After leaving the Sikong Mansion, Cao Zhang told Xiahou Shang and Xia Houru to go back first to make preparations before departure. He went straight back to the mansion and ordered his subordinates to quickly summon all his subordinates.
Not long after, Xu Shu, Sima Lang, Xiahou Ba, Xu Huang and Li Jin all gathered in the hall.
"Everyone, I just came back from Sikong Mansion. According to the military intelligence report, Li Jue has raised 50,000 troops and rushed to Luoyang. I have issued a military order to my father and led 10,000 troops to fight against the enemy. I have a deadline of 100 days to regain Chang'an and attack the enemy. Kill Li Jue!"
Cao Zhang calmly announced the results of the upcoming expedition to everyone.
Everyone was shocked when they heard Cao Zhang's words. Even Xu Shu, who had foreseen that he would go to war, changed his face slightly. After all, the news came too fast, much earlier than he expected.
"Ziwen, we only have 10,000 troops at our headquarters and 50,000 against others. We still need to recover Chang'an within a hundred days. You are exaggerating too much in Haikou. Can you do it?" Xiahou Ba asked worriedly.
Cao Zhang responded with a serious face: "There is nothing that can't be done, it must be done! This is the first battle in which I lead the troops alone. If I don't make a name for myself, how can I gain military merit and reputation?!"
"What I want is to defeat more with less, strike with thunder, and become famous in one battle. I want everyone in the world to know how powerful I, Cao Zhang, am!" Cao Zhang categorically expressed his determination to win!
"My lord is right, this is our first battle, we must build up our reputation and momentum!" Xu Shu echoed Cao Zhang's words.
"Okay, since you have confidence, we will follow your lead, obey your orders, and strive for victory with all our strength!" Seeing Cao Zhang and Xu Shu saying this, Xiahou Ba also aroused his pride and agreed loudly.
Xu Huang also took a step forward: "The last general is willing to be the vanguard and kill the enemy!"
Cao Zhang looked at the two men and nodded with satisfaction and smiled: "Zhongquan, Gongming, it's a good thing that you are high-spirited, but there is no need to rush. Go back to the military camp to reorganize the troops and horses, arrange food and fodder, and prepare ordnance!"
"Since we are going all out to win this battle, all logistics guarantees must be sufficient and complete, and there must be no negligence! I will give you ten days to prepare, and we will set off on time after ten days!" Cao Zhang gave the order to the two of them.
"Ten days?" Xiahou Ba's eyes widened in shock, "Ziwen, didn't we set a military order to defeat the enemy in 100 days, so it only takes ten days to prepare ordnance supplies? Isn't it too long!?"
"If you sharpen your sword before chopping firewood, and prepare well in advance, you will not be stretched thin during the battle. Don't be afraid!" Cao Zhang responded confidently.
"Gongming, make a big banner specifically and write the four characters 'Defeat the enemy and win'! You should also spread the date of our expedition. I want to make a big splash and let everyone in Xudu know that the day when I, Cao Zhang, leads the army, You need to build up your momentum! Go!" Cao Zhang ordered Xu Huang.
"Here!" Xu Huang and Xiahou Ba took the order together, turned around and walked out.
"Ji Ji, how is your injury?" Cao Zhang turned to Li Jin and asked.
Li Jin twisted his arm several times and waved his injured arm to show Cao Zhang that there was no problem with his body.
Cao Zhang issued an order to Li Jin: "Okay, Ji Ji, I will give you a privilege. You are allowed to select one hundred people from the troops of the headquarters. Those who are skilled and loyal enough will be led and trained by you personally to form my army." Guards, protect my safety!"
Since you are going to the battlefield, you will inevitably encounter various dangers. Who knows if Cao Pi will do something behind his back again. He must take precautions in advance and not make such a stupid mistake as having only Li Jin as his guard again.
Li Jin bowed his hands and saluted, and after accepting Cao Zhang's instructions, he turned and left.
Sima Lang looked at Cao Zhang with a sad face and said worriedly: "Sir, our Cao Gongzhi and "Thousand Character Classic" have just been prepared for sale, and you are about to go on an expedition. This..."
Cao Zhang hurriedly comforted Sima Lang: "Don't worry, Boda. I was in a hurry and didn't have time to inform you. I have already found my father and got his approval to sell Cao's official paper."
"Xun Lingjun also agreed to publish "The Thousand Character Essay" in his name, and four major families joined in to help promote it. With their support, there will be no problem."
Sima Lang felt a little relieved after hearing Cao Zhang's words.
"Boda, please don't go on this expedition to Li Jue. Stay in Xudu and do your best to carry out sales work. There will be many places for us to spend money in the future. Since my father and the four major families have also joined, we need to let them see it as soon as possible. Once the profits are made, I’ll leave it to you!”
"In addition, our expedition and the subsequent transportation of grain and grass supplies will also require Roberta. Whether this battle can be successfully won, your role, Roberta, is crucial!" Cao Zhang explained to Sima Lang with a solemn expression.
Sima Lang also responded to Cao Zhang solemnly: "Don't worry, Sir, Sima Lang will do his best to ensure sales and logistical supplies for the Young Master's expedition!"
"Boda, you have many things to do. Don't overwork yourself. Your two younger brothers Zhongda and Shuda (Sima Fu's nickname) are all talented people. You can let them cooperate with you."
Cao Zhang wholeheartedly hoped to get Sima Yi's help, so naturally he would not let go of this opportunity to win over, and explained to Sima Lang.
Sima Lang also understood that Cao Zhang was giving his two younger brothers a chance, and nodded gratefully: "Thank you, Master, for your consideration. I know this."
Cao Zhang nodded and signaled that Sima Lang could leave. Sima Lang bowed and bowed before exiting. Only Cao Zhang and Xu Shu were left in the room.
"Young Master arranged for Generals Xia Houba and Xu Huang to spend ten days preparing military supplies, and also announced the time of the expedition with great fanfare. There must be a deeper meaning behind it, right?" Xu Shu asked.
Cao Zhang responded with a smile: "You know me, Yuan Zhiye! In addition to our own troops during this expedition, Cao Pi also specifically recommended Xiahou Shang and Xiahou Ru to my father as my army recruits. You should understand the meaning, right?"
Xu Shu nodded: "Let them monitor the young master, keep abreast of our army's deployment and military situation, and report to him so that he can inform Li Jue to attack our army!"
"That's right, since he has planted such an informant, how can I not take advantage of it? I just want to make a high-profile gesture and let them pass the news of our slow troop dispatch to Li Jue as soon as possible!" Cao Zhang said to Xu Shu Follow your own plans.
Xu Shu nodded knowingly: "Li Jue got the news and thought that the young master has not sent out troops yet and is far away, so he will relax his vigilance! The young master can secretly arrange for our cavalry to dispatch, use our new equipment to march quickly, launch a surprise attack, and severely damage Li Jue !”
"This is exactly what I mean. Now no one knows that I have a new type of cavalry. I will use their role to the fullest and strive to defeat Li Jue in one battle. Only in this way can I have a chance to defeat the enemy in a hundred days and regain Chang'an. Plan!" Cao Zhang said ambitiously.
Xu Shu praised: "Young master, this plan is very clever. It should be one of the thirty-six strategies, right?"
After Cao Zhang got Xu Shu, he hoped that he could serve him wholeheartedly, and he had no reservations about him. He also gave him a copy of Thirty-six Strategies to study, so Xu Shu could accurately tell Cao Zhang's strategy.
Cao Zhang looked at Xu Shu and nodded slightly. The two looked at each other and smiled, both looking forward to the success of the plan in a few days and severely damaging Li Jue...
As night falls, a crescent moon hangs in the sky.
In the hall of Cao Pi's mansion, the lights were brightly lit and a banquet was being held.
Cao Pi sat on the main seat in the middle, Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu sat on his left hand, and brothers Xiahou Shang and Xia Houru sat on his right.
After the two of them packed their bags for the expedition, they came to Cao Pi's mansion, thanked him and said goodbye.
"Brother Zihuan, thank you very much for recommending my two brothers in front of Sikong today and giving us this opportunity to go on an expedition." Xiahou Shang was the first to raise a glass to pay tribute to Cao Pi.
Xia Houru also raised his glass: "I will do my best to help brother Ziwen defeat Li Jue and live up to my brother's recommendation."
Cao Zhen, who was sitting opposite the two, heard Xia Houru's words, his face changed slightly, and he was about to speak.
Cao Xiu, who was beside him, noticed it and quickly reached out to grab him. He shook his head to signal him not to talk too much, but Cao Zhen had no choice but to hold back.
Cao Pi was very displeased when he heard Xia Houru said that he would try his best to help Cao Zhang win. However, since he was in a deeper city, he remained calm and raised his glass with a smile: "You two worthy brothers, don't be polite. You are talented in both civil and military affairs. You should have done it long ago." Serving the country, I also hope that you can make achievements as soon as possible. Brother Yu is here to help you in this battle. You will succeed soon, do it!"
Everyone raised their glasses together and drank it all in one gulp.
After Cao Pi put down his wine glass, he asked with a concerned look: "Although the two wise brothers are very comparable in terms of civility and military skills, this is their first time on the battlefield after all. Although Ziwen has participated in battles, as a commander, , this is also the first time. You must be extremely careful and don’t rush ahead because of greed for success!”
Xia Houshang said gratefully: "Thank you, Brother Zihuan, for your concern. We know it well and will try our best to advise Ziwen to be careful."
After hearing Xia Houshang's response, Cao Pi stopped talking, put down the wine glass in his hand, and sighed softly.
Xia Houru saw Cao Pi sighing and asked in confusion: "Why are you sighing, brother? But if you have any troubles, why don't you tell me and see if I can share your worries with you?"
Xia Houshang also echoed: "Yes, brother."
After hearing what the two said, Cao Pi felt even more depressed. He just lowered his head and said nothing, and then he shed tears of resentment.
Brother Xiahou became more and more puzzled and asked anxiously: "What happened to my brother?"
Cao Pi just lowered his head and said nothing, covering his face with his sleeves and wiping his tears, but secretly winked at Cao Xiu who was on one side.
Cao Xiu understood and hurriedly stood up and said on Cao Pi's behalf: "You two wise brothers don't know something. There is really too much unspeakable anguish hidden in Zihuan's heart..."
"Sikong has disliked Zihuan since he was a child. You all know that, right?" Cao Xiu deliberately guided the Xiahou brothers.
Cao Cao's dislike of Cao Pi and his preference for Cao Zhi were revealed openly. As members of the clan, the Xiahou brothers naturally knew it very well, but when they saw Cao Pi crying, they didn't know how to persuade him, so they could only nodded hesitantly.
"The two elder brothers Zixiu and Ziqi passed away one after another, and Zihuan became the eldest son of Sikong. Li Jue violated the country, and it was only right for Zihuan to lead the army to fight. But he knew that Sikong didn't like him, and he was afraid that he would be reprimanded if he asked for help. That's why I had to recommend Ziwen instead." Cao Xiu pretended to understand Cao Pi and explained for him.
"Wen Lie, you can't say that. Ziwen is superior to me in talent, learning and martial arts, and I have no intention of competing with him. Only by having him lead the troops in battle can he truly share his father's worries and put an end to the chaos for the court! I also feel that I sincerely hope that Ziwen can win the battle!" Cao Pi quickly straightened up to "clarify" himself.
"Listen, this is a true filial son, a true open-minded man!" Cao Zhen already understood that Cao Pi and Cao Xiu acted together for the Xiahou brothers, and hurriedly agreed.
"Yes, yes, brother Zihuan's filial piety is a lesson to heaven and earth, and we all see it." Xia Houru agreed.
"Brother, don't worry. As time passes by, Sikong will definitely understand your brother's filial piety and change his attitude toward you." Xiahou Shang thought that Cao Pi was unhappy because he was not taken seriously by Cao Cao, so he quickly spoke to comfort him.
"Well, I don't care about my father's attitude towards me. My worry is that as an elder brother, I want to care about Ziwen, but I am afraid that he will misunderstand me. Brothers who share the same mother-in-law are separated from each other. This is the most important thing. What makes me sad." Cao Pi felt that the time was ripe and began to bring the topic to Cao Zhang.
"Brother, where did you start talking about this?" Xiahou Shang asked, not understanding what Cao Pi meant.
"On the day that brother Zi Qi passed away, his servants teamed up with the princess's bodyguard and the internal prison to frame Zi Wen. I accidentally failed to observe and was saddened by my brother's death, so I tried my best to impeach and testify against Zi Wen in front of my father."
"Fortunately, Ziwen is a smart man. He found loopholes and proved his innocence, so it didn't cause a catastrophe. Otherwise, I will regret it for the rest of my life!"
"After this incident, I tried to apologize to Ziwen several times. Although he didn't say anything on the surface, I knew that he must have a grudge against me in his heart."
"Today Ziwen asked for orders to go to war, issued a military order to defeat the enemy in a hundred days, and even refused the help of Military Advisor Guo. Although it was out of self-confidence, it also showed the arrogance of a young man."
"I deliberately reminded him that arrogant soldiers will be defeated, but I was also afraid that he would hold a grudge against me. Not only did he not listen, but he deliberately disobeyed me, which had the opposite effect. After thinking about it, I strongly recommended that the two wise brothers follow me, hoping that at the critical moment, they can Give Ziwen some care."
Cao Pi pretended to be aggrieved by his brotherly love but was misunderstood by Cao Zhang, and performed his best in front of the Xiahou brothers.
"We are deeply touched by brother's hard work. Please rest assured that we will do our best to ensure brother Ziwen's safety." Xiahou Shang hurriedly made a promise.
"It's just that after all, the two brothers are new to the battlefield and have limited experience. I have a heartless request for my brother, and I hope you can agree." Cao Pi saw that the time was ripe and began to further implement his plan.
"Brother, please tell me if you have any instructions." Xia Houru said quickly.
"I will arrange for a close confidant to accompany you on the expedition. Brother Wei hopes that you can draw four to eight drawings of the marching arrangements and camping conditions at any time, and give them to my confidant, who will send them back to Xudu at night."
"I will secretly ask the uncles and elders of the clan to check it. If I find anything wrong, I will give you feedback in time to ensure your safety. What do you two brothers think?" Cao Pi said to the two of them.
"Brother has worked so hard for the sake of Ziwen and us, so how can we have any objections? Just follow brother's arrangements in everything!" Xiahou Shang agreed immediately.
"Yes, we will definitely look for a suitable opportunity to inform Brother Ziwen of his painstaking efforts so that you brothers can reconcile as soon as possible." Xia Houru also hurriedly expressed his stance.
When Cao Xiu heard what they were saying, he quickly intervened and said, "No, absolutely no, you two worthy brothers."
Xia Houshang looked at Cao Xiu in confusion: "Why?"
"Think about it, Ziwen has just become the head coach and he is so high-spirited that even Military Advisor Guo wanted to follow him, but he sternly refused. How can he accept us secretly criticizing his marching arrangements?"
"If the two brothers tell him our arrangement, instead of being moved, he will blame the two brothers for being troublesome and causing discord between you. Wouldn't it be counterproductive?"
"I am only doing this to keep you three brothers safe. I have no intention of buying anything in front of Ziwen, so I must not let Ziwen know about it. I just act in secret." Cao Pi explained to the two of them. .
"Brother has thought it over carefully, then we will follow his arrangements in everything!" Xia Houshang nodded repeatedly after hearing this, and Xia Houru also agreed.
When Cao Pi saw that the two agreed, he immediately patted his palms twice and greeted them.
Shi A walked in from outside and came to Cao Pi. He bowed respectfully and saluted: "Greetings, young master!"
"Two worthy brothers, this is my swordsmanship teacher Shi A. This man has superb swordsmanship and extraordinary martial arts. Let him accompany you two on the expedition. He can not only protect you secretly, but also pass military information back to Luoyang at any time. Shi A, hurry up. Come and pay homage to the two Xiahou brothers!" Cao Pi introduced Shi'a's situation to the Xiahou brothers, and then called him forward to salute.
"Greetings to the two young masters! I will definitely protect the two young masters with all my strength!" Shi A turned around and saluted Xiahou Shang and Xia Houru.
The two nodded: "Thank you!"
Cao Pi picked up the wine glass, stood up and walked to Xia Houshang and Xia Houru: "Two worthy brothers, please do not let me down. I will use this glass of wine to help you!"
"Brother, don't worry!" Xia Houshang and Xia Houru raised their glasses together in response.
Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu also stood up, and everyone raised their glasses and drank together.
"Two worthy brothers, it's getting late, and I won't keep you much longer. Please go back and rest as soon as possible and be ready for the expedition. I'm waiting for your triumphant return." Cao Pi put down his wine glass and said to Brother Xiahou.
Xiahou Shang and Xiahou Ru understood each other, said goodbye to Cao Pi and others, and left with Shi A.
Cao Pi motioned with his eyes to Cao Zhen to send the two of them out for him, and he and Cao Xiu were the only two left in the hall.
"Zihuan, the play was well performed today. The two Xiahou brothers will help us achieve great things without knowing it. Your chess move is really brilliant." Cao Xiu admired in a low voice, and then with a hint of slyness He said with a smile, "I have good news to congratulate you on your success."
"What good news?" Cao Pi asked doubtfully.
"The details of the girl you asked me to help you check last time have been found out. Her name is Guo Zhao, and her father is an old friend of Jingzhao Yin Sima Fang. Guo Zhao's parents have both passed away, and he is currently staying at Sima's house. .”
"She encountered injustice on the streets of Changshe and had a conflict with Dong Cheng's nephew. Cao Zhang rescued her and the two got acquainted." Cao Xiu informed Cao Pi of the results of his inquiry.
Cao Pi's eyes instantly lit up after hearing this: "That's it..."
"Zihuan, isn't the Sima family responsible for the sale of Cao Gong's paper and the Thousand-Character Classic? We can take advantage of the opportunity to buy the paper..." Cao Xiu stopped mid-sentence, with a sinister smile on his face.
Cao Pi looked at Cao Xiu and nodded lightly. Thinking of having the opportunity to contact Guo Zhao, a rare smile appeared on his face...
