An agreement is an agreement.
But the reality is different.
Although the non-aggression treaty signed under the auspices of Han Fu clearly stipulated that all parties must return to their respective bases as soon as possible.
But the actual situation is that no one present evacuated first, and everyone stayed and watched.
It's not that we can gain any advantage by waiting and watching, but if our opponent doesn't leave, we don't dare to leave. If we leave early, what opportunity will we miss?
So in the next few days.
Even if nothing happens if they stay around Nangong County, Gongsun Zan and Yuan Shao remain motionless.
But the above situation.
On the morning of the sixth day after the agreement was signed, a complete change occurred.
Gongsun Zan evacuated first!
It's not that he couldn't bear it, but on the night of the fifth day, Xia Houyuan, Cao Cao's general and now the Prime Minister of Dongping, joined Cao Ang with more than ten thousand soldiers and horses.
The addition of this new force.
This makes Cao Ang's troops more than 25,000. If you add Yuan Shao and Han Fu's troops, the strength is a bit exaggerated.
Therefore, he was worried that Cao Ang would take the opportunity to tear up the armistice agreement and take advantage of Xia Houyuan's arrival to catch Gongsun Zan off guard.
Early the next morning after getting the news.
Then he ran away decisively.
A good man doesn't suffer the immediate consequences. Reinforcements have arrived and he is still here. Isn't that just looking for trouble?
As for the general Shan Jing who he sent as the governor of Yanzhou to hinder Cao Cao from leading his troops northward, he really couldn't care less.
If he is still alive, let him stay under Cao Jun's hands first, and then consider rescuing him when he comes back in the future.
This is what is called.
Be patient and patient, avoid the sharp edge for the time being.
…
At this moment, he is in Cao Jun's camp.
Cao Ang met Xiahou Yuan alone, who had rushed hundreds of miles back and forth to get here.
"Uncle, it was a windy and rainy journey, and we arrived here at starry night. Thank you for your hard work!"
While talking.
Cao Ang made tea for Xia Houyuan.
After Xia Houyuan took it with both hands and placed the tea bowl on the table, he then cupped his hands to Cao Ang and said with a generous smile.
"Traveling long distances and crossing mountains and ridges is a very common thing for people in the military, and it really can't be said to be hard at all."
"Besides, a few days ago, I learned that you had led your troops to defeat Gongsun Zan's 20,000 elite cavalry, and killed the famous white-horse general who fled in the face of the wind."
"With such great news, every time I think about it, I feel endlessly energetic. Naturally, I don't even feel tired at all!"
Xia Houyuan can not only fight, but also speak.
These few words are really pleasing to the ears, and it can be said that it greatly increases people's favorability.
After hearing this, Cao Ang's mouth corners involuntarily raised slightly.
But he still spoke humbly.
"My uncle is serious. The reason why Gongsun Bogui was defeated by me this time was because he was careless and underestimated the enemy."
Cao Ang is more humble.
Xia Houyuan wanted to praise him even more.
Facing Cao Ang's explanation, Xia Houyuan gently waved his hand and then sighed in admiration.
"Zixiu, don't be too modest!"
"This Gongsun Bogui is a famous general in the world, and the soldiers under his command are also unstoppable. No matter how careless and underestimated the enemy is, it is definitely not something ordinary people can resist."
"You are now able to defeat a large number with a small number, and you are able to defeat them despite the might of the cavalry. With the ability to march and fight like this, you can be regarded as a famous general in the world."
"Uncle, I dare to say that within a few months, your name will spread all over the country!"
…
Under such high praise from Xia Houyuan.
The conversation between the two parties instantly became warm, and the uncle and nephew were really close!
The strangeness that I hadn't seen for a long time was also washed away in such an atmosphere.
certainly.
After a few polite remarks.
Cao Ang quickly changed the topic to the right track.
"Since my uncle has led his troops here, do you think Shan Jing, who obstructed you along the way, and the thousands of soldiers and horses he led, have been defeated by your uncle?"
I heard Cao Ang ask about this.
Xia Houyuan nodded repeatedly with a smile on his face.
Then the details will be explained.
"After receiving the letter you sent, the prince immediately ordered me to lead the troops north. However, when I was halfway through, I received your second letter, and I knew that there was a single scripture."
"Considering that once they occupy a certain city on the road they must pass through, it will probably not be easy to capture it quickly."
"So I decided to divide my forces at that time. I personally led more than 2,000 cavalry to move in quickly and intercept Shan Jing before he entered Chiping County, Jibei Kingdom."
"How could the incomplete remnants of Shan Jing's army be able to defeat my army? After a struggle, I also captured him alive."
Xia Houyuan is Xia Houyuan.
There is no falsehood in a blitzkrieg.
Once they sense the need for a quick assault, they will adopt such tactics without hesitation.
It is precisely because of acting decisively.
Only then can we capture all the enemy forces before the battle turns into an offensive and defensive battle.
…
Just as Cao Ang was thinking.
Suddenly, I heard Xia Houyuan, who had already reported the military situation, speak about something again.
"Zixiu, originally you said in your second letter that after I defeated the single meridian, I would immediately turn around and there would be no need to come for support."
"It's just that before I set off, Fu Jun asked me to bring you a message. In addition, when I attacked Shanjing, I accidentally captured a few people. I guess they are familiar with you."
"So after many considerations, I simply chose to continue going north to join you. I made the decision without permission. I hope Zixiu won't blame me."
There will definitely be no blame.
After all, Xia Houyuan's arrival will only bring benefits, not disadvantages.
However, unexpected factors did make Cao Ang feel a lot of doubts and surprise when he saw Xia Houyuan for the first time.
Now that Xia Houyuan took the initiative to talk about this matter, it somewhat answered Cao Ang's doubts.
After figuring out the cause and effect.
Cao Ang didn't take it seriously.
He just turned around and asked, "I wonder what my father has to say that requires you to go there in person?"
…
Xia Houyuan did not answer immediately.
Instead, he looked at the map behind Cao Ang, then slightly handed it over, then stood up and came to the map.
"Zixiu, look!"
Xia Houyuan first pointed to Luyang County, which is located in the northeast of Nanyang County in Jingzhou.
Then he paddled all the way to the northeast.
The fingertips finally stopped at Jiaxian County, located in the west of Yingchuan County, Yuzhou, in the middle of the territory.
After connecting these two places in series.
Xia Houyuan then explained to Cao Ang: "According to the reports of many inside spies deployed by our army in Yingchuan County and Nanyang County."
"Yuan Shu, who was originally stationed in Luyang County, made a change in the deployment of troops. This time he did not go south to attack, but increased his troops in batches and entered Yingchuan County. He mobilized more than 10,000 troops in total!"
"Based on the many information about Yuan Shu that our army has collected before, his unusual behavior can definitely be regarded as uncharacteristic."
"Such an abnormal behavior, the emperor dare not look down upon it, so I asked me to tell you."
Cao Ang, who was originally leisurely and listening quietly, became sitting upright after Xia Houyuan finished narrating everything.
There was also a bit more solemnity on his face.
…
Then stood up and came to the map.
Cao Ang supported his chin with one hand, and imitated Xia Houyuan's movements with the other hand, swiping left and right on the map.
After some thought.
Just now, he looked solemn and said in a calm voice: "As my uncle said, this move does go against the norm and enters the boundaries of Yingchuan County. This is not in line with Yuan Shu's strategic intention all along."
"The reason why this person has been staying in Luyang County, Nanyang County is because he wants to take the entire Nanyang County into his pocket, and then swallow up the entire Jingzhou."
"In other words, what he should do is continue to go south and continue to increase troops to the other counties in Jingzhou, instead of going northeast."
"So he must have another agenda for this move!"
Seeing that Cao Ang had come to the same conclusion as himself, Xia Houyuan nodded repeatedly.
But he didn't answer.
Instead, he waited for Cao Ang to continue speaking.
…
Squint your eyes slightly.
After thinking about it for a while again.
Cao Ang gently covered Yingchuan County's position with his palm, and then analyzed in a calm voice.
"Instead of going south, go north. After thinking about it, there are only two possibilities that are more likely."
"One is Yuan Shu, who has given up on capturing Nanyang County and Jingzhou, changed his strategic goal, and switched to swallowing Yingchuan County, thus seizing the entire Yuzhou and becoming the dominant lord occupying one state."
This is entirely possible.
After all, Yuan Shu has been spending a long time in Nanyang County. When Dong Zhuo caused trouble in Luoyang and he escaped from the capital, he was hanging around in Nanyang County.
Later, after participating in the Alliance to Defeat Dong, and after the alliance was disbanded, Yuan Shu returned to Nanyang County, and spent more than a year working hard in Nanyang County.
But it had little effect.
The resistance of the local clan forces in Nanyang County can be said to be extremely tenacious. The four major families of Pang, Huang, Kuai, and Cai are really not immune to this.
In addition, behind Nanyang County, Liu Biao, who was the governor of Jingzhou, was secretly supporting him. Yuan Shu was equivalent to confronting the entire Jingzhou.
Therefore, there has been no progress.
But what we see is that the current situation in the world is undergoing drastic changes. People such as Cao Cao, Yuan Shao, Gongsun Zan and others all occupy a piece of territory.
Then Yuan Shu was in a hurry.
It is reasonable and reasonable to give up the attack on Nanyang County for the time being and instead seize Yuzhou first to have a piece of our own foundation.
But Xia Houyuan had a different view.
…
"Zixiu's words certainly make some sense, but I don't think it's possible."
After making a statement.
Xia Houyuan drew a large circle on the boundaries of Yuzhou, and then focused on the core area of Yuzhou, which is Runan County with the largest area and the largest population.
"As everyone knows, Runan County is one of the top counties in the world, on par with Nanyang County. It is also the top priority of the entire Yuzhou. To win Runan County means to win most of Yuzhou."
"Even though the population and farming in Runan County have been reduced after the Ant Bandit Rebellion, the Yuan family itself is the most powerful family in Runan County, so there is less of an obstacle."
"If I were Yuan Gongdao and my goal was to occupy the entire Yuzhou, I could send troops directly to Runan County. There is no need to send troops to Yingchuan County first. Wouldn't this be superfluous and unnecessary?"
As a well-known general under Cao Wei's forces, Xia Houyuan's level must be beyond doubt.
Therefore, this statement is reasonable and well-founded.
Suddenly heard about it.
Cao Ang also nodded happily.
"Since it is not to seize Yuzhou, the other possibility is undoubtedly much greater."
"Yuan Shu went north to enter the territory of Yingchuan County, and sent more troops to Yingchuan County in batches. Most of them used Yingchuan County as a springboard, and his plot was a certain force located north of Yingchuan County."
…
As soon as this statement came out.
Xia Houyuan's heart skipped a beat.
Suddenly, a bad premonition came to mind.
He looked up at the map and saw the many forces north of Yingchuan County, and then he couldn't help but frown.
"To the north of Yingchuan County, there are Yanzhou in the northeast, the Sili area due north, and the Jizhou area further north. If we talk about Bingzhou after crossing Sili, it should also be considered."
"Zixiu, are you referring to..."
Cao Ang nodded heavily.
Then some markings were made in Chenliu County, Dongjun and Jiyin County in Yanzhou.
"Yes, if my nephew's prediction is correct, Yuan Jiujiu's target is exactly us, and most likely it will be among these three counties!"
Xia Houyuan's eyelids immediately jumped a few times.
His face couldn't help but look ugly.
After all, Yuan Shu was a powerful being, with many soldiers and generals, and plenty of money and food.
No matter who is his enemy, he will inevitably be under tremendous pressure. If Yuan Shu's target is really Yanzhou, then the Cao family will probably have to deal with it with all their strength.
But erring on the side of caution.
Xia Houyuan still asked.
"Zixiu, why do you see this?"
…
Cao Ang reached out and pointed out several places on the map north of Yingchuan County one by one.
"Since the Dong thief's rebellion, the entire Heluo region has fallen into dilapidation. The population and fields have been completely destroyed."
"The same goes for Bingzhou. It is a poor place in itself. In addition, it has been repeatedly attacked by foreign tribes from the north and all kinds of thieves. It is also desolate."
"It is impossible for Yuan Shu to abandon the close Yuzhou for the distant, and instead pursue these two dry places."
These two places are basically eliminated at the first opportunity.
The Heluo area had been destroyed after Dong Zhuo burned Luoyang and fled to Chang'an.
Except for Wang Kuang, the prefect of Hanoi, who was in Hanoi County, no one from the various forces of the alliance against Dong took a fancy to this place. This is enough to prove a lot of things.
As for Bingzhou, it's not much better.
From south to north they are all thieves.
There are Black Bandits and aliens in the north, and there are White Wave Army and small Black Bandits who have been diverted to the south.
Except for Taiyuan as the core place, which can barely accommodate a small force, there is really nothing else.
After removing the two options.
Cao Ang excluded Jizhou again.
"As for Jizhou, it is already in chaos. Besides, Yuan Shu's strength is nothing in Jizhou. Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan are not ordinary people. How can Yuan Shu take advantage?"
"Besides, even if his goal is Jizhou, the distance from Nanyang County to the north is too far."
"A safer way would be to seize a piece of territory from the middle and then plot against Jizhou."
Speaking of which.
Cao Ang took a deep breath.
He immediately turned around and looked outside the tent.
Then in a rather calm tone, he said word for word very calmly: "To sum up, Yuan Jiujiu is probably here for us!"
"As for why he did this, I guess he was angry when he saw that we were too close to Yuan Shao and wanted to teach us a lesson!"
…
That’s it for now.
How could Xia Houyuan keep any luck?
Therefore, his originally slightly ugly complexion has now returned to its original state in an instant, and has returned to calmness and composure.
After all, since the enemy is coming towards you, there is no point in thinking about it.
The top priority should be to respond proactively, with soldiers coming to block it and water coming to cover it up.
As a general in the army, there is no reason to be afraid of war.
Yuan Shu thought that the Cao family was a soft persimmon and wanted to reach out and squeeze it, but he had chosen the wrong opponent!
The Cao family is very tough now!
No matter who dares to put his hand into the territory of the Cao family, into the territory of Yanzhou, which is the basic territory.
Then he should have the consciousness to have his hands chopped off!
Think of this.
Xia Houyuan immediately came to Cao Ang quickly, then bowed slightly to Cao Ang and saluted.
Then he spoke in a deep voice.
"Zixiu, before I came here, the Lord of the Palace once ordered me to join forces with you and obey your orders in all major matters."
"It's just that now that something like this has happened, no matter whether Yuan Jiujiu's purpose is to get involved in Yanzhou or not, this matter cannot be underestimated."
"I'm afraid I have to rush back to the state capital as soon as possible. Firstly, I will report your judgment to the governor. Secondly, if Yuan Shu really comes to fight, I and the more than 10,000 people I lead will be indispensable."
Xia Houyuan said so.
Naturally, he wanted to get Cao Ang's permission.
After all, military orders are like mountains. Cao Cao told him to listen to Cao Ang, so he had to listen.
Unless Cao Ang lets him go home, Xiahou Yuan will not be able to leave without permission for any reason.
…
And after hearing Xia Houyuan's request.
Cao Ang nodded first.
Then, not only did he not act too serious, but he showed a somewhat relaxed smile.
"This is reasonable!"
"Originally, I won the position of Prime Minister of Qinghe Kingdom from Han Fu for Zihe. When I saw my uncle earlier, I thought about asking you to help me. I would like to hold Qinghe Kingdom in my hands first."
"It's just that the planning can't keep up with the changes. Qinghe Kingdom can take over at any time, but Yanzhou itself is more important, so I agreed to my uncle's request."
Speaking of which.
Cao Ang paused for a moment.
Then he waved with a rather impassioned tone and full of heroic ambition.
"Uncle, don't worry too much. Yuan Jiujiu is very powerful, and we are no less powerful!"
"We now dominate a state, and our population, food, and soldiers are all thriving."
"What can the Fourth Generation and the Third Duke do? He has tens of thousands of people? I can't even look at him!"
Perhaps it was with Cao Ang's approval.
Or maybe he was infected by the heroic ambition in his words, and Xia Houyuan couldn't help but become excited.
The tense expression on his face became visibly relaxed, and his heart relaxed a little.
yes!
What could the Fourth Generation and the Three Dukes do? Not to mention Yuan Shu and Yuan Gongli, even Yuan Shao and Yuan Benchu didn't take any advantage in the land of Jizhou?
As long as he can return to Yanzhou, he can cooperate with the soldiers and horses in the state capital, at least tens of thousands of people.
It can be said that I am not afraid at all in a battle with Yuan Shu!
If he dares to come, I dare to fight!
My heart is relaxed.
Xia Houyuan recalled what Cao Ang had just said about the Qinghe Kingdom, and he rarely smiled, and made a gesture of appreciation to Cao Ang.
"Zixiu is a man of literary and military skills, possessing both political integrity and talent. With you busy planning in all directions, it would be difficult for us if we don't want to grow stronger!"
"I will tell Mr. Fu about the affairs of Qinghe Country after I return."
"When the threat posed by Yuan Shu is resolved, we will send someone to assist Zihe and keep him under firm control!"
…
After reaching a consensus on this matter.
The uncle and nephew chatted for a few more words.
Just as Xia Houyuan was about to say goodbye and go down to rest, Cao Ang suddenly remembered something.
"Uncle, you said earlier that you captured a few of my acquaintances when you attacked the Shanjing Department. I wonder who you are referring to?"
I heard Cao Ang mention this.
Xia Houyuan suddenly woke up, slapped his forehead hard with his big hand, and then said apologetically.
"Look at my memory. I was only focused on telling you about Yuan Shu and almost forgot about it!"
"After defeating the thousands of people led by Shan Jing, in addition to capturing Shan Jing alive, there are three other people named Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. They were captured by our army and are now being imprisoned in the army."
"I met these three people when we were in Xingyang County, when the Allied Forces of Defending Dong and Dong joined forces. I remember that you had a very pleasant conversation with them, so I paid more attention to them."
Cao Ang: "..."
Um? ! !
As soon as Xia Houyuan finished speaking, Cao Ang was stunned.
Good guy!
Uncle Miaocai was so awesome, he actually plundered all the three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang in one fell swoop.
He really deserves to be a warrior who can stand on the right side of the mountain.
At this point, Cao Ang understood.
Why was it that after meeting Liu Bei once, there was no sign of the three brothers in the next few days?
It turned out that he was sent by Gongsun Zan to go to Yanzhou to cause trouble with Shan Jing.
It can be considered that these brothers are unlucky. They have never made any achievements while staying under Gongsun Zan.
After finally going on an important field trip, he was used as cannon fodder and even directly became a prisoner.
The gains and losses are in one's own hands. If it were anyone else, it would probably be a shame.
certainly.
Cao Ang still recognized Liu Bei's verbal skills. Even if he fell into the hands of others, he would probably rely on the power of his words to turn the corner.
…
"What my uncle said is true. These three people are indeed my old acquaintances. To tell you the truth, I had a conversation with all three of them just a few days ago."
"And the reason why I knew Gongsun Zan in advance this time and mobilized a large number of troops from the rear was because Liu Bei and Liu Xuande informed him privately."
Listen to what Cao Ang said.
Xia Houyuan didn't take it seriously yet.
I was immediately in awe.
After going around half a circle, it turned out that it was one of our own. Fortunately, I had a good memory and didn't do anything to the three brothers.
Otherwise, how could we be so complacent?
"I didn't expect it to be three righteous men. I will release them later."
In response, Cao Ang shook his head.
With a rather expectant smile on his face, he said: "I'll go there in person later, so I won't bother you uncle. It just so happens that I have some things to explain to them."
I have something to explain, that’s the next thing.
The main thing is that I want to see with my own eyes what the three rumored martial arts heroes Liu, Guan, and Zhang looked like when they were tied up and locked up in a military camp.
A little bit of bad fun!
However, when he mentioned his great martial arts, doubts arose in Cao Ang's mind, and he couldn't help but ask Xiahou Yuandao.
"Uncle, as far as I know, Liu Bei and Liu Xuande's two sworn brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, are both heroes. I wonder how they were captured?"
…
Xia Houyuan recalled it for a while.
Then slowly tell the cause and effect.
"Just as you said, Zixiu, the red-faced, long-bearded man and the dark-faced, muscular man are both powerful men with extraordinary martial arts skills."
"If they just want to escape, it will be really difficult to capture them alive."
"It's just that the enemy general Shan Jing was captured first, and Liu Bei and Liu Xuande were trapped in a tight siege to save Shan Jing. His two sworn brothers could have left, but in order to save his brother, they had to fight back again."
"Manpower is sometimes poor. No matter how good Guan and Zhang are in fighting, how can they be able to defeat thousands of troops? Moreover, I saw that they did not make a killing move when they fought with our army, so it is only a matter of time before they are captured by mistake."
It's very consistent with my guess.
This made Cao Ang couldn't help but nodded.
It was indeed Liu Bei and Liu Xuande, although it was not clear that he rescued Shan Jing because of the benevolence and righteousness in his heart.
Or did he want to save this general so that he could make a huge contribution under Gongsun Zan.
But anyway he turned around.
And Guan and Zhang really lived up to their brotherhood. Even though they knew that they were almost likely to fall into a tight siege, they rushed into the crowd without hesitation and rescued Liu Bei.
One of them caught Cao Ang's attention.
That's what Xia Houyuan said. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei did not kill Cao Jun when they fought.
I think this is mostly for my own sake.
good!
Human beings are indeed a wonderful existence!
…
After asking where the three brothers Liu, Guan, and Zhang were imprisoned, Xia Houyuan immediately said goodbye to Cao Ang and left.
Looking at Uncle Miaocai's retreating back.
Cao Ang looked up at the sky.
Then the corners of his mouth raised slightly, revealing a chilling sneer.
There was even more cold murderous intent in his eyes. If anyone looked at Cao Ang at this moment, they would probably shiver involuntarily.
"Yuan Shu and Yuan Gongli, you are seeking death!"
Cao Ang knew one thing.
That was Yuan Shu's march north. It was not a temporary move. The reason why he chose this time was because there were people in the north who responded to him.
The responders were none other than Sui Gu and three other people mentioned by Zhang Rao, the commander of the Yellow Turban Army, who were the little Black Mountain bandits who branched off from the Black Mountain Bandits.
It is precisely because of the connection between Sui Gu and others.
This boosted Yuan Shu's confidence.
That's why he dared to do such a thing.
If you think about it this way, then I am afraid that the small group of three people, Bai Rao, Yu Du and Sui Gu, will also launch an attack on their territory in the near future.
It seems it's time to make some preparations.
snort!
Think about this.
Cao Ang couldn't help but sneer.
Once you come, don't leave.
I'll kill every one of these bastards like this, and East County is where your bones will be buried!
…
After a while, thoughts raced in my mind.
Cao Ang didn't bother to think about it anymore.
He immediately got up and left the camp, heading towards the place where Liu, Guan, and Zhang were imprisoned as Xia Houyuan had said before.
This wave of Liu Bei and three others fell into his hands.
In fact, it's just right.
It just so happens that they are of some use, it's just a coincidence!
…
Monthly ticket recommendation ticket
(End of chapter)
