It is said that Liu Bei led an army of 20,000 people towards Guangling County. Guan Yu was in the front army, Liu Bei, Zhao Chen, Sun Qian, Jian Yong, and Zhang Fei were in the middle army, and the rear army was led by Chen Dao.
Although the army has already set out, Liu Bei has always had doubts in his mind. In the first two battles, Zhao Chen had already decided on a good strategy before the army moved. The soldiers only need to follow the strategy. Today, he is still confused when heading south to Guangling. At a loss.
He looked for an opportunity and asked Zhao Chen: "Military advisor, why haven't we made a plan for our trip to Guangling County? Is it possible that we only need to lead the army to Guangling County like the second brother and uncle did, and they will surrender?"
Zhao Chen smiled politely, what was Liu Bei thinking? In turbulent times, nothing can compare with territory, and no one would hand over the city easily.
Zhao Chen never understood. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, princes often traded their cities for a piece of jade or a treasure. This was a typical example of giving up the basics for the sake of the weak. With a city, land, and people, what else could you get?
Today's Guangling is crucial to the entire Xuzhou and Yuan Shu. It is easy to take Guangling County, but Zhao Chen is not limited to this.
"Don't worry, my lord, Chen can strategize and win thousands of miles away. He can also adapt to the situation and sharpen his sword before the battle. In many cases, the more difficult the battle, the more it is necessary to adapt to the actual situation on the battlefield. The situation in Guangling County is more complicated than it actually is."
Zhang Fei blew his beard, stared with big eyes, and asked doubtfully: "Military advisor, our army has found out the situation in Guangling County. The prefect Wu Jing is mediocre, and the five thousand soldiers leading the army are also the old and weak remnants left by Yuan Shu. Guangling County Our army has taken over eight of the eleven counties, and our army in the east has taken over all. Only Yuguo and Tangyi counties in the west are still struggling, and there is no support from the outside. How can the situation be complicated?"
Zhao Chen smiled and said: "It is indeed a good thing that Yide can analyze the situation and make his own judgment."
Fortunately, it was Zhang Fei. If this was the second brother Guan, Zhao Chen, who couldn't resist, would be sulking. If he explained why he didn't make a plan, he would probably be suspected of having no strategy and not knowing how to march.
Zhang Fei laughed twice when he heard Zhao Chen's praise.
"The leader naturally needs to know something."
"Yide is right. However, when analyzing the situation, we need to take a long-term view, broaden our horizons, and enlarge the pattern."
"Military advisor, what do you mean?"
Zhao Chen clarified his thoughts and explained the reason: "Guangling County is connected to Yangzhou to the south and Jingyu to the west. It accounts for one-third of the population of Xuzhou. It has many plains and waters and developed commerce. It is a vital strategic location. This is From a strategic height, you can overlook the entire battle situation. By occupying Guangling, Yuan Shu will have the capital to seize Xuzhou, and it is very possible to engulf Yangzhou. For such an important city, do you think Yuan Shu will give up Guangling County easily?"
Zhang Fei immediately answered: "Of course not!"
"Although Yuan Shu's influence in Guangling has been basically eliminated now, Guangling is very important to Yuan Shu. Wu Jing, the prefect of Guangling, is Sun Jian's brother-in-law and Sun Ce's uncle. When they attacked Xue Li and Zuo Rong in Moling City last year, Wu Jing led The army assisted Sun Ce in attacking the rebels and captured them all. Therefore, when our army goes to capture Guangling, we will definitely attract reinforcements from two directions."
After listening to Zhao Chen's analysis, Liu Bei did not calm down, but became even more worried: "Then according to the military advisor's opinion, it will be difficult for our army to take Guangling County?"
In many battles in the past, Liu Bei was always in a passive state, either responding to attacks from other princes or going to rescue at the request of others. He rarely took the initiative to attack a city. Relying on Zhao Chen today, he dared to lead an army of 20,000 to attack Guangling County, so naturally he felt uncertain.
Zhao Chen saw Liu Bei's thoughts and said: "No, my lord, taking Guangling County is easy, but in Chen's eyes, talents are the key to victory. Our army currently does not have enough leaders, and the logistics tasks are heavy. If we can It would be best to capture a few generals and civil servants through the battle of Guangling."
Liu Bei smiled awkwardly: "Military advisors are discussing surrendering enemy generals before the war begins. How confident are you?"
Sun Qian also had some doubts: "If we follow what the military advisor said, it means that the enemy has sent many troops. If there are many enemy troops, and they divide their forces to attack, our army will be passive."
"Gongyou's words are reasonable. Chen has already thought of a countermeasure."
Liu Bei said quickly: "Military advisor, please speak!"
"Just now, if our army takes Guangling, it will definitely attract two groups of reinforcements. Which two groups are they?"
"All the way to the west of Yuan Shu, the person leading the army is most likely Zhang Xun or Qiao Rui. These two men can lead the army well, but they are slightly inferior in combat. They have experienced small and large battles with few victories and many defeats. This way Chen only needs a little help. The plan is to make them come back and never come back."
"On the other side of the road to the south is Sun Ce and Sun Bofu. Although this person is currently attached to Yuan Shu, in reality he is waiting for opportunities. His father, Sun Jian, is brave and courageous, and he travels across Jiangdong. Based on his father's foundation, Sun Ce conquered the Jiangdong territory, and his men Huang Gai, There are many capable men such as Han Dang and Song Qian, and they are also assisted by Zhou Yu and Zhou Gongjin. Their strength is far superior to our army. At this time, Sun Ce is attacking Qu'a, Liu Yao and Liu Zhengli. There are less than a hundred people from Qu'a (today's Danyang) to Guangling (today's Yangzhou). Here, our army goes south, and Sun Ce can come to rescue him in just one day. Our army can make good use of this journey."
Liu Bei stroked his mustache and listened very carefully.
Zhao Chen rode his horse and briefly analyzed the current situation facing Liu Bei's army in a few words, and also gave everyone a hint that he, Zhao Chen, was confident about this battle and would win this battle.
Liu Bei felt a little at ease.
Zhao Chen added: "There is one thing we can prepare for in advance."
"What's the matter?"
"My lord, if Chen's prediction is correct, Sun Ce should have been considering sending troops to rescue Wu Jing at this time. Sun Ce will change direction, and the pressure on Qu'a and Liu Yao will be relieved. Our army cannot let go of this contribution. Our army can send an army Envoy, go to Liu Zhengli to explain your intentions, take the credit, and ask Liu Zhengli to send troops to support us, and attack Sun Ce from front to back with our army, giving Sun Ce a heavy blow. This will not only reduce the pressure on the south after our army takes Guangling, but also allow Liu Zhengli to report back. The hatred that has been suppressed for a long time can be described as killing three birds with one stone."
Liu Bei had to give a thumbs up to Zhao Chen's foresight. It seemed that in Zhao Chen's eyes, the surrounding terrain, mountains, rivers, lakes, and even all forces could become a means for him to use on the battlefield, and it was irresistible. This thought is really scary.
Fortunately, Zhao Chen is now under his sect. If he is snatched away by others, he will be the one who will suffer in the future.
Liu Bei smiled and nodded in agreement: "I'd like to thank Gongyou for this matter. I'll go to Sun Zhengli immediately and explain the reason."
"As you command!"
In terms of knowing people, Zhao Chen admired Liu Bei very much. Liu Bei knew exactly who had what specialties and what skills were suitable for him.
Although Sun Qian was slightly lacking in march planning, he was good at diplomacy and was a bit more rational and calm than Jian Yong.
It is most appropriate to leave this trip to Sun Qian.
Sun Qian took over the task and was ready to set off.
Zhao Chen pulled his sleeve and whispered in his ear: "Liu Zhengli is bold and courageous, but he is indecisive and very face-saving. Gongyou must emphasize Sun Ce's strength during this trip. The opportunity for revenge is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will give him a piece of advice. With Tai Shici of Donglai leading the army and Sun Shao of Beihai assisting us, we will definitely succeed in one battle."
Although Sun Qian was puzzled, he followed Zhao Chen's words 100%.
Zhao Chen knew very well that it was very important to take Guangling as a base, and more importantly, to recruit talents.
Today Liu Yao still looks down on Tai Shici. He once said: "If I use Ziyi, Xu Zijiang will definitely laugh at me for not knowing how to use people."
This good face actually gave Zhao Chen a chance.
What kind of person is Taishi Ci? He has a spear, a bow, and a pair of halberds. He dares to fight against Sun Ce's thirteen cavalry and never loses in a hundred rounds. This brave strategy can definitely be regarded as the top warrior of the Three Kingdoms. The most important thing is that Taishi Ci is good at shooting, and his string is accurate. He is a true marksman. How could Zhao Chen let such a person run into Sun Ce's hands?
As for Sun Shao, many people don’t know him. He was the first prime minister of Soochow, and Kong Rong once commented on Sun Shao as "a talent in the temple." Although he is not as famous as Gu Yong, Lu Xun, and Bu Zhao, and was overshadowed by Zhang Zhao during his tenure, his political strength is in front of him. After all, he is the prime minister, an extraordinary person, and with a little training, he should be a good logistics manager.
If you get these two people, you can wake up laughing in the middle of the night.
Speaking of starting stalls, Zhao Chen regretted that he didn't find this person when he captured Huaiyin, and he didn't have time to ask the trainer. According to historical records, Bu Zhao was at his most declining at this time, wandering alone, and only took refuge with Sun Quan in the fifth year of Jian'an. At this time, he was most likely on his way to Kuaiji to escape the chaos. If you encounter him, you must capture him and never let him remain in Sun Quan's hands again.
At this time, the foot trainer from Huaiyin Xiaozhaizi was staring blankly at the sky.
There were only mother and daughter at home, and it was less lively and more concerned.
Wanshi made some food and brought it to Master Bu: "It's only been a day and you miss him?"
Trainer Bu blinked his watery eyes, looked at his mother, and asked, "Didn't my mother think about it?"
When Wanshi was asked by her daughter, she couldn't help but be startled, and a warm feeling came from within.
The setting sun fell on Wan's face, dyeing her whole cheek red.
Suddenly, the guard outside the door came in and reported that a man claiming to be Bu's family member asked to see him.
