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Huai County was established in the 26th year of Emperor Shihuang (221 BC), and was established in the second year of Emperor Gaozu of Han (205 BC).

Hanoi County is located on the north bank of the Yellow River, with a rich and magnificent land. There are many famous families and densely populated areas. There are tens of thousands of households in Huai County, the county seat alone, with many shops and a prosperous street market.

Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, wars in Hanoi County have continued. The White-Bo bandits, the Black Mountain bandits and the Southern Xiongnu barbarians who flew in the Shangdang area frequently fought, causing Hanoi County to become increasingly depressed, prosperous, and a sharp decline in population.

In recent years, many people have had to flee their families to Xiliang due to war. Many of them did not move to Chang'an, but moved to Hedong County, a hundred miles away, to re-establish their homes.

In the past two years, there have been many such phenomenon of migrating a hundred miles. The reason is very simple. Hedong County is under the protection of the Anyi Camp, with 50,000 Xiliang troops stationed in the territory. Therefore, Hedong County has been peaceful for two years. Whether it is the Baibo thief, the Black Mountain bandits, or even the Xiongnu barbarians under Yu Fuluo, they dare not step into Hedong County.

Therefore, although Hedong County borders Hanoi County, the two places are in two different worlds, like two different worlds.

Hanoi County is located in the hinterland of Hanoi. It has a relatively flat terrain, fertile land and abundant resources, but it is becoming increasingly deserted due to the sharp decline in population.

However, in the past half month, Huai County has been extremely lively and crowded, attracting the attention of the whole world to gather here.

Outside the west gate of Huai County, tents rose from the ground, and more than ten camps of various sizes were built on the once wild grassland, with no end at a glance.

At this moment, the flags inside and outside Huai County were everywhere, and the soldiers were as powerful as prisoners.

In the middle of more than ten camps, a nine-string high platform stands, and the tents around the platform are the Central Army camps of the alliance of the princes of the Central Plains. They are the camps where the troops under Yuan Shao of Jizhou were stationed.

In the central army's tent, Yuan Shao was lying calmly on a throne with extraordinary momentum and wide and heavy tiger-headed python pattern. On both sides of the steps in front of the general's case were two burly generals with majestic shapes. These two were the confidant generals who often protected Yuan Shao's left and right, famous Hebei generals Yan Liang and Wen Chou.

At the steps, there were more than a dozen people sitting on both sides of the tent, most of whom were counselors and generals under Yuan Shao. However, the first person sitting on the left and right sides was not Yuan Shao's subordinates, but Yanzhou Cao Cao and Chen Liu Zhang Miao.

When Zhang Miao and Cao Cao raised their bottles to drink, Yuan Shao, who was in the commander position, smiled and asked Zhang Miao, "Brother Meng Zhuo, are you fine?"

Zhang Miao was shocked when he heard the sound, his body trembled slightly, his expression was quite nervous, and he spoke up to answer. However, he swallowed it back to his mouth, looking restless. After he hesitating for a moment, he gritted his teeth and said respectfully: "Everything is well in recent years. Thank you for your concern."

With a perfunctory sentence, Zhang Miao turned his head away from looking at Yuan Shao's smiling face. He raised the wine bottle and pretended to be like wine, but in fact he was thinking about it with concern.

In fact, Zhang Miao had no intention of coming to join the alliance this time, and he did not want to meet Yuan Shao and Cao Cao again. However, when Lu Bu rushed to Xiuwu secretly, his lips touched his upper and lower lips and openly expressed his intention to send 70,000 troops to form an alliance in Hanoi. Once this statement was made, it would be too late to repent. However, among the 70,000 troops, 30,000 infantry and cavalry were all under Zhang Miao and his younger brother Zhang Chao. Over the years, they tried their best to recruit soldiers and spent a lot of money to build weapons. The armor was only trained to form an army after two years of hard work. It is no exaggeration to say that these 30,000 soldiers and horses were the foundation for the life of Zhang Miao brothers. Just like the root of life, there is no way to lose it. However, Lu Bu took over the land and threatened to send 70,000 troops, which made Zhang Miao not only unable to defeat Lu Bu's face, but also worried about the 30,000 soldiers under his command. He was forced to come to the Hanoi alliance in person, for fear that his troops would be defeated by Lu Bu.

After leading his army to the Allied camp today, Zhang Miao did not come to the Central Army to meet Yuan Shao at the first time. He did not want to meet Cao Cao. Unfortunately, some things and some people could not escape. They would meet each other sooner or later in the Allied camp. Zhang Miao would hide if he wanted to, and then he would act again when he actually met. Unexpectedly, he was summoned by Yuan Shao to attend the banquet by the general tent. Unfortunately, the person who attended the banquet with him was the Cao Cao he least wanted to meet.

To put it in detail, the conflict between Zhang Miao and Yuan Shao has been around for a long time. Five years ago, when the princes met to attack Dong Zhuo, Shuangfan had already formed a grudge.

At that time, Yuan Shao, as the leader of the princes, conspired with Yuan Shu to repeatedly detain the food and wages of various princes, causing the shortage of food and grass to rob the grain, which made the Chenliu counties uneasy and mess. For this reason, Zhang Miao was reluctant at first, hoping that Yuan Shao could restrain the Allied troops and no longer harm his jurisdiction. Unfortunately, the Allied troops to rob the grain were out of control and became more and more serious, and the burning and killing of the "Jianyin"

", doing all kinds of evil, which caused the Chenliu counties to be depressed quickly, the people fled in large numbers, refugees everywhere, and the population dropped sharply. Such a bad situation prompted Zhang Miao to be furious and followed the argument with Yuan Shao. As a result, the two sides disagreed and turned against each other in the dispute, causing Yuan Shao to lose face in front of all the princes. As a result, Zhang Miao formed a grudge with Yuan Shao, and after the alliance of princes was disbanded, they parted ways and hated each other.

Compared to having a grudge with Yuan Shao, Zhang Miao had a close relationship with Cao Cao and had a strong personal relationship. Yuan Shao had repeatedly encouraged Cao Cao to murder Zhang Miao, but Cao Cao refused to execute it. This matter was then learned by Zhang Miao, which moved him very much. Later, the governor of Yanzhou Liu Dai was killed by the Yellow Turban thieves. He strongly recommended Cao Cao to succeed as governor of Yanzhou, which was regarded as repaying Cao Cao's kindness.

However, as Cao Cao grew bigger and stronger day by day, Zhang Miao felt uneasy and suspected that Cao Cao would murder him sooner or later, and then seize Chenliu and dominate Yanzhou. So under the intention of Chen Gong, Zhang Miao secretly formed an alliance with Lu Bu. Taking advantage of Cao Cao's army to attack Xuzhou, he sneaked into Dongjun and captured Cao Cao's nest. Then Zhang Miao and Lu Bu joined forces to attack, and did not stop, and captured most of Yanzhou, besieging Cao Cao in three small cities in Dong'a, surviving and destruction was about to occur.

In this way, Zhang Miao completely broke up with Cao Cao. Not only did he betray Cao Cao, but he also wanted to put him to death and quickly. To this day, the bond between Zhang Miao and Cao Cao has become a big deal, and it is like a deep hatred, and it will never stop until death.

However, at this moment, Zhang Miao faced each other with Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, who had deep resentment, and sat in the big tent to drink and talk. This situation of enemies sitting together and drinking and drinking really made Zhang Miao feel uncomfortable, his mind was extremely nervous, his body trembled, and his forehead was covered with cold sweat, for fear that Yuan Shao and Cao Cao would take the opportunity to murder him.

Just when Zhang Miao was secretly anxious, Yuan Shao gently put down the wine bottle and sat upright. He smiled and said, "Meng Zhuo shouldn't think too much. Even if you sit and drink, you don't have to worry about me and Meng De waiting for an opportunity to harm you. Of course, there were some rifts and misunderstandings between us before, but these are all old events. Now that time has changed, the three of us are not the ones who are petty and will definitely report them. Let the past be passed, and don't mention it again in the future!"

"What Brother Benchu ​​said is so true, and Cao also has the same intention." Cao Cao nodded happily and said to Zhang Miao with a smile: "I have known Brother Meng Zhuo for many years and have a strong personal relationship. I have always treated him with the courtesy of my elder brother. Previously, Brother Meng Zhuo and Fengxian joined forces to capture Yanzhou. Cao was indeed angry at first, and complained about Brother Tai, and once regarded Brother Tai as an enemy. However, afterwards, I gradually felt relieved. It is important to know that seeking survival in troubled times is the survival of the weak. Who doesn't want to wait for an opportunity to strengthen his strength?

Therefore, Brother Meng Zhuo and Fengxian joined forces to attack the Dongjun of the rear of my country, which made me very indignant. It was reasonable. If Cao was in the position of Brother Meng Zhuo, he might not be able to help but take the opportunity to expand his territory and strengthen his own strength. The root cause of our fight is that we are all under the iron-hoofed soldiers of Li Li of Xiliang. Only by constantly strengthening our own strength can we increase the chance of survival when facing the Li thief army in the east to march the Central Plains. This is Cao's heartfelt words. I wonder if Brother Meng Zhuo agrees?"

"This, Meng De Gaoyi, makes me feel deeply ashamed!" Zhang Miao hesitated with surprise.

Indeed, Cao Cao's words made Zhang Miao's cheeks flushed. He lowered his head and did not dare to look at Cao Cao, and he was ashamed. Although he did not believe what Cao Cao said, nor did he believe that Cao Cao could really let go of his hatred, and he stopped and took it calmly. However, Cao Cao fell to this point today, but he could still talk freely, without any anger in his words. With this kind of mind alone, Zhang Miao secretly admired and sighed. This made Zhang Miao recall the scene of each other drinking and having fun in the past. He felt sad and felt a little guilty and felt ashamed of Cao Cao. After all, Cao Cao used to be very kind to him, but he betrayed him and took advantage of Cao Cao's army to attack Yanzhou with Lu Bu.

Now that things have come to this point, even though Zhang Miao felt guilty, he would not reconcile with Cao Cao again. Because he is not a three-year-old child, he will never be deceived by the words of Cao Cao and Yuan Shao, and he will not think that the grudges and hatred between them can be eliminated so easily.

After sorting out his thoughts, Zhang Miao's expression gradually calmed down and asked Yuan Shao respectfully: "I don't know what Yuan Gong summoned him to come? If he was in war and military affairs, he was not good at conquering the enemy, this time the 70,000 troops were all controlled by Fengxian. Yuan Gong only needs to discuss with Fengxian in person. If it is government affairs, please let Yuan Gong make clear that if you do your best, you will never shirk responsibility!"

"Brother Meng Zhuo is quick and speaks quickly, which is very suitable for me. Hahaha!" Yuan Shao nodded and smiled and said, "Since Brother Meng Zhuo asked me about it, Yuan said it straight away. This is the case. As of this time, the seven princes of the alliance have led their troops to the camp and are now setting up camps. Then they will gather together to discuss major events. Before this, I discussed with Meng De, Fengxian and Zhang Yang, and added a vassal on the basis of the seven princes, and the newly added vassals are 30,000 infantry and cavalry under the leadership of Brother Meng Zhuo. In this way, the Allied forces have eight princes, with a famous and huge reputation. When the troops are dispatched, it will be beneficial to unified dispatch. It can be allocated in pairs to avoid friction between the princes and affect the overall situation of the Allied forces. I wonder what Brother Meng Zhuo wants?"

"Well? Mr. Yuan wants me, Zhang Miao, to be a prince of my own. Could it be that he intends to break up the 70,000 troops of General Fengxian?" Zhang Miao asked in a deep voice with an unhappy expression.

Yuan Shao waved his hand and said, "Brother Meng Zhuo, don't get angry, please listen to me to tell the truth. Meng Zhuo doesn't know that this time, our alliance members are mixed, and the Baibo thieves and the Heishan Army are also among them. Although they are large in number, their weapons and armor are behind, and the soldiers are of varying quality. In view of this, I want to combine them into the left wing of the Allied Army and ask Meng Zhuo to mediate to avoid the rift. Fengxian's war cavalry is the main force of our alliance army and will serve as the vanguard of the previous army. Therefore, for Meng Zhuo's own safety and post-war interests, it is better to become a prince of his own. After the war, brother Meng Zhuo and Fengxian can get double the results. We are indeed considering Brother Meng Zhuo, and we have no other thoughts! As for how you and General Fengxian's 70,000 troops are allocated, Yuan will never participate, you can decide for yourself."

"Hmm?" Zhang Miao was stunned when he heard this, his eyes flashed quickly across the faces of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, and he was quite moved. Then he nodded slightly and said, "Thank you so much for Mr. Yuan, I will follow the order."

"Okay, that's great!" Yuan Shao nodded happily and laughed loudly, "Meng Zhuo really knows the general situation and takes into account the overall situation. It's not worth my good intention. But then again, this time, it was helpless to join forces with the Black Mountain Army and the White Bo thieves to send troops, and I had to do it. Therefore, I would rather add a prince than let the Black Mountain Army and the White Bo thieves grow bigger day by day. Therefore, helping Brother Meng Zhuo is equivalent to helping me. Why not do such a good thing in both worlds! Hahaha!"

When Zhang Miao heard this, he suddenly realized his shocked and suspicious expression finally relaxed, showed a smile, and nodded happily to express his gratitude.

While laughing, Yuan Shao said with a smile: "There is another thing I want to ask Brother Meng Zhuo for help. After all the princes arrive, we will elect a prince to serve as the leader of the allied army. Then, please help Brother Xian!"

"Mr. Yuan's words are heavy." Zhang Miao's expression changed slightly, and then he smiled knowingly. The few doubts left in his heart disappeared and he was completely relieved. It turned out that the reason why Yuan Shao specially added a vassal for him was that his real purpose was to win him over, and his purpose was to support Yuan Shao as the leader of the alliance.

Thinking of this, Zhang Miao smiled happily and said, "In fact, there is no need to elect the leader of the alliance in this alliance. Duke Yuan is the only candidate for the leader, so he should not let it go. What's more, Duke Yuan has worked hard to provide a large amount of food, salary and weapons to contact the alliances of various princes and alliances, and has made great contributions, because the position of Duke Yuan is the leader!"

"Brother Meng Zhuo is too proud. Come and drink this bottle!" After the main story, Yuan Shaozhi laughed proudly and persuaded him to drink. For a while, the guests and hosts in the tent were happy, and they were really drinking happily.

Half an hour later, the banquet ended, Zhang Miao was drunk and carried back to Lu Bu's camp by his personal soldiers.

Although Yuan Shao was flushed, he was not drunk and was still very sober. After everyone left, he stood up and walked to the tent, sat with Cao Cao who was staying in the tent, and said with a burp: "Himmer! Meng De, you have done everything you can do for you, the chess piece has been buried, and it depends on your own in the future. But there is one thing I want to declare in advance, that is, this time we jointly attack the Li thief, and we must not lose anything. We must unite in unity and fight against the Li thief. After you completely defeat the Li thief, it will be time for you to plan to regain your territory. Before that, you must not lose big things and ruin the major affairs of our Allied forces!"

"Don't worry, Brother Benchu, I, Cao Cao, are definitely not a person who ignores the overall situation. I will do my best to assist Brother Benchu!" Cao Cao expressed his solemn expression with a sudden expression, and then looked at Yuan Shao and laughed loudly.

—————————————————— (To be continued)
Chapter completed!