There were three major thief gangs in the late Eastern Han Dynasty: one was Yan Baihu from Jiangdong, the other was Zhang Yan, an old member of the Yellow Turban Army, and the third was the Taishan Group headed by Zang Ba.
The Taishan Group played an irreplaceable role in the late Eastern Han Dynasty.
Rather than saying that Zang Ba surrendered to Cao Cao, it is better to say that a tacit understanding was formed between Cao Cao and Zang Ba.
Don't interfere with each other and do their own thing.
Cao Cao also appointed marquises to Zang Ba from time to time to increase Zang Ba's recognition in his mind.
Zang Ba would also reciprocate his kindness and help Cao Cao when he was fighting for hegemony in the world.
Later, Zang Ba followed Cao Cao in the Battle of Ruxukou, and the two had further exchanges.
Now Zhao Chen sincerely conquers Zang Ba, imitating Cao Cao in history, and returns this place to Zang Ba.
Firstly, it can be regarded as establishing a connection with Zang Ba, ensuring that the junction of Xu, Ji, and Yanzhou is guarded. Secondly, it can be regarded as giving Liu Bei a reserve force, so he does not have to worry about no one available in Xuzhou city when sending troops.
As for Zang Ba, who surrendered, he followed Zhao Chen's instructions on the next day and went to several general strongholds of the Taishan Group to lobby.
The lobbying went very smoothly, and Sun Guan and others immediately agreed for Zang Ba's sake.
Zhao Chen was in Kaiyang City preparing to return to Xiapi City. He also prepared a document and wanted to hand it to Liu Bei after returning to Xiapi City. He asked Liu Bei to report to the court and appoint Zang Ba and others to work in Langya, Donghai and other areas. legal status.
Everyone was unclear about Zhao Chen's packing. Lu Xun and Cheng Yu guessed that Zhao Chen was fully confident that Zang Ba would be able to convince others to submit, so they made preparations in advance.
But Zhao Chen shook his head and said, "You two just need to wait for a day or two and you will know the reason."
Sure enough, the next day, the herald brought Liu Bei's letter.
The letter contained eight characters: "Yuan Shu proclaims himself emperor, and the military advisor will return soon!"
Just eight words caused the entire military camp to explode.
Zhang Fei even shouted on the spot: "How virtuous and capable is this Yuan Shu? He actually dares to proclaim himself emperor!"
Zhao Chen could also imagine the behavior of other princes at this time.
In the words of Cao Cao: "Stupid, extremely stupid!"
Cao Cao also ridiculed himself for being wrong. He thought Yuan Shu was a hero, but in fact he was a fool.
Everyone was surprised that Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor, but Cheng Yu cast an unbelievable look at Zhao Chen.
The most terrifying thing about the changes in troubled times is not the powerful military force and inexhaustible food and grass, nor the support of all the people and the possession of a large number of cities, but the ability to accurately grasp the hearts of the people in troubled times and anticipate the development of troubled times.
The reason why troubled times become troubled times is that heroes come together to attack each other and influence the development of history. There are no rules at all.
Speculating on changes in troubled times is tantamount to peering into the world's hearts. It is simply impossible and unrealistic.
At this time, Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor, and no princes would have expected this.
Only Zhao Chen, a confident man in front of him, didn't even blink when he saw these eight words, as if everything was taken for granted.
The only explanation Cheng Yu could think of was that Zhao Chen had long expected Yuan Shu to proclaim himself emperor.
How is this done?
What kind of person is Zhao Chen?
Cheng Yu suddenly felt a powerful attraction that drew him firmly to Zhao Chen's side, just like the people around him who were sincerely convinced by Zhao Chen.
Zhao Chen calmed everyone down and said only one sentence: "We will set off back to Xiapi tomorrow."
Then he left a letter and asked the guards of Kaiyang City to give it to Zang Ba.
Three days later, Zhao Chen led four thousand troops back to Xiapi City.
Liu Bei led all the soldiers out to meet him from a distance.
"The military advisor has been here for more than ten days, thank you for your hard work!"
"Thank you for your concern, my lord, for living up to your trust. Now that Langya, Donghai and other places have been recovered, Chen is still under the guard of Zang Ba. Our army does not need to divide its forces and distract itself, and can deal with Yuan Shu's affairs with peace of mind."
Seeing that Zhao Chen had completed the task brilliantly, Liu Bei proudly led Zhao Chen into Xiapi City, and the army also returned to their camps to rest.
Zhao Chen was dressed in a green shirt, with a dashing appearance and the aura of a top-notch resourceful man. He walked on the streets and attracted the attention of countless women in Xiapi City.
Master Bu and Mi Luyun would probably be jealous if they found out.
Sun Qian, the county official, had prepared a celebration banquet. After everyone had a few drinks together, Liu Bei asked Zhao Chen: "Yuan Shu has proclaimed himself emperor, and the documents of recruitment and surrender have been in the hands of the princes. Military advisor, how should our army respond?"
Zhao Chen gently put down the wine bottle, responded to everyone's glances, and simply replied: "Lord, this is a great opportunity!"
In fact, in troubled times, all the princes dreamed of becoming emperor, but Yuan Shu did something that other princes did not dare to do.
Just like Cao Cao, he was itching for power, but he chose to be a minister, but he went from prime minister, to duke, to king, and never proclaimed himself emperor until the end. It was his son Cao Pi who pushed Cao Cao to the throne.
Maybe it wasn't that he didn't dare, it was just that the emperor at that time had become a burden and restricted Cao Cao's take-off.
Looking at the Central Plains today, in terms of strength, Yuan Shu is indeed one of the most powerful princes in the Central Plains, sitting on the land of nine counties in Yang and Yuzhou (historically, there were eleven counties in Yang, Yu, and Xuzhou, but at this time due to the Xiapi and Xuzhou counties Guangling was occupied by Liu Bei, so two counties were missing), especially the Nanyang area.
Where is Nanyang?
The place where Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty Liu Xiu raised his troops is known as the Imperial Township.
Emperors of the Eastern Han Dynasty paid great attention to the construction of the Nanyang area. At the end of the Han Dynasty, Nanyang not only had more than 30 kilometers of counties and cities, but also had a population of more than 2 million.
Not only that, Nanyang and its surrounding Huainan area are also water towns. It can be said to be the richest and most prosperous area. When Yuan Shu controlled the territory of three counties and eleven counties in the Jianghuai region, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao had just launched their troops.
Gongsun Zan in the north formed an alliance with Yuan Shu, and later Tao Qian, Lu Bu, Sun Ce, etc. all attached themselves to Yuan Shu. Therefore, Yuan Shu was the largest prince in the late Han Dynasty for a certain period of time, with a rich territory, a large population, and strong soldiers and horses.
It shouldn't be surprising to everyone that he wants to proclaim himself emperor.
However, it is estimated that only Zhao Chen would think that Yuan Shu did not proclaim himself emperor in the true sense, because no one who proclaimed himself emperor would take the title Zhong.
What is Zhong?
Zhong represented the second position in ancient times, the so-called middle brother.
Therefore, although Yuan Shu claimed to be emperor on the surface, he still maintained awe of the imperial court in his heart. Even being an emperor was second to none.
But other princes don't think so.
In their eyes, Yuan Shu proclaimed himself emperor and risked the disapproval of the world. He would definitely become the target of public criticism and be cast aside by the world.
Therefore, they must take action. On the one hand, they must establish a clear relationship with Yuan Shu. Just like Lu Bu, Sun Ce and other people who had great connections with Yuan Shu in history, they have issued documents to denounce them. On the other hand, they must actively prepare troops and prepare to send troops to attack Yuan Shu. It is logical to occupy Yuan Shu's territory to avoid being robbed.
In fact, all the princes knew in their hearts that it didn't matter whether they drew clear boundaries or not. The key point was to seize territory.
Zhao Chen could also guess what Liu Bei meant, which was nothing more than how and when to send troops.
He probably has the reason figured out, to fight against the rebels.
Zhao Chen smiled and replied: "My lord, Yuan Shu's proclaimed emperor is a clown act. He will be cursed by everyone. Chen is certain that it will be destroyed within two years. As for the states and counties that Yuan Shu currently controls, they will also be divided up by the surrounding princes. over."
At this point, Liu Bei's face remained calm, but he was already a little anxious inside.
Zhao Chen comforted him and said, "Don't worry, my lord, Chen has been waiting for this day for several months and has a plan."
