"

Cao Cao frowned and asked again:

"You are loyal to Yuan and his son, so you have no choice but to do this."

"Now that we are at the end of our rope, will you surrender to me?"

Shen Pei laughed coldly, "No surrender!"

Xin Pi knelt on the ground and wept, kowtowed repeatedly.

"More than 80 members of my brother's family were all killed by this thief."

"I only hope that Sikong will take charge and kill this villain to avenge my family!"

Shen Pei cursed loudly:

"I am a minister of the Yuan family in life and a ghost of the Yuan family in death. I am not like you, the slanderous and flattering villains!"

"Kill me quickly!"

Seeing that Shen Pei would rather die than surrender, Cao Cao wanted to ask Li Yi for his opinion.

But when he turned his head, he found that Li Yi was gone.

He quickly looked around and asked, "Where is Marquis Li Tan?"

The people around him replied, "They have already entered the city."

Cao Cao pounded his hands and exclaimed:

"He must have taken advantage of me interrogating the prisoners to lead his troops into the city!"

At the critical moment, Cao Cao acted recklessly again. He was so focused on showing off that he forgot that there was also Li Yi who entered the city with him.

"Zihuan!"

"The child is here!"

Cao Pi stepped out in response. "You must lead your troops into the city quickly, and do not disturb the people along the way!"

"Here."

Just as Cao Pi was about to turn around and charge, Cao Cao's voice came from behind him again.

"return!"

"What else does father have to say?"

Cao Pi bowed and asked.

"After you enter the city, don't kill any member of the Yuan family."

"Be sure to send troops to protect him before Li Yi gets there!"

"...Yes, I will obey your command."

Although Cao Pi didn't know why his father wanted to fight with Li Yi for this, he had an inexplicable sense of crisis since he left the camp.

Therefore, he was anxious to show himself in front of his father, so he led his troops into the city after receiving the order.

Seeing Cao Pi walking away, Cao Cao calmed down and prayed silently that Li Yi would not go to see Yuan's relatives first after entering the city.

After all, Yecheng is rich, and there must be a lot of wealth piled up inside.

Cao Cao would rather Li Yi take over the property first than contact Yuan’s relatives first.

Because in the end, the property must be divided equally between the two families.

Even though Li Yi got there first, he still did something to get himself less.

Cao Cao didn't care about suffering this little loss.

What Cao Cao cared about was the entire Yuan family, young and old.

Why?

After entering Yecheng and taking over the place,

This means that whether it is the Cao family or the Liu family, they will officially replace the Yuan family to rule this place.

However, Yuan's disciples and former officials are all over the world. If you want to truly rule the north well, you still need to treat the Yuan family well.

This is a truth that a politician must understand.

Therefore, for the Yuan family, it is particularly important who shows favor first.

This is a face-saving job and must be done well.

Cao Cao had already sent Cao Pi ahead. He glanced at Shen Pei lying on the ground and asked:
"After you die, do you have any wishes?"

Shen Pei replied, "My lord is in the north, and you cannot let me die facing south!"

Cao Cao nodded and said, "After Shen Pei died, he was buried in the north of the city."

Shen Pei thanked him and was dragged out by the warriors to be punished.

When he was about to be executed, he knelt on the ground facing north and offered his neck to the blade.

His heroic spirit and unyielding spirit made everyone who saw him sigh in admiration.

Cao Cao also felt pity for his loyalty and said:
“Why are there so many heroes in Hebei?”

Everyone advised Cao Cao not to waste any more time on a dead man as there were still a lot of things in the city that needed to be dealt with.

Cao Cao agreed with his words and urged his horse into the city.

"...I wonder if Zihuan has gotten ahead of Li Yi."

……

On the other hand, Li Yi took advantage of the time when Cao Cao was interrogating Shen Pei and quietly entered the city.

After entering the city, he also ordered that the people should not be disturbed.

All military and civilians who are willing to surrender will be spared from death.

Xu You rode on his horse and ran to Li Yi excitedly, saying with a look of excitement:

"...Zi Yu, Zi Yu! After entering the city, you must first check the treasury."

"I know where it is. Do you want me to lead you there?"

Li Yi's eyes fell on Xu You and saw that he was as happy as a child in his forties.

"...Haha, since Ziyuan understands so well."

"I'll trouble you to check the treasury for me. I have other important matters to attend to."

Li Yi's brows were calm and he spoke in a kind manner.

Xu You could hardly believe his ears, because the treasury was a place where money, grain and equipment were stored.

Going to check the government treasury is an absolutely lucrative job.

Li Yi actually gave it to him as he said. Xu You danced with excitement and said repeatedly:
"...Okay, okay, don't worry about me doing the job."

"I will take care of all the things in the treasury and hand them over to you, my dear brother, without any more or less."

Zhang Fei, who had come into the city with them, heard this and asked Xu Chu, who was standing beside him:
"…Did I hear correctly?"

"That Xu Ziyuan actually calls you brother."

It was already presumptuous of Xu You to call Li Yi "Zi Yu".

After all, Li Yi is several levels older than him, and he is also the "sponsor" who recommended him, so it is reasonable and proper for him to address him respectfully as "Sir".

At the very least, it has to be called a title or position.

As a result, Xu You became even more arrogant and directly called Li Yi "brother" in front of everyone.

This made Zhang Fei, who always respected scholars, very dissatisfied, and he muttered to himself:

"We usually respect you, sir, and dare not go beyond the rules."

"Xu You is a surrendered general who has no extraordinary achievements. How dare he act so presumptuously?"

Xu Chu was also very dissatisfied, but he still suppressed his anger and said:

"Since the gentleman hasn't spoken, let's not act on our own for now."

Zhang Fei said no more, but everyone was unhappy.

Li Yi continued to move forward, taking his troops and horses with him, and headed straight for Yuan's home.

When the gatekeepers outside the mansion saw the army coming, they raised their sticks and attacked Li Yi.

Xu Chu and Zhang Fei each stepped forward to stop them.

Each of them struck one with one punch and knocked them both unconscious on the ground.

Li Yi shouted, "Stop killing people!"

However, while they were talking, two disciples had already fallen to the ground.

Zhang Fei explained:

"Don't worry, sir. We will know how to deal with it."

"These two cannot die."

Li Yi then felt relieved and walked into the back hall with his sword in hand.

Two girls were seen crying and holding their heads together, while another girl was huddled aside and trembling.

There was an adult man in the middle, who seemed to have seen the world. When he saw Li Yi coming, he stepped forward and bowed:
"Meet the general!"

Li Yi just glanced at him and said calmly:
"You are not the head of the family, so you can call the head to talk to me."

The man was startled when he heard this, and retreated silently, glancing at the woman who was kneeling on the ground and crying.

Seeing this, the woman wiped her tears and said to Li Yifu:
"I am General Yuan's wife, Liu."

Li Yi glanced at the woman behind Liu again.

The man was crouching behind Madam Liu, his hair was disheveled, his face was dirty, and his features could not be seen clearly.

He then asked, "Who is this woman?"

Madam Liu was extremely scared to death. When she saw Li Yi asking questions, she hurriedly grabbed the woman's hand.

Kneel on the ground and kowtow repeatedly.

"This is the unmarried wife of my second son Yuan Xi, Zhen."

"It's because Xianyi was away in Youzhou that the two of them have not been able to get married."

"We were going to get married after the mourning period for General Yuan was over."

"It's just that I didn't expect the war to start again, so it was delayed."

Li Yinai stretched out his hand, motioning for Madam Liu to stand up, and said:
"Why is Madam Liu like this?"

“Let the bride lift up her head!”

Madam Liu quickly pushed the woman next to her, and the woman wiped her face with her sleeve when she heard what she said.

He looked up at Li Yi.

Li Yi looked at her and thought that Zhen was truly a beautiful woman with a charming appearance that could overturn a whole country.

"…This must be Zhen Mi."

Li Yi muttered to himself.

Although I have more or less guessed the identity of this woman, I am still curious about what Empress Wen Zhaozhen looked like in history.

When I saw her today, she was indeed as beautiful as a flower and as charming as the moon.

He also thought to himself that the time he entered Yecheng was two or three years earlier than in history.

Unexpectedly, Zhen Mi married Yuan Xi so early. Although they had not yet entered the family, the two of them would definitely not be able to complete their marriage.

Yuan Xi was sent to govern Youzhou, but left his unmarried wife in Yecheng.

Li Yi guessed that this must be Yuan Shang's intention.

Because Yuan Shang had accidentally let Yuan Tan go and allowed him to return to Qingzhou.

If Yuan Xi was allowed to dominate Youzhou, it would threaten his rule.

Although Yuan Xi did not have much ambition, Yuan Shang still wanted to keep a backup plan and let him leave a hostage in Yecheng.

In particular, Zhen Mi came from a prominent family in Zhongshan, and her family was adjacent to Youzhou, making her extremely important to Yuan Xi.

"You have an extraordinary appearance, but why are you so dirty now?"

Li Yi asked.

Zhen Mi answered neither humbly nor arrogantly:

"It is because of her beauty that she wears dirty hair and a filthy face."

Li Yi laughed out loud and sheathed his sword.

Seeing this, Madam Liu whispered to Zhen Mi:
"What a noble man this is, let's please him."

"Wuyou is dead!"

Zhen Mi lowered her head silently, clenched the hem of her skirt with her two small hands, and did not respond.

Li Yi turned the topic to Madam Liu and said:
"I heard that when the lady was alive, she was extremely jealous."

"As soon as General Yuan died, Madam killed all his wives and concubines."

"Everyone in Yecheng is afraid of Madam, and their faces turn pale when they hear her name."

"Now that my lady sees me, are you afraid of me?"

Madam Liu fell to the ground, bowed her head and said:
"I am afraid of the general!"

"...Oh? Why are you afraid of me?" Li Yi asked.

"It's just because I was Yuan Shang's mother and Yuan Shang was the lord of Ye City, so the people around me are afraid of me."

"Now that the general has entered the city, Ye City has changed its owner, so I should be afraid of the general."

As soon as these words were spoken, not only Li Yi, but also the people who came with Li Yi all laughed.

The entire back hall was filled with the laughter of Li Yi and his group.

Madam Liu prostrated herself on the ground, not daring to raise her head and look at Li Yi.

Zhen Mi, the woman behind her, and the man just now all turned their heads away.

He covered his face and sighed, feeling extremely humiliated.

"When General Yuan was here, he would vomit blood and faint repeatedly."

"But he never bowed to me, let alone Cao Sikong and General Liu."

"And now, Yuan Tan has surrendered to my lord, and Yuan Shang has been defeated by me."

"Yuan Xi has gathered a small army of ants in Youzhou, and he can't accomplish anything."

"Madam, you should be afraid."

Madam Liu seemed to remember something when she heard this. She raised her eyes and looked at Li Yi, saying happily:

"I saw it just now. My dear husband must be Marquis Li Tan!"

"Oh? Madam, do you know me?"

“…I know.”

Madam Liu nodded rapidly and said:

"The reputation of Li Tanhou is well-known."

"It is a great honor to have the privilege of seeing your face today."

"I heard that the wife of Marquis Tan is also a daughter of my Yuan family."

“…Is it…Is it…?”

Mrs. Liu's mind was spinning rapidly as she tried desperately to recall the past.

Li Yi reminded, "Call her Yuan Ying."

“…Ah, yes, yes.”

Madam Liu said happily:

"This is a girl from my clan, and she is my nephew."

Although Madam Liu is Yuan Shao's second wife, if she really wants to build a relationship with him.

She is indeed Yuan Ying's aunt.

"...I heard that General Liu's wife is also a daughter of my Yuan family."

"What a coincidence, isn't it? Family members don't recognize each other anymore!"

Li Yi said in a deep voice:
"Your son Yuan Xi is still gathering troops in Youzhou. I heard that he wants to contact the Wuhuan people to go south and resist our imperial army."

"I don't know about this, what do you think, Madam?"

Mrs. Liu said without hesitation:

"Please calm down, my lord. Wait for a letter from me and I will order him to hand over his seal and military token."

"Gather all the people of Youzhou and surrender to you, my Lord."

Li Yi was overjoyed, and immediately ordered someone to bring pen and ink so that he could teach Madam Liu how to write.

Mrs. Liu quickly drafted the letter and handed it to Li Yi with both hands.

After reading it, Li Yi knew that this letter would certainly make Yuan Xi surrender.

However, in the late Han Dynasty, unfilial behavior was severely despised by society.

As a prominent family, the Yuan family ruled the country with courtesy and filial piety.

In addition, Yuan Xi had a weak and indecisive character, and his fiancée Zhen Mi was in his hands.

Li Yi felt that his future work in Youzhou would be much easier.

After receiving the letter, Li Yinai said to Madam Liu in a gentle voice:

"Madam, don't worry. My wife is your niece."

"If we talk about family affection, I should call you aunt."

"Madam, don't worry. I brought the troops here to protect your Yuan family."

"Otherwise, once Cao Cao comes in, your family's lives will be in danger."

Madam Liu was startled and asked hurriedly, "Cao Cao is here too?"

"good."

Li Yi's face darkened and he said:

"Madam, you should have heard about the incident in which Cao Cao stole his sister-in-law in Wancheng."

"This thief is born lustful, if I don't come."

"Can your whole family survive intact?"

Cao Cao's Wancheng story is quite famous in itself.

In addition, Xuzhou’s intelligence department carried out extensive external publicity.

The common people themselves are not interested in national affairs, after all, they feel that these matters are too far away from them.

But he is very interested in this kind of gossip about stealing someone's love.

Especially when eating or working, bragging about it makes you feel more energetic.

Soon, Cao Cao's love story in Wancheng became a topic of conversation among the people of Henan after dinner.

Although in Yingchuan, especially in Xu County, it is strictly forbidden to discuss this matter.

But it cannot be stopped from being treated as a joke by people from other counties and prefectures in Henan.

The news spread from one person to ten people, and from ten to a hundred, and gradually it spread to Hebei.

Ye itself is close to Henan, and the girl from the Yuan family often heard these gossips and laughed out loud every time she heard them.

But I didn't expect that one day the melon would be eaten by myself.

Madam Liu looked pale. She stood up and looked at Li Yi.

……

(End of this chapter)