Boss Cao's reputation is quite good. He did retreat when he said he would. After withdrawing his troops from Xuzhou City and returning to the camp, he immediately set up camp and retreated to Yanzhou. He left in a very hurry. He withdrew to Liuxian County that night. For a time, he was in danger.

Pengcheng, the capital of Xuzhou, finally turned the corner. After repeatedly confirming the news, Tao Qian, who was overjoyed, sent a letter overnight, inviting Kong Rong, the governor of Beihai, and Tian Kai, the governor of Qingzhou, who were stationed outside the city, to move into the city to celebrate Xuzhou's liberation from the siege.

At noon the next day, two supporting armies led by Kong Rong and Tian Kai arrived outside the city of Xuzhou together. Kong and Tian ordered their troops to station outside the city and only led a dozen followers into the city. Tao Qian personally led his two sons and one nephew out of the city to greet them, and sent Tian Kai to the city.

and Kong Rong invited him to their home for a banquet, and all the Liu Bei brothers and Xuzhou Wen and Wu came to accompany them. During the banquet, honest men Kong Rong and Tian Kai, who had heard about Deputy Director Tao's "heroic deeds", couldn't help but praise Tao Ying.

I wish Tao Qian a good education and gave birth to such a brave, responsible and good son. He is really enviable to others.

"You've said it, I've said it." Tao Qian, whose condition had improved a lot overnight, kept saying modestly, but his old eyes almost narrowed into a line when he smiled, and he twirled his all-white goatee and said: "This unfilial son,

Yesterday, I went out of the city to deliver a message without permission, which almost scared the old man out of his wits. If it weren't for the blessings of the Second Duke and Xuande Gong, I would never have seen this unfilial son."

"Master Tao is too modest." Kong Rong, the twentieth generation of Kong Lao Er, laughed and said from the bottom of his heart: "If Master Ling is also an unfilial son, then Kong Rong really hopes that all his sons will be like this.

A filial son. Having such a heroic son for Mr. Tao is not only a blessing to Mr. Tao, but also a blessing to Xuzhou. If Mr. Tao has a successor, then Xuzhou will have a successor!"

"Kong Beihai has been praised too much, he has been praised too much. If a dog is mediocre, how can he be praised as Kong Beihai?"

Tao Qian was humble again and took the opportunity to sneak a peek to see everyone's reaction. He saw Tao Shang, the eldest son who was most qualified to succeed Xuzhou Mu, had a silly smile on his face. He seemed not to mind that Kong Rong promoted his brother and was very happy; Tao Qian nodded slightly.

, and secretly glanced at Liu Bei, and saw that Liu Bei was smiling and seemed to agree with Kong Rong's view. Finally, when Tao Qian quietly went to see his second son, Tao Ying, he saw Tao Ying holding the hand of his cousin Tao Ji, drinking and chatting.

It was as if he didn't hear what Kong Rong said. Tao Qian couldn't help but wonder, "Did I, my silly son, really not hear it? Or did I pretend not to hear it?"

"Little Tao Ying, did you really not hear what Kong Beihai said? Or are you pretending not to?" Liu Bei was also confused and kept an eye on Tao Ying quietly, while our deputy director Tao just chatted with Tao Ji and talked about some things about hunting and throwing pots.

Liu Bei turned a deaf ear to what Kong Rong said before. When Liu Bei saw him, he couldn't help but feel wary, "If this boy is not born stupid, he is extremely treacherous! Far better than Cao Cao!"

It was definitely not just Tao Ying and Liu Bei who were paying attention to Tao Ying's reaction. After hearing Kong Rong's sensitive words, Chen Gui and his son and brothers Mi Zhu were also observing Tao Ying consciously or unconsciously, as well as Cao Bao and Cao Hong, one of whom was a member of the Xuzhou Army.

The chief general, one of whom was Tao Qian's number one confidant, was naturally more concerned about Tao Qian's successor than anyone else. However, Tao Ying's reaction left most of them disappointed and confused. They couldn't figure out whether Tao Ying was really stupid.

, I was so stupid that I didn’t hear Kong Rong’s words at all. But there were also two people who were secretly happy...

"Sure enough, he is a fool. Xuande Gong and his brother are too worried. What should be afraid of a fool who was lucky enough to save Xuzhou?" Mi Fang thought.

"Okay, the second young master is indeed a rotten wood that cannot be carved. Now I feel relaxed." Cao Bao thought in his heart, "As long as we build a good relationship with the second young master, when he inherits the lord's position as a state shepherd, I will be in Xuzhou," said Cao Bao.

Forget it."

At this time, the banquet was coming to an end. Tao Qian ordered his two sons and one nephew to come forward, pointed at Kong Rong, Tian Kai and Liu Bei who were sitting at the top, and ordered to his sons and nephews: "Kneel down, this time Xuzhou Heng

It was only because of you three elders who sent troops to rescue us that we suffered such a tragic disaster. The siege of Xuzhou was lifted and your lives were saved. Why don’t you quickly kowtow to your three uncles to express your gratitude?”

"My nephew, I would like to thank my three uncles for their great kindness in surviving." The eldest brother, Tao Shang, was the most honest and obediently knelt down and kowtowed, thanking Kong Rong, Tian Kai and Liu Bei, who was only a few years older than him.

"My second brother should be the first to save the siege in Xuzhou." Tao Ji was a little unconvinced, but Tao Ji's father died early and he was raised by his uncle Tao Qian, who respected Tao Qian very much, so no matter how unconvinced Tao Ji was, he could only

He knelt down obediently and thanked Kong Rong, Tian Kai and Liu Bei. Tao Ying actually saluted faster than the two brothers, but Tao Ying did not speak before his brothers, and just followed his cousin Tao Ji's echo.

"Three nephews, please get up quickly." Kong Rong, Tian Kai and Liu Bei left the table together and stood up to help the three Tao brothers respectively. Liu Bei was the first to help Tao Ying and said with a smile: "You're welcome, nephew."

, the rescue of Xuzhou was all thanks to the good nephew who single-handedly went deep into Cao Cao’s camp and persuaded Duke Cao to retreat. He should be credited with the first contribution. Liu Bei has no merit, so how can he dare to be a good nephew? "

After that, Liu Bei paid attention to Tao Ying's reaction, and saw Tao Ying giggle and say nothing, as if he was embarrassed and extremely proud of being praised by himself. He was neither hypocritical, slick and modest, nor did he act like a villain.

The tail was raised to the sky. Liu Bei looked carefully and found no flaws, and he was inevitably a little shaken in his heart, "Is he really just a stupid boy? A blind cat meets a dead mouse?"

"Ignorant boy, why are you giggling? Do you still want to take credit and be arrogant?" Tao Qian walked up to Tao Ying and Liu Bei at some point and scolded his son: "Do you think that Cao Cao's withdrawal from Xuzhou was all because of you, a yellow-haired boy?

What's the credit? Without Prefect Kong, Governor Tian and Duke Xuande sending troops to Xuzhou, and without Duke Xuande advancing into Xuzhou, would Cao Cao have retreated so easily?"

"I don't dare." Tao Ying quickly bowed his head to apologize, and Liu Bei also quickly humbled himself.

"Everyone, everyone, please be quiet, be quiet." Tao Qian suddenly raised his hands to everyone, as if he had something to say. The civil and military officials who were drinking, having fun and chatting stopped talking and turned to Tao Qian.

Modesty.

"Gentlemen here, please remain silent for a moment and listen to Tao Qian's heartfelt words." Tao Qian raised his hands to everyone again and said loudly: "Gentlemen, I am old and my two sons are not talented and cannot bear the important responsibility of the country. Xuande Gong is a member of the imperial family.

Zhou, with his great virtue and talents, can lead Xuzhou. Therefore, I am willing to give up the post of Xuzhou Mu to Liu Gong and take time off to recuperate from illness. From today on, Xuzhou Mu is no longer an old man, but Xuande Gong!"

"What?" Many people exclaimed with extremely surprised expressions. Tao Ji, Cao Hong, Cao Bao and other close friends of Tao Qian jumped up in shock. They all thought that the lord was crazy, why did he give up Xuzhou to Xuzhou again and again?

Liu Bei?

"Tao Gongzu is still planning to give Xuzhou to me?" Liu Bei was also shocked. He never thought that Tao Qian would propose to give Xuzhou to him! But after thinking about it, Liu Bei suddenly realized this and said to himself

Tao Qian is not as loyal and honest as the legend says. He has already proposed to give Xuzhou to me. Now Cao Jun has retreated. If he pretends to be deaf and mute and keeps silent, the world will definitely scold him for crossing the river and destroying the bridge and being ungrateful. Now he will

Raising this matter in public not only blocked everyone in the world, but also made me unable to accept it at all.

Thinking of this, Liu Bei quickly waved his hand and said more sincerely: "Master Tao, you must not do it! Kong Wen ordered Bei to come to save Xuzhou as a righteous act. Now that there is no basis for it, the world will regard Bei as an unrighteous person. Bei

Although he is not talented, he does not want to bear the unjust reputation! What's more, this time Cao's army retreats, the person who should be credited with the first credit is Tao Fujun's son, how can he have the dignity to lead Xuzhou?"

"Uncle is so humble." To everyone's surprise, Tao Ying actually stood behind Tao Qian, raised his hand to Liu Bei and said, "My uncle's kindness is spread all over the world. Everyone in Xuzhou's army and civilians knows my uncle's name. I hope that my uncle will be my uncle."

Just like a drought-stricken seedling longs for the rain, and a baby longs for its parents, my father sincerely gives in and hopes that my uncle will never refuse, and he will live up to the sincere expectations of the people of Xuzhou for his uncle."

There was absolutely no sound in the banquet hall. Almost everyone looked at Tao Ying as if he were an alien, and they all had a feeling of being puzzled - you know, Tao Ying sacrificed his life yesterday to jump into a frying pan in exchange for

After Cao Cao withdrew his troops, Tao Ying's reputation in the city of Xuzhou could only be described as being at its peak. When he returned to the city, almost the entire city of Xuzhou came out to welcome Tao Ying. The soldiers and civilians lined the streets to welcome him, and shouted in unison, "Master Tao Ying, Mr. Tao Ying, Mr. Tao Ying."

There are countless people who pay homage to him. In the hearts of Xuzhou soldiers and civilians, it can be said that he is the definite candidate to be Xuzhou’s pastoral successor!

Under such circumstances, Tao Ying actually agreed with Tao Qian that he wanted to give up Xuzhou to Liu Bei. There are only two explanations for this. One is that Tao Ying was self-aware and knew that he could not secure his position as Xuzhou Mu, so he sincerely gave in. The other explanation

That's it - Tao Ying is a hopeless fool!

"My dear nephew, please don't follow this nonsense." The person who broke the silence was Liu Bei's sworn brother Zhang Fei and Zhang Yide, who said in a loud voice: "This time Cao Cao retreated because of you. My eldest brother is at most a helper.

Are you embarrassed to take over Xuzhou from your family? You don't have to be polite, Xuzhou belongs to Tao Shijun now, and will be yours in the future. I, Zhang Fei, recognize you as my nephew!"

"What the third brother said is absolutely true. We brothers really cannot accept Xuzhou, so we ask Tao Shijun to take back his life." Guan Yu also stood up to help - although Guan Yu hoped that his sworn brother would have a piece of land to stand on, but Tao Ying sacrificed his life yesterday.

Guan Yu witnessed the tragic scene of saving Xuzhou with his own eyes, so whether it was true or false that Tao Qian gave up Xuzhou, Guan Yu was embarrassed to persuade his elder brother to take over Xuzhou.

Zhao Yun was still a guest general of Liu Bei's army and could not express his opinions, but his expression strongly agreed with Guan Zhang's opinions and disapproved of Liu Bei taking over Xuzhou and seizing Tao Qian's inheritance. Liu Bei was extremely depressed, and against his will he raised his hand and said: "Tao Mansion

Sir, Second Young Master, Liu Bei appreciates your kindness, but he will never dare to obey his orders in this matter."

"Xuan De Gong." Mi Fang was a little anxious and couldn't help but stand up and said: "Today the Han Dynasty was late, Hai Yu was overthrown and made great contributions. It is at this time. Xuzhou Yin Fu has a household registration of one million. Xuande Gong takes this place.

It's inevitable." After saying that, Mi Fang secretly winked at Liu Bei and said to Xuande Gong, please accept it quickly. Tao Ying's reputation has greatly increased. If you don't seize this opportunity, I'm afraid you won't have another chance in the future.

.

Hearing Mi Fang's words, Tao Ji, Cao Hong, Cao Bao and other loyal ministers of the Tao family all had angry expressions on their faces. Tao Qian, Mi Zhu and Chen Gui and his son remained calm. The pottery merchant, who was so honest that he couldn't hit a fart with three hammers, was at a loss.

He didn't want to see his father give Xuzhou to Liu Bei, but he didn't have the courage to speak out against it. The two important guests, Kong Rong and Tian Kai, looked at each other and said nothing - Kong Rong didn't want to meddle in other people's affairs, and as Gongsun Zan's subordinate

Tian Kai hoped that Liu Bei, who was close to Gongsun Zan, would lead Xuzhou and become a strong supporter of Qingzhou, but it was not convenient for him to agree casually.

"Uncle, what Mi Zhi said makes sense." Tao Ying said again unexpectedly: "Uncle is a hero in the world, and he should lead Xuzhou to flourish. It is far better for my father to give Xuzhou to his uncle than to pass Xuzhou to his uncle.

My nephew and brother are ten thousand times better!"

"Is this kid speaking his mind, or is he trying to bully me?" Liu Bei was confused, and quietly looked at Tao Ying. Seeing that Tao Ying's face was sincere, his eyes were sincere, and he didn't seem to be hypocritical. Liu Bei couldn't help but feel a little moved.

, secretly said: "Tao Qian and his son are so sincere, how about agreeing? At most, after I secure my seat in Xuzhou, I can just treat Tao Qian's two sons well."

His heart is beating, but Liu Bei, who has strong self-control, will not let greed go to his head - Liu Bei knows very well that this time Cao Cao retreats, the person who the soldiers and people of Xuzhou are most grateful to is the second son of Tao Yingtao. If he just takes over Xuzhou like this

Not only would he suffer the infamy of annexation, but the people of Xuzhou would never return to him! So Liu Bei just changed his mind for a moment, and immediately shook his head firmly and said: "No, Liu Bei swears to the death not to do anything unjust! Please choose another one, Lord Tao."

The wise man gives way!"

"Xuan..." Mi Fang still wanted to insist, but Mi Zhu quietly grabbed him and forced him to close his mouth.

"If Duke Xuande leaves me, I will die with my eyes closed!" Tao Qian cried loudly and repeatedly asked Liu Bei to accept Xuzhou, but Liu Bei firmly refused. In the end, Tao Qian had no choice but to change his words and said: "Since Duke Xuande

Tao Qian refused. Tao Qian had another idea. The nearby town is called Xiaopei, which is sufficient for garrisoning troops. How about asking Duke Xuande to temporarily garrison the town?"

"Old fox, you are waiting for me here!" Liu Bei finally came to his senses and thought to himself: "No wonder you, Tao Qian, have made Xuzhou run on you again and again. You have been doing it for a long time and you want me to be your watchdog! Little one!

Pei, that's the first line of defense against Cao Cao's thieves going south! If Cao Cao's old thieves go and come back, I will immediately become Xuzhou's shield!"

"Uncle, Xuzhou can't live without you!" Tao Ying suddenly knelt down again, hugged Liu Bei's legs and cried loudly: "Now the world is in chaos, bones are exposed in the wild, there are no roosters for thousands of miles, and the people of Xuzhou are suffering from the war.

My father is old and sick, and brother Tao Ying is incompetent and unable to protect Xuzhou. I rely on my uncle to protect the lives of thousands of people in Xuzhou!"

"Xuan Degong, please stay." Chen Gui and Chen Deng, their father and son who had been silent, also stood up and urged Liu Bei to stay together - there was no way, the Xuzhou army was seriously injured in the Battle of Surabaya, and in Kaiyang

In fact, the Zang Ba team in the Communist Party of China did not listen to the announcement, and could not be counted on at the critical moment. In this war-torn world where all the heroes were fighting, Chen Gui and his son, whose family interests were all in Xuzhou County, were in desperate need of a qualified watchdog.

.

"Mr. Xuande, my lord is kind enough to ask you to stay, so please don't refuse." Mi Zhu, the richest man in Xuzhou, also asked to stay, and quietly winked at Liu Bei, urging Liu Bei to seize the opportunity and agree quickly. On the side, Kong Rong, Tian Kai and others also

He opened his mouth to persuade and urged Liu Bei to accept Tao Qian's invitation and station troops in Xiaopei.

"Do you accept it or not?" Liu Bei thought in his mind, "Staying in Xiaopei is to serve as a watchdog for Old Fox Tao. It's okay if Cao's soldiers don't come. But once Cao's thieves leave and come back, I will be pushed by Old Fox Tao.

When we got to the front, we fought with the Cao thieves in vain. But if I didn't stay, all my previous efforts would be lost..."

"Forget it, stay, you still have a chance, but if you leave, you may never have a chance!" Liu Bei gritted his teeth and stamped his feet to make up his mind, and offered his hand to Tao Qian: "The Lord invites you like this, it would be hypocritical to refuse again."

, Just agree, Bei will lead the army out of the city tomorrow and move to Xiaopei!"

"Thank you so much, Mr. Xuande. Xuzhou is getting help from Mr. Xuande. I can rest easy." Tao Qian was overjoyed and hurriedly thanked him. When he quietly looked at Tao Ying's expression, he saw his youngest son's face was full of joy and his smile was sincere. Tao Qian couldn't help but

I was even more confused in my heart, "Is my son really stupid? Or is he pretending to be stupid? Well, it's time to have a serious talk with this stupid son."
Chapter completed!