When it comes to scavenging from the enemy, both the Xiongnu and the Xianbei people did it more than once.
But things are different now. Now they need the support of Dayuan and the supplies they need for their westward journey.
If they really destroy Dayuan, it will not only bring them no benefit, but they will also have to worry about preventing the people from causing trouble.
"When Cao said he would feed the enemy, he was only referring to nobles and officials; he would not attack ordinary people!"
Seeing the expressions on He Lian and Xie Zhiyu's faces, Cao Cao had no choice but to offer an explanation.
"I see!!"
Upon hearing that Cao Cao was only planning to attack the nobles of Dayuan, He Lian and Xie Zhiyu's expressions softened.
Upon seeing this, Cao Cao immediately said, "Alright, if the two kings have no objections, please quickly gather your troops and make sure to take over Dayuan before the autumn harvest!"
"Okay, no problem!"
He Lian and Xie Zhiyu agreed, and then ordered their respective subordinates to gather their troops.
Seeing this, Cao Cao had no intention of lingering any longer. After taking his leave, he left the council hall with Zhang Xiu and the others.
"Together with King Lian, attacking Dayuan was already part of our plan. You said Cao Cao could just stay in Gaochang and wait, why did he have to personally lead the troops there?"
Watching Cao Cao and his entourage depart, Xie Zhiyu asked with a puzzled expression.
He Lian chuckled lightly: "Hey, I heard Mr. Wenyou say that these Han generals have an obsession with expanding territory and conquering foreign countries that is incomprehensible to ordinary people."
In their eyes, if they could not conquer an inch of land or destroy a foreign country in their lifetime, they would be unworthy of their title as generals…
"What a bunch of lunatics, actually making this their goal!"
Upon hearing He Lian's explanation, Xie Zhiyu couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
He Lian also said with a sigh, "Yes, while we were still thinking about finding a place to survive, they had already started thinking about how to expand their territory. The difference is truly despairing!"
The strength and ambition that the Han Dynasty has now displayed have left He Lian with no room for disloyalty. In his view, not to mention his own lifetime, even if the Xianbei were given another hundred years, they would still not be qualified to be the Han Dynasty's opponent.
Although Xie Zhiyu did not speak, his expression was exactly the same as He Lian's.
After a moment of silence, recalling Li Ru's matter, Xie Zhiyu said in a deep voice, "By the way, Your Majesty, please forgive my bluntness, but aren't you placing too much trust in that Wen You? After all, he is a citizen of Han. What if he has ulterior motives..."
He Lian let out a breath: "I know he has ulterior motives, and he is very likely a man sent by the Han Dynasty to lead us away from the Han Dynasty and onto the westward journey."
They might even use us to wreak havoc in the West, preparing for the Han Dynasty's future western expedition.
He Lian wasn't stupid either. He always kept in mind Tan Shihuai's instructions to him. Furthermore, after entering the Western Regions, when Li Ru invited Han generals to train Xianbei soldiers, he saw through the scheme.
Xie Zhiyu paused for a moment: "Then you still...?"
He Lian chuckled lightly: "Although Mr. Wen has other intentions, his actions and plans are all beneficial to us."
Moreover, with him around, the Han Dynasty won't do anything to us.
Furthermore, Mr. Wen's feelings for me are truly wholehearted; I can feel it!
In the end, recalling the scenes of Li Ru's wholehearted assistance and careful guidance, a strange smile appeared on He Lian's face.
At this moment, he didn't care who Li Ru was at all; all he cared about was the bond he shared with Li Ru through thick and thin.
"To make King Helian react like this, it seems that this young man Wenyou is indeed extraordinary!"
Seeing He Lian's appearance, Xie Zhiyu couldn't help but chuckle, and became more interested in this Li Ru.
Meanwhile, under Li Ru's arrangement, Cao Cao and his entourage also stayed in a luxurious mansion in the city.
After the gates of the mansion were closed, Dong Zhuo, Xiahou Dun, and other generals, who had been tense, relaxed again.
While vigorously rubbing his face, Dong Zhuo said suspiciously, "Mengde, what exactly are you up to? You're making me look like Gao Shun, my face is all stiff!"
Cao Cao smiled and said, "General Zhongying, please don't be offended. I did this only to tell He Lian and Xie Zhiyu that not everyone in the Han Dynasty is as magnanimous as Yuan Shao. They still need to know the rules."
Furthermore, as the saying goes, "A small favor is appreciated, but a large favor breeds resentment." The Han Dynasty has been too kind to them before; they should be taught a lesson and shown that the Han can be kind or unkind, lest they develop inappropriate thoughts and escape control!
"Hey, you're really cunning. Looking at it this way, that Original guy really is an honest man!"
Upon hearing Cao Cao's explanation, Dong Zhuo couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark.
"Is the Primal One honest?"
Upon hearing this, Cao Cao couldn't help but sneer, "It seems that Zhongying was also deceived by that fellow Yuan Shao. Let me tell you the truth, the difference between me and Yuan Shao is that I dare to speak my mind and never hide my thoughts."
That guy, Yuan Chu, is different. He appears kind on the surface, but he's actually full of bad intentions and has a lot of wicked thoughts...
"Oh?" Dong Zhuo's expression hardened. "Really? I, Old Dong, consider myself capable of judging people, but I never discovered that Yuan Shao had this side to him!"
"Otherwise, why do you think His Majesty would send him as an envoy to Kushan? You should know that His Majesty and the court have long formulated a series of plans against Kushan. The real purpose of Yuan Chou's trip to Kushan was to prepare to cause trouble for Kushan!"
If Benjamin Button were truly such an honest man, how could he possibly have fulfilled His Majesty's important mission?
"I see. I never imagined that you young people were so shrewd."
Upon hearing Cao Cao's words, Dong Zhuo couldn't help but feel somewhat incredulous.
Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were only in their twenties, but their speech, behavior, and conduct were more mature than his, who was in his thirties. Naturally, he couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat.
"Haha, General Zhongying, there's no need for that. Just as His Majesty said, everyone has their own duties and uses. We only need to remember that everything we do is for His Majesty and for the Han Dynasty!"
Seeing Dong Zhuo's frustrated expression, Cao Cao couldn't help but smile and comfort him.
"Haha~, Mengde is right. Everything is for His Majesty and for the Han Dynasty!"
Hearing Cao Cao's words of comfort, Dong Zhuo felt enlightened and a smile appeared on his face.
Cao Cao then said, "General Dong, I am leading the Xiongnu and Xianbei soldiers on this expedition. In order to prevent them from disobeying orders, I hope you will provide me with your assistance, since you have a much better relationship with them!"
"No problem. Anyone who dares to disobey will be beaten to death by me, Old Dong!"
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