(PS: People will be happy when all their money is gone, and it’s almost time to save the manuscript.)

After convincing Liu Bei to stay in Xuzhou, as soon as the banquet was over, Tao Qian discussed with Liu Bei the various details of Liu Jun's garrison in Xiaopei. One of the two parties was kind and honest, while the other was high-sounding and refused to bear unjust reputation. They were both negotiating.

The two sides unanimously offered to make concessions without causing any embarrassment to the other side, so the details of the garrison were quickly finalized.

The general details of Liu Jun's stationing in Xiaopei are as follows: Liu Bei's army stationed in Xiaopei city, with Liu County as the boundary. Xiaopei and its affiliated Xuzhou city were all handed over to Liu Jun for farming and management, and local officials were also appointed by Liu Bei. Tao Qian every

Liu Bei was paid a batch of money and food at intervals, allowing Liu Bei to recruit troops and expand the army within the controlled area. However, Liu Bei's army could not go south beyond Liu County without Tao Qian's permission. At the same time, in wartime, Liu Bei's army must obey Tao Qian's command and fight with Liu Bei.

The Xuzhou army fought together. The two sides did not sign a document, but asked two big men, Kong Rong and Tian Kai, to act as intermediaries and witness the alliance.

After finalizing these details, Liu Bei, Kong Rong, and Tian Kai each said goodbye and returned to their respective military camps to rest and stay. The old and sick Tao Qian also returned to the back room to rest with the support of his entourage, while brothers Tao Shang, Tao Ying, and Tao Ji

He was sent as a representative by Tao Qian and led the Xuzhou civil and military officials to escort Liu Bei, Kong Rong and others out of the city. The Tao Shang brothers and the Xuzhou civil and military officials followed the order and led the crowd to escort Kong Rong and others to the city gate, where they met with Kong Rong and others.

Say goodbye.

Kong Rong, Tian Kai and others gradually walked away. It took most of the day to receive them. The Tao brothers and Xuzhou civil and military officials all breathed a sigh of relief. The civil and military officials all left and went home. The Tao merchants also asked Tao Ying and Tao Ji to go home with him.

, it was also at this time that Tao Ji, who had been resenting Tao Qian's surrender of Xuzhou to Liu Bei, finally took the opportunity and complained to Tao Ying, "Second brother, did I say you are crazy or something?

Xuzhou is my uncle's inheritance, and it will also be the foothold of our Tao family brothers in the future. Why do you want to give Xuzhou away so easily? What will happen to our brothers if Xuzhou is given away?"

"You cannot disobey your father's orders, otherwise you will be unfilial." Tao Ying replied sternly, and quietly glanced at brother Mi Zhu from the corner of his eyes. Although brother Mi Zhu was also calm, he refused to go far. On the contrary, Chen Gui and his son looked this way.

He glanced at me, then strode away as if he didn't want to get involved in this matter.

"Second brother is right." Tao Shang was an honest boy and agreed: "It is my father's decision to hand over Xuzhou to Duke Xuande. We sons can only follow the order and cannot violate it."

"Uncle..." Tao Ji had a hesitant look on his face, and he stamped his feet and said bitterly: "I really don't know what my uncle thinks. He doesn't want to be a Xuzhou shepherd anymore. He could have passed it on to your two brothers. Why do you want to do it?"

Give it to outsiders?"

"Third Young Master, there is no need to complain. My lord also has his own difficulties." The voice of Xuzhou's chief general Cao Bao came from the side. Cao Bao walked up to the three brothers of the Tao family, smiled at Tao Ji and said, "Third Young Master, you can think about it, Xuande

The Duke is neither a subordinate of the lord nor an old friend of the lord. He has brought troops to rescue Xuzhou. The army has entered the city and is stationed there. There is also an army of Cao thieves outside. The lives of all the soldiers, civilians and soldiers in Xuzhou City are in the hands of Xuande Gong.

Here. If my lord doesn’t give Mr. Xuande some benefit and some hope, if Mr. Xuande..., hey, Xuzhou will be in trouble."

"Really?" Tao Ji was shocked and said in surprise: "Xuan De Gong's reputation for benevolence and virtue is spread all over the world, how could he do such a thing?"

"Knowing people but not knowing their hearts, who knows whether Duke Xuande's reputation for benevolence is true or not?" Cao Bao sneered and said, "So I guess that my lord is just not sure about Liu Bei's character, so he simply offered to give Xuzhou to Liu Bei.

, which not only seizes the name of righteousness, but also appeases Liu Bei."

Brothers Tao Ji and Tao Shang looked at each other, doubtful of Cao Bao's explanation. Tao Shang also looked surprised and said repeatedly: "Uncle Cao, how can you say that? My father is an upright man, and Xuande, justice and justice are spread all over the world. How can you do that?"

Do you have such intrigues? According to Tao Ying, Mr. Xuande is a humble gentleman and is by no means an unkind and unjust person. My uncle has misunderstood Mr. Xuande."

What he said was beautiful, but Tao Ying whispered in his heart, "This Cao Bao has some sense, and he guessed half of it right. Unfortunately, he still has no nerve - how could he say such a thing from his mouth and in public?"

Tell me? Also, my ability to use force and fight is a bit weak, making it difficult for me to be entrusted with important tasks."

Sure enough, after brothers Mi Zhu and Mi Fang heard what Cao Bao said, their expressions changed. They strode away with their heads held high and led several Xuzhou civil and military officials away. Cao Bao didn't notice at all and just said to him.

Tao Ying cupped his hands and said: "Second Young Master, Prefect Kong and the others have left the city, and the general's military affairs have also been completed. The general is bold and wants to invite the second young master to sit down at the general's home and have a few drinks together."

"My uncle is summoned, how dare my nephew refuse to obey?" Tao Ying agreed - Cao Bao is the chief general of Xuzhou, and he controls all the troops and horses of Xuzhou. Now he takes the initiative to get closer to Tao Ying. Of course, Tao Ying wants it. But Tao Ying

As the second son, he couldn't ignore his elder brother's existence too much, so he turned to Tao Shang and Tao Ji and said, "Eldest brother, third brother, how about we go to General Cao's mansion for a banquet together?"

"I won't go. My father's condition is about to get better, and I have to go back to serve the decoction." Tao Shang shook his head, and had no other direction to consider - for example, Cao Bao and his younger brother were getting closer to threaten his eldest son's legitimate throne.

"I can't go." Tao Ji also shook his head, "It will get dark soon. Today it is my turn to guard the city defense. Cao Cao hasn't gone far yet, so we can't take it lightly."

"In that case, I have no choice but to go to Uncle Cao's house alone to make trouble." Tao Ying, who was eager to take over the military power, did not hesitate and asked Tao Shang to take good care of his father and Tao Ying to guard the city. He got on his horse and walked with Cao Bao to Cao Bao.

Dinner at home.

All the way to Cao Bao's mansion, the servants of Cao Bao's family received the news and lined up in front of the door to play music to greet them. Tao Ying was flattered and even said that he was not worthy of it. Cao Bao laughed loudly and said that Tao Ying sacrificed his life to save the soldiers and civilians in Xuzhou.

He deserved this great gift, and he personally helped Tao Ying off his horse, and invited him to sit down in the main hall. He treated him with fine wine and delicacies, and showed his utmost respect. However, Cao Bao never drank alcohol and could only make tea to accompany him. Tao Ying was not Zhang Fei.

Of course I didn't mind. We had a great time chatting over wine and tea with Cao Bao, and our relationship quickly became much closer.

Tao Ying had been drinking for three rounds. Cao Bao, who had ulterior motives, changed the subject. While pouring wine for Tao Ying himself, he asked with a smile: "Second Young Master, the siege of Xuzhou has been lifted, and Cao's soldiers have retreated to Xiaopei.

Soon we will completely withdraw from Xuzhou, and the five counties of Xuzhou have turned the corner. I wonder what the master’s next plan is?”

"It's all up to my father. Tao Ying doesn't dare to make the decision anymore." Tao Ying heard the temptation in Cao Bao's words and deliberately pretended to be confused.

"What about the young master?" Cao Bao refused to give up and asked clearly: "This time Xuzhou rescued the siege, the young master is undoubtedly the first to contribute. The people, soldiers and civilians of Xuzhou are all grateful to the young master, and the lord naturally looks at the young master differently. I believe that he will

It won't be long before the lord will let the young master go out to serve and experience the test. Cao Bao is bold and wants to ask the young master about his personal plans. If the young master is in need, Cao Bao will definitely help the young master."

After Cao Bao's words reached this point, if Tao Ying continued to pretend to be stupid and look around him, he would be rejecting the chief general of Xuzhou who took the initiative to get closer. Therefore, after thinking about it for a while, Tao Ying decided to give it to him.

Cao Bao made an explanation, handed over his hands to Cao Bao and said: "Thank you uncle for your concern and care. My nephew would like to thank you in advance. My nephew does not dare to deceive his uncle. Although my nephew does not know whether his father will let him come out to serve in the next step, my nephew will do it."

I still hope to stand up and do something for Xuzhou and my father, to repay my father for his upbringing and the people of Xuzhou for their care."

"Young master can think so, it is really a blessing for the lord and Xuzhou." Cao Bao's expression was still happy, and he couldn't wait to ask: "In that case, Cao Bao dares to ask again, I wonder if the master wants to be a civil servant or a military officer?"

"Why does this guy ask so clearly? Are you afraid that I will steal his position as the chief general of Xuzhou?" Tao Ying was very surprised that Cao Bao's friendship was shallow and deep. In order to avoid unnecessary complications, Tao Ying answered ambiguously:

"Returning to my uncle, my nephew is stupid. He is not good at literature or military. I am afraid that he will not be qualified for any civil or military positions. Therefore, my nephew has not made up his mind for a while. Everything has to be arranged by his father. If my father wants my nephew to become a civil servant,

, my nephew started working as a civil servant."

"Young Master, please don't take the civil service." Cao Bao's answer was somewhat beyond Tao Ying's expectation. Cao Bao said sincerely: "Sir, the world is in chaos now, and the heroes are at war with each other. If you, Master, take the civil service,

It is difficult to make achievements and show ambitions in today's world. Therefore, Cao Bao secretly thought that it is best for the young master to serve in the Xuzhou army and become familiar with military affairs. In the future, he can not only share the Lord's worries, but also protect the people of Xuzhou and let the young master show off his talents.

, famous all over the world."

"This guy actually wants to persuade me to join the army. Isn't he afraid that I will take away his military power?" Tao Ying was a little surprised and deliberately asked: "Uncle thinks that my nephew should join the army? But my nephew has low martial arts skills and does not know the art of war. Can he do it?

?”

"As a general, the level of martial arts is not important. Can Han Xin's martial arts catch up with Xiang Yu? But in the battle of Gaixia, who lost?" Cao Bao waved his hand and told the truth, and said more sincerely: "

As for the art of war, this is even less important. No one is born knowing how to fight. You can learn it slowly when you are in the army."

Speaking of this, Cao Bao suddenly changed his face and said very affectionately: "What's more, when the young master came to serve in the Xuzhou army, many generals also served the young master, helping the young master to make achievements, which made the lord admire the young master even more. In the future,

……,hehe."

"Ha, after working on it for a long time, it turned out that this guy wanted to burn the cold stove." Tao Ying smiled in his heart, and finally understood Cao Bao's true intention - now he has made great contributions to Xuzhou and won the hearts of the people of Xuzhou, and his own advantages have always been good.

His father, Tao Qian, was old and sick and could die at any time. His cheap brother Tao Shang was weak and incompetent. Tao Qian was very likely to designate himself as Xuzhou's heir when he died. Cao Bao rushed to build a good relationship with him before passing the throne.

It can not only consolidate Cao Bao's position in the Xuzhou army, but also give him greater authority in the future, and even dominate Xuzhou and become the de facto ruler of Xuzhou.

After understanding Cao Bao's wishful thinking, Tao Ying immediately felt much more relaxed. He immediately left the table and bowed to Cao Bao, saying respectfully: "In that case, my nephew will thank my uncle first. If my nephew can really serve in the Xuzhou Army,

I also ask my uncle for your advice and your blessings."

"It should, it should." Cao Bao was overjoyed, hurriedly picked up Tao Ying, and said with a smile: "Master, please sit down for a moment, Cao Bao also has a jar of old wine at home, which has been treasured for many years. Cao Bao will go and get the wine in person.

, please get drunk and then rest."

"No need. My uncle has given me such a generous gift. My nephew is already grateful and doesn't dare to use my uncle's collection for many years." Tao Ying declined modestly. However, Cao Bao refused to agree to anything and repeatedly invited Tao Ying to sit down and wait while he went to get the wine.

Cao Bao came to entertain Tao Ying, but Tao Ying had no choice but to agree, and Cao Bao left temporarily happily.

"It's a pity that his ability is a little lacking. Otherwise, with his intelligence and understanding, he would definitely be a good helper for me." Looking at Cao Bao's back leaving happily, Tao Ying sighed in his heart, but couldn't help but smile slightly and said to himself: "

Fortunately, he is of low ability, otherwise, it would not be easy to wrest the military power of Xuzhou from him."

While muttering, Tao Ying suddenly felt a flash in front of his eyes. A woman was approaching from outside the hall. She was covered in silk, pearls and emeralds, and she looked like she was not a servant of the Cao family. When Tao Ying took a closer look at the woman's appearance, he immediately regretted his lustful eyes.

I watched something I shouldn’t have watched, and I felt uncomfortable eating anything else during this meal.

It turned out that this woman who came in from outside the hall was extremely ugly, with a toad mouth, green bean eyes, paint-like skin, a flat nose and chicken breasts, her hair was yellow and thin, and her eyebrows were thick and black. She was simply the female version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

It would definitely not be a problem to scare three or five prostitute Liu Xiahui to death on the street!

What made Tao Ying even more unbearable was that after this ugly woman entered the door, she neither spoke nor saluted. She blinked her small mung bean eyes and just looked Tao Ying up and down. Tao Ying was so frightened by this sight that he quickly pretended to be serving the wine.

He lowered his head to avoid the strange gaze of the ugly woman. Fortunately, the ugly woman did not stay in the hall for too long. After looking at Tao Ying for a moment, she quietly exited the hall and disappeared without a trace.

Tao Ying could not help but wonder, "Who are these ugly women?"

"Sir, I've been waiting for a long time." After a while, Cao Bao returned to the hall with a big smile holding a wine jar. He patted the jar away and said with a smile: "Sir, although I never drink, this jar of wine is

It’s a fine wine from Sichuan that I bought at a high price ten years ago. You must drink more of it, sir.”

"Thank you uncle, uncle for the generous gift. I don't dare to accept the loss." Tao Ying hurriedly humbled himself.

"General." Suddenly, another servant of the Cao family came in from outside the hall. He saluted Cao Bao and said, "General, just now the general's daughter was looking for the general everywhere. Now the lady is looking for her. I wonder where the general's daughter is?"

"Cao Ling is looking for me, why?" Cao Bao asked pretending to be surprised.

"I don't know." The servant shook his head and replied.

"Sir, did my daughter enter the hall just now?" Cao Bao turned to Tao Ying and asked.

"Just then, a female young master entered the hall and left the hall soon. But she didn't say anything. I wonder if she is my uncle's daughter." Tao Ying answered truthfully. At the same time, Tao Ying muttered secretly, "Cao Bao's daughter? Could it be that she married Cao Bao later?

That one of Lu Bu? Marquis Lu Wen really has a good appetite, how dare a guy like that have the guts to do it? I admire him, I admire him!"

"It's my little girl Cao Ling!" Cao Bao slapped his thigh and said angrily: "This child, why doesn't he say anything and be polite when he sees the young master? He really deserves a beating."

After saying that, Cao Bao turned to the servant and shouted: "Go and tell the lady to scold her a few more times after finding Ling'er. Without the young master risking his life to persuade Cao's bandit army to retreat, would one of our Cao family survive?"
To be continued...