Cao Cao also heard Xun Yu say that his friend Guo Jia, who was from the same hometown, was as talented as the great ancestor Zhang Liang, but it was a pity that he stayed in Jizhou and worked as a small civil servant for Yuan Xi.
Xun Yu also suggested many times that Cao Cao ask for help from Yuan Shao, with whom he now had a good relationship. He believed that Yuan Xi would release him under pressure, but Cao Cao didn't take it too seriously.
Xun Yu also tried many times to contact Guo Jia through his family in Jizhou. He found out that Guo Jia was a civil servant in the army of Yuan Shao's second son, Yuan Xi, but he could not contact Guo Jia no matter what method he used.
In fact, this was Yuan Xi's deliberate move. He was afraid that Xun Yu and others would persuade Guo Jia to join Cao Cao, so he had secret guards monitor everything around Guo Jia from the beginning. Moreover, at the beginning of the year, Guo Jia was taken to Guanzhong by Yuan Xi, and Xun Yu could not get any news from him.
"I only need Mr. Gongda. As for Mr. Guo, whom Wen Ruo said, as long as he is destined, he will definitely come to join him one day." Cao Cao comforted Xun Yu and said.
After everyone exchanged pleasantries, they got down to business.
Bao Xin said with some worry: "Mengde, the remnants of the Yellow Turban are still lingering in Yanzhou. We should try to get rid of this scourge as soon as possible."
"Exactly, the remnants of the Yellow Turbans have been causing trouble to Qingyan and Qingzhou for a long time, and the former governor Liu died because of this. I wonder what countermeasures you have?" Cao Cao asked with narrowed eyes.
Lu Qian thought for a while and suggested: "The remnants of the Yellow Turbans are not strong in combat but they have a large number of people. They may be difficult to annihilate without a certain amount of troops. The best way for now is to defend the city with strong walls and clear fields. If they have no chance to take advantage, they will naturally retreat. "
Cao Cao looked at the civil and military officials. Many people on the general side nodded in agreement, but Cheng Yu, Chen Gong and others did not express their opinions.
Then Cao Cao asked several advisers with his eyes, hoping that they could give other opinions. Xun Yu smiled lightly and said: "General Lu's countermeasures can certainly repel the remaining Yellow Turbans, but have you ever thought that the Yellow Turban thieves are not only a scourge, but also a danger?" A strange thing to live in.”
"The remnants of the Yellow Turbans are endlessly exterminated. They are burning, killing and looting like locusts crossing the border. How can Mr. Wen Ruo say that there are rare things to live in?" Cao Ren asked.
Xun Yu smiled lightly and did not answer, but looked at Cao Cao, waiting for Cao Cao's decision. This is the counselor. Asking the master for a decision on behalf of the mastermind is also the way of a minister.
After Cao Cao closed his eyes and thought for a while, he nodded to Xun Yu, indicating that he understood what he meant.
Cheng Yu saw that the generals were not very clear about it, so he went out and explained: "The generals are considering annihilating the Yellow Turban Army in terms of military strategy. However, before the Yellow Turbans rebelled, they were no more than villagers in the mountains. If they can surrender, they will not only supplement our army's Soldiers can also add many people to the household registration under the Lord’s rule.”
"The remnants of the Yellow Turbans are not strong in combat, but they have a large number of people, and we have few soldiers. How can we make a forced landing? Sir, please explain." Cao Ren asked aloud, Cao Ren was later the Grand Sima of Cao Wei.
Xun Yu did not answer but looked at Xun You, indicating that he could come up with some plans to convince everyone, so as to make contributions and appease everyone.
"Gongda may have countermeasures, but it doesn't matter. We are willing to listen to your opinion." Cao Cao also had this plan, so he encouraged him.
Xun You thought for a while, then saluted Cao Cao and everyone, and said loudly, "The Yellow Turban Army is nothing more than a group of grass bandits. During war, they gather like locusts, plundering prefectures and counties to attack cities. Once they lose, they will flee in fear, so as long as they set up surprise troops Defeat his spirit, chase him for a long distance when he flees, and when the Yellow Turban tribe is in a desperate situation where they are exhausted, they will naturally surrender."
Cao Cao couldn't help but nod as he listened. After everyone added some details, Cao Cao ordered the generals to arrange matters related to the encirclement and suppression of the Qingzhou Yellow Turban Army.
At this time, the Yellow Turban Army sent a letter to Cao Cao, claiming that he and Cao Cao were on the same path.
Because when Cao Cao was an official in Jinan, the people of Jinan had been worshiping Liu Zhang ancestral hall of Chengyangjing King for many years. Jinan's leading role soon caused a wave of waves in the Qingzhou area. Officials encouraged the people to build Liu Zhang ancestral halls, and the number of them was as high as 600. More seats.
Local officials used the ancestral hall for worshiping Liu's descendants as an excuse to plunder private wealth and exploit the local people.
Several officials in Jinan did not dare to take charge of this matter. After all, this is the ancestral hall of the descendants of the Liu family. This guy is also the grandson of Liu Bang. Who is so full and has nothing to do that he would do such a thing?
Cao Cao did this.
Cao Cao ordered a ban on obscene sacrifices. Most of the local officials were so frightened that they fled. Even the emperor quickly dismissed Cao Cao and made him the governor of Dongjun.
This boy is too aggressive. After all, this is the ancestral hall of my Liu family, so I can at least give him some face.
Because of this incident, Cao Cao resigned and returned to his hometown, and Sayazi quit.
I have done good things, but have I done something wrong?
Because of this incident, the Yellow Turban Army felt that Cao Cao could win over this time. Since you smashed the Liu family's ancestral hall, didn't you hate the Han Dynasty?
Wouldn’t it be better for us to overthrow it together?
They all thought wrong. Cao Cao destroyed the ancestral hall for the sake of the people, rather than overthrowing the Han Dynasty.
However, the Yellow Turban Army's move gave Cao Cao and others a new idea.
On the outskirts of Yecheng, Yuan Shao led a group of officials out of the city to see off Yuan Xi and others. More than 20,000 soldiers and horses have already left Yecheng in batches, and Yuan Xi and others are guarding the rear. The same was probably true for Li Yuan when Emperor Taizong Li Shimin went to conquer Xue Ju in Hexi Province.
Before the expedition, Yuan Shao generously granted official positions to Yuan Xi and others.
Yuan Xi received the title of Zhonglang General, which was granted by Yuan Shao, and Yuan Xi's imperial title was Sili Xiaowei. Zhang He and Xu Huang were given the title of school captain. Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun were cavalry captains. Xu Chu was the Sima of another department. Hao Zhao and Guo Huai became the governor of the department.
Tian Feng naturally took the two important positions of Zhizhong and Biejia. Guo Jia was strongly recommended by Yuan Xi and was given two positions: Book Cao and Bing Cao.
Yuan Shao patted Yuan Xi on the shoulder and told him, "Xianyi, please ask Mr. Yuan Hao for advice on important matters. Don't take personal risks on the battlefield, and give the soldiers a chance to make meritorious deeds."
Yuan Shao's implicit intention was to let Yuan Xi sit in charge of the central army and let the soldiers charge into the battle to avoid accidents. From a father's perspective, Yuan Shao was indeed a good father.
"My child knows, father, don't worry, Qingzhou will be under father's rule soon." Yuan Xi said proudly.
Yuan Shao nodded with relief, and suddenly he said sadly: "Your mother, she couldn't bear to leave you. She cried all night. I was afraid that she would make trouble, so I didn't let her see you off. I will send you more letters after arriving in Qingzhou. Mother is relieved."
Yuan Xi nodded heavily. This mother really didn't say anything to him. She had been doting on him and Yuan Shang since childhood. It was Mrs. Liu's support regardless of right or wrong that gave him the foundation he is today.
Yuan Shao then saluted Tian Feng, Zhang He and others who were accompanying him, and said, "Since Xian Yi is young, I have entrusted the military and political affairs of Qingzhou to you. I hope you will do your best to assist my son."
Tian Feng and others also hurriedly returned the gift and said "Nuo", indicating that they would try their best to assist Yuan Xi. Everyone knew that Yuan Shao was building momentum for Yuan Xi, and they were afraid that he would not be able to suppress everyone, so they said this.
At this time, the attendants served fine wine, and the officials, Yuan Xi, and others who saw him off all received a farewell wine.
Yuan Xi knelt down with the wine cup, gave Yuan Shao a big gift, drank it all in one gulp, then turned around and mounted his horse resolutely.
The others also drank it all in one gulp, and after saluting Yuan Shao, they all mounted their horses and followed Yuan Xi.
Yuan Xi went on an expedition, marching towards Qingzhou with Yuan Shao's expectations and determination to win, all for the great cause of the Yuan family.
After Yuan Xi's army left, Yuan Shao returned with a group of personal followers. Looking at his second son Yuan Xi riding away on horseback, his eyes were full of complexity and reluctance.
I still remember the article written by Zhu Ziqing about his father's back, but here the father is secretly sad looking at his son's retreating back. Father's love is heavy and great.
This was the first time that Yuan Xi officially led an army alone on an expedition. He was facing the forces of Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei, the famous generals in the world. To be honest, he had no confidence at all.
Looking at Yuan Xi and his entourage walking away, Yuan Shao wanted to send people to rush up and call him back several times, but in the end he held back. The young eagle was going to fly after all.
As a father, he wanted Yuan Xi to be alone, but he was also afraid of the ruthlessness of the battlefield, the dangerous swordsmanship, and the loss of his beloved son. His mood was extremely conflicting. As an overlord, Yuan Shao was indeed more humane and less cold-blooded than Cao Cao.
On the official road more than ten miles out of the outskirts of the city, several carriages stopped, accompanied by several knights guarding them.
Yuan Xi recognized the few knights at a glance as the Tiger Guards he had left to protect Gao Yue, Diao Xiuer and Cai Yan, so it was self-evident who was on the carriage.
Xu Nian came to Yuan Xi, raised his hands and said, "My wife and the two young ladies have repeatedly requested to come and see the master off. I don't dare to stop him, so I brought the ladies to see the master off."
Yuan Xi nodded, then ordered Tian Feng and others to go first, and he, Xu Chu and a group of tiger guards caught up later.
After many years, Xu Chu and others dispersed to watch in the distance, leaving room for Yuan Xi and his ladies to talk.
Yuan Xi came to the carriage. The drivers were Yuan He and Gao Ping, the old servant of the Cai family.
Gao Ping and Yuan He nodded to Yuan Xi and walked away knowingly. Yuan Xi opened the car curtain and saw the gorgeous Diao Xiuer, the quiet and beautiful Cai Yan, and the gentle and generous Gao Yueji. , I couldn’t help but lament my good luck.
Gao Yue's eyes were slightly red, and she said quietly after a while: "Husband, please be careful. Wugu is waiting for you to come back. I'm here at home, and I will help you take care of Sister Zhao Ji, Sister Tang Ji, and Sister Xiu'er."
Gao Yue is the eldest sister among the girls. Although the girls are similar in age, they respect Gao Yue. But this time Tang Ji did not come to see her off for the time being because of her sensitive status.
"Well, after you establish yourself in Qingzhou, I will send someone to bring you to Qingzhou to settle down." Yuan Xi said to Gao Yue with a smile, and then he took a deep look at Cai Yan and Diao Xiuer.
"Young Master, please rest assured, Xiu'er knows." Diao Xiuer was slightly relieved. She knows what she should and shouldn't do.
On the side, Cai Yan blushed slightly when he saw him like that, but she didn't say anything. After all, her relationship with Yuan Xi had not been revealed yet, and it was always a hurdle in her heart.
Yuan Xi was afraid that if he looked at her a few more times, he would be reluctant to let go. He took Gao Yue's hand and hugged her delicate body deeply, feeling the softness and warmth on her body.
Gao Yue was ashamed that Cai Yan and Diao Xiuer were around, but she just blushed but did not resist. She didn't know how long it would take for Yuan Xi to meet during this trip.
With Gao Yue at home, Yuan Xi has nothing to worry about. This is the sense of security that the head wife brings to her husband. Everything is prosperous in the family. Emperor Taizong, Li Shimin, conquers the world. The reason why he can go forward to conquer the world with Empress Changsun in the rear, maintaining A stable family is not irrelevant. If the family has a good wife, the family will not be destroyed. If the state has good ministers, the country will not be destroyed.
After a while, Yuan Xi jumped off the carriage and called Xu Chu and others to move on. Wenrou Township was the Tomb of Heroes, and he was afraid that he would be reluctant to leave after staying for a long time.
Diao Xiu'er looked at his retreating back infatuatedly, her lips slightly opened as she wanted to say something.
Cai Yan felt sad for no reason. She didn't expect that she would feel jealous.
The second son of the fourth generation of the Yuan family, the third son of the fourth generation, has worked so hard for the great cause of the Yuan family and for his beloved wife and concubine. He has been competing with the enemy in life and death. Shouldn't we, the humble people who strive for promotion, be ashamed?
Such a prominent background of the Yuan family was not achieved overnight. It was the hard work of several generations of the Yuan family over the past 150 years that led to the great cause of the Yuan family today.
People in this world should be vigilant and forge ahead. Noble children like Yuan Xi and Li Shimin are working so hard. We don’t have the background they do, so we must work harder for ourselves, our families, and a better future. Let’s follow them.
After several days of marching, Yuan Xi's army arrived and garrisoned on the edge of the Yellow River to the east of Qinghe State.
Yuan Xi was not in a hurry to march, but on Guo Jia's suggestion, he began to recruit and build ferries, and sent out scouts to collect intelligence about Qingzhou.
After Zhu Ao established himself in Yanzhou, some news about Cao Cao's army came one after another through the secret guards. But most of them are bad news for Yuan Xi. For example, Xun You, Chen Gong, Cheng Yu and others joined Cao Cao.
Yuan Xi knew that Cao Cao would make major military moves during this period of time in history, which was to recruit the Yellow Turban Army that had fled Qingzhou and strengthen its power.
These Yellow Turbans are the foundation of Cao Cao's fortune and the main force of Cao Cao's infantry. Yuan Xi, who positioned Cao Cao as the primary threat, certainly hoped to prevent this from happening.
Therefore, he felt it was necessary to discuss with his subordinates the specific direction in the future and how to create some little trouble for Cao Cao, the uncle, as a courtesy to meet him.
Speaking of which, this was the first time for Yuan Xi to convene subordinates to discuss matters as a commander-in-chief. While he was excited, he felt the great responsibility. But this feeling is intoxicating. Emperor Taizong Li Shimin must have been the same way at that time.
Tian Feng, Guo Jia, Zhang He, Xu Huang, Zhang Liao, Zhao Yun, Xu Chu, Hao Zhao, Guo Huai and others also came to the scene and sat down. For a time, Yuan Xi's account was full of talents.
"We made a plan to pacify Qingzhou before the expedition, but the battlefield is changing rapidly, and some things still require us to act randomly. How should you proceed based on the current situation?" Yuan Xi asked first.
He knows that war is not a child's play, strategy is strategy, and battlefield response is even more important. No matter how good the strategy is, the results will be very different depending on the person who implements it.
Guo Jia is now Yuan Xi's military advisor. He observes everyone's performance with a slight smile, looking for people before planning, and those who are good are good.
Tian Feng stared at the marching chart hanging next to him and thought about countermeasures to find the best plan.
"As the young master said before, we must first gain a foothold so that our army can advance, attack, retreat or defend." Xu Huang stepped out and said.
Zhang He nodded in agreement and asked, "Our army has many places to attack, but I don't know where to start?"
Tian Feng pointed to the marching map and said: "Now the Beihai Kingdom is under the jurisdiction of Kong Rong, the officials of Donglai County and County are in charge of their own affairs, Jinan Kingdom, Le'an County, and Qi Kingdom are under the control of Tian Kai, and the remaining Yellow Turbans are running between Jinan Kingdom and Yanzhou. This is the current strategic situation.”
After the introduction, Tian Feng continued: "According to the previous strategy, we should first capture Jinan and Pingyuan, and then make other plans."
Yuan Xi reminded: "As you know, Qingzhou was originally prosperous, but after years of Yellow Turban riots, many people have fled. Now there are many unowned lands, and the population in some places is depressed. We must also plan how to govern these places. Come to the planning of the march.”
Yuan Xi not only wants this unclaimed land, he also wants labor force. In ancient times, labor force was productivity, and productivity was comprehensive national strength.
"Young master really wants to surrender the Yellow Turban Army to replenish the population of Qingzhou?" Tian Feng asked, and he saw the implication of Yuan Xi's words.
"They are just miserable refugees who were instigated by others. As long as they are resettled properly, they will be good people." Yuan Xi said solemnly. He was not that great, but he did need them, firstly for practical needs, and secondly for political needs.
"The righteousness of the young master is a blessing to the people. Yun has also seen some yellow turban bandits who brought their families with them. They are actually kind people. What the young master said is actually a good strategy in troubled times." After hearing Yuan Xi's remarks, Zhao Yun also felt quite satisfied. Feeling said.
"According to the news received, Cao Cao's army, which has recently taken over Yanzhou, will take big action in the near future. Since the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans are in Yanzhou, I doubt Cao Cao will take action against them." Yuan Xi based on the information provided by Zhang Hong's secret guards The intelligence analysis said.
"There are millions of Yellow Turban thieves. It may not be easy to surrender them. Not to mention Cao Mengde, even we can't surrender them." Zhang Liao said worriedly.
Tian Feng shook his head and said: "Although there are millions of Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou, most of them are family members and relatives of Yellow Turban soldiers. Based on Feng's calculation, there are only two or three hundred thousand soldiers."
Tian Feng is a master of politics. He objectively analyzed the true strength of the Yellow Turban Army through various clues.
"Three hundred thousand people, that's enough." Young Hao Zhao took a breath and said in surprise.
"Otherwise, I have fought against the Yellow Turbans and know something about them. Although the Yellow Turbans have many soldiers, they are mixed with good and bad. Most of them are old and weak. Their armaments are not well prepared and they are not diligent in training. Therefore, as long as our army has a proper strategy, we still have a chance to defeat them. From the Yellow Turban Army." Zhang He didn't care about the Yellow Turban Army, so he went out and analyzed it.
Then Zhang He continued knowingly: "They are like locusts. When they encounter a town, they swarm up. If the city is broken, they will plunder them all. If they fail, they will flee instantly like a mountain collapse."
After Zhang He said this, everyone felt at ease.
"Our army wants to capture the Yellow Turban bandits, but they are now in Yanzhou. Cao Mengde must also regard them as fat. Our army must capture the Yellow Turban bandits before they do. If you have any good strategies, please give me your advice." Yuan Xi He said while looking at everyone.
"How can our army surrender the Yellow Turbans without a stable footing? Furthermore, where will the food and resettlement expenses for millions of Yellow Turbans come from? For this reason, we must obtain Qingzhou and Jinan as soon as possible before we can make any calculations." Tian Feng is from the internal affairs department. Angle analysis said.
Yuan Xi looked at Guo Jia steadily, hoping to use his talents and give him a chance to convince the public. Didn't Liu Bei do the same to build momentum for Zhuge Liang?
Guo Jia understood, pointed to the marching map and said: "Actually, the young master and I have discussed it, luring Tian Kai's main force out, defeating it, and then using this to persuade Jinan and Pingyuan to surrender. If Jinan and Pingyuan are captured, victory will be achieved." His talents are enough to conquer other places.”
"Guo Zhizhi, please tell me how to lure Tian Kai's main force out." Tian Feng thought it might be possible and asked.
Guo Jia nodded and continued, "Generals Xu Huang and Zhang He will lead the attack on Jinan and Pingyuan first. They don't have to attack the city with all their strength. They just need to bluff the defenders and bring in Tian Kai's reinforcements." Calling for aid is nothing more than this.
"Tian Kai's army is not smaller than our army, and its combat power is not bad. Our army has violated the taboo of dividing its troops. How can we fight with it? Please ask the military adviser to clarify." Xu Huang also knew the art of war and asked aloud.
Guo Jia smiled and explained, "There are not many defenders in Jinan and Pingyuan. The two generals Junyi and Gongming only need to build up their momentum. They will not dare to go out of the city to attack easily, and then leave some soldiers behind to take precautions." , then the two generals took charge of most of the remaining troops and went to meet Tian Kai with the young master's central army."
Guo Jia's strategy was very similar to Fang Xuanling's plan for Emperor Taizong Li Shimin. He sent people to besiege Wang Shichong of Luoyang. Commander Li Shimin's main force met the reinforcements of Dou Jiande of Hebei. In the end, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin captured the two kings in one battle, which shocked the world. .
"According to the military advisor's plan, our army still cannot guarantee a complete victory over Tian Kai's reinforcements." Zhang He continued to ask.
"Young master, do you want to ambush Tian Kai's reinforcements?" Tian Feng asked after seeing Guo Jia's plan.
"If you want to defeat Tian Kai's army, which is about the same number as ours, you can't fight head-on. You must use a strategy. Setting up an ambush is the best plan. I can't bear to lose too much of my direct line's main force." Yuan Xi smiled. He replied that the army was the foundation of his Yuan Xi.
"The Art of War says: Use righteousness to achieve victory through surprise. Our army can deploy another surprise force as a side reinforcement." Yuan Xi continued. It was not for nothing that Yuan Xi studied the art of war with his teacher Zhang Hong in the past few years.
Guo Jia nodded and continued Yuan Xi's words, "Send a general to lead a cavalry force as a surprise force to raid the enemy's rear and disrupt the enemy's offensive posture."
Everyone was silent, thinking about the feasibility of the action, while Tian Feng secretly paid attention to Guo Jia. He did not expect that Yuan Xi had such an outstanding counselor, which surprised him.
Yuan Xi naturally thought of Liu Bei, who was the Prime Minister of Pingyuan at this time, so he warned, "The two sworn brothers of Pingyuan Prime Minister Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are both brave enough for thousands of men. Everyone also saw a thing or two in the battle against Dong Zhuo. , we are also familiar with each other, so the important task of besieging the plain will be left to Colonel Xu."
Xu Huang stepped out of the queue, clasped his fists and said in a loud voice, "I will live up to your expectations."
Yuan Xi once secretly told his cronies that in public, they should address themselves as young master or young general rather than lord. After all, Yuan Xi has no intention of setting up his own business now to avoid being caught by political opponents.
"We don't have much time. We hope that the two generals, Junyi and Gongming, will immediately lead their troops to besiege Jinan and Pingyuan without any mistakes." Yuan Xi ordered.
"No!" Zhang He and Xu Huang immediately stepped out to take orders.
