"Hmm." Li Li bowed his head lightly and said frankly: "I have to admit that I did misunderstand you before, but I didn't expect you to be so open-minded." ”

"The general is serious."

Sun Ce shook his head and said: "It's not that I'm broad-minded, but if I want to achieve great things, I must be tolerant, so that I can envelop the virtuous ministers and generals around me." If you don't have a little heart, how can you succeed? ”

Li Li was stunned when he heard this, and then nodded thoughtfully, affirming: "That's true." Those who have achieved great things since ancient times must have the open-mindedness that ordinary people can't reach, followed by perseverance and ability, only in this way can a large number of like-minded people be recruited to work together to achieve great things. ”

After a pause in his tone, Li Li's words changed sharply: "In this way, you must have a deep meaning in inviting me to meet before the battle this time." But I want to remind you that at this moment you and I are friends and foes, and unless you are willing to surrender to me, nothing practical will be disregarded. Let's be honest, what are your intentions? ”

"The general is quick to talk, which is very much to my liking." Sun Zhixian's low expression suddenly changed when he heard this, smiled indifferently, and said in a low voice: "Don't hide it from the general, I came here to ask the general to give me an edict." I wonder if the general will be able to agree? ”

"Edict? Hehehe! Li Li groaned, stunned and laughed: "You want me to give you an edict?" How can you have such thoughts, do you think I will give it to you, why? I hope you can give me a suitable reason, otherwise you still don't have to open your mouth, it's impossible! ”

After Sun Ce heard this, he didn't seem to be surprised at all, turned his head to look at the army behind him, and said softly: "I wonder if the 30,000 Baibo army can make the general tempted?" I think it should be worth the price to exchange so many soldiers and horses for an edict, presumably the general will not refuse? ”

"Oh?" Li Li's expression was slightly stunned, a fine light flashed in his eyes, and he smiled: "It's a little interesting." Looks like you've got a plan! But you should know that the Bai Bo Army is nothing to me Li Li, and it can be destroyed if you turn your palm. Therefore, this reason is a bit reluctant and dispensable, you must know that even if you don't betray these 30,000 people today, I will be able to completely exterminate them sooner or later. What's more, whether you can wipe them out in one fell swoop or not, you have to rely on the bloody battles of the soldiers under my command, not the 30,000 Baibo troops you said. ”

"So, the general doesn't look down on this thin gift? In that case, forget it. Anyway, there are hundreds of thousands of troops led by Yuan Shao behind our army, which will be enough for the general to deal with at that time. Sun Ce squinted his eyes and chuckled.

Li Li said disapprerovingly: "It doesn't matter, my Xiliang army is now more lice and not afraid of bites, compared with more than 400,000 allied troops, 30,000 Baibo troops are really not worth mentioning." To kill one is to kill. Killing hundreds of thousands of troops is still killing, and there is no essential difference. You tell me? ”

"Hmm. Shogun Takami. Sun Ce happily responded. Then the words changed sharply: "But the general seems to despise the White Polish Army too much." Presumably, the general also knows that among the allies this time, there are not only the Baibo Army, but also the 80,000 Black Mountain Army led by Zhang Yan. As the so-called lips die and teeth are cold, once the White Polish Army is completely annihilated. Presumably, Zhang Yan's Black Mountain Army couldn't help but feel sad about the death of rabbits and foxes, and then acted with scruples.

In this way, these 30,000 Baibo troops are not only 30,000 horses, but representatives of an army of more than 100,000 grass robbers. Equivalent to 30% of the strength of the Allied forces. This is a big gift, compared to the 100,000 stone grain and grass that Liu Biao of Jingzhou gave to the general. I wonder if the general is still satisfied? ”

Li Li's expression was slightly shocked, his eyes stared at Sun Ce with burning eyes, and the two immediately looked at each other and smiled.

Then Li Li bowed his head slightly, and said in a low voice: "You really impress me, it seems that everyone in the world is blinded by your irascible character, but I don't know that there is such a treacherous heart hidden under your reckless appearance." I don't know what kind of edict you want, how about enclosing your father's official position and title during his lifetime? ”

Speaking of this, Li Li chuckled and said: "Actually, you don't have to ask for an edict at all, at present, all the princes are taking official positions on their own, and privately appointing civil ministers and military generals." You can follow their example, and you can do it immediately, so why do you need an edict? ”

Sun Ce was slightly stunned when he heard this, he never expected Li Li to say such a big truth about his self-deprecating identity.

Because Li Li is now the representative of the Son of Heaven, once the edict completely loses its effect, it means that the Son of Heaven in Li Li's hands will no longer be useful, which is equivalent to weakening Li Li's influence and the overall strength of the Xiliang Army. After all, as long as the Son of Heaven is in the hands of Li Li, the Xiliang Army will always occupy the name of righteousness, and no matter where the troops are used, they are famous and justifiable; Vice versa.

After thinking about it for a while, Sun Ce smiled indifferently, knowing that Li Li was talking the opposite.

It is true that there are a few princes under Fang today who support their troops and stand on their own, and set up official positions to reward the military generals under their command without authorization, but this is after all a minority, and it is limited to a few princes such as Yuan Shao of Jizhou, Cao Cao of Yanzhou and Yuan Shu of Jiujiang. Although most of the princes also supported the army and stood on their own feet, and did not pay tribute to the imperial court, they did not dare to set up official positions privately.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that for example, most of the princes from all walks of life today lead their own state pastors, but no one gives them the title of state pastor or above. For example, Yuan Shao of Jizhou was very dissatisfied with the position of the general of the chariot and cavalry enshrined by the Son of Heaven, but he was dissatisfied with the dissatisfaction, he was still the general of the chariot and cavalry, but he did not dare to usurp the position of the general without authorization. Yuan Shao of Jizhou is still like this, and the other princes don't need to say much, they dare to set up official positions for their subordinates, but they don't dare to add officials to themselves.

The reason for this, in addition to the orthodox name of the Son of Heaven himself, what made the princes of all walks of life most jealous was the powerful deterrent power of Li Li and his Xiliang Army. Therefore, since the chaos in the world, no one has dared to claim the king and hegemony, and they have invariably placed their official positions under Li Li, so as not to be targeted by Li Li and wait for the opportunity to send troops to fight.

After straightening out his thoughts, Sun Ce said respectfully with a smile on his face: "The general is too modest. The reason why the princes of the Central Plains united against the general this time was because they were overwhelmed by the general, and they always felt like a man on their backs and in their throats. Although they dared to set up private official positions to reward their subordinates, they did not dare to set up private official titles for themselves, which shows how powerful the general's tiger power is.

In contrast, my Sun Ce is still only a mere lieutenant, and he is also an official position conferred by Yuan Shu, and under Yuan Shu's rule, the officials of the scholar clan in other states and counties do not recognize it at all. Having equals nothing. To tell the truth, Sun plans to break away from Yuan Shu after this alliance, return to his homeland in Jiangdong, and fend for himself. If I didn't have the edict of the Son of Heaven in hand, I would not be able to move an inch, let alone get the approval of the local scholars. Therefore, I implore the general to fulfill it, entitle me as Yuzhang Taishou, and inherit the title of Marquis of Wucheng, my father! ”

"Yuzhang Taishou?" Li Li looked stunned and muttered: "I remember that Ling Zun Sun Jian should have been the Taishou of Changsha before. Why do you want to be in the position of Yuzhang Taishou? Do you want to rule across the river from Yuan Shu and dominate Jiangdong? ”

"This 、、、 the general thinks highly of Sun Ce." Sun Ce's voice changed when he heard this, and he said humbly: "I'm not afraid of the general's laughter, I still have no place to stand, and I still borrowed more than 10,000 men and horses." In addition, money, food, and ordnance are even more scarce. Therefore. If you can get a foothold, you will be satisfied. How dare you hope to dominate Jiangdong? I also ask the general to fulfill it, and give me an edict at my request! ”

"Hehehe!" Li Li narrowed his eyes slightly and stared at Sun Ce's flickering gaze, and said with a smile: "Actually, you don't need to hide it, and there is no need to deceive me, you can say it openly." You want to take Koto. Self-made princes, how can this little bit of thought be hidden from me? ”

"Ugh!" Sun Ce was stunned and responded: "If the general is watching the fire, Sun Ce is ashamed. ”

At this moment, Sun Ce's posture was very low, and he had a submissive posture. and the arrogant appearance of being angry and angry before, it is like two people.

This is really a person under the roof and has to bow his head. He now has a request for Li Li, and the long-awaited grand hegemony in his heart is all pinned on an edict. At present, although he has more than 10,000 horses in his hands, he has not accumulated money and food, nor does he have a loud enough reputation. However, once he had the edict of the Son of Heaven in hand, it was completely different. The division is famous and justifiable, and he is not worried that most of the scholars in Jiangdong do not support him.

Only in this way can we succeed.

It's a pity that Sun Ce's humble gesture against his will is really clumsy, and he can't escape Li Li's eyes at all, and he can see through his disguise at a glance. This is Sun Ce's nature, he is not a humble person at all, he is fierce by nature, and he would rather give in. But at this moment, in order to achieve the long-awaited grand hegemony, he had to bow his head to Li Li and flatter him with good words, in order to fulfill his long-cherished wish.

Looking at Sun Ce's humble expression with a smile on his face, a cold light flashed in the corner of Li Li's eyes, and he said in a deep voice: "Now that our army is fighting a big war with the allies, if our army loses this battle, what is the use of me even if I give you an edict?" I wonder if you have considered this section? ”

Sun Ce's brows twitched twice when he heard this, he raised his head to look at Li Li, and said: "Since the general has inquired, then I will tell the truth, and I hope the general will not blame him if the words are inappropriate." ”

"It's okay to be outspoken." Li Li bowed his head slightly and responded.

Sun Ce nodded lightly and said frankly: "If the general loses this battle, the general himself will definitely be in great trouble, and it will be difficult to escape; But the Son of Heaven is still the Son of Heaven, and the edict is still valid. After all, no matter which way the Son of Heaven falls into the hands of the princes, the same is to coerce the Son of Heaven to order the princes, the world still follows the edict of the Son of Heaven, and the edict of the Son of Heaven given to me by the general is still counted. This is a heartfelt statement, and the rude part is also invited to the general Yaliang Haihan. ”

"Hehehe! What you say is the truth! Li Li smiled happily: "In this case, I can promise you an edict as you wish." But I have a word in advance, if you still can't step out of Jiangdong and expand your territory in Jiangbei within ten years, when my army reaches Jiangdong, I hope you can lead the people to surrender to me, and don't resist needlessly, lest the lives be ruined and the Yangtze River will be stained with blood! ”

"Within ten years?" Sun Ce's eyes narrowed slightly, and he said suspiciously.

Li Li bowed slightly, and affirmed: "Yes, within ten years." If it is more than ten years, today's words will be null and void, and you should have no such thing. ”

"Huh?" Sun Ce frowned and pondered, looked at Li Li after a while, and said solemnly with a solemn expression: "Okay, according to what you said." From today on, we will swear an oath within ten years, if you can hit the Yangtze River within the time limit, my Sun Ce is willing to bow down and be a minister; If not, the oath will be nullified, and we will compete on the battlefield! ”

"Ten years as you wish!" Li Li happily agreed.

After Sun Ce heard this, he drove his horse to Li Li, stretched out his right hand, and said with a solemn expression: "In this case, you and I high-five as an oath!" ”

"Smack, smack, smack!" Seeing this, Li Li didn't say much, stretched out his right hand and high-fived Sun Cesan, and made an oath.

At this scene, the soldiers of the two armies and the civil and military officers of the Xiliang Army on the city tower were all stunned, and they didn't understand what Sun Ce and Li Li were talking about, why they walked together for no reason to talk happily and high-five each other.

It is true that high-fives for oaths was Sun Ce's clever move, but there was no high-fives for oaths before this.

However, if something is man-made, it doesn't mean that it is far from it, and once someone takes the lead in doing so, it will slowly follow it down in the future. Just like the Taoyuan Three Knots, although there were also before this, they were not popular, but since the Taoyuan Knots, they have spread rapidly until they are passed down to a thousand years later.

However, at this moment, whether the high-fives between Sun Ce and Li Li can be fulfilled after all is unknown. If the oath is invalidated, then this high-five oath will be drowned in the rain of swords, guns and arrows, and no one will know; If it comes true, it will be another beautiful story.

"The edict will be handed over to you when the first snow of this winter comes, the situation in Yangzhou is chaotic, and it is difficult to capture Jiangdong at this time, I hope you cherish yourself." At the end, Li Li said in a low voice.

Sun Ce nodded lightly and said softly: "Thank you for the success of the general, and then it will be up to the generals under the command of the general to annihilate the Baibo army." ”

After saying that, Sun Ce beat his horse back to the battle, and shouted angrily as he walked: "Li thief deceived me too much, wait for me to break through the city, see how rampant you are!" ”

"Sun Ce is so angry, I'm waiting for you to attack, see what you can do to me!" Li Li shouted, and immediately drove the Golden Lion Beast King to turn around and run towards the city gate, quickly disappearing in front of the two armies.

"All the soldiers obey the order!" Sun Ce, who rode his horse back to the front of the formation, brazenly raised the overlord spear, and ordered sharply: "The left wing army of Han Xian's department will attack the west of the city, and the right wing of Yang Feng's department will attack the east of the city, listen to my order, attack the city!" ”

"Boom Boom -- Kill!"

With Sun Ce's order, more than 30,000 Baibo troops on the left and right flanks moved in response, carrying cloud ladders on their shoulders, pushing the city carts, and setting up catapults to attack Dongyuan City.

At this moment, although Han Xian, Yang Feng, Li Le and other Bai Bo leaders were suspicious, and always felt that the conversation between Sun Ce and Li Li was very strange, it was a pity that Sun Ce did not leave them time to think at all, and immediately ordered the siege of the city after returning to the main formation. And Han Xian and the others were forced by Sun Ce's previous great military exploits and violent and irritable temper, obviously feeling uneasy but did not dare to disobey the order, and immediately led a large army to attack the city.

However, they didn't know that the entire Baibo Army was sold to Li Li by Sun Ce. This rush is equivalent to stepping on the gate to hell, and since then there is no return between life and death.

―――――――――――― (To be continued)(To be continued......