Chapter 224: Jiaozhou Heavy Bait
The Jingyu Road, Bowang Slope.

Ma Chao stopped his horse on a high place and observed the surrounding terrain.

I observed it repeatedly and was also thinking about it in my heart.

If he had led a thousand infantry and cavalry to leave Guanzhong and come to Nanyang at that time, perhaps he could have cooperated with Liu Bei and wiped out Xiahou Dun and Yu Jin in one battle.

The Qingzhou soldiers surrendered, but unfortunately they all fell into the hands of Black Bear.

Ma Chao has repeatedly analyzed and studied the process of the black bear's growth and development.

I feel more and more that the capture of more than 3,000 Qingzhou soldiers at Bowangpo has brought about a qualitative change in Black Bear.

From the initial tactical strike, it developed to the strategic level.

The carriage team on Bowangpo was still moving slowly. Cai Mu was wearing a deerskin cloak on the outside and leather armor on the inside.

Drive the car yourself and watch the changes in the nearby mountains.

In the car in front of him was the Shaofu Kong Rong who took the opportunity to escape from Xu Du.

The Han emperors were all puppets, and the Shaofu, who was in charge of the imperial family's private property, was just a figurehead.

As the car was jolting, Kong Rong couldn't help but take out the letters from Chen Qun and Yuan Huan, which were entrusted to him to deliver to Liu Bei.

Now that the situation has changed, Kong Rong feels it is quite absurd, yet also very interesting.

Kong Rong disliked Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, let alone Dong Zhuo, Gongsun Zan, and Lu Bu.

The only person he cared about was Liu Bei, because Liu Bei abided by the rules.

Seeing Kong Rong sighing from time to time, his youngest son asked, "Father, aren't you looking forward to meeting Liu Yuzhou? Why are you sighing when you are near Wancheng?"

Kong Rong sighed again: "Liu Xuande is still Liu Xuande, but I am no longer the same person I was before."

Seeing that his son did not understand, Kong Rong did not explain and put the letters from Chen Qun and Yuan Huan back into the collection.

Thinking of the first half of his life, Kong Rong couldn't help but sigh again.

He had lived for so many years, and had behaved in a rebellious and bizarre manner, but he just didn't dare to avenge Cai Yong.

He didn't even dare to denounce or scold Wang Yun.

Instead, it was Black Bear who used the most direct means to give Wang Yun the most severe punishment.

When he heard the news of the execution of Wang Yun's three clans, he didn't even dare to meet Cai Zhenji and his niece again.

On weekdays, banquets are only for old friends, and no longer recruit talented people from all over the world.

The sound of horse hooves approached, and the servant warrior driving the carriage knocked on the carriage. Kong Rong calmed down, untied the heavy door curtain, and leaned over to look.

Then the guard knight who had reined in his horse and followed the carriage said, "Mingsir, Liu Yuzhou has sent an envoy to welcome you. He is at Yushan ahead!"

"How far is it to Yushan?"

"About four or five miles."

After saying this, the knight pulled the reins away from the carriage, turned around on the spot, and went to the back of the team to inform others.

Yushan, the curtain has been set up.

Wang Xiu and Jian Yong were standing in front of a fire, warming themselves. Wang Xiu was the filial and incorrupt official recommended by Kong Rong when he was in Beihai.

Later, Kong Rong was expelled from the city by Yuan Tan, and Wang Xiu was appointed as the deputy governor of Qingzhou by Yuan Tan.

When the army attacked and defeated Kong Rong, he only managed to escape with his life; his wives, concubines and children fell into Yuan Tan's hands.

Kong Rong was appointed as the Chief Architect in Xudu. The following year, which was the second year of Jian'an, he was sent as an envoy to Hebei and appointed Yuan Shao as the general. He took the opportunity to bring his family back to Xudu.

Later, because Yang Biao failed to force Cao Cao to share power, Kong Rong threatened Cao Cao to save the lives of Yang Biao and his brothers, but he was also demoted from the position of Chief Architect to a nominal position as Minister of the Imperial Household.

Kong Rong was Yang Ci's disciple and former official, so the relationship between the Yang family and Kong Rong was very close.

After many twists and turns, Wang Xiu arrived in Nanyang first.

Originally, he wanted to settle Yuan Tan and then follow the advice of Cui Yan and Sun Qian to return to Guanzhong to work for Black Bear.

As a result, things in Jingzhou became a bit complicated and Wang Xiu was temporarily unable to get away.

While they were negotiating, they unexpectedly discovered that Kong Rong actually abandoned his official position and fled.

Yuan Tan had a grudge against Kong Rong, but Wang Xiu did not.

Ma Chao arrived at Yushan first, but contrary to expectations, neither Wang Xiu nor Jian Yong were very enthusiastic towards Ma Chao, unlike the scholars in Xudu.

Seeing that he was being looked down upon, Ma Chao did not get angry, but just arranged for his men to rest and feed the horses.

Anyway, he was determined to return to Guanzhong this time. An outsider like Zhao Yun could get the reward of 5,000 captured Wuhuan cavalrymen, so he didn't think he would be worse than Zhao Yun.

Black Bear gave him a very strange impression, and would talk to him as long as they could.

Several agreements between the two parties broke down, either because of drastic changes in the external situation or because they did not do their job well.

Anyway, the black bear did not take the initiative to murder him. Ma Chao was very sharp about this and could be sure of it.

Otherwise, with the terrain in Guanzhong and him carrying so much valuables, if you really want to keep him, he would not be able to leave.

Despite the contempt of Wang Xiu and Jian Yong, Ma Chao remained calm.

As Kong Rong's carriage approached, Wang Xiu, Jian Yong and a dozen other officials and scholars who were old acquaintances of Kong Rong hurried to greet him.

Wang Xiu, standing in the front row, bowed deeply and said excitedly, "Mr. Wen Ju!"

"It's Shuzhi?" Kong Rong was surprised. He quickly stepped forward to support Wang Xiu. He looked him up and down and saw that Wang Xiu had lost a lot of weight. "Did Shuzhi accompany Yuan Xiansi here?"

“Yes, the relationship between me and Yuan Xiansi as king and subject is coming to an end.

Wang Xiu grabbed Kong Rong's hand and asked, "Why did Lord Wen Ju leave Xudu?"

"I came here specifically to collect books for Brother Bo Ji. Cao Mengde knew I had no intention of harming him, so he pretended not to know, allowing me to arrive here safely."

Kong Rong said this with a self-deprecating laugh. His ability to command troops and govern had been tested and was found to be really inadequate.

It was at this time that Wang Xiu introduced Jian Yong. Jian Yong and Kong Rong had known each other for a long time, but they were not very familiar with each other.

Jian Yong was chatting and laughing humorously, and led Kong Rong, Xu Gan and Wang Xiu into the curtain.

As the curtain closed to block the outside view, Kong Rong's face relaxed and he asked Wang Xiu: "Shuzhi, what do you want to do during this troubled time in Jingzhou?"

Wang Xiu brought Kong Rong a bowl of tea and whispered, "Originally, after sending Yuan Xiansi to Nanyang, I wanted to return to Guanzhong. Cui Jigui and Sun Gongyou both advised me to serve Guanzhong, which would benefit the three-party alliance. But after arriving in Nanyang, I heard that Hei Zhenbei rescued more than 200,000 men, women and children, executed the three clans of Prince Shi, and captured and killed 100,000 barbarians."

Kong Rong took a sip of tea and asked, "Are you worried that Hei Zhenbei will be like a flash of lightning?"

Wang Xiu nodded slightly and said, "This is a trivial matter. What I am worried about is that the Black Town is extremely powerful, and the alliance we made in the past may no longer have the power to restrain us."

Kong Rong took another sip of tea and looked at Wang Xiu again: "Why did Shuzhi hide it from me? But is there any change in Jingzhou?"

Wang Xiu went to Jian Yong without saying anything. Jian Yong replied, "It's not Jingzhou that has changed, it's Jiaozhou that has changed."

Seeing Kong Rong looking over, Jian Yong coughed twice and said, "Jiaozhou governor Zhang Jin was attacked and killed by local soldiers, Jiaozhou is left without a ruler. Liu Zhennan took over the four states of Jing, Yang, Jiao and Yi, and was appointed as an official in the Zhennan government. Lingling Lai Gong replaced Zhang Jin."

Kong Rong frowned and said, "Zhang Jin is a treacherous villain, and Liu Biao is not much better."

He knew Zhang Jin, and they became enemies the first time they met.

At that time, he was a subordinate of Yang Ci. Eighteen years ago, He Jin was newly appointed as the general and established his own government.

Kong Rong was ordered by Yang Ci to deliver a visiting card to congratulate He Jin. Zhang Jin was from the same hometown as He Jin, and he and some other people were responsible for the reception.

He accepted Yang Ci's visiting card, but did not entertain Kong Rong, nor did he reply.

Kong Rong snatched the visiting card and ran away. Zhang Jin and his gang, along with swordsmen, were ready to chase him. Due to the persuasion of other guests, He Jin stopped the pursuit and sent people to recruit Kong Rong as an official of the general.

Jian Yong ignored Kong Rong's comments on Liu Biao and continued, "General Fubo has other opinions. It happened that Yuan Sili led his troops into Nanyang, so he wanted to recommend Yuan Sili to be the governor of Jiaozhou."

Kong Rong was not surprised to hear this. He turned to look at Wang Xiu and asked, "What does Yuan Xiansi mean?"

"Mr. Wen Ju, the people of Jiaozhou have always obeyed the imperial edicts. The imperial flag Liu Zhennan holds was given by Li Jue during the chaos of the government, so it is difficult to convince people. In recent years, Jiaozhou has sent troops to harass Jingnan many times. If Liu Zhennan is appointed, how dare the people of Jiaozhou easily obey him?"

Wang Xiu changed the subject and said, "But if he gets the imperial edict, Yuan Xiansi can take Jiaozhou alone. Yuan Xiansi now has more than 4,000 elite soldiers under his command. If he gets the imperial edict, he can easily take Jiaozhou and enjoy the benefits of the South China Sea."

Kong Rong understood that Yuan Tan was very tempted. As long as he got the official edict from the court in Xudu, Yuan Tan would abandon Liu Bei and go to Jiaozhou to take up the post, and then form an alliance with Liu Qi.

Jiaozhou is a little paradise in troubled times, and with Liu Qi's recommendation, how could Yuan Tan possibly refuse?

Run far away, no matter how you fight in the Central Plains, the world will be settled in the future. Even if you surrender Jiaozhou, you will still keep your position as a duke.

Who wouldn’t be tempted by the guaranteed position of duke or marquis?

Although Jiaozhou’s culture is backward and it is difficult to communicate with the Central Plains...but you won’t starve or freeze in Jiaozhou.

Besides, what is there to communicate about the Central Plains now?
Not to mention Yuan Tan, even Kong Rong was tempted.

Ordinary people cannot control Jiaozhou. The officials and people of Jiaozhou now only recognize the famous people in the late Han Dynasty.

The people of Jiaozhou would not take Lai Gong, whom Liu Biao tried to recommend, seriously. The only people who deserve the attention of the people of Jiaozhou must be at the level of Kong Rong and Yuan Tan.

Kong Rong also knew that Yuan Tan was of great importance. Would Liu Bei let Yuan Tan go to Jiaozhou to lie down?
Not to mention the army under Yuan Tan's command, Yuan Tan's influence on the Runan area alone is worth 10,000 people.

Pull 10,000 men from Cao Cao and increase our own side by 10,000 men.

As a result of this increase and decrease, the difference in military strength between the two sides was 20,000.

There is also Yuan Tan's ability to command troops. How to cooperate with Liu Bei in conquering the Central Plains? Yuan Tan can take charge on his own.

Even though Yuan Tan ran away in shame when facing the black bear, he fought fiercely when he led his troops to conquer Qingzhou.

Until now, Kong Rong doesn't want to see Yuan Tan's face again.

Yuan Tan wanted to go to Jiaozhou, and the Xudu court also wanted to separate Yuan Tan from Liu Bei.

Kong Rong felt that this matter could not be stopped unless Yuan Tan was killed.

He frowned, glanced at Jian Yong, and then looked at Wang Xiu: "Since Yuan Xiansi has made up his mind, I think Cao Mengde must be able to help him. What is Shuzhi worried about by staying in Nanyang?"

Wang Xiu also glanced at Jian Yong and replied helplessly, "Yuan Xiansi has a request for help. He is honest and kind, and disdains deceit. I am afraid that Yuan Xiansi may be tricked, so I dare not leave easily."

Jian Yong coughed twice and said, "Shuzhi, the ones who are obstructing Yuan Xiansi now are Lingling Lai Gong and Changsha Wu Chen. Lord Xuande may feel sorry, but he will not hinder Yuan Xiansi's stay or departure."

Kong Rong nodded and said, "Xuan De is a kind and righteous man."

Wang Xiu smiled bitterly: "I am not questioning Lord Xuande, but the situation is treacherous and neither we nor Lord Xuande can do anything about it."

As he spoke, he stood up and refilled Kong Rong's tea, explaining, "Hei Zhenbei is extremely brave. The people in the Central Plains are worried about the alliance between Jingzhou and Guanlong. Recently, many strategists have entered Jingzhou. Even Lord Xuande is worried that Hei Zhenbei is fierce and difficult to control. The old alliance can be broken at any time."

Wang Xiu sighed again and asked, "Does Lord Wen Ju intend to go to Xiangyang?"

"Unless you are resurrected, I will rush to Xiangyang to see Liu Biao off when he dies."

Kong Rong looked unhappy and told his itinerary: "I will pass through Jingzhou and talk with Xuande, then I will enter Guanzhong via Wuguan Road. After I have sorted out Bo Ji's collection of books and arranged Zhen Ji's marriage, people like me are useless in the world, so it would be better for me to live out the rest of my life in seclusion in Nanshan."

Kong Rong shook his head and smiled, "I know a little about Cao Mengde's plan, but I don't want to say more."

(End of this chapter)