Chapter 1146: Negotiation!【3】

"Big Brother, just give me five thousand troops, and I will drive that one-eared thief back; if he is not convinced, then I will beat him until he is!"

Cao Ren, dressed in armor, stepped forward and cupped his hands: "This is Yanzhou territory, who gave him the courage to set foot here!"

"Commandant Cao, calm your anger; if we really want to fight, I'm afraid it's not very appropriate."

Just as Cao Ren's voice fell, Yang Xu stepped forward.

Yang Xu, courtesy name Xingzu, from Shanyang, Taishan.

His family had served as officials for generations with a salary of two thousand shi.

His father, Yang Ru, was the Minister of Ceremonies.

His grandfather, Yang Qin, had served as the Commandant of Justice.

He was a famous and powerful clan in Taishan Commandery.

After Cao Cao served as the Inspector of Yanzhou, he recruited Yang Xu as the Yanzhou Attendant to participate in military and political discussions.

Hearing Yang Xu's words, Cao Cao cast his gaze on Yang Xu.

Yang Xu, wearing a gray robe and about forty years old, walked out of the crowd and cupped his hands to Cao Cao: "Liu Bei is the Chancellor of Langya State and also an official of the imperial court."

"And the matter of quelling the Huang Jin thief soldiers, whether it is the Inspector or Liu Bei, both have responsibilities."

"Even if this is Taishan Commandery, Liu Bei took the initiative to send troops to quell the thieves; even if it is reported to Luoyang, Liu Bei's move is also an act of helping the country to prosper."

"On the contrary, if the Inspector really sends troops to attack Liu Bei, it will definitely give people something to talk about."

"It is inevitable that some people will say that the Inspector is harboring bandits for self-respect or is in collusion with the bandits, which is why he is blocking Liu Bei from sending troops to quell the thieves."

Yang Xu's words were supported and nodded by many people.

That was just how the matter was.

"But..." Cao Ren said unconvinced: "That one-eared thief is not here to quell the thieves at all; he is clearly wanting to divide the million strong men of Qingzhou."

Yang Xu shook his head slightly and said: "Commandant Cao, you cannot say it like that."

"Whether it is quelling the thieves or pacifying them, no matter how you say it, it is quelling the thieves; but if the Inspector really blocks it now, the charge will be confirmed."

"There is no doubt about this."

Wei Zi, Bao Xin, Xue Fang, and others could not help but nod after hearing Yang Xu's words.

That was just how the matter was.

Cao Cao, with his hands on the desk, frowned deeply.

Fighting is not right, not fighting is not right either.

He couldn't just watch Liu Bei divide these million strong men of Qingzhou.

Last year's Huang Jin Rebellion almost emptied Dong Commandery.

Nine out of ten houses inside and outside the city were empty.

If it is not restored by population, who knows how long it will take for the entire Dong Commandery to recover its vitality.

These million Qingzhou refugees are the best ingredients for restoring the vitality of Dong Commandery.

Cao Ren, standing behind Cao Cao, raised his eyebrows and said: "This is Taishan Commandery, it is Yanzhou territory, it is not your turn to quell the thieves!"

Cao Cao did not speak, nor did he interrupt Cao Ren, but picked up the wine cup and took a sip.

Liu Bei looked at Cao Ren and said with a smile: "This general's words are wrong; quelling thieves does not distinguish between you and me."

"Everyone is just working for the imperial court."

"I am obeying the decree to quell the thieves; the Son of Heaven ordered the clearing of the Huang Jin thief soldiers, but he never said that crossing the border to quell the thieves is not allowed."

"The rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every man, not to mention that we are officials of the imperial court."

"If Lord Cao thinks that our behavior is problematic, you can report it to the imperial court, can't you?"

"Furthermore, we are sending troops to quell the thieves and pacify the rebellion; although this is Taishan Commandery, doesn't this count as helping Lord Cao?"

Liu Bei's tone was extremely flat.

And Cao Cao's expression did not change at all.

Until Liu Bei finished speaking, Cao Cao slowly opened his mouth.

"Listening to Brother Xuan De's words, this thief must be quelled by Brother Xuan De?"

"Yes," Liu Bei nodded gently: "Just for the peace of the world, so that the common people can live and work in peace, I am willing to contribute a meager effort for the country and society of the Great Han, and for the common people of the world."

"Haha!"

"Good!"

Cao Cao suddenly laughed and said: "In that case, this thief must be quelled?"

The two looked at each other from two meters away, one calm, one calm.

Liu Bei nodded with a smile: "Since I have reached this point, there is naturally no reason to give up halfway. Lord Cao, isn't that the truth?"

"If Lord Cao thinks that I am here to share the credit, then Lord Cao can rest assured."

"As a relative of the Han imperial family, I only seek to stabilize the country and society, and to stabilize the common people."

"As for the credit, I naturally will not submit a memorial to the imperial court to compete with Lord Cao for credit."

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes.

What a relative of the Han imperial family, what a country and society, what common people.

This benevolent and righteous speech, I am afraid that if it spreads in the future, the world will say that Liu Bei is benevolent and righteous, and cares about the world.

But who doesn't know, what is credit?

Only what is truly held in the hand is real.

Cao Cao's ears were still echoing with Yang Xu's words yesterday.

If he openly blocked Liu Bei, he would definitely be called harboring bandits for self-respect, or colluding with thieves.

If he was not careful, he would be reprimanded by the imperial court.

But it was clear that Liu Bei did not want to retreat now.

Cao Cao took a deep breath, then slowly stood up and said to Liu Bei: "Liu, you care about the world, it is truly the fortune of the Great Han."

"In that case, let's rely on our own abilities."

Liu Bei also stood up to see Cao Cao off.

"Lord Cao, take care."

Liu Bei cupped his hands and bowed.