"Sir, since you value me so much, what else can Jia Xu not say? Please forgive me for speaking frankly!" Jia Xu breathed a sigh of relief and said, "In my opinion, although the Yuan family has a lot of glory on the surface, in reality There are hidden troubles. The achievements you have made today are really brilliant, but the future will be full of obstacles. If you want to achieve great things, you will have to walk on thin ice step by step."
"Mr. Wenhe is too alarmist. The Yuan family has occupied the territory of the three states. Bingzhou will also be in the bag. If we cultivate for another three years to stock up on food and supplies, and then carry hundreds of thousands of people across the river, who in the world will Can anyone stop him?" Guo Jia deliberately retorted.
"Having said that, the Yuan family is not without opponents. Cao Cao, Sun Jian, and Liu Biao are all formidable enemies." Jia Xu analyzed: "Let's not talk about Liu Jingsheng, who has more than 100,000 armored men and dominates Jingjiang. There is also a hidden tiger in the east of the river. Sun Wentai is so powerful. Cao Cao, who occupies Yanzhou and Yuzhou alone and has hundreds of thousands of armor, is the Yuan family’s biggest enemy right in front of them! He is also the biggest opponent heading south to the Central Plains."
"Cao Cao used the power of two states to resist hundreds of thousands of people from our four states. The strength is very different. Mr. Wenhe actually said that he is the biggest enemy. How can you say this?" Guo Jia then asked.
"Yanzhou and Yuzhou are located in the Central Plains. They are originally prosperous and prosperous places. They can recruit more than 100,000 soldiers. After taking over these two places, Cao Cao made a great effort to cultivate farmland and issued a decree to resume leasing. The two places have already restored the Yellow Turban rule. After the chaos, the vitality of the land was damaged." Jia Xu continued to talk eloquently: "Cao Cao led the troops to fight when he was young. Looking at his achievements over the years, he is very good at making decisions on the fly. He defeats strong enemies with weak forces and uses his troops like a god."
"Sir, what do you mean when you say that our Yuan family has hidden dangers?" Yuan Xi asked. In fact, he was well aware of the hidden dangers in the Yuan family. He just wanted to hear Jia Xu's opinion. After all, bystanders know better.
Jia Xu took a deep look at Yuan Xi and said, "Jizhou has experienced the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Zhang Yan's attack by the Black Mountain bandits, and the previous battle between Yuan Cheqi and Gongsun Zan. Most of his strength has been consumed. There will not be many supplies in the treasury now." , the civilian household registration has also been reduced. However, Yuan Cheqi relied on the Shenjia, Fengjia and other wealthy families and indulged them in annexing the peasant households, which caused a great loss of vitality in Jizhou when the famine came. Even though he had hundreds of thousands of people, there was no foundation at all. There is not enough food and fodder in the prison, and a defeat could be fatal!"
As he spoke, Jia Xuruo said to Yuan Xi meaningfully: "Internally, Yuan Cheqi really made a mistake, between Youzhou and Qingzhou, between you, Marquis of Linzi, and Mr. Yuan. The internal instability cannot make concerted efforts, How can we jointly resist foreign enemies?"
Jia Xu had been observing Yuan Xi's expression, and seeing that he was calm and calm, Jia Xu secretly nodded in approval. Yuan Xi didn't show anything on his face, but felt uncomfortable in his heart. In history, Jia Xu once said: Brothers can't get along with each other, but how can they tolerate the world's nobles?
But as a person involved, he vaguely understood that so many people in history had killed each other for power. Even if you have no intention of fighting for power, others may not have the intention of harming you.
One can imagine what would happen to Yuan Xi if Yuan Tan inherited the Yuan family and Yuan Xi's power was taken away.
The fight between him and Yuan Tan is already going on secretly, and the loser will only die. Emperor Taizong Li Shimin's announcement of the Wumen was not entirely due to Li Er's ruthlessness, but because he was forced into that situation. Even if you have no intention of fighting, your power will push you further and further down that road.
The so-called is that people in the world cannot help themselves.
"Sir, please tell me, how did we send troops in the Battle of Xuzhou? How to deal with it?" Yuan Xi changed the topic.
"In my opinion, a war in the Central Plains will inevitably break out between the Cao and Yuan families within two years!" Jia Xu also answered the question incorrectly.
Yuan Xi frowned and said, "This gentleman is too arbitrary. Years of disasters are the time for military cessation. If we don't cultivate in Hebei for two or three years, we won't be able to accumulate food and supplies to support the military. And this is different from sending troops to Xuzhou. Is there any connection between them?"
"Of course!" Jia Xu affirmed: "Cao Cao's power has grown too fast, and it will inevitably become a serious problem if he continues to let it go. He has already challenged Yuan Cheqi's status as the master of the Kwantung League in Xuzhou and Hanoi. How can Yuan Cheqi tolerate it? In fact, Chi Zhan Fighting early is the same. Let's recuperate. Why can't Cao Cao recuperate? It's just that fighting early has the tactics of fighting early, and fighting late has the tactics of fighting late."
"Mr. Nayi said that the decisive battle in the Central Plains will take place within two years. How should we deal with the Xuzhou incident?" Yuan Xi also believed in his heart that the decisive battle between the two families would happen earlier than in history. On the one hand, both companies are rising faster than ever before. On the other hand, the conflicts between the two families accumulated during the crusade against Dong Zhuo and the pacification of Qingzhou.
"Let Cao Cao occupy Xuzhou." Jia Xu said calmly. Like talking about a trivial matter.
"What!" Yuan Xi was surprised.
Guo Jia also frowned, but after a while he laughed and said, "What a plan, what a plan! What a Jia Wenhe."
Yuan Xi then thought about it and asked tentatively: "Sir, are you saying that Xuzhou can hold back Cao Cao's troops and weaken his strength?"
This strategy was also used by Yuan Shao in the previous strategic game with Gongsun Zan. Yuan Shao gave Youzhou to Gongsun Zan, which increased Gongsun Zan's defensive pressure. The battle line was too long, which indeed led to Gongsun Zan's defeat more quickly.
"That's right." Guo Jia shook his feather fan and said, "After we occupied Hebei, our territory has expanded, but there are also more places to defend. In fact, it is difficult to assemble the troops. If Cao Cao wins Xuzhou, the fourth battle We need to suppress the local wealthy families internally, and guard against invasions from Qingzhou and Yangzhou externally. How can we defend it without 40,000 to 50,000 troops?"
"Every loss must be a gain. Gaining Xuzhou, a prosperous land, is equivalent to giving Cao Cao a big granary." Yuan Xi said.
"Can't a land of Yin rich become tired and poor?" Jia Xu said quietly, while also observing Yuan Xi's reaction.
Yuan Xi and Guo Jia were both shocked. How many people would have to die to make a state impoverished?
"Cao Cao has helped us make Xuzhou poor and weak. He looted food and caused a large number of refugees to flee. The food in those places is enough for Cao Cao's army to eat for a while, but who will cultivate the farmland after that? As long as the remaining big cities will become It has become an empty city, a desolate city..." Jia Xu did not say any more. In fact, Cao Cao often did these things in history. The Battle of Chibi moved the people of Jingzhou to the north and the people of Hanzhong to Guanzhong, which were all ploys to draw fuel from the bottom of the cauldron.
Yuan Xi knew that many civilians would die from famine alone. If Cao Cao's army massacred the city like it did in history, he didn't know how many more people would die.
"This requires the young master to seize the opportunity to send troops. He first mediates. When Tao Qian only has a few strong cities left and is exhausted, the Qingzhou army arrives from the sea. At the end of the war, the Mi family's property is damaged, and the young master passes The Mi family persuaded Tao Qian that they would be able to bring the last wealthy people in Xuzhou back to Qingzhou." Jia Xu revealed his plan.
Yuan Xi originally wanted to help Xuzhou defeat Cao Cao. Place such a nail in the east of Yanzhou. Cao Cao is constrained. Even if Cao Cao wants to capture Xuzhou, it will take a year or two. During this period, Qingzhou and the three states in Hebei can recover some of their vitality.
At that time, the odds of a decisive victory will increase by a few points. But after Jia Xu said this, the temptation to completely destroy Tao Qian's family was even greater. The poisonous man is indeed a poisonous man. He only cares about profit and loss, and directly ignores the safety of other people's lives. It really lives up to Chen Ping’s talent.
Yuan Xi thought for a while and asked his personal entourage to invite Cao Hong out.
Seeing that there were only three people, Yuan Xi, Cao Hong knew that he was looking for him to discuss secrets, so he handed over his hands and said, "I wonder when the young general will send troops to Xuzhou?"
"Mr. Cao, you also know that there is a severe drought this year and the crops have failed. Raising supplies and gathering troops is not something that can be done in one or two days. It will take at least half a month!" Yuan Xi pushed back.
Cao Hong was silent for a while, then gritted his teeth and said: "Tao Shijun is old and can no longer protect me in Xuzhou. The young general comes from a famous family, is a talented man, and has many soldiers under his command. If the young general is willing, I am willing to persuade a few A large family welcomes the young general to lead Xuzhou! I don’t know what the young general’s wishes are.”
Yuan Xi's heart was moved, but Guo Jia shook his head and said: "Mr. Cao, you also know that the wealthy families in Xuzhou are extremely xenophobic. How could they welcome my young master to take over Xuzhou? There are two young masters after Tao Shijun. Besides, Tao Shijun did not intend to seize Xuzhou. Give it to Liu Xuande?"
Yuan Xi's mind calmed down, Xuzhou could no longer plot anything, and it was still possible to gain some benefits.
Cao Hong was silent again for a while. He also knew the situation of the Xuzhou nobles. Suddenly he bowed deeply: "I have admired the young general for a long time. I am willing to join the whole family to join the young master! I will be at your disposal!"
Yuan Xi quickly helped Cao Hong up and said enthusiastically, "Sir, why are you doing this? If you don't dislike my place in Qingzhou, you can come and settle here. I also need talents like you!"
He despises villains like Cao Hong who work hard to please others, but sometimes he has to rely on them to do some things.
Cao Hong nodded and said gratefully: "It's a great honor to have the young general value you so much, but if you have an assignment, you will definitely risk your life!"
"That's not necessary. Sir, you only need to do a few things for me. Yuan Xi is very grateful!" Yuan Xi said with a smile.
Qingzhou, governor's office.
When Yuan Xi woke up, it was already bright.
Gao Yue had already gotten up. When she saw Yuan Xi waking up, she hurried over and said softly: "It was hard yesterday, husband, please lie down a little longer."
Yuan Xi took Gao Yue into his words, deliberately distorted his meaning, and said with a bad smile: "Wugou, it's not about hard work, it's about happiness."
Gao Yue's face turned red, her shyness from last night reappeared...
After Yuan Xi finished washing, he suddenly heard the faint sound of the piano.
"Who is it?"
"It seems like it came from Zhaojiyuan."
Yuan Xi patted his head.
So busy with everything, if I hadn't heard the sound of the piano, I would have almost forgotten that I asked Gao Yue to take Cai Yan over to stay for a few days!
Thinking of Cai Yan, Yuan Xi couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Among his wives, Cai Yan is the most eccentric.
The aloof and talented woman who shuns others thousands of miles away "commits herself" to herself and still acts like she's far away from her!
He said that he should rely on memory and write down the precious books in his family. Why are you interested in playing the piano?
Cai Yan entered the mansion and only asked for a maidservant. She lived in a remote and quiet courtyard and almost never left the courtyard.
It is said that Cai Yan is good at singing, but I have never heard her sing. They say she is good at calligraphy, but no one has ever seen her.
Yuan Xi's several women each have their own characteristics.
Immaculate and virtuous, obedient to the trainer, Diao Xiuer is charming, Zhen Mi is noble, and Tang Ji is gentle. If Cai Yan was given a definition of characteristics, Yuan Xi would not choose "cold", but "alternative"!
Yuan Xi paced and came to the small courtyard where Cai Yan lived.
In the room, the sound of the piano is rapid and the singing is sad...
If Diao Xiuer wins with her figure and beauty, then Cai Yan attracts attention with her temperament. Her beautiful face, melancholy temperament, every smile and every move is full of elegance. Perhaps only Shangguan Wan'er and Haiyuan Ai It's comparable.
In the past few years, Yuan Xi has come into contact with countless literati. He has heard and seen many poets and poems.
However, Cai Yan was the only one to sing five-character narrative poems.
The sound of the piano is sonorous and the singing is like complaining. What it tells is that Dong Zhuo brought chaos to the imperial court, brought disaster to the Han Dynasty, and brought endless suffering to the people of the Han Dynasty...
When Dong Zhuo brought trouble to the imperial court, it was when Yuan Xi raised his army.
Along the way to the battle, what Yuan Xi saw and heard was just like what Cai Yan sang in his song.
Liu Mang couldn't help but stop and listen.
"...Hai Nei Xing Yi Division
Want to seek bad luck together
Zhuo Zhong came to the east
Golden Armor Shining Sunlight
Plain people are fragile
All the incoming troops are Hu Qiang...
...a man's head hanging from the side of a horse
Horse carrying women
Long drive west to enter the pass
The road is dangerous and blocked
Also take care of Miao Minming
The liver and spleen are rotten
All tens of thousands
No gatherings are allowed..."
Dong Zhuo lost to the allies of the princes and set fire to Luoyang. Along the way, there were corpses everywhere; looking around, there was no home that was not destroyed and no one who was not dead. The once prosperous towns were reduced to scorched earth. In the past, when peaceful village gatherings were held, only dead souls could be seen, but no living creatures...
Yuan Xi felt something strange and couldn't help but sigh...
"well……"
"Boom!"
The strings break and the song stops.
Shaoqing, the maid came out to welcome him. When he saw that it was his master Yuan Xi, he was at a loss.
"Junior sister Zhaoji is busy?"
The maid was stunned for a moment and quickly said politely: "...Miss has just finished the manuscript..."
"oh?"
No wonder Cai Yan had time to play the piano and sing. Could it be that she really wrote down the precious classics in her family collection from memory?
"Go and ask, can I come in?"
The maid is even more at a loss!
Yuan Xi is the head of the family, where can he go? How can I still report it?
The maid was just thinking about it when a voice came from the house.
"Who's out there?"
"Miss Hui, it's... the master..."
Yuan Xi smiled at the maid, coughed and said, "It's me."
The door curtain opened and Cai Yan came out.
Yuan Xi was shocked when he saw it!
She was dressed in white, standing there elegantly and calmly, with her hands folded in her belly. Cai Yan, who was already thin, actually lost a lot of weight!
Except for the high forehead, Cai Yan's appearance has almost completely changed!
His face was pale and his cheekbones were high. Her hair, like a waterfall of black hair, has become thinner!
"You..." Yuan Xi was so shocked that he couldn't speak!
"It's getting uglier, right?"
The cold smile remains unchanged!
Cai Yan was wearing thin clothes and could not help but shiver when the cold wind hit him!
Yuan Xi took a few steps, took off his cloak, and tried to put it on him, but Cai Yan dodged him warily!
Yuan Xi was very embarrassed and stared at Cai Yan blankly.
Cai Yan's heart suddenly felt hot!
From Yuan Xi's complicated expression, she saw the long-lost love! only……
…
The door curtain is opened, and the smell of ink hits your nose!
The faint smell of ink does have a different kind of fragrance.
Looking around, there are mountains of bamboo slips!
"Sit down, I'll go change and talk later." Cai Yan said something lukewarm and went straight into the back room. In fact, Cai Yan still cares about his image in Yuan Xi's heart, otherwise he wouldn't come to Yuan Xi. Xi stayed here for a while.
Yuan Xi didn't care about Cai Yan's attitude, but the manuscripts in this room made Yuan Xi amazed!
I casually opened a volume and saw that the words were neat and beautiful!
She is indeed the daughter of the great calligrapher Cai Yong!
Not to mention typos or flaws, there is not a single ink stain at all!
Needless to say how precious the manuscripts of the classics are, the calligraphy alone is priceless! Moreover, it is a whole house!
"It's amazing! It's amazing!"
"ah……"
The maid screamed and Yuan Xi rushed in!
Cai Yan, fainted on the ground!
…
The doctor said that Cai Yan was fine.
However, if you are too tired and your qi and blood are deficient, you just need to take good care of yourself for a period of time.
The lights were dim.
Cai Yan woke up and turned around...
"Where is this?" Cai Yan asked weakly, then suddenly sat up suddenly and shouted: "Where is my book?"
Yuan Xi, who had been waiting in front of the couch, quickly supported Cai Yan. "Zhaoji, you are sick, lie down quickly. The manuscripts are all there, and I have sent someone to take care of them. Zhaoji, don't worry."
Yuan Xi considerately pressed Cai Yan on the couch.
Cai Yan observed Yuan Xi carefully at close range.
Chiseled, youthful face. The straight facial features, a pair of handsome eyebrows, slightly tall, exuding a heroic spirit!
This man is really unusual!
However, this man is so familiar and yet strange at the same time. I haven’t seen him for a long time.
Cai Yan couldn't help but tremble.
Yuan Xi's hand gently comforted Cai Yan's hand across the quilt.
"Zhaoji, go to sleep. I'm here, Zhaoji doesn't have to be afraid."
"I... don't want to sleep, I want to talk..."
Yuan Xi smiled and shook his head: "Sleep first to recuperate. When you recover, I will talk to you again."
It seemed like a command, but it was so gentle.
Since his father's death, Yuan Xi is the only one who has enjoyed such love and care from Cai Yan.
Turning his head, a tear slipped quietly from the corner of his eye...
