On the official road of Le'an in Qingzhou, an army of more than a thousand people was marching slowly.
The leader of the cavalry is a middle-aged man with a mustache, a generous face, and slender hands. He is Liu Bei who retreated from the plains.
This Liu Paopao is indeed unlucky. No matter how desperate the situation is, God seems to take care of him. Does he really have a destiny? It's a pity. If there were no Cao Cao, no Sun family, and no Yuan Xi's intrusion in this era, maybe Liu Bei would be able to revive the Han Dynasty and create another two hundred years of Han Dynasty.
Zhang Fei, carrying a spear and wide eyes like a leopard, followed him on horseback.
Unparalleled generals like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei can willingly surrender to Liu Bei. I don't believe that Liu Bei just knows how to cry. There must be something special about him.
In the team, a wheelbarrow hit a stone and suddenly rolled to the side. The soldier suddenly jumped up.
When Liu Bei saw this, he immediately dismounted and, together with the soldiers pushing the cart, reloaded the materials scattered on the ground into the cart. Dao didn't mean to blame him, he just pretended to be silent.
Zhang Fei saw Liu Bei doing this, so he naturally started to help, but he cursed: "That kid is not smart enough to hinder my brother from helping you finish the car."
The soldier knew that this "three generals" had a bad temper, so he quickly confessed and was extremely grateful to Liu Bei.
Liu Bei glared at Zhang Fei, then waved his hand to reassure the soldier, and said, "Don't listen to his nonsense. Just be careful next time."
The soldier nodded gratefully and said, "Liu Pingyuan is a good official who cares about our people. If he can follow the adults, my death is worth it."
In Sun Tzu's Art of War, the highest state of being a general is to make soldiers die for him, and what Liu Bei did coincided with the Art of War.
"Where do you say that an official should be kind and kind? I hear you are a native of Qingzhou?" Liu Bei asked with a smile, without a trace of falsehood, very sincere.
Yuan Xi will never be like Liu Bei. He is passionate, natural in emotion, not artificial at all, and touching the heart.
The soldier nodded and replied, "Young Lin Sheng is from Pingyuan. I was drafted into the army after you took charge of Pingyuan."
Speaking of this, the soldier suddenly became excited and said angrily, "I hate those Jizhou soldiers for occupying Pingyuan. The fathers of Pingyuan will suffer."
Liu Bei couldn't help but sigh: "I wanted to benefit the people in the plains, but I was alone and my father and I were in trouble."
"Brother, why do you need to say such depressing words? One day we will fight back to the plains." A deep voice came from behind.
When Liu Bei heard this, he knew that his second brother Guan Yu was here. Guan Yu looked calm and asked: "Brother, are we really going to defect to Tian Qingzhou? No more plotting against him?"
"I came to Linzi and defected to Tian Qingzhou, and I will make plans later." Liu Bei said lightly. He had his own judgment and last resort.
"Why don't you go back to Youzhou and join Mr. Gongsun? Don't you have a friendship with Mr. Gongsun?" Zhang Fei asked.
Liu Bei had a complicated expression. It wasn't that he didn't want to return to Youzhou, but that his senior brother Gongsun Zan was lukewarm towards him. There was really no prospect in Youzhou where powerful princes were entrenched, and only the turbulent Central Plains had a place for him.
So we see that Liu Bei is present in most places where there is trouble. How can we say that he is good at finding opportunities in crises? Or is he a born troublemaker.
Qingzhou. Yuan Xijun
Although Yuan Xi initially occupied the Kingdom of Jinan, and Tian Feng and Zhang He were responsible for all government and military affairs, Yuan Xi had to personally inspect many things, firstly for peace of mind, and secondly to increase his personal prestige, so that he could prepare for his future affairs. paving.
And as a monarch, you must have pioneering achievements, otherwise how can you convince the public? Why are the meritorious officials of Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu and Emperor Taizong Li Shimin honest? That is because Emperor Guangwu and Emperor Taizong themselves have no less merit than the generals, and they can control the residents. .
Yuan Xi was concerned about the recruitment of surrendered soldiers. The two thousand defenders of Jinan, as well as the soldiers from the original counties of Jinan, were selected and strengthened and added to Zhang He's battalion. A total of three thousand soldiers were recruited. people.
However, the troops had to be divided to guard the three important areas of Yuling, Zouping and Liangzo, so Zhang He's army did not increase much.
Xu Huang's first battalion was roughly the same. It mainly divided its troops to guard Pingyuan, Yanci, and Xipingchang. The rest of the troops also withdrew and stationed near Jinan.
Yuan Xi took Zhu Gongdao and two hundred tiger guards to inspect Zhang He's camp.
Zhang He was preparing and training his soldiers. When he heard that Yuan Xi was coming, he hurried to meet him. At this time, he no longer had the contempt he had before. After this period of fighting together with Yuan Xi.
Zhang He gradually began to pay attention to the second young master, and became more and more accustomed to the rhythm and atmosphere of Yuan Xi's small group.
"I'm here to see how the soldiers are resting. General Junyi, just go as usual and don't worry about me." Yuan Xi said, signaling Zhang He not to be formal.
Zhang He did not dare to ask for help, so he led Yuan Xi to the camp's school grounds and said proudly, "Sir, please see, these more than 700 halberd-wielding sergeants are my newly trained heavy armored halberd soldiers."
Yuan Xi saw hundreds of halberd-wielding soldiers in the middle of the school grounds, practicing thrusting movements under orders. And those soldiers are all well-proportioned and tall, with nimble and vigorous skills. Compared with Yuan Xi's garrison infantry, they are superior in coordination and skill.
"But the warrior who defeated Tian Kai's army many times during the Yuling Guard War?" Yuan Xi asked. He knew that Zhang He had recently organized a new army, which was brave and capable of fighting and was an elite force.
"Exactly, a certain person was in the army before, selected hundreds of brave men who dared to die, taught them a simple and practical halberd technique, and made them wear heavy armor for attacking difficulties." Zhang He said with great satisfaction. .
"If you are really a warrior, you have to practice hard. As an elite force, you will have to rely on generals in the future." Yuan Xi praised him.
"It's up to you to help me, sir. Please send me more food, pay, armor and weapons, so that I can form a strong army of a thousand men." Zhang He took the opportunity to ask for supplies and said.
Yuan Xi smiled, feeling like he was reaching out to ask for something, so he said, "Our army's food and salary are tight at this time, how can I have anything spare for you?"
Zhang He still wanted to fight for it, but Yuan Xi said first: "The weapons and armor you want can be given to your strong army first. Food and salary can only be rationed according to the ordinary establishment. I will replenish you when there is a little more."
Zhang He was also aware of Yuan Xijun's difficulties at this time, so he didn't insist on arguing, and said, "Well, thank you very much, sir. I want to train them into a thousand heavy armored halberd soldiers, and I bothered you to give them a name."
Yuan Xi thought of the elite infantry in the Jizhou Army in history, so he blurted out: "Euphorbiasmen!"
Five days later, Cao Cao's army camped in Zhangshou County.
Cao Cao personally went to the camp gate to greet Guo Jia, Zhang Liao and other Yuan troops who arrived.
Cao Cao looked at Guo Jia curiously, because Xun Yu mentioned him more than once, and the people recommended by Xun Yu must have their own merits. . .
In Cao Cao's opinion, based on his appearance alone, Guo Jia really has the charm of a distinguished scholar, and he sighed while admiring it. Behind Guo Jia, Zhang Liao and Zhao Yun are also extraordinary heroes.
Guo Jia also made a rough observation of Cao Cao and his civil and military personnel, and secretly remembered them in his heart.
Cao Cao, whom Xun Yu once admired, was indeed heroic in his words and actions. It was a pity that he already recognized Yuan Xi as his master, so how could he go to Qin Muchu.
Other scribes such as Xi Zhong, Cheng Yu, Mao Jie, and Chen Gong were also outstanding at that time. The Xiahou brothers, Cao brothers, Li Dian, Li Tong, Yue Jin, Yu Jin, Lu Qian and others were also talented generals.
Guo Jia was secretly frightened when he saw it. No wonder the lord Yuan Xi kept talking about it every day, Cao Cao's advisers were like clouds and his generals were like rain. Although it was an exaggeration, but as the saying goes, you can know something from a person's behavior and expression. Unexpectedly, Cao Cao had so many outstanding talents gathered under his command, and he was indeed a formidable opponent.
Xun Yu walked forward with a smile, took Guo Jia's hand, and asked with concern, "Fengxiao, are you okay after a year's absence?"
"No more than Wen Ruo, you have taken on important responsibilities under Cao Yanzhou and it can be said that your career is very proud." Guo Jia said with a smile.
Xun Yu laughed and scolded when he heard this, but he vaguely felt that although the two people were still affectionate in their words, there was a gap in their hearts unconsciously.
After all, each is his own master. Don't you see, although Zhuge Liang and Zhuge Jin are brothers, they serve different monarchs, so they cannot keep a distance.
Xun Yu grabbed Guo Jia, walked to Cao Cao, and introduced him, "My lord, this is the friend from the same country I mentioned to you, Guo Jia, and Guo Fengxiao, who has a good plan and a good army."
Cao Cao clasped his fists in salute and praised, "Wen Ruo has said many times that Guo Jia of Yingchuan is a man of extraordinary talent. Today, when I see him, he is as handsome as a fairy."
"Cao Yanzhou is ridiculously praised. He can't even compare to a weak scholar. The second master Yuan refused to give up and recruited him as the main secretary. He is not as good as the many talents under Cao Yanzhou." Guo Jia still smiled lightly.
Cao Cao heard the official tone in his words and knew that now was not the time to build friendship, so he introduced the civil and military men under his command to Guo Jia, Zhao Yun and Zhang Liao.
Later, Cao Cao hosted a banquet for Guo Jia and others.
During the banquet, Zhao Yun's rigor, Zhang Liao's perseverance, Guo Jia's chicness, and Xu Chu's fierceness all left a deep impression on Cao Cao's subordinates. After all, domestic flowers are not as fragrant as wild flowers.
At the banquet, both parties tried their best to avoid military matters, large or small, and the atmosphere was lively and harmonious as they ate, drank, talked and laughed.
After the banquet, Xun Yu personally saw Guo Jia off and returned to Zhang Liao's military camp.
He has been suffering from lack of opportunity to talk to Guo Jia in private.
After they were settled in and the crowd had left, Xun Yu and Guo Jia started talking word by word.
After a long time, Xun Yu said with a serious expression: "Fengxiao, tell me why you want to join Yuan Xi. Didn't we agree to serve Duke Cao together?"
Guo Jia sighed and said, "Brother Wen Ruo, you said that Cao Mengde is the Ming Lord, but why can't I think that Yuan Xianyi is the British Lord?"
"Is this the reason?"
"Don't you also admire the second young master very much? There is nothing surprising about me assisting him."
Xun Yu really felt that the gap between them had obviously deepened. "We agreed before that we would jointly assist the Ming Lord to stabilize the world, but I will do it as a filial piety to you..." Xun Yu said with a displeased expression.
"Brother Wen Ruo, sometimes you are too persistent. Although our ambition is to stabilize the troubled times, our methods can be different." Guo Jia said apologetically.
"Follow you!" Xun Yu said anxiously. In his heart, he had always regarded Guo Jia as a confidant with the same aspirations, but it seemed that only today did he know Guo Jia's thoughts.
"Wen Ruo, it's not that we can't realize our initial ambition together. The second young master has always admired your talents." Guo Jia couldn't bear it, but he had to say this in order to cut off Xun Yu's solicitation.
"Fengxiao you..." Xun Yu was so angry that he couldn't speak. He waved his sleeves and walked out of Guo Jia's tent.
"I'm sorry, Wen Ruo, we are each our own masters now." Guo Jia said with an indifferent expression. Maybe we will be enemies when we meet again, things are unpredictable.
The next day, in Cao Cao's camp.
Cao Cao summoned civil and military generals, including Guo Jia and others, to discuss the Yellow Turbans.
Cao Cao first looked at the heroic Zhao Yun, then moved his gaze to the resolute Zhang Liao, and finally looked at Guo Jia with a complicated expression, who smiled lightly and nodded.
Cao Cao knew that Xun Yu's recruitment failed, but after all, he did not have a close relationship with Guo Jia and did not know his talents. In addition, the other party was an important minister of his ally, so Cao Cao had to put this thought aside.
What's more, he has a lot of advisers, including Guo Jia. But it was really thanks to Guo Jia that he ate it later.
"Mr. Guo, do you have any clever plan to wipe out the remnants of the Yellow Turbans? I would like to hear your advice." Cao Cao asked Guo Jia.
"When Cao Gong was young, he had made great achievements by annihilating the Yellow Turbans. He is well versed in the tactics of suppressing thieves. The people under Cao Gong's tent, such as Xi Zhicai, Xun Gongda, Cheng Zhongde, etc., are all talented and intelligent people. How dare you speak nonsense? I will wait for Cao Gong's orders. "Guo Jia said evasively.
Cao Cao nodded, looked at others and asked, "What suggestions do you have? Tell us."
"According to the news from the scouts, the Yellow Turban thieves have moved to Nanpingyang and Zouxian County in Lu County. I guess they don't have much food anymore, so they attack Lu County near Xuzhou, so that even if they can't plunder enough food, they can still wait for opportunities. Fleeing to the wealthy Xuzhou Koulue." Cheng Yu analyzed.
Everyone under Cao Cao was a little anxious. Their original intention was to surrender the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans and let the Yellow Turbans flee to Xuzhou. This battle would be meaningless.
"The yellow turban thieves are so numerous that even if we defeat them, we can't stop more than a million yellow turban thieves from rushing towards Xuzhou and other places." Lu Qian said worriedly.
Xi Zhong and others were hesitant to speak. They could not speak outright about their plan to surrender the Yellow Turban Army in front of Guo Jia and others.
"Master Cao, please listen to what Jia has to say." Guo Jia stepped out and said.
Cao Cao, Xun Yu, Xun You and others all looked at Guo Jia, wondering what he would say.
"Since Duke Cao raised his army, what he has done, such as annihilating rebels and punishing traitors, is a righteous act for the country and the people. My lord sent troops to help because of Duke Cao's righteousness in annihilating the Yellow Turbans and protecting the country and the people." Guo Jiayi He changed his leisurely expression and said solemnly.
After taking a breath, Guo Jia continued: "If the Yellow Turban thieves are allowed to escape to Xuzhou and Qingzhou, the two states will suffer misfortune. Although they are in different states and counties, they are both Han people. We should not sit idly by and ignore them. Moreover, the purpose of my lord’s sending troops is to destroy the Yellow Turban thieves and prevent them from escaping elsewhere.”
Xun Yu and other counselors listened and couldn't help but think about what he said. Whether it was based on righteousness or their actual need to capture and surrender the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans, this group of Yellow Turban thieves who robbed the prefectures and counties must be completely eradicated.
"Mr. Guo's words are quite righteous. With Yanzhou's 20,000 to 30,000 soldiers and horses, we can't stop them even if they are cattle and sheep against more than a million Yellow Turbans." Xiahou Dun said unconcernedly.
Cao Cao scolded Xiahou Dun and said with a smile, "Sir, don't be surprised. Yuan Rang has such an upright temper. If you have a clever idea, please tell me."
Guo Jia waved his hand and said, "General Xiahou is not interested in the enemy. How can Jia care? When it comes to the strategy of dealing with the yellow scarf thieves, Cao Gong knows nothing about it, so he set up an ambush and defeated you unexpectedly."
Cao Cao nodded and then asked, "If you have any specific suggestions, please feel free to tell me. Let's all work together."
Xun You, an opera loyalist, looked at each other and said, "The yellow scarf thieves have more than a million women and children, so their marching speed must not be fast. Our army can take a detour and march quickly to set up an ambush around Lu County; then separate some soldiers and recruit local heroes. The common people mostly set up defenses at the junction of Yanzhou and Xuzhou with great fanfare. In this way, as long as the previous ambush was successful, with the behavior of the Yellow Turban bandits, they would not dare to forcefully cross the junction of Yanzhou and Xuzhou, but would flee elsewhere. By then our army and the Third Young Master’s cavalry Army, and then attack and pursue the Yellow Turban bandits, I believe that after many battles, this rebellion can be completely wiped out."
The actor nodded in agreement.
Next, a group of civil and military officials added specific plans, and finally Cao Cao ordered: "Li Dian, Li Tong, each of you will lead a thousand soldiers to Zouxian and Yangping to help the locals secure the county. Lu Qian, please return to your hometown as soon as possible." City and county, recruit local heroes and recruit village braves to assist."
Li Dian, Li Tong and Lu Qian took the order and left.
Cao Cao then ordered: "Cao Xiu and Cao Ang will take a thousand men, as well as the local warriors recruited by Lu Qian, and defend the main road leading to Xuzhou from the south of Lu County according to the danger, and make more flags and drums to build up the momentum. "
Cao Cao then looked at the remaining men and ordered, "Xiahou Dun, Xia Houyuan, Yu Jin, and Yue Jin will lead their own troops and horses to follow me as the central army and rush to Lu County to choose a place to set up an ambush."
Several people took orders and went down to prepare their troops.
Cao Cao finally looked at Guo Jia and others and said with a smile, "To cooperate with the defeat of the Yellow Turban bandits, and for the subsequent pursuit, we will rely on the cavalry brought by the three of them and Cao Hong and Cao Chun's cavalry."
"We must closely cooperate with Duke Cao's military orders." Guo Jia cupped his hands and accepted the order.
Cao Cao then asked a group of scribes, "Xi Zhicai, Xun Gongda, and Cheng Zhongde will follow our central army, and Wen Ruo, Chen Gongtai, and Mao Jie will coordinate the defense of Dongjun and other places."
Guo Jia smiled lightly, with an unknown meaning flashing in his eyes.
