[Three Kingdoms] Carnival

"That's just what you said about Guo Jia."

The first sentence of the uninvited guest here was full of disdain, which was completely different from his gentleness in front of Cao Cao.

Yang Xiu looked up at Kong Gui who had barged into his room, and a trace of irritability could not help but slip through his eyes.Back from the south this time, Cao Zhi went to Yecheng with the army, and he returned to Xudu alone in order to visit his father Yang Biao. He also reported to his father in detail what happened in the army this time.Sure enough, his father scolded him again, not only scolding him for seeking skin from tigers as in the past, but also scolding him for being self-defeating because he wanted to get rid of Guo Jia.In the past, he would definitely have dismissed his father's words, obediently obeying them, but this time, for some reason, he felt for the first time that there might be some truth in it.

He used to think that people from Xuzhou came to poison Guo Jia, and it would be impossible to leave any evidence anyway, so although he failed, it did not mean that he was inferior to others.However, according to the information he gathered around after he returned to Xudu in recent days, he was suddenly frustrated but also felt terrible: if Guo Jia paid more attention to that matter with him, the evidence might really be found .What Guo Jia said to him later was not to threaten, but to tell him seriously that as long as he wanted, he could really put himself to death at any time.

Originally, he thought that no matter how complicated the chessboard is, he can see through the mystery at a glance, simplify it, and become the final winner.But now he realizes that the chessboard is far more complicated than what he saw. The reason why he thinks it is simple is because he has been watching the leopard all the time.Guo Jia, on the other hand, stood aside, mockingly watching him pretending to be smart here.

No, it is more likely that Guo Jia would not even be interested in seeing him pretend to be smart if he hadn't taken the initiative to attack.

Even though his pride made him completely unwilling to admit it.

But now, the appearance of Kong Gui made Yang Xiu, whose self-esteem was deeply hit, even more irritable.Knowing that Guo Jia and himself are enemies but not daring to attack Guo Jia anymore is enough to make him unhappy, and now there is another person who is so similar to Guo Jia.And speaking of it, Guo Jia is still from Yingchuan, no matter how high or low his family background is, at least he still has the willful flair of a nobleman, and although this Kong Gui looks like a rich robe and brocade clothes, he seems to be as modest and elegant as the Central Plains scholars, and a gentleman.But the reason why celebrities are celebrities is precisely because they let their body be natural, and they don't need to be deliberately artificial, and they can be romantic by themselves.Kong Gui's acting like this will only make him feel like a mere imitation.And after being in close contact with Kong Gui and discovering Kong Gui's pretentious nature, Yang Xiu hated him even more.

Liangzhou barbarians!

Yang Xiu cursed secretly in his heart, but had no choice but to stand up to greet him.In any case, Kong Gui supported Cao Zhi, and was extremely loved and valued by Cao Cao.At the moment when Cao Pi was appointed as the general of the five senses and the deputy prime minister, he must use all possible power to win back for the fourth son.

He asked in a flat tone: "Why, did you see Guo Jia?"

Kong Gui went to the seat opposite Yang Xiu and sat down, said: "Of course I have seen it." Then, he told Yang Xiu in detail what he saw in the prime minister's mansion that day.

After listening to Kong Gui's narration, Yang Xiu couldn't help frowning: "You said that Guo Jia made the prime minister king? Did you have a conflict with the prime minister because of this?"

"Hmm." Kong Gui picked up a piece of pastry on the table and threw it into his mouth, chewed it a few times and said in distaste, "Why is it tasteless?"

The cakes in the Central Plains are mainly exquisite, which is not like the food in your barbarian land.Yang Xiu was even more annoyed, but he still had to be patient: "Don't you think this...is a bit strange?"

"Of course it's strange, it's very strange!" Kong Gui said, "No matter how stupid and anxious Guo Jia is, he couldn't bring it up in front of me, even if the prime minister scolded him. What Guo Jia said that day , I guess they were all played for me."

Yang Xiu nodded, thinking that Kong Gui had some brains.

"They played this show just to test Xiliang's attitude towards this matter through me. If I showed a slight disapproval expression that day, the prime minister would probably reprimand me." Kong Gui threw another piece into his mouth. Pastry, the conversation suddenly changed, "But since it is to test my attitude, it can't be all acting. At least part of what they said that day is still true."

Yang Xiu asked, "What are you talking about?"

"First of all, it must be true that the prime minister wants to stand on his own in the Han Dynasty. Didn't the prime minister rely on supporting the emperor to increase his prestige because he had no soldiers and family background? Now The world is settled, so what use is the emperor? It will be a matter of time before the emperor is driven down. If Guo Jia told the prime minister in private, the prime minister would never have that attitude."

Yang Xiu raised his eyebrows, motioning for him to continue.

"Secondly, Guo Jia's grievance is probably not a lie. But it's not for the prime minister's grievance, but for himself."

Yang Xiu lowered his eyes, took a sip of tea, and continued casually: "What wronged him?"

"When Guangwu was hesitant to claim the title of emperor, Geng Chun said that the scholars and bureaucrats in the world donated their relatives and abandoned the soil, hoping to climb the scales of the dragon and attach the wings of the phoenix to achieve their aspirations. Guo Jia fought with Cao Cao for so many years, and he came in and ruined everything. How can he not feel wronged when he is a hard-working man who sits on the official position of two thousand shi. But he also knows that the reason why Cao Cao suppresses his official position now is to facilitate his promotion after the founding of the country and becoming emperor in the future. I can’t say anything. In my opinion, although Guo Jia is acting, his words to persuade Cao Cao to proclaim himself emperor earlier are absolutely sincere.”

"Oh. Then you know this, and..."

"So I told the prime minister the following paragraph."

Yang Xiu's hand holding the teacup trembled, and the indifference on his face disappeared immediately.He looked deeply at Kong Gui, his eyes gradually darkened.

Kong Gui was talking excitedly, when he suddenly met Yang Xiu's gaze, he was slightly taken aback, and gave up the idea of ​​continuing to talk.He lowered his eyes, lowered his head and poured himself another cup of tea, and when he looked up at Yang Xiu again, his expression was completely different from the one he had just made public. His face was already full of gentleness and submissiveness when he faced Cao Cao. His voice softened, and he said, "Why does Dezu look at me like this?"

Because you don't know how to live or die.

Yang Xiu didn't say this sentence, but Kong Gui seemed to have heard it.It seems that when Kong Gui disguises his true nature, his ability to perceive words and emotions will be much higher than usual.He took a sip of his tea, and said slowly: "I understand, Dezu thinks that if I steal the chicken, I will lose the rice, right?"

Seeing Kong Gui's sudden change, Yang Xiu felt extremely strange in his heart.On the face, he snorted coldly, unwilling to lose face in front of someone like Kong Gui: "That's right. If it weren't for the prime minister's favoritism over the years, how do you think Guo Jia has no family background and has repeatedly made enemies? How could he still be safe and sound?" Even a high-ranking official with a high salary? The Prime Minister would rather bear the infamy and save him in the case of Xiapi, so just a few words from you will be of no use."

"Dezu, you claim to be a smart person, why can't you even understand such a simple truth." Kong Guiwei raised his lips, with a hint of sarcasm, "The prime minister is partial to him, and he will protect him against all opinions. I know all about it. But have you ever wondered why the Prime Minister cares so much about Guo Jia? It is because Guo Jia has no family to rely on and is extremely loyal to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is a man of temperament, so of course he will protect him. But if now The prime minister suddenly discovered that Guo Jia, who he defended against all opinions, had no sense of propriety because of this. Guo Jia's so-called loyalty was actually a lie created for his own self-interest. Will you keep him?

So you are wrong to begin with.Using external force to persecute will only make the prime minister more sympathetic to Guo Jia's situation.What we should do is to make the prime minister suspect himself, and then we will add fuel to the flames so that the seeds of doubt will take root and germinate.At that time, as you said, Guo Jia will have nothing to fear if he loses the protection of the prime minister. "

"Oh. So after you finished speaking, did the prime minister become suspicious as you wished?" Yang Xiu still didn't take it seriously.This Kong Gui talked about it, but it was still nonsense.If he could provoke Cao Cao to suspect Guo Jia with a few words, it would be Kong Gui's turn to play tricks here.

"It's not suspicious, but it's enough as an introduction." Kong Gui saw Yang Xiu's disdain, but there was no annoyance of being underestimated on his face, "You know that Guo Jia returned to Yecheng early this time. What's the matter?"

"Of course Xiu doesn't know."

"Oh?" Kong Gui asked strangely, "Isn't the letter from the Fourth Young Master handed over to Guo Jia by Dezu? Didn't Dezu open it first?"

Yang Xiu choked for a moment, and immediately said: "It's not a gentleman's work, how could Xiu do it." Cao Zhi did send a letter to Guo Jia, and although he was curious, he did not open it.The reason is of course not whether you are a gentleman or not, but the kind of letter with a seal, which will be destroyed if you open it in advance.Although his subordinates could mend the sealing mud again, if this little trick was put in front of Guo Jia, it would be tantamount to deception.Thinking that since Cao Zhi asked him to forward the letter, if he found something wrong later, he could directly ask Cao Zhi, so he handed it directly to Guo Jia.

"I know, Dezu was scared out of his wits by Guo Jia." Seeing Yang Xiu's face suddenly changed, Kong Gui said quickly, "I really have no other intentions, I just want to confirm with Dezu about the Ye city. ...Forget it, anyway, you and I have the same goal, to help the fourth son ascend to the throne. If Dezu is afraid, I will handle the next thing."

"What's next?" Yang Xiu wondered.What Kong Gui said just now was just planting seeds, so in order to let the seeds of doubt take root and germinate, what is Kong Gui going to do?

"This..." Kong Gui showed an inscrutable smile on his face, "If Dezu planned with me, of course I would tell the whole story. But Dezu is like this now... I am really afraid to tell you, you turn around I told Guo Jia immediately. The great career of the four young masters will be completely ruined."

Although Yang Xiu looked down on Kong Gui very much, he was definitely not someone who would be carried away by anger.In fact, when Kong Gui mentioned Cao Zhi's letter, Yang Xiu had gradually calmed down.Cao Zhi secretly sent someone to deliver the letter to him. At that time, Hou Konggui hadn't even arrived in Xudu with Zhong Yao. How did he know about it?

And just now, Kong Gui talked about the great cause of the fourth son in every sentence, saying that he was frightened by Guo Jia, obviously trying to provoke him.But if what Kong Gui did was really to help Cao Zhi to become a leader, Kong Gui would not think of a way to squeeze him out of him, Cao Zhi's most important confidant, and he would try his best to motivate himself to do it. do this.Isn't Kong Gui afraid of him taking credit?

"Shu Lin," Yang Xiu said abruptly, "You and I are both working for the Fourth Young Master, aren't we?"

Kong Gui's eyes flickered, and he nodded, "Naturally."

After getting Kong Gui's answer, Yang Xiu smiled and said, "Since that's the case, the next thing, you can do it or Xiu can do it, as long as it can be good for the fourth son, what's the difference? If you don't want to tell Xiu, Xiu won't." I did. I wish you success."

This time it was Kong Gui who was stunned.He originally thought that Yang Xiu's arrogance and defiantness would definitely agree if he provoked him with a few words.Yang Xiu is the only son of the Yang family, and Cao Cao would not take his life easily, so it is safest for Yang Xiu to do many things that show up.Even if Cao Cao came to his senses and realized something was wrong in the future, he would only blame Yang Xiu. It would be even better if he could kill Yang Xiu because of this.It's a pity that he seems to have underestimated Mr. Yang. Yang Xiu has obviously noticed something and made up his mind not to use it as a shield.

Xu Du was indeed more complicated than he expected, and he couldn't be careless about anyone or anything.

However, Yang Dezu, do you really think that you can stay out of it like this?

After a while, Kong Gui had collected his emotions: "Then, can Dezu do me a favor?"

"Shu Lin, just say it." Yang Xiu smiled, "But you also know that I am not a high-ranking official, and I am a little busy, and I can't help if I want to help."

"Before I came to Xudu, Dezu found out some information about octopus with me in the letter. I wonder, can Dezu give me the evidence?"

Yang Xiu was already wary, so how could he agree: "What Shu Lin was referring to was... oh, that incident. It was nothing more than Xiu's random guesses. Many news Xiu later found out that they were all fabricated by his subordinates, so they can't be taken as true. , not to mention whether there is any evidence or no evidence... I really can't help Shu Lin because I have little talent and little knowledge."

"Why should Dezu be self-effacing? Except for Dezu, I believe that no one in the world can understand the mystery of terror with such a few pieces of information... In this way, I have unfortunately been unable to find the letter from Dezu at that time. Here we are. I wonder if Dezu can write down the contents of this letter for me in detail?"

Yang Xiu wanted to evade again, but suddenly a flash of inspiration flashed in his mind, he changed the topic, and responded, "Of course. Xiu will write now."

A quarter of an hour later, Yang Xiu handed the bamboo slips full of characters to Kong Gui.Kong Gui read a few paragraphs carefully, and found that the matter was indeed written in every detail, but the handwriting was very ordinary, and no one could link this to Yang Xiu just based on this letter.

enough.

Putting the bamboo slips into his sleeve carefully, Kong Gui knew that if he continued talking today, there would be no breakthrough, so he didn't want to make a fool of himself with Yang Xiu here, and got up to leave.

"Dezu," Kong Gui seemed to suddenly remember something when he walked to the threshold, and looked back at Yang Xiu, "After five days, the prime minister will lead the army back to Yecheng. Will you go with us then?"

Yang Xiu smiled lightly, and said: "Xiu feels cold, I'm afraid I won't be able to go with the Prime Minister and Shu Lin after five days." After speaking, he really lowered his head and coughed a few times, took a sip of his drink Already cold tea.

Bring tea to see off guests.

Kong Gui secretly sneered, turned and left.

"Azhu! Azhu!"

The person called "A Zhu" is Yang Xiu's close servant, who has been waiting outside the door, and only then ran into the house in small steps when he heard Yang Xiu calling him, waiting for Yang Xiu's orders.

"Tell them they don't need to pack up, we will stay in Xudu for a while."

"Eh?" A Zhu was stunned, "But the young master asked us to pack up earlier and go to Yecheng with the prime minister a few days ago?"

"That was a few days ago. Now...Xiu doesn't want to go to the muddy waters of Ye City."

What he wrote in the letter to Kong Gui back then, and what he wrote on the slip today are all the information he found secretly, and a secret he was surprised but had to believe that he deduced from the information. .After learning of this secret, he immediately ordered his subordinates to stop their actions, but what he had found already made his back feel chills.It's no secret that octopuses have spread all over the world these years, but it's really unimaginable to be able to go so deep.Weed octopus has been in Guo Jia's hands for so many years, and its power has exceeded his imagination, and I'm afraid... it has also exceeded Cao Cao's imagination.

According to common sense, once this matter is exposed and Cao Cao is known, Guo Jiamo said that if he is an official, his life may be in danger.Even if Cao Cao favors Guo Jia, as Kong Gui said, he will not tolerate a person who deceives him and betrays him.But Yang Xiu's instinct made him feel that this matter would not be so simple.The strangest thing is that if Guo Jia really has the ability to secretly cultivate such a large force under Cao Cao's nose, how could his people find out such information so easily.Even if it's a coincidence, it's... too coincidental.

Use this information to bring down Guo Jia?Yang Xiu asked himself, he really didn't have that much courage.However, he would not be reconciled if he put away the hard-earned information and shelved it.Originally, he was still hesitating how to deal with this matter, but it happened that such a reckless person came, and he resolutely threw this hot potato to Kong Gui.Regardless of whether Kong Guizhen used this to overthrow Guo Jia in the end, or Guo Jia got rid of Kong Gui one step earlier, or it was just a game...whatever the result, as long as he didn't burn himself, he was very happy to see the result.

"Then young master..." Seeing Yang Xiu's weird smile, Ah Zhu felt puzzled, but still had to say cautiously, "Fourth Young Master, do you want to send another letter?"

After being reminded by the servant, Yang Xiu suddenly remembered that he could hide in Xudu, but Cao Zhi had nowhere to hide.Kong Gui's death is not a pity, but Zijian must not be involved.

"Has your father written recently?"

Azhu nodded, but was even more surprised in her heart.Ever since the master saw that the young master didn't listen to him and left home angrily, most of the letters he sent were still to advise the young master to be cautious and stay away from right and wrong. They don't have to submit it to him if they don't have a major letter.The master did indeed send another letter recently, the content of the letter was still repeating the same old tune, and he didn't intend to hand it to the young master.But now, the young master took the initiative to ask abnormally.

"Yes." Ah Zhu didn't dare to ask further questions, and replied respectfully and truthfully, "In the letter... the master hopes that the young master will go to Chaoge's house to study together, but I don't know the young master..."

"Cultivating books is good." Yang Xiu said with a smile, "Following the traditions of three generations and following the ambitions of the sages, this is a great event for celebrities through the ages. How can Xiu have the gift of not going? Write a letter for me immediately and tell my father that I will leave tomorrow. Chaoge."

Chaoge is only half a day's journey away from Yecheng, since the young master is going to Chaoge, why didn't he go to Yecheng with the Prime Minister in a few days?Isn't it safer and more convenient to go with the army?And the young master has always said that repairing books is a pedantic and mediocre statement, and he has always dismissed it.

A Zhu was full of doubts, but he couldn't ask any of them. He just felt that today's young master was weird everywhere.He could only keep telling himself to himself that if the young master is so smart, he must have his own plans, and he just needs to do things obediently.

After Yang Xiu waited for the servant to retreat, the smile in his eyes became even wider.Jing Konggui was excited just now, but he figured it out.He was so stupid before, he rushed to do everything himself, and as a result, not only would he get his hands dirty, but if something went wrong, he would also steal money and lose money.In fact, he didn't need to go to the front of the screen at all.Only by watching from the outside like this now can we better grasp the initiative and finally reap the benefits of the fisherman.

"The Minghe is in the shade, so I borrowed the white grass... It seems that my father's old tunes are repeated, and there is some truth."

He muttered to himself, picked up a piece of pastry from the table and put it in his mouth.

It is tasteless.

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In the corner of the time, the sun was shining brightly, illuminating the majestic city walls of Yecheng.On the top of the city tower, the soldiers have sharp spears, the cold light is cold and murderous, but the city is full of traffic, the cries of vendors walking in the streets and alleys, the laughter of children, are full of lively worldly fireworks everywhere.

An unremarkable carriage drove slowly along the official road to the gate of the city. The soldiers at the gate were about to ask for the pass to enter the city, but the young man in a jade crown and brocade clothes went up first and bowed to the carriage. Bowing:

"Sir, you have worked hard all the way, and Pi is really... grateful."

The soldiers were all taken aback for a moment, and then there were whispers of chattering.They all recognized that the young master in brocade clothes was Prime Minister Cao's eldest son, and he was also the current person in charge of Yecheng.But such a noble person condescended and bowed to the person sitting in such a simple carriage.They couldn't help guessing who was sitting in the car.

Before they could figure out why, a folding fan opened the curtain, revealing the clear eyes of the people in the car:

"My lord knows that Jia is most annoyed by these things, so why bother to do these vain rituals." His voice was gentle and smiling, but a few words seemed to be able to soothe all the uneasiness, "the basic situation Ah Wu has already told Jia in the letter Already. After four days, the lord will return to Yecheng, in other words, we still have three days to deal with this matter from now on."

"Then Mr. has already..."

Seeing that there were more and more people at the gate of the city, he shook his head to stop Cao Pi's words, and called people to get on the bus.

"Jia won't let you down."