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Thinking of this, Cao Cao felt much better.
"Let's talk about the tribute." Cao Cao said.
3000 million gold a year is too much, and Cao Cao can't exploit the people because of this. In this way, it is his own reputation that will be damaged.
What he wants is to work hard, not to linger on.
"Your subordinates must do their best," Sima Yi said.
The next day, Sima Yi was sent to the Yangzhou military camp again, and Liu Ke received him warmly.
Unlike the last time, Liu Ke specially hosted a banquet this time.
"Dongyanghou, my lord has agreed to the second condition." Sima Yi said.
Sure enough, a hero is a hero, and he will not be soft at the expense of others' interests.
Sima Yi's expression in this way is to discuss with Liu Ke implicitly. The first condition is whether the negotiation can continue.
This is a simple heuristic.
Seeing that Liu Ke did not strongly resist, Sima Yi continued: "My lord wishes to reduce the tribute to 500 million gold."
"So few? Isn't Cao Cao afraid of my repentance?" Liu Ke said.
Sima Yi didn't know what to say, what if Marquis Dongyang destroyed Yuan Shao and regretted it?
The guarantee of 500 million gold is still too little.
"The Marquis of Dongyang keeps his promises, so we can trust them." Sima Yi complimented, "How about 1000 million gold? The initial payment has been reduced from 5000 million gold to 3000 million gold."
"If you don't go into business, you're really out of talent." Liu Ke said with a smile.
Sima Yi smiled back.
"Okay, I agree to this condition." Liu Ke said.
"Thank you Dongyanghou!" Sima Yi said.
"One more thing." Liu Ke said, "Let Ma Teng go."
Sima Yi was taken aback, but then he came to his senses and said, "It's a trivial matter."
In this way, Liu Ke felt relieved.After all, he had an agreement with Ma Chao. Since he had signed an armistice agreement with Cao Cao, he couldn't ignore Ma Chao's situation.
And Ma Chao's purpose is very simple, which is to rescue his father.
Three days later, Cao Cao and Liu Ke met in Chenliu and signed a secret agreement.
The two of them were silent the whole time.
After the signing was over, Cao Cao sighed, "Marquis Dongyang, you won this time."
"I will win next time." Liu Ke said.
"Marquis of Dongyang, how about taking Your Majesty to Yangzhou? I'm already tired." Cao Cao said.
Is it true or false?
From Cao Cao's expression, he couldn't tell at all.
The reason why Cao Cao can achieve today's achievements is due to the existence of Emperor Xian.
Now he wants to surrender Emperor Xian, this is not an easy matter.
"Meng De doesn't need to test it anymore." Liu Ke said.
"No, I have already lost so many times, I don't want to lose again." Cao Cao said.
Liu Ke ignored it.
Cao Cao let out a long sigh.
After returning to Chenliu, Cao Cao immediately announced that Yuan Shao had betrayed the allied forces and fled back to Jizhou. Cao Cao's army severed ties with Yuan Shao's army.
The reason why Cao Cao is so decisive is because the situation is not optimistic.
"Meng De is acting strange." Liu Ke said.
"My lord, don't take it lightly. I'm afraid Cao Mengde is deceiving you." Zhuge Liang said.
"Show the enemy a weakness?" Liu Ke said.
"I'm afraid that's the case. Cao Cao's heart has always been firm, and he can't give in easily. Next, he needs to hide and let the lord ignore his existence." Zhuge Liang said.
Liu Ke smiled, no matter what, Yangzhou will not stop the pace of development.
As long as you strengthen yourself, no matter what moves the enemy makes, you can deal with them calmly.
"Let Zhang Liao come back." Liu Ke said, since Cao Cao has fulfilled his promise, of course Liu Ke will not go back on his word.
After Zhang Liao received the order, he stopped attacking Luoyang and began to withdraw his troops.
Soon after, Liu Ke also left Chenliu, and the army retreated to Xuzhou.
And Dian Wei also withdrew from Taishan County.
A series of operations shocked the world.
