"Marquis Wen, the people in the city have settled down."
When Lu Bu heard Zhang Miao's words, he nodded with satisfaction.
What he wants is this effect. Although the cost is huge, it can quickly make Dingtao operate normally, which will have great benefits in terms of stabilizing people's hearts and the economy.
Lu Bu remembered that when he attacked Yanzhou, the first thing he thought about was not to stabilize the people, but to quickly take advantage of the chaos to raise food.
Although this raised some food and solved the immediate problem, it also lost the support of the people.
The consequence of this is that the people just feel that someone else is managing them, even worse than others, and naturally they will not support him.
This time, Lu Bu has made up his mind to completely occupy himself like he did in Xiaopei. Even if he is defeated and leaves, the people still hope that he can come back.
Chen Gong stepped forward and said, "Marquis Wen, although this can quickly stabilize the people's hearts, the cost is too great. I believe it won't be long before the food and money stored in the city will be exhausted."
This is what Chen Gong is worried about. If he only pays but does not make money, this model will not last long.
Lu Bu waved his hand and said, "Gongtai, we will discuss these matters later. First, stabilize the city to prevent Cao Mengde from sending troops to attack."
Xu Shu suddenly said, "Marquis Wen, I believe that although it is important to stabilize people's hearts, time is more important.
It is better to take this opportunity and continue to attack Changyi and Juye. After taking these two places, it is not too late to consider other things. "
Zhang Miao frowned, "Our army has taken Dingtao now. Although it is very fast, I can be sure that Cao's army in Changyi and Juye must already know the situation here.
There is no one in the city to act as an internal response. It may not be that easy for our army to quickly capture these two cities. "
Chen Gong nodded and said slowly, "Changyi City has high walls and thick walls. If we want to send troops to attack directly, it is almost impossible with our current military strength."
After hearing what the two said, Lu Bu nodded, but frowned.
Of course he knows how well the defenses of these two cities are?
As the former seat of Yanzhou, Changyi was almost better than Juancheng in terms of defense. It was completely impossible to attack Changyi from the front as long as Cao Jun was determined to defend it.
Thinking of this, Lu Bu turned his head and looked at Xu Shu, "Mr. Yuan Zhi, do you have a way to quickly break the city?"
Xu Shu smiled slightly and said, "Marquis Wen, it's easy to capture Changyi."
Hearing this, Lu Bu was immediately overjoyed and asked hurriedly, "Mr. Yuanzhi, what plan do you have, tell me quickly?"
Xu Shu cupped his hands and said slowly, "Marquis Wen, our army attacked Dingtao and successfully broke through the city. However, Cao's army in the city saw that the situation was not good and had already taken the opportunity to escape."
At this point, Xu Shu's tone paused, but then he continued without waiting for anyone to answer his words.
"Some of the defeated remnants of Cao's army fled to Puyang with Xiahou Dun, but others fled towards Changyi."
Hearing this, Zhang Miao waved his hand, "Mr. Yuan Zhi, do you want to use these remnants of Cao's soldiers to deceive the defeated generals to open the city gate, and then take the opportunity to attack the city?"
Having said this, Zhang Miao smiled bitterly and shook his head, "Mr. Yuan Zhi, this is completely impossible. The Changyi city guard general is Cao Cao's most trusted Cao Hong. He is cautious. Even if he sees the defeated generals of Cao's army fleeing, he will not It is impossible to open the cost.
Mr. Yuan Nao, this plan of yours is completely impossible to succeed. "
Hearing this, Chen Gong nodded, "Yes, it is indeed the case. If the general guarding the city of Changyi is someone else, it is possible to give it a try, but Cao Hong is exempted. I am afraid it is impossible."
After hearing what the two said, Xu Shu nodded, "You two gentlemen are right. It is indeed impossible for Cao Hong to open the city gate no matter what. I certainly know this."
Chen Gong frowned, "Mr. Yuan Zhi, since you know it, why do you still tell me about this plan? Is there something fishy about it?"
Xu Shu nodded and said slowly, "Cao Hong, it is true that he will not open the city gate for us, but think about it, if these remnants of Cao's army are defeated and change their route to Juye, what do you think will happen?"
…
Changyi
"What?"
When Cao Hong heard the news from the spies, his face suddenly changed with shock, and he roared, "What are you talking about? Dingtao has been lost."
"Yes, General Xiahou fell into Lu Bu's trick, and Dingtao has been lost."
Cao Hong broke out in cold sweat from his forehead and stared blankly at the soldier who was delivering the message, "How is this possible?"
Deputy General Zhang Jin hurriedly said, "General Cao, now that Dingtao has been lost, what should our army do?"
Cao Hong composed himself, thought carefully for a moment, and said slowly, "Lü Bu's son captured Dingtao. If there are no accidents, his next target should be Puyang or Juancheng."
When Zhang Jin heard these words, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"General Cao, in this case, will our army send troops to support Puyang?"
Cao Hong shook his head, "There are only 4,000 soldiers and horses in the city now, so we cannot act rashly."
Dingtao is the gateway to Yanzhou and has a large number of troops deployed, mainly to guard against threats from Xuzhou.
"The Sword Comes"
Although Juye and Changyi are also important, even if there is danger, the main direction is Qingzhou and Jizhou.
Qingzhou and Jizhou are Yuan Shao's territory. Of course he will not come to attack Cao Cao. It is precisely because of this consideration that although these two places are important, there are not many soldiers and horses in the city, and the main forces are concentrated In Dingtao.
Cao Hong thought for a long time and said slowly, "General Zhang, immediately send an order to send spies to the direction of Dingtao to investigate. In addition, the inspection of pedestrians passing by the city gate has been strengthened. Don't let Lu Bujun's spies sneak into the city."
"Also, let the soldiers in the city be prepared. As soon as there is any movement, they will immediately mount the city wall to defend the city."
Cao Hong was a cautious person. Although he knew that Lu Bu would not attack Changyi, he still issued an alert order just because he was worried about something unexpected happening.
…
The soldiers guarding the city were closely checking the passers-by, and suddenly the sound of horse hooves was heard in the distance.
After several war horses approached, they immediately shouted loudly.
"Everyone, stay back, there is a military emergency!"
When the people who were about to enter the city heard the rapid sound of horse hooves and the shouts of the knights, their expressions suddenly changed with fright, and they hurriedly hid on both sides of the official road.
Several war horses rushed along the official road and into the city.
"General Cao, a group of scattered soldiers came from the direction of Dingtao. They numbered about 800 people. Behind these soldiers, there was a team of about 2,000 people, chasing them quickly."
Cao Hong was surprised, "How far is it from here?"
"About 20 miles or so."
When Cao Hong heard the news from the spies, he shouted without even thinking, "Close the city gate immediately. A ban has been issued in the city and no one is allowed to enter or leave.
Immediately go to the military camp to pass the order, and all the soldiers board the city wall and prepare to defend. "
Following Cao Hong's order, each city gate received the order, regardless of whether the people were leaving or entering the city, they immediately dispersed everyone in front of the city gate and slowly closed the heavy city gate.
At the same time, countless war horses galloped in the streets and alleys, shouting loudly.
"Everyone, listen, there is an enemy attack outside the city. Everyone should go home immediately and are not allowed to go out. Anyone who disobeys will be punished as collaborating with the enemy."
When the people heard this order, they were frightened and ran towards their homes in a hurry, for fear of causing trouble.
Not long after, rapid footsteps were heard on the street. Groups of Cao soldiers rushed out of the camp, and under the command of generals at all levels, rushed towards the four city gates.
By the time Cao Hong arrived at the city wall, most of the soldiers were already in their positions, standing on the city wall and waiting.
"General Cao, the soldiers have taken their positions and arrived at the designated location."
Cao Hong nodded casually, but kept staring at the official road in the distance.
Zhang Jin ran up the city wall sweating profusely, "General Cao, the four gates have been closed, and the defense materials on the city wall are complete. Even if Lu Bu's army comes now, it is impossible to attack the city."
Cao Hong pointed at the people gathered outside the city gate because they could not enter the city, and said coldly, "Drive them away and don't gather in front of the city gate. If anyone stays, they will be killed without mercy."
While everyone was busy preparing for defense, figures suddenly appeared on the official road in the distance, and more and more people appeared.
Cao Hong frowned, stretched out his hand to block the setting sun, and squinted his eyes to look into the distance.
When the group of people ran closer and closer, Zhang Jin suddenly said, "General Cao, looking at their clothes, there is no doubt that they are our soldiers."
At this point, Zhang Jin paused and asked tentatively, "General Cao, since they are soldiers of our army, do you want to open the city gate to let them in?"
Cao Hong stared at the soldiers who were getting closer and closer, and suddenly said, "General Zhang, do you think that the soldiers of Lu Bu's army cannot wear the clothes of our soldiers?"
"this?"
Zhang Jin was surprised, "General Cao, do you think these soldiers are Lu Bu army soldiers in disguise?"
Cao Hong shook his head, "Although I'm not sure, I'm at least 70% certain."
Having said this, a disdainful sneer appeared at the corner of Cao Hong's mouth, "Young Lu Bu actually wants to use this method to deceive the city gate. You really underestimate me, the general."
At this point, Cao Hong's tone paused, but then he continued without waiting for Zhang Jin to answer his words.
"General Zhang, I'm afraid our troops have followed General Xiahou to Puyang. How could these soldiers run this way?
If the general guessed correctly, these soldiers were disguised as Lu Bu's soldiers and horses. The reason why they did this was to trick the general into opening the city gate, and then at this moment, they took the opportunity to capture the city.
Humph, what a clever trick, but trying to deceive this general is just a wishful dream. "
Zhang Jin's eyes lit up, he hurriedly raised his hands and said with admiration, "General Cao is really a great talent. If you weren't here, I'm afraid I would be as big as Lu Bu's son."
Cao Hong looked with disdain at the defeated generals of Cao's army who were running this way, with a sneer on his face, "General Zhang, watch carefully and see how they try to deceive the city gate."
Zhang Jin was in a relaxed mood, looking up to the sky and laughing, "When the general learns it, he can deceive Lu Bujun's city gate, hahaha."
This is called treating others in their own way! "
While the two were talking, the remaining defeated generals of Cao's army on the official road had arrived not far away, and someone began to shout.
"People on the wall, listen, we are the defenders of Dingtao, general Xiahou's men, please open the city gate quickly."
"Open the city gate quickly, Lu Bu's army is chasing you."
"If we don't open the city gate, it will be too late."
"Help, open the city gate quickly and let us in."
Zhang Jin already knew that the defeated remnants of Cao's soldiers were impersonated by Lu Bu's army. Although these soldiers screamed miserably, they couldn't help but look up to the sky and laugh.
"Haha, if General Cao hadn't reminded me, I would have been deceived by you thieves. It's really hateful."
When the soldiers of Cao's army on the city wall heard Zhang Jin's words, they immediately reacted and pointed at the soldiers of Cao's army under the city wall and laughed.
"It's really nice to scream, you guys are really screaming."
"Scream as hard as you can and make it worse, maybe I can reward you with two coins."
"Haha, I didn't expect that these thieves actually wanted to trick the city gate into opening. How could your poor acting skills fool General Cao's eyes? It's really ridiculous."
The remaining defeated generals of Cao's army below the city had already run not far from the city wall, shouting, "Please, open the city gate quickly."
"Grandpa, open the city gate quickly, otherwise it will be too late."
"Ancestor, if you don't open the city gate, they will catch up with you."
The shouts of the defeated generals of Cao's army under the city wall only caused the proud laughter of the defenders on the city wall.
"The acting looks really good. Grandpa was almost fooled by you."
"If General Cao hadn't reminded me, I would have been fooled by you."
Under the city wall, one of the defeated generals of Cao's army saw Cao Hong on the wall and suddenly shouted, "General Cao, open the city gate quickly. It's me, Zhang Junhou. Don't you know me? Hurry up." Open the city gate."
Cao Hong squinted his eyes and saw that the person shouting was indeed Marquis Zhang Jun. He had seen this person when he met Xiahou Dun once, so he was absolutely right.
Because, Zhang Junhou has a mole on his forehead, which is very obvious and can be recognized at a glance.
When Cao Hong saw a cyan mark on Zhang Junhou, he suddenly became angry.
If he remembered correctly, the Zhang Junhou in front of him was someone Xiahou Dun trusted, but he never thought that even he would betray him.
"Treacherous villain!"
Cao Hongqi gritted his teeth and suddenly snatched the bow and arrow from the hand of an archer next to him. Without saying a word, he drew the bow and nocked the arrow.
stop!
Cao Hong loosened his fingers and shot an arrow towards Zhang Junhou like lightning.
Although Cao Hong is not a magic archer, he is no different from an ordinary archer.
Moreover, he was very lucky today. The arrow flew out like lightning and directly hit the green mark on Zhang Junhou's forehead.
With a pop sound, Zhang Junhou covered his forehead with the arrow missing. Cao Hong on the wall couldn't believe it and fell to the ground screaming.
Seeing the arrow missing from Zhang Junhou's forehead, Cao Hong felt extremely resentful and gritted his teeth and roared.
"This is the consequence of betrayal!"
