"What did you say?!!!"
"You mean to say that the 20,000 elite cavalry sent by Gongsun Zan to attack Cao's army not only failed to achieve any success, but were killed and defeated, fled in all directions, were chased for more than ten miles, and ended up losing thousands of people?"
"I ask you again, is what you said true? Is there any lies in it?"
Yuan Jun is in the main camp.
Yuan Shao, who had finished the stalemate with Gongsun Zan, was dumbfounded at the moment, looking at the soldiers in front of him who were bowing to him and reporting the news.
Facing the doubts of his own coach.
The soldier did not dare to neglect and hurriedly reported everything he had seen before.
"The villain would never dare to deceive the Lord. I have witnessed all of the above with my own eyes, and there are many colleagues who accompanied the villain as proof."
"We did indeed see Cao's cavalry chasing Youzhou cavalry in the wilderness and killing them all the way, but those being chased did not dare to fight back at all."
"We abandoned our armor all the way and didn't stop until we fled back to Gongsun's army's garrison."
"According to the subsequent investigation by the villain and others, in the Cao Army camp located on the first battlefield, a large number of Cao Army soldiers were collecting trophies, including countless war horses and a large number of Gongsun Army surrendered soldiers."
After once again getting the exact answer.
Yuan Shao was dumbfounded.
His eyes were as wide as bells, and his mouth was so wide that he could even fit a fist into it.
The emotions of shock and horror instantly knocked him out of his mind.
The thoughts in his mind seemed to be smashed to pieces at this moment.
How did Cao Ang win?
…
certainly.
It’s not that winning is bad.
Yuan Shao and Cao Ang are both allies, and Gongsun Zan is the common enemy of both parties at this stage.
Cao Ang's victory over the Youzhou cavalry was definitely a happy event for Yuan Shao.
After all, Cao Ang's victory meant that their side had won a complete victory in this joint battle involving several forces.
At the same time, Gongsun Zan's cavalry suffered huge losses, and the fighting will and morale of his army also suffered an indelible negative impact.
If he had to fight Gongsun Zan again in the future.
Yuan Shao asked himself whether he could change the situation of being suppressed in the past and enter the advantageous stage.
So anyway.
Cao Ang's ability to brutally kill Gongsun Zan and perform this wave of defiant maneuvers undoubtedly put a huge pressure on Yuan Shao, giving him more confidence and certainty in the fight for Jizhou.
But there was only one thing Yuan Shao couldn't figure out.
How did Yu Cao Ang win?
There are less than 15,000 infantry and cavalry mixed, of which there are only about 2,000 cavalry.
May I ask how you managed to beat the 20,000 elite cavalrymen, who were fully equipped and in full condition, to the point where they were running away, causing heavy losses?
Even before the war, Cao Ang made a lot of preparations and even borrowed hundreds of crossbows from himself.
But this is not enough to erase the gap in absolute strength between the two sides, right?
…
According to Yuan Shao's estimate.
Cao Ang was calculated mentally but not intentionally, but he had an irreversible disadvantage in terms of strength. In this battle of foot and cavalry confrontation, the best outcome would be a draw between the two sides.
At the cost of losing some men and horses.
Offset Gongsun Zan's offensive.
Being able to do this is quite remarkable, and it can be said that Cao Ang is a famous general.
Especially after he decided to postpone supporting Cao Ang and ordered Yan Liang to stand by on the flanks. Later, because he was held back by Gongsun Zan, standing by turned into completely giving up on Cao Ang.
Cao Jun is even less likely to fight to the death with Gongsun Jun and turn his disadvantage into an advantage.
However, the outcome of the matter was beyond Yuan Shao's expectation. How could he not be shocked!
Although I don’t know what kind of tactics Cao Ang adopted, and what state the generals and soldiers of both sides were in at that time.
But a win is a win.
Think of this.
Yuan Shao silently looked towards the direction of Cao Jun, a complicated look flashed in his eyes.
Could it be that this boy Cao Zixiu is really a famous general who is rare to see in this world for many years?
I had previously heard that he defeated more with less and defeated more than 60,000 Yellow Turban bandits with thousands of soldiers in Linqiu County. His fame shocked the entire Yanzhou land.
I didn't take it seriously at the time.
I just think that this guy Cao Ang is a talent.
After all, fighting the refugees and fighting the regular army are two completely different concepts. Crazy ravaging and bullying of the refugee bandits does not prove how powerful they are.
But today.
All this must change.
Gongsun Zan was originally famous for his military force, and the cavalry under his command were even more ace troops. They had been roaming the northern border for many years without encountering an enemy.
However, Cao Ang was able to hang him with a hammer.
Doesn't this prove that Cao Ang is better than Gongsun Zan in terms of marching and fighting, commanding strategies, etc.?
Good guy!
Could it be that after a few hundred years, our Han Dynasty produced another champion? !
…
While Yuan Shao was thinking.
Suddenly there was a rush of footsteps outside the tent.
Then he saw the bodyguard lifting half of the camp curtain and leaning in to report to Yuan Shao.
"Master Fu, Cao Jun sent a message saying that General Cao has invited you to discuss matters!"
As soon as this statement came out.
Before Yuan Shao had time to speak, everyone on the left and right became angry.
"What are you talking about? Cao Zixiu is the junior of the prince. He should be the one to come to us for ordinary discussions. There is no reason for the prince to be condescending!"
"What a good Cao Zixiu. Could it be that he was lucky enough to win a battle and now he feels that he is invincible and does not take the heroes of the world seriously?"
"Where is the messenger who came to deliver the message? Let him go back quickly to deliver the message and ask General Cao to come here!"
Everyone said something to me.
Yuan Shao didn't react as much as they did, but these civil servants and generals were anxious first.
among the crowd.
Only Xu You and Xu Ziyuan were shaking their heads and smiling without saying a word, looking quite proud.
snort!
Lord, if you don't listen to my words, you are actually blinding your eyes from seeing Mount Tai. If you had listened to my words, how could we be in the current situation?
certainly.
Xu You only thought in his heart and did not say it out loud. After all, Yuan Shao was probably not in a good mood at the moment. He jumped out just to feel uncomfortable.
…
"Okay, everyone, shut up!"
Just as Xu You expected, Yuan Shao shouted angrily, which immediately caused the people in the tent to close their mouths, fearing not to speak any more.
Then Yuan Shao raised his hand and signaled the soldiers to exit first and wait until the curtain of the camp was lowered again.
Yuan Shaocai leaned back.
Then he coldly snorted with an unhappy face: "What a noisy scene, why did Cao Zixiu act like this? If I don't tell you, don't you understand?"
Yuan Shao is now full of regret.
In fact, to put it bluntly.
Before the results of the battle report from Cao Ang came out, he had always been a little lucky in his heart.
After all, in Yuan Shao's view, it was precisely because he stabbed Cao Ang in the back that his troops outnumbered the troops invested by Gongsun Zan.
That's why.
In the previous battle with Gongsun Zan, the enemy army was able to maintain restraint and did not fight bravely with him, thus preserving its own strength.
However, now that the battle situation has come out.
Cao Ang won a great victory without the support of his army of more than ten thousand, so didn't Yuan Shao just turn into a clown?
If he betrays his trust and betrays his allies, and nothing happens to his allies, then it will be his turn to be troubled.
What's more, now Cao Ang has defeated Gongsun Zan, proving his own strength.
So on the battlefield in Nangong County, if Yuan Shao wants to completely drive Gongsun Zan back to Youzhou, he must rely on the strong combat effectiveness of Cao's army.
Cao Zixiu can't afford to offend him now!
Therefore, when faced with Cao Ang's rude invitation, Yuan Shao fired at his subordinates instead of yelling back angrily.
…
After some scolding from Yuan Shao.
Everyone standing in the tent looked at each other, and several people on the left and right looked at each other.
One of them immediately stood out from the crowd.
It was Fengji who had previously advocated giving up Cao Ang and asking Yuan Shao not to divide his troops and maintain his own combat effectiveness.
This person just stood out from the crowd.
Without saying a word, he bowed down to Yuan Shao and performed a great courtesy.
Then he said with a tone full of sorrow and self-blame: "The Lord humiliated his ministers to death, and the Lord was humiliated by Cao Zixiu today. It is really the fault of his subordinates!"
"If I hadn't made unclear suggestions and made wrong plans, how could I have ended up in this situation?"
"I am willing to take full responsibility for this incident, and I hope you will be severely punished!"
If you don't stand up and take the blame when the record comes, you will take the blame.
Then Yuan Shao will definitely cause trouble for him.
After all, the wise and powerful Yuan Fujun would never make a mistake. He only made such a fallacious decision because he mistakenly believed what others said.
But now that Fengji has stood up.
Yuan Shao had no choice.
If we really punish this guy, it will appear that he has no tolerance for others. Who will dare to give him advice in the future?
So, after a few seconds of slight hesitation.
Yuan Shao could only let out a long sigh, and then said to Feng Ji in a friendly manner: "The strategy Yuan Tu proposed before was based on experience. This matter is definitely not your fault!"
"Besides, our army and Cao's army are allies. It is reasonable and reasonable to visit each other and discuss each other's needs. How can we start talking about being humiliated?"
"So please get up quickly!"
Feng Ji is not too pretentious.
After getting Yuan Shao's approval, he bowed his hands and returned to his original position.
But if someone could observe it, they would find a proud smile on Feng Ji's face that was half facing the ground.
I have been with Yuan Shao for so long.
Still don’t understand his temper?
Fortunately, he had reacted quickly and stood up quickly, otherwise even if he was not troubled by Yuan Shao, he would have suffered a lot because of the criticism from Xu You and others.
…………
The sun sets in the west and the sky gradually becomes dark.
At this moment, Cao Ang was in the camp, looking through the documents on the table under the light of candlelight.
Until someone comes to report.
"General, Lord Yuan is here!"
After hearing this, Cao Ang paused while holding the brush, but quickly returned to its original state.
"Invite people in!"
He held enough shelves, not only did he not go out to greet him, but he didn't even stop what he was doing.
Those who didn't know better thought that Yuan Shao was here to visit a big boss in the army and a famous figure in the court.
But to act, you have to do the whole thing.
Without such a performance, how to let Yuan Shao know that he is angry?
Children who cry are given milk, and the same goes for children who are noisy. If he smiles and pretends that nothing is wrong, then Yuan Shao will just brush it off.
Wouldn’t that be a waste of money?
So we must make a fuss!
Not long after.
Along with the sound of slightly heavy footsteps, the familiar face of Yuan Jiaguizi appeared in front of Cao Ang.
Just showed up.
Before Cao Ang could stand up, Yuan Shao took the initiative to take a few steps forward, and then said loudly with a sigh in his heart.
"Zixiu, I'm here to apologize for you!"
Cao Ang: "?"
…
It is naturally impossible for Yuan Shao to carry thorns on his back.
But his attitude is indeed very upright, and there is no trace of high posture in him.
Dayou's attitude of admitting when he made a mistake and standing upright after being beaten is very impeccable.
See this situation.
Cao Ang could only curl his lips secretly, then stood up and saluted Yuan Shao in return.
"There's no need to apologize for it. After all, you taught my nephew a good lesson today. It showed me what it means to be a hero, and he must be ruthless and vicious."
"Not only should my nephew not blame his uncle, but he should also thank you very much!"
Listening to this tone full of yin and yang.
Yuan Shao also seemed a little embarrassed.
His face was astringent and dull, his face was twitching one after another, and his whole person felt like he was ashamed of himself.
After doing this for a while.
Yuan Shaofang coughed dryly, then bowed his hand to Cao Ang and apologized.
"My dear nephew, you have wronged me. How can I be such a cruel and vicious uncle?"
"It was not because I refused to send troops to support you, but it was because Gongsun Zan was holding me back. In addition to sending thousands of troops to Han Fu, he also removed everyone under his command to intercept me."
"If Gongsun Jun hadn't bitten too hard, my general Yan Liang would have led more than 10,000 people to rescue you. How could this have happened!"
"If my nephew doesn't believe me, you can send someone to inquire about it, and you will know that what I say is true."
…
"laugh!"
Facing Yuan Shao's seemingly sincere words, Cao Ang sneered shamelessly.
Then he turned around and sat back in front of the desk.
Then he said lightly.
"Well, since uncle said so, I won't argue with you, just treat it as if you have no choice."
"It's just that tomorrow I will order the army to withdraw from the stronghold and return. Please forgive me for not getting involved in this mess between you and Gongsun Zan."
Speaking of which.
Cao Ang's eyes rolled around.
Then he mocked in an understatement: "My uncle is very resourceful. Gongsun Bogui is just a reckless soldier. How can he defeat you?"
"I think without my help, his so-called Youzhou Army would have been defeated by you in the end."
"In this case, it's better for me to leave immediately, lest you win in the future, and instead let me kill the donkey, and the rabbit will die and the dog will be cooked."
"Then wouldn't I die unjustly?!"
This is a bit harsh to say.
Frankly speaking, Yuan Shao's behavior of backstabbing his allies may turn into backstabbing in the future, and he may even kill his own people after seizing the fruits of victory.
Yuan Shao became anxious upon hearing this.
"Zixiu, how could I have such intentions!"
…
Yuan Shao must not be in a hurry.
If he just scolded him, Yuan Shao, who had been prepared for it for a long time, would not have any feelings because of it. He would just endure the humiliation and do it in his face.
The key lies in the second half of Cao Ang's words.
This guy is ready to go!
Is this okay?
Don't look at it. Gongsun Zan suffered a huge defeat today, losing thousands of troops and horses, and the cavalry was even beaten to a pulp.
But to be honest, the injury wasn't too serious.
Gongsun's army still has the strength to fight!
Moreover, this victory was won by Cao Ang alone and had nothing to do with Yuan Shao.
The Youzhou cavalry is afraid of Cao Ang and Cao Zixiu, but not Yuan Benchu.
Once Cao Ang really leads his troops to leave Nangong County, Yuan Shao will be in trouble and will continue to fall into the same headwind situation as before, being suppressed by Gongsun Zan.
So Cao Ang can't leave now!
Even if he wants to leave, he has to wait until his side has completely overwhelmed Gongsun Zan and can maintain the advantage in subsequent battles.
Therefore, in the face of Cao Ang's resolute attitude.
After Yuan Shao expressed his position loudly.
He quickly tried his best to persuade me.
…
"Zixiu, you absolutely cannot do this!"
"Uncle knows that you have resentment in your heart, but this matter is indeed not my fault. It is entirely because Gongsun Zan understood my purpose, so he sent a large army to surround me."
"I am full of ambition but not strong enough!"
Know it with reason, move it with emotion.
However, Cao Ang's face was still like an ancient well, motionless and unchanging.
This made Yuan Shao's eyes flash with disappointment.
But now is not the time to be discouraged.
So after a little encouragement, Yuan Shao continued to persuade him.
"Zixiu, blindly acted out of resentment. This is not what a wise man would do. If you do this, you will only benefit Gongsun Zan, and you and I will suffer nothing!"
"After all the negotiations we have gone through before, coupled with today's thrilling battle, if you just leave, won't all your previous efforts be wasted?"
Faced with Yuan Shao's sincere words.
Cao Ang can't get enough oil and salt.
Instead, he laughed "Hey".
He said in a leisurely tone: "To be honest with my uncle, in fact, who will win in this huge Jizhou, and what does it have to do with me?"
"Even if Gongsun Zan is allowed to go, it's not a big deal after thinking about it. Could it be that he still dares to send troops to seize Wei County, which is already under my control?"
"Just give it to him!"
…
Yuan Shao was numb.
All he felt now was a splitting headache.
I regret extremely much that I listened to Feng Ji's advice and made that wrong decision.
Even Yuan Shao now has the urge to rush back on his horse and give Feng Ji a violent beating.
You talk too much!
However, after pondering for a while, Yuan Shao found a breakthrough.
There is a cutting point in Cao Ang's words!
After sorting out his words in his mind, Yuan Shao deliberately put on an exaggerated expression and threatened loudly.
"Dare, why doesn't he dare?!"
"Is this the first time for you to know what kind of person Gongsun Bogui is, Zixiu?"
"Now that he has lost to you, he will definitely not dare to take over Wei County. But if he takes over the entire Jizhou, then considering today's big defeat, he will definitely settle old scores."
"Thousands of elite cavalry, and a large number of war horses were captured by you. This is definitely the biggest shame in Gongsun Bogui's life. Can he forget this grudge?"
"Zixiu, think carefully about this!"
Cao Ang's face relaxed for the first time.
…
It has to be said that after several years of experience, Cao Ang's acting skills are getting better and better.
Even though he originally wanted to reconcile with Yuan Shao, after such a deduction, he was able to fool Yuan Benchu.
I really thought he was going to leave in a fit of anger.
And now this loosened look is even more realistic, which makes Yuan Shao very pleased.
I just felt that my efforts were not in vain, and I became more confident in persuading Cao Ang.
In line with the principle of striking while the iron is hot.
Yuan Shao continued: "Zixiu, we will continue to cooperate sincerely as before, and I also promise that nothing like today will happen again in the future!"
"You and I will join hands and work together to drive Gongsun Zan out of Jizhou, and even capture the counties in Youzhou that he occupied."
"As long as this thing can be accomplished, I will never regret the ownership of Qinghe Country that I promised!"
Cao Ang raised his head and glanced at Yuan Shao.
His fingers tapped lightly on the table, making a rhythmic "tuk-tuk" sound.
It seemed like it was beating on Yuan Shao's heart.
After a long while.
Cao Ang revealed the words that made Yuan Shao feel relieved.
…
"Okay, I will trust my uncle again!"
"It's just that in the future, if something like today happens again, I will change my mind and lead my troops to leave immediately, and I will never stop at all!"
Yuan Shaozuo nodded repeatedly.
But before he could say anything.
Cao Ang mentioned something casually again.
"By the way, uncle, I'm afraid I won't be able to return the hundreds of crossbows you temporarily lent me to you for a while, and I'll need to borrow them for a while longer."
"After all, Gongsun Zan's threat has not been eliminated yet. He may raise troops to attack me again at any time. Only by keeping the crossbows that still threaten him can we ensure that everything is safe."
Yuan Shao: "..."
What a long-term loan, it’s clear that I don’t intend to pay it back!
This kid!
Sure enough, it was still the Cao Zixiu he was familiar with.
The geese are plucking their hair!
What was plucked was the most precious hair.
Yuan Shao felt a little sad. After all, hundreds of bows and crossbows were definitely a huge asset.
It is impossible for ordinary small and medium-sized forces to have such a large inventory. Having hundreds of powerful crossbows can be said to be full of martial virtue.
These are all accumulated bit by bit based on his profound knowledge.
If it was taken away by Cao Ang.
Even Yuan Shao himself didn't have much left.
…
But so what.
Does he have room to say no?
I have said all kinds of good things and made a low profile in the past. If you chicken out at the last level, all your efforts will be in vain.
Besides, hundreds of strong crossbows are valuable.
But compared with winning Jizhou, it is far from comparable.
Think about this.
Yuan Shao silently recited a few words "For Jizhou" in his heart, then gritted his teeth, nodded and forced a smile.
"Zixiu is out of sight now. Between you and my uncle and nephew, there is no question of borrowing or not borrowing."
"As I said, those hundreds of powerful crossbows are all given to you now, and there is no need to return them!"
Cao Ang laughed immediately.
He bowed his hand to Yuan Shao.
"Then my nephew, I would like to thank my uncle for the generous gift!"
The guests and hosts enjoy themselves.
So far.
Yuan Shao's backstabbing of his ally was a turning point.
…
(End of chapter)
