Yecheng, Prefecture Mufu.
At this time, Yuan Shao was in the side hall, watching the kabuki music and dance at home.
Yuan Shao squinted his eyes, hugged a concubine, and said teasingly, "Bitong, I haven't seen you for two days, you seem to be more and more beautiful."
Concubine Ji named Bi Tong flashed a look of resentment in her beautiful eyes and said, "My lord, I remembered wrongly. You have not favored Bi Tong for seven days."
Yuan Shao chuckled and said awkwardly, "I'm tired of government affairs, so I'll come see you whenever I have free time."
How could Yuan Shao admit that he was strict with his wife? He was the overlord of Hebei and he didn't want to lose face.
"Huh huh." Concubine Ji Bi Tong pouted her lips coquettishly and said dissatisfiedly, "I think it's because the eldest lady is looking at me. Don't think I don't know."
Yuan Shao smiled awkwardly and covered it up, "Who said that? How could this happen? I am the oldest in the family."
When Yuan Shao was embarrassed, his servant reported that Ju Sue, Feng Ji, Xu You and others were asking for an audience.
When Yuan Shao saw that something was serious, his face became solemn, and he quickly waved his hand to ask Kabuki and Ji Concubine to retreat.
Feng Ji entered the side hall with a face full of joy and congratulated, "Lord, what a great victory, what a great victory! What a great victory in Qingzhou."
"Oh, but the good news from Xianyi?"
Feng Ji nodded and praised, "Five days ago, the second young master defeated the main force of Tian Kai's army in Yuling, Jinan Kingdom, Qingzhou. The second young master has made a great contribution and relieved the master's worries."
"Congratulations, my lord, for winning the first battle in Qingzhou. The Second Young Master is really brave. My lord is so lucky." Xu You praised with a smile.
Yuan Shao also stroked his beard and smiled, pretending to be humble and said, "It's just a small victory, just a small victory. How can my son deserve such praise from you all?"
Jushou took the opportunity to say: "Taking advantage of the Second Young Master's victory, the Han Meng and Gao Lan armies in Qinghe can immediately join forces with Cao Cao's army to attack the Xuzhou Army that is stationed in the army, and cooperate with the Second Young Master to defeat Gaotang and Pingyuan."
Jushou indeed had a great civil and military strategy, comparable to that of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty. His ability to find every opportunity, assess the situation and make the best use of the situation, and his ability to control and control fighter planes was indeed extraordinary.
Xu You also agreed: "In this way, most of the threats to the south of Jizhou have been eliminated. In this way, we can use our full strength to deal with Gongsun Zan."
Yuan Shao felt that what the counselors said was reasonable, so he asked a few of them to draw up a detailed plan and then passed on the order.
Qingzhou.
Yuan Xi sent soldiers. Taking the confiscated banners, flags and armor of Tian Kaijun, they went to Jinan and Pingyuan to recruit surrender. Zhang He and Xu Huang also surrounded the two places again.
If the reinforcements have been knocked out when encircling a point, then we have to take advantage of the power of victory to besiege the city and make an emergency landing.
One day later, the Jinan garrison, led by County Lieutenant Huang Yun, surrendered to Kaicheng. Yuan Xi led his direct troops and stationed in Jinan City. He commended County Lieutenant Huang Yun and asked him to appease the counties of Jinan because of their The land uses its people, the good ones.
Regarding this matter, Huang Yun is still very happy to do it. People are neither good nor bad, it depends on how they are used. The ability to use people's strengths and tolerate their weaknesses depends on the monarch's control ability.
Under the protection of Yuan Xi's army, he went to various places in Jinan to persuade them to surrender, and also contacted the remaining powerful nobles of Jinan, and they all joined the Yuan family.
After the war, the army's rest and reorganization and local governance were very cumbersome and tiring. Fortunately, Tian Feng was in charge of the overall situation and coordinated the arrangements. Tian Feng indeed has the talent to govern the country. No wonder Emperor Taizong Li Shimin said that to conquer the world, I rely on Fang Xuanling and others, and to govern the world, I rely on Wei Zheng and others. What he said is true.
After discussing with Guo Jia and Tian Feng, Yuan Xi asked Zhang He to lead his headquarters of 2,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry to be stationed near Jinan. The remaining three thousand infantry were stationed in Yuling, Liangzou, and Zouping, the three counties bordering Tian Kaijun.
Zhang Liao's cavalry was sent by Yuan Xi to assist Xu Huang in besieging the plains and the remaining forces of Gongsun Zan in Gaotang.
Yuan Xi also entrusted Tian Feng and Zhang He with full authority to reorganize and surrender the troops. Yuan Xi believed that these civil and military forces would handle these matters satisfactorily.
In the next five days, Yuan Xi did not have an easy time. He took Xu Chu and other tiger guards, and under Huang Yun's recommendation, went to various places in Jinan to appease the people and win over the powerful.
Just when Yuan Xi returned to Jinan exhausted physically and mentally, two unexpected guests came.
Jinan City, government office.
Shen Pei led a middle-aged scribe with a dark complexion and a goatee.
Yuan Xi and Guo Jia rushed out to greet them outside the government office.
Yuan Xi made a disciple's salute and said respectfully, "Mr. Zhengnan is polite. I wonder who this gentleman is?"
Shen Pei also held up his hands and smiled and said: "Young Master is polite, this is Cao Yanzhou's military advisor, he plays Zhongzhicai."
Yuan Xi was slightly surprised. This was an important person. Did he know that if Xi Zhicai didn't die, Xun Yu would have no chance to recommend Guo Jia, so he said, "Young man has also heard of Mr. Yingchuan Zhicai's name. I have admired him for a long time." .”
The actor waved his hand and said modestly, "Where is it? You are a small official in Cao Yanzhou, but you are not as famous as the young master."
After a few people exchanged pleasantries, Yuan Xi then led the two of them into the government office hall to give them a refreshment.
After everyone sat down, Shen Pei first said with a smile: "Congratulations to the Second Young Master on your great victory in Yu Ling. You have solved a big trouble for your lord. You really live up to your reputation as a leader of our generation."
"It all depends on the service of the soldiers. Xianyi is just the central planner and doesn't dare to take credit." Yuan Xi said modestly. Shenpei was a close official of his father Yuan Shao, so he didn't dare to take credit for it.
The judge looked around and asked, "Sir, why don't you see Tian Yuanhao? Mr. Tian."
"Jinan Xinding relies on Mr. Yuan Hao for all government affairs. I'm afraid he is on official business at the moment. I will invite Mr. Yu Zhengnan to meet him later." Yuan Xi said truthfully.
The judge nodded with a smile, and then said, "Sir, I am here to give you a good news."
Yuan Xi and Guo Jia looked at each other and guessed what was going on, but they still waited for the next step.
"Yesterday, our Jizhou Army and Cao Yanzhou jointly attacked the Xuzhou Army stationed in Fagan, Yanzhou. They won a great victory. The Xuzhou Army was defeated and fled. My son, the south is safe." Shen Pei said excitedly with a red face.
Yuan Xi and others had expected this, but after all, they were happy that their own army had won, so they clapped their hands and said hello. At the same time, they also felt the importance and care of their father Yuan Shao for him.
Xi Zhong also said: "Second Young Master, don't worry. Now the army is pressing down on the border. Plains and Gaotang are just around the corner. The security to the southwest is safe for Young Master."
As soon as Xi Zhong finished speaking, a messenger sent a military report.
Guo Jia took the document and read it out: "Liu Bei abandoned the plains and died in peace. Our army occupied the plains and Gaotang."
Several people congratulated each other after hearing the news.
Xi Zhong stood up at the right time and bowed to Yuan Xi, saying, "Actually, the reason why I am following Mr. Zhengnan this time is because my lord has asked the second young master for help. Please don't refuse."
"Sir, please sit down. I wonder why Uncle Cao Shi asked you to come? If I can help, Xianyi dare not refuse." Yuan Xi said doubtfully.
Xi Zhong smiled lightly and said: "This time I am coming to Cao Yanzhou. I would like to ask you to send troops to help us fight against the Yellow Turbans."
Yuan Xi and Guo Jia looked at each other, and Guo Jia was also observing Xi Zhong's expression carefully. Guo Jia and Xi Zhong were from the same hometown, and Guo Jia didn't think Xi Zhong's advantage was so easy to take advantage of.
"Xi is also willing to kill the remaining Yellow Turban party, but Jinan Xinding, the sergeants are tired, and there is Tian Kai watching from the side, I am afraid there are no extra soldiers and horses to help Cao Shishu wipe out the Yellow Turbans." Yuan Xi said nonchalantly.
"Master, if you don't think about it, the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans' old nest is in Qingzhou. They just wander around Yanzhou and plunder. If they are not removed, it will also be a great harm to Qingzhou. Now we can join forces with Cao Gong to destroy it." Xi Zhong continued to persuade.
After a pause, Xi Zhong raised his voice and said: "I have heard for a long time that the young master is wise, brave and of high moral character. Don't you think about the safety of the people of Qingzhou? Wouldn't it be a loss of reputation for the Yuan family?"
"My lord is not willing to help Cao Yanzhou to annihilate the Yellow Turbans. It's just that our army has just recently captured Jinan, and we have to resettle a group of people to follow the surrender. Jinan originally does not have much grain reserves, so transporting grain from Jizhou is time-consuming and laborious. It is a long-term plan, so we need to consider it in the long term." Guo Jia understood and offered help.
"Because our army is short of food, we are unable to help Cao Yanzhou. Please forgive me." Seeing Guo Jia's excuse, Yuan Xi also sighed.
Xi Zhong looked at Shen Pei again, meaning to remind the two families of their alliance and their comrades-in-arms who had just cooperated to defeat their common enemy.
"Well, of course the Second Young Master has no hesitation in sending troops to help annihilate the Yellow Turbans, but the lack of food and fodder is also a real thing, which is really difficult to deal with!" Is it true that Yuan Xi's words are not all lies, not to mention that Yuan Xi is one of his own after all.
Xi Zhong thought to himself, now that the main course is on, isn't this just a condition? Let's talk about adding more money.
"Yanzhou has been in war for a long time and does not have much food reserves, but don't worry, sir, as long as you send reinforcements, no matter how many people, we will provide all the food and fodder consumed." Xi Zhong assured him.
"We heard that Cao Yanzhou's army was well supplied with food, and we wanted Cao Yanzhou to borrow 40,000 stones of rice to support the refugees in the Jinan Plain." Guo Jia said with a half-smile but not a smile. Guo Jia saw that the opera loyalist replied like this Generously concluded that Xi Zhong and Cao Cao must have other plans, but they can't figure it out for the moment, and they need to continue to talk.
Xi Zhong thought for a while and then said: "We can borrow 30,000 shi of corn. It's actually very difficult in Yanzhou."
"We are just borrowing food. It's not that we won't pay it back. After Qingzhou is settled, we will naturally return it to Cao Shishu. Mr. Xi must be so stingy." Yuan Xi said with a somewhat unhappy expression.
Xi Zhong gritted his teeth with some secret annoyance and said, "How much does the young master want?"
"No more, no more. I only need 40,000 shi of rice, 100,000 shi of millet, and 100,000 shi of millet for a two-year loan period." Yuan Xi said innocently.
Xi Zhong was very angry. These more than 200,000 shi of grain were enough to feed more than 20,000 soldiers for half a year. He couldn't make the decision. Why, "I can't make the decision. I need to ask Cao Yanzhou for permission."
"Please tell Cao Shishu that Jizhou has to deal with the threat of Gongsun Zan, so it can't provide us with much grain, so we have to borrow grain from Cao Shishu. But I, Yuan Xike, can use this as evidence and I will definitely return the full amount in two years." Yuan Xi vowed. To be honest, although Yuan Xi himself may not believe it, he should draw the cake first and then talk about it.
Xi Zhong shied away again, saying that he would go back and ask Cao Cao for instructions.
The next day Yuan Xi sent Xi Zhong and Shen out of Jinan City.
Xi Zhong bowed his hands to the two of them and said, "Excuse me for seeing you off, please stay. We will see you again in the future."
Yuan Xi asked seemingly unintentionally: "I heard that your husband secretly contacted Chen Gongtai and Bao Yuncheng to persuade the officials in Yanzhou to welcome Cao Shishu to Yanzhou? Is this possible?"
"Cao Yanzhou is a hero of the world. Just like Yuan Chaqi, his entry into Yanzhou is highly anticipated." Xi Zhong's eyes flashed and he said seriously.
Yuan Xi understood, that is to say, Liu Dai's death was no different from Han Fu's death. There was no difference between Cao Mengde and his father Yuan Shao. Sure enough, victory is justice. If the Yuan family wins in the end, it would be despicable and shameful. Maybe it's Cao Cao.
Moreover, Yuan Xi knew that the drama loyalists at this time had a great impression of Cao Cao, but he still wanted to try to see if he could leverage Cao Mengde's corner, so he said, "If one day, sir, he discovers that he has been entrusted to a wrong person, and he What should I do?”
Yuan Xi's words were heartbreaking. After all, he was not from the same camp, so it was too much to say this.
Xi Zhong frowned and said displeasedly, "Young Master, Cao Yanzhou is a hero in the world, and he has a close relationship with the Yuan family. Young Master, please be careful what you say."
"Sir, don't be surprised. What my lord is saying is that after hearing Mr. Zhicai's name for a long time, if he is not satisfied in Yanzhou, then there will always be a place for Zhicai in Qingzhou." Guo Jia helped.
Although he didn't know what Yuan Xi was doing to openly drive a wedge between Xi Zhong and Cao Cao, he still understood Yuan Xi's idea of winning over Xi Zhong. After all, this fellow Xi Zhong was not as talented as himself. Down.
Xi Zhong didn't say anything else. After giving thanks, he hurried back to Yanzhou to resume his life.
Yuan Xi and Guo Jia rode back to the city surrounded by Xu Chu and other tiger guards.
"Young master, do you want to recruit talented actors? But it's too hasty." Guo Jia asked in confusion.
Yuan Xi shook his head and said, "I just want to make sure that it was with the help of Chen Gong that Cao Cao took control of Gunzhou. Moreover, I feel that Chen Gongtai and Cao Cao are not the same kind of people. Maybe I will start with him in designing Cao Cao in the future. That’s why I talked about Mr. Zhicai.”
"Young Master has always been able to discern people, and Jia is ashamed of himself. Let Jia wait and see whether the Young Master's words are accurate, but he is really good at borrowing food from Cao Cao." Although Guo Jia had never met Yuan Xi. Chen Gong was surprised to know that he was there, but he didn't doubt his presence. After all, Yuan Xi's teacher, Zhang Hong, was still in charge of the Secret Guard, an intelligence agency.
"Fengxiao, do you think Cao Cao will lend us food?" Yuan Xi asked as he was not sure about Cao Cao's decision.
"Why not borrow it? According to our previous speculation, Cao Cao most likely wanted to surrender the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans to enrich Yanzhou. However, he had few soldiers and was disadvantaged in the first battle, so he had to rely on the assistance of our Qingzhou Army. Otherwise, with Cao Cao's character of only taking advantage and not suffering any losses, How could he agree so generously and cheerfully?" Guo Jia slowly analyzed.
Guo Jia then smiled lightly and said: "That's why we can get the help of the young master to increase the chance of defeating the Yellow Turbans in Qingzhou. Under the premise that Yanzhou does have surplus food, 20,000 soldiers can eat half a year's rations. Compared with surrendering a million people, which one is lighter?" Focus on making decisive decisions now.”
"It's a pity, I am determined to win this Qingzhou Yellow Turban." Yuan Xi said firmly.
"What do you want Fengxiao to do? Please teach me," Yuan Xi saluted.
"Send a group of soldiers and horses to assist Cao Cao in defeating the Yellow Turban Army and try to force them back to Qingzhou. Then our army will surrender them in Qingzhou with lightning speed." Guo Jia gave a general idea.
"That way I'll break up with Cao Cao." Yuan Xi said with a bad smile.
"I don't think so. After all, Cao Cao and our army are temporary allies. Even if he resents us, he will not fall out immediately. Besides, I had a plan at that time to make Cao Cao have to rely more on our army." Guo Jiaxin said.
"There are great talents like Xi Zhicai, Xun Wenruo, and Xun Gongda in Cao Cao's army. I'm afraid we won't be able to easily recruit the remaining members of the Yellow Turban Party." Yuan Xi then thought of Xun Yu, who had been away for a long time, and said.
"Cao Cao has Xun Wenruo but I also have Guo Fengxiao, which is enough to offset the situation." Yuan Xi couldn't help but smile.
Guo Jia sighed and smiled bitterly, and said, "It seems that I have no choice but to go to Yanzhou with the army."
In the south of Shouzhang County, Cao Cao's army camp is located.
After hearing the Xi Zhong's report, Cao Cao remained silent, thinking about the pros and cons of the matter.
"Damn it, that kid Yuan Xi bullied others too much. He actually took advantage of the situation and demanded our food. He is so dishonest." Xiahou Dun said angrily.
Xi Zhong looked at Cao Cao, whose expression remained unchanged, and continued, "Second Young Master Yuan said he was borrowing it, and he also said he would pay it back in two years."
"It's not the same as it is." Xiahou Dun said angrily.
Cheng Yu shook his head and said, "The Yuan family and Yuan Xianyi are both people who cherish their reputation, so they would not violate their credibility for these military rations."
Cao Cao looked at Xun Yu, Xun You and other counselors, hoping that they could help analyze the pros and cons and feasibility.
Xun Yu added: "Yuan Xianyi is different from his father Yuan Benchu. He is polite, cherishes reputation, and pays attention to practical benefits. It is suspicious that he does not take advantage of the opportunity to ask for benefits."
"So you can borrow troops from them?" Cao Cao asked.
Xun You took over the conversation and said: "Yanzhou's inventory is quite abundant. It would be advisable to lend these grains in exchange for the assistance of the Jizhou army. However, the soldiers lent should be under our command and cannot be allowed to act without authorization."
Cao Cao asked other subordinates for their opinions. Seeing that no one had any suggestions, he agreed to Yuan Xi's request.
Three days later, Cao Cao and Yuan Xi formally reached an agreement, on the condition that they would lend a total of 240,000 shi of grain in exchange for the assistance of three thousand cavalry from Yuan Xi's army.
After negotiation, Cao Cao immediately recruited ships to transport grain from Dongjun to Jinan via the Yellow River waterway.
Yuan Xi's reinforcements happened to escort the grain ships along the river bank from Jinan to Dongping, and then rushed to Shouzhang to join Cao Cao's army.
After discussions between Yuan Xi, Tian Feng, Guo Jia and others, it was finally decided that Zhang Liao's 2,000 cavalry and Zhao Yun's 1,000 garrison cavalry would rush to aid Cao Cao. Guo Jia, as the representative and supervisor of Yuan Xi's army, accompanied the army to coordinate and act expediently.
Before leaving, Yuan Xi personally saw off the three of them. Yuan Xi was a little worried about Guo Jia going out with the army. This was his Zhang Liang and he couldn't let anything go wrong, so he asked Xu Chu to bring two hundred tiger guards to protect his safety.
"Zhongkang, Zilong, you two must protect the safety of the military advisor." Yuan Xi ordered.
Xu Chu grinned and said in a rough voice: "Don't worry, young master, I will be there as a military advisor. Old Xu Dingbao will have a thorough military advisor."
"Yun knows that he will definitely protect the military advisor." Zhao Yun said with his fists clasped.
Yuan Xi looked at Zhang Liao again and said, "Wen Yuan, there is no need to give you any more instructions. Be careful and act according to the opportunity."
Zhang Liao also clasped his fists in salute and said, "Young Master, be at ease. If Liao has any questions, just ask his military advisor."
Finally, Yuan Xi looked at Guo Jia, who was smiling lightly. Neither of them said anything. This was the tacit understanding between the monarch and his ministers.
Guo Jia didn't say anything. He cupped his hands and got into the carriage. However, Guo Jia was very moved, because Xu Chu was Yuan Xi's direct bodyguard commander, and Yuan Xi transferred Xu Chu to him for his own safety. No one can be ruthless, so he sold these few kilograms of meat to Yuan Xianyi.
In the Yellow Turban Camp in Qingzhou.
Zhou Cang held a pottery bowl in one hand and a wine jar in the other, and sighed, "Big boss, it's a pity that we couldn't kill the general in Cao Cao's army last time."
Guan Hai snorted and said with emotion, "Cao Cao is really powerful. Such a small number of people actually escaped from our encirclement."
"Boss, the spies have inquired about the news, saying that Cao Cao has mobilized a large amount of grain from Dongjun and is transporting it to Qingzhou. Why don't we intercept it?" He Qun asked.
"You know nothing about it. Let's not mention that people transport it by boat. How can you go down to the river to grab it?" Guan Hai paused and continued: "Who knows that the boat is really food?"
Zhou Cang understood and said: "What the big leader means is that this is a trick of Cao Cao's envoy, and he asked us to intercept it and then ambush us?"
Guan Hai nodded and said confidently, "Isn't that the truth? I won't be fooled."
"But we don't have much food left. If we don't conquer a city to get food, we will starve." He Qun complained.
Guan Hai didn't know it, but the counties and counties in Yanzhou had strengthened their defenses and cleared the country. They could only rob some powerful landlords outside the city, but that couldn't solve the problem at all. It seemed that they could only capture one or two counties.
