Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

When the two sides were deadlocked and neither could successfully persuade the other, Xiao He suddenly came up with a rather bold and risky idea. However, this method could only be entrusted to Cao Shen to implement. As for other people, Xiao He really couldn't feel at ease to hand over such an important task to others.

"You actually want me to lead the army alone to garrison Zhentuo?"

Cao Shen looked at Xiao He with sharp eyes, as if he could see through his innermost thoughts. Xiao He knew Cao Shen's character and ability very well, and Cao Shen knew Xiao He very well. At this moment, seeing Xiao He's slightly embarrassed expression, combined with the current complicated situation, Cao Shen immediately understood that this method might really be the key to resolving the difficulties they were facing.

The process of retaking the Zhentuo area did not consume too much manpower, and the Zhentuo area was successfully retaken, and many people took the initiative to surrender to Gao Yao. Although it seems calm on the surface, facing the upcoming imperial army, these people may have second thoughts and may even rebel again. Therefore, the most appropriate approach is to select a capable general to go to the Zhentuo area to stabilize the people's hearts and prevent unexpected situations.

The general who was sent to guard the area had to meet two important conditions: first, he had to be loyal to Gao Yao and must not easily change his position and become an enemy of his original camp upon hearing the imperial army's words of surrender; second, he had to have a very high prestige in the southern border area. Only in this way could he suppress those who might be ready to make a move. Otherwise, the army would lose its morale before even a battle was fought.

The reason why Xiao He was reluctant to speak out was because this mission was extremely dangerous. If he was not careful, it would be very likely that the Zhentuo area would be completely besieged by the imperial army and fall into an irretrievable situation.

"Now that things have come to this, it seems that this is the only way to proceed. Fifty thousand troops should be enough!" Cao Shen said solemnly.

"Okay, but..." When Xiao He heard the number reported by Cao Shen, he did not hesitate at all, but deep down he was still worried about Cao Shen's safety, and even secretly wondered whether he had any grudges in his heart.

Cao Shen's eyes were wide open, staring at Xiao He, and he shouted loudly: "Xiao He, Xiao He, do you think you are the only one who is loyal to the lord? I, Cao Shen, have been loved and trusted by the lord over the years, and the treatment I have received is no less than yours. Even if I sacrifice my life for the lord, so what!" His words were loud and clear, as if he wanted to pour out all the passion in his heart.

At this moment, Cao Shen's face showed no worry or fear, and his resolute gaze seemed to be able to penetrate all difficulties and obstacles. Speaking of his loyalty to Gao Yao, Cao Shen was absolutely devoted and devoted. Although Gao Yao entrusted many affairs in the rear to Xiao He, it did not mean that Gao Yao did not value Cao Shen. From the moment Gao Yao set out on the journey to the southern border, Cao Shen had always shouldered the responsibility of commanding all the troops under Gao Yao.

Throughout history, no monarch has ever handed over all military power to one person. The reason is obvious. Trust is one thing, but handing over all military power is another. There is an essential difference between the two. Cao Shen was valued as much as Xiao He. Faced with such a heavy trust, Cao Shen did not hesitate for both public and private reasons.

Listening to Cao Shen's words, Xiao He also showed a look of shame on his face, "Okay, the military situation is urgent, and there is no time to lose. We must set off as soon as possible tomorrow morning. Tonight, let me hold a farewell banquet for you!"

The night was covering the earth, and the stars were twinkling in the sky. Cao Shen and Xiao He got together again and drank happily. After three rounds of wine and five dishes, their faces were flushed, and their words were full of lofty ambitions and concerns about the future situation.

Finally, Cao Shen was too drunk to handle the alcohol, and with the careful support of his subordinates, he staggered out of Xiao He's residence. He looked back at the brightly lit gate, thinking to himself: This operation is full of dangers, but if it succeeds, it means that Gao Yao will soon start his grand plan to swallow up the world. Now, the battle between the Qin Empire and the King of Qin has become weak. Once the Qin Empire is defeated, those who curry favor with the powerful will surely come like a tide and join Gao Yao.

Just as Xiao He was about to go back to his room to rest, a servant came running in and reported: "Sir, there is a man outside the door who wants to see you. He claims to be your old friend, named Dou Guan."

Xiao He was already exhausted, and now he was even more unwilling to see the guest. He waved his hand and said, "No, I'm tired today. Let him come another day."

However, when he heard the name Dou Guan, he could not help but be stunned. Dou Guan... this name seemed to have some special magic, evoking his long-lost memories.

Xiao He hesitated for a moment and asked, "Where is the person now?"

The servant quickly replied, "Still waiting outside the mansion."

Xiao He thought for a moment, then said, "Well... please invite him into the mansion, I'll go change my clothes first." The servant agreed and turned to leave.

Xiao He walked into the room quickly and changed into neat clothes. He adjusted his hair in front of the mirror, took a deep breath, walked out of the room slowly, and headed towards the living room. Along the way, he felt very complicated, wondering why this old friend who he hadn't seen for many years came here.

Dou Guan was Xiao He's old friend! Their friendship could be traced back to the time in Pei County. At the beginning, the two hit it off as soon as they met and soon formed a deep friendship.

Dou Guan was an ordinary scholar-official, but he had a keen eye for talent and extraordinary courage. When he communicated with Xiao He, he was deeply impressed by Xiao He's talent and couldn't help but sigh in his heart: It would be a pity if such a great talent could not serve as an official in the court and realize his ambitions. So Dou Guan resolutely decided to recommend Xiao He to serve in the court and even willingly vouched for him.

However, despite Dou Guan's sincere heart, Xiao He did not accept his kind recommendation in the end. But even so, Xiao He still remembered this friendship in his heart. After all, in the Qin Dynasty at that time, it was a rare and precious thing for someone to recommend others regardless of his own safety.

If Xiao He did not perform well in the future, Dou Guan, as the recommender, would be implicated. In the least serious case, he might lose his official position; in the most serious case, he might even lose his life. Therefore, ordinary scholars and officials would not dare to recommend talents casually, but Dou Guan was willing to take this risk, which shows how much he valued Xiao He and the deep affection between the two. How could Xiao He forget such a favor?

This is exactly why Xiao He insisted on meeting him even though he was a little drunk. Not long after, Dou Guan entered Xiao He's residence under the guidance of his attendants. When Xiao He saw that the visitor was Dou Guan, he immediately greeted him with a smile on his face, tightly held Dou Guan's hands, and said in an affectionate tone: "Mr. Dou Guan, we haven't seen each other for a long time! These days, I have been thinking about you day and night!"

Dou Guan laughed loudly upon hearing this and responded, "Hahahaha... Lord Xiao, you are too kind. It is an honor for me to be remembered by you. Back then, I had asserted that you, Xiao He, were no ordinary person. Seeing you today, it is indeed true! Now you hold the military and political power of the southern border. You are extremely powerful in this world. Although it is slightly different from what I originally imagined, you are still a rare and unparalleled talent in the world!"

Hearing this compliment, Xiao He also laughed heartily, waving his hands and saying, "Hahahaha...Mr. Dou Guan, thank you for the compliment! Come on, please take a seat, please take a seat!"

Just by listening to Dou Guan's few words, Xiao He's heart was moved. With his keen insight and years of experience, he had roughly guessed Dou Guan's intention of visiting him this time. But Xiao He did not show it. He still enthusiastically invited Dou Guan into the main hall, arranged for him to sit down, and ordered the servants to serve fragrant tea and delicious snacks without hesitation.

At this time, Xiao He's mansion was the same as Gao Yao's mansion. The original documents were no longer there. Instead, there were stools and tables, but they were all very exquisitely designed.

After all, he followed Gao Yao for a long time, and naturally he would get closer to Gao Yao in all aspects, including his living habits.

"It must have been very difficult for Mr. Dou Guan to come to the Southern Territory. The world is in chaos now, and it must have been a difficult journey for you to get here. Now that you have arrived in the Southern Territory, I naturally have to fulfill my duties as a host. How about this, it's too late today, so I will welcome you at the restaurant tomorrow, and have someone take you to see the scenery of the Southern Territory, how about that?"

"Thank you, Master Xiao He, but..."

"Sir, just call me by my name, no need to be so polite."

"Well... well, actually I came here because someone asked me to do so." After listening to Xiao He's enthusiastic speech, Dou Guan hesitated for a moment and then directly stated the purpose of his visit.

"Oh? But you can tell me."

"Xiao He, the court is now enfeoffing the kings. In fact, I am here on behalf of the court this time." When Dou Guan said this, there was a hint of desolation in his words. It was obvious that he was somewhat dissatisfied with the current court, but he had no choice but to serve his own master.

Listening to Dou Guan's words, Xiao He was not surprised. He came here from Pei County during such a chaotic time. Dou Guan was already over fifty years old. At that time in the Qin Dynasty, people over fifty could call themselves old men. Xiao He did not believe that Dou Guan could arrive here smoothly without any intention. He just did not say it directly.

"Mr. Xiao has also said that everyone serves his own master. You can speak your mind. No matter what, please rest assured that Mr. Xiao has done me a favor and Xiao He will not harm you."

"Well, I'll be frank. Your Majesty is willing to agree to your request. If you are willing to understand the situation and surrender to the court, Your Majesty is willing to confer the title of King of Yue on you, and control the southern border, including the central Fujian area!"