Lu Li's previous plan was to have Cao Cao win this battle, so that he could become the one who made the greatest contribution to the suppression of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and thus Cao Cao would receive reinforcements from the imperial court.
"Thank you, sir!" Cao Cao said respectfully, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
"Mengde, there's no need to be so polite!"
"Let's not talk about these things between us."
"Alright!" Cao Cao nodded.
He led the elite troops to continue attacking Runan County, and Runan was quickly captured.
After Cao Cao presented the battle report to Luoyang, Emperor Ling of Han was overjoyed and sent an envoy to Yanzhou to commend Cao Cao.
"Your Majesty, Cao Mengde has rendered a great service this time, and can be called a meritorious general of our Han Dynasty! This also shows that the Yellow Turban rebels are not invincible!" Zhang Rang flattered with a smile on his face.
Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong, nodded slightly. He also believed that Cao Cao had truly enhanced the might of the Han Dynasty this time!
"What Father says is true. I will appoint Cao Cao as Cavalry Commandant and give him an additional 50,000 troops to continue suppressing the Yellow Turban rebels!" Liu Hong said with a wave of his hand.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
A hint of joy flashed in Zhang Rang's eyes. Cao Cao's growing strength was naturally the best thing for him.
Because Cao Cao was the grandson of Cao Teng, he was considered a descendant of eunuchs. Cao Cao's power also strengthened Zhang Rang's own position.
The next morning at court, Liu Hong told the officials the news, hoping to demonstrate his wisdom and prowess, but he was met with opposition from both civil and military officials.
“Your Majesty, Cao Cao’s victory in this battle was merely by chance. He is not a general, so how could he command an army of 50,000?” He Jin immediately stepped forward and said.
The other civil and military officials echoed, "Your Majesty, Cao Cao is just a junior; how can he shoulder such an important responsibility?"
Liu Hong frowned. These civil and military officials, when it was time to fight the Yellow Turban rebels, all of you cowered and refused to advance. Now that Cao Cao has won, you're all coming out to point fingers and criticize. You are truly disgusting.
He looked at Zhang Rang, and Zhang Rang immediately realized what he meant.
“You’re all spouting nonsense here, saying that Cao Mengde doesn’t know how to command troops? He defeated 50,000 Yellow Turban soldiers with only 700 men. Which of you can do that?” Zhang Rang sneered.
"this......"
Many civil and military officials were speechless. Although they were good at talking, when it came to actually leading troops into battle, they were far from being able to do what Cao Cao did, who was able to defeat 50,000 Yellow Turban soldiers with only 700 soldiers.
He Jin, however, smiled slightly, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, I recommend someone who will surely defeat the Yellow Turban Army!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Hong's eyes lit up, and he said, "Please speak, my dear minister!"
He Jin scanned the entire room and said calmly, "Your Majesty, the person I recommend is Yuan Shao, Yuan Benchu!"
Yuan Wei's expression changed slightly. Yuan Shao was his nephew, but in the Yuan clan, Yuan Shao was born out of wedlock, which he disliked.
But now, He Jin is actually suggesting Yuan Shao. Could it be that he wants to win over the Yuan family?
"Yuan Shao?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Hong frowned. Although he had never heard of Yuan Shao, he was still somewhat wary of the Yuan family, after all, the Yuan family was a powerful clan with great influence.
Seeing Liu Hong remain silent, He Jin grew anxious and quickly said, "Your Majesty, Yuan Shao is a man of great ambition, and he possesses both courage and strategy. He will surely be able to defeat the Yellow Turban rebels!"
Liu Hong shook his head: "Since you recommend Yuan Shao, let's give him a try."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Rang immediately felt a pang of anxiety and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Yuan Shao has yet to achieve any merit. To rashly appoint him to lead troops now would truly be difficult to gain the support of the people!"
"What Father said...makes sense!"
Liu Hong hesitated. On the one hand, although Yuan Shao was not well-known, he was backed by the Yuan family.
But if Yuan Shao were to lead the army, and something went wrong, who would take responsibility?
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Zhang Rang said, "Your Majesty, this old servant has a plan that may relieve your worries."
Liu Hong immediately perked up: "Tell Father to speak quickly!"
"Your Majesty, why not let Yuan Shao and Cao Cao each lead 50,000 troops to suppress the Yellow Turban rebels?" Zhang Rang said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Liu Hong suddenly realized his mistake and said, "Father, you have a brilliant idea!"
He Jin was displeased with Zhang Rang's words, but he didn't say anything more. After all, this matter was of great importance. If Yuan Shao were to lead the troops alone and something went wrong, He Jin would be held responsible.
Now that Cao Cao and Yuan Shao each command their own troops, they can share the risk should they fail!
Moreover, with Cao Cao's great victory over the Yellow Turban rebels, He Jin felt that the Yellow Turban rebels were a rabble and not worth worrying about. He believed that Yuan Shao would definitely be able to quell the Yellow Turban rebellion!
"Issue the decree, ordering Yuan Shao and Cao Cao to each lead 50,000 troops to quell the Yellow Turban Rebellion!" Liu Hong commanded.
"Your Majesty is wise!" all the civil and military officials exclaimed in unison.
"Dismiss the court!"
Liu Hong walked down from the Golden Palace in a cheerful mood, preparing to return to the palace. But after taking only two steps, he suddenly stopped and looked at Zhang Rang.
Upon seeing this, Zhang Rang quickly bowed and greeted Liu Hong, who asked, "Father Rang, who do you think will win, Cao Cao or Yuan Shao?"
"This old servant dares not make a rash judgment," Zhang Rang said in a low voice.
"Hehe, I do hope that Cao Cao can outmaneuver Yuan Shao," Liu Hong said earnestly.
Zhang Rang sighed inwardly, "His Majesty is indeed biased towards Cao Cao."
It's not hard to guess that Yuan Shao's family had already produced four generations of high-ranking officials. If Yuan Shao were to achieve another great feat, the Yuan family would be at the height of their power, and Liu Hong would probably be unable to eat or sleep in peace.
Therefore, Liu Hong preferred to choose Cao Cao rather than let Yuan Shao become a meritorious minister.
Zhang Rang knew all this, but he didn't reveal it, and still respectfully said, "Your Majesty is wise!"
"Haha, Father, I just didn't want to give the Yuan family too many opportunities!" Liu Hong laughed loudly.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
