Seven days later, outside Xiapi City.
After Tao Qian received the news that Liu Bei led his troops to retreat to Xiapi, he sent Chen Deng and Mi Zhu to lead troops ten miles out of the city to meet him. In the distance, people pushed carts and trudged forward with tired expressions.
Liu Bei's soldiers were also walking sparsely, and more than half of the surviving soldiers were wounded.
Liu Bei personally led the horse. Immediately sat a sixty-year-old woman and a child. In front, a middle-aged man stumbled and fell down. Liu Bei rushed up and helped him up.
"Mr. Xuande, I'm fine. It's us who are dragging down the general." The middle-aged man said.
"What are you talking about? Bei cannot protect the people of Pengcheng County, and he feels guilty and uneasy in his heart." Liu Bei lowered his head and began to sob.
The people nearby also gathered around and thanked him, "Xuan De Gong, it was you who opened the city to accept us so that we could escape from Cao Cao's butcher knife, or it was you who fought desperately to kill the enemy so that we could escape to Xiapi alive."
"But Liu Bei is incompetent, and the tens of thousands of people in the countryside were raped by Cao..." Liu Bei burst into tears. He was not entirely deceptive here. All people with heart and soul have sour noses. No matter how much we beautify Cao Cao, he can't cover up his crimes. The merit is Gong, a fault is a fault.
"That fellow Cao Cao has lost his conscience. He actually killed ordinary people. He is really cruel."
Chen Deng and Mi Zhu asked their soldiers to take in the people. The two of them rushed to Liu Bei's side.
"Liu Bei failed everyone's expectations." Liu Bei said apologetically, wiping tears on his sleeves.
"Xuande, what's going on?" Mi Zhu asked.
"Alas! Still not that fellow Cao Cao. When we were retreating to Xiapi, we were overtaken by him. There were people behind us blocking the official road. In order to catch up with us, Cao Cao actually sent his troops to kill the people who were behind." Zhang Fei said in a dull voice. , his armor was damaged in many places and he was seriously injured.
Then Liu Bei told Chen Deng and Mi Zhu the details of their escape, as well as Cao's army's combat power and plans.
Chen Deng frowned and said, "Pengcheng fell, Langya fell. Only the east of Tancheng in the East China Sea is left as a barrier to Xiapi."
"What! Are other places occupied?" Liu Bei asked in shock. He did not expect the situation to be so serious.
"There are only a few strong cities left, but they are also trapped by the Yanzhou Army. The situation is not optimistic." Mi Zhu continued.
"Didn't you say that you have asked Sun Jian and Yuan Xi for help?" Liu Bei asked.
Mi Zhuzhi sighed and said, "Sun Jian was busy confronting Yuan Shu and excused himself by saying that he was unable to lead his troops north. Yuan Xi agreed to send troops, but he had to get Yuan Benchu's permission. Qingzhou soldiers have been assembled, but they have not sent troops yet."
Chen Deng's face was full of worry, and he had a vague feeling of foreboding in his heart. Xuzhou may be in danger this time, but it is a pity that he cannot fully display his strategy and has no clear idea.
East China Sea, Tancheng.
Since the last battle of Qingzhou Army's attack on the East China Sea, Tan County, which has gone through many wars, has gradually returned to its former prosperity. Along with the military disaster, rumors about Cao Cao's army looting and killing spread throughout Xuzhou.
The common people in the village, who still remembered the brutality of the last war, moved their families south to seek refuge. Coupled with the defender's strategy of strengthening the walls and clearing the country, the area around Tancheng is now extremely desolate.
After defeating Pengcheng, Cao Cao was not in a hurry to attack Xiapi. Instead, he led his 50,000 troops to attack the East China Sea.
As long as the East China Sea is occupied, not only can Xiapi be encircled, but more importantly, Langya can be connected, so that all parts of Cao Cao's army can be connected as one.
The Yanzhou army surrounded Tancheng, and Cao Cao led his subordinates to inspect the camp and city defenses.
"Lord, let alone people within a radius of dozens of miles, it is difficult to see a single living creature. As for food and property, there is not even a trace." Le Jince immediately reported.
Yu Jin, who was also patrolling together, also complained: "They have poisoned the wells again. We can only go to distant streams to fetch water. Thousands of soldiers are sent to fetch water every day."
Cao Cao smiled and said, "The more this is the case, the more people in Xuzhou are afraid of us. We are just around the corner to conquer the entire territory of Xuzhou! Keep holding on, hold on."
"There is news from Zihe and Yuan Rang that the Qingzhou Army has made big moves in Qi State and Beihai. It seems that they can't go south to join me and others." Xun You told the intelligence that had just arrived.
Cao Cao's face suddenly became serious and he said, "The two of them are ordered to be on guard. No Qingzhou soldiers can be allowed to come over."
"Lord, the Qingzhou Army tried to transport money and food by sea last time, so this time it is impossible to transport troops south by sea. Our army should make preparations early in the morning." Xi Zhong reminded him in time.
"Where can ships land in Xuzhou?" Cao Cao asked after hearing this.
"Both Donghai and Guangling have landing places, but the largest one is Qu County. Qu County is four hundred miles away from Tancheng. It is best to send a partial army to capture it first." Xi Zhong replied.
"Miaocai, Mancheng, you two don't need to worry about anything else. Lead 20,000 troops to trap Qu County. We must not allow Qingzhou soldiers to land!" Cao Cao immediately ordered.
"Here!" Xia Houyuan and Li Dian took the order.
At this time, Cao Cao and others came to the south gate of Tancheng.
General Li Tong caught up and said angrily: "My lord, those Xuzhou people are really cunning. They went out of the city to attack at night for two nights in a row. My brothers suffered little loss, but they made people panic, which is very detrimental to our army's attack on the city! Please lord." Punishment!”
"What's going on! When marching and camping, the most important thing is to be prepared for sneak attacks. How could you be so careless!" Cao Cao said angrily.
Li Tong's face was filled with shame and resentment. "The general is really incompetent. It's just that the Xuzhou soldiers were divided into small groups and they are familiar with the terrain. They retreated as soon as they hit them. They fled so fast that we couldn't catch up."
Cao Cao looked towards the top of the city tower. There was a general standing there in the distance. He was also looking at Cao Cao and his group.
"Who is the guard?" Cao Cao asked with a frown.
"It is said that he is Zang Ba from Taishan. He had meritorious service in resisting the Qingzhou Army last time. He was promoted to captain and ordered to guard Tan City. Zang Ba was different from Liu Bei. He refused to accept a refugee. He even drove the civilians of Tan City to Xiapi and Guangling. It seems that they are going to fight our army to the end." Xun You answered truthfully.
"But Zang Ba of Mount Tai, who is famous for his bravery? He is really a talented general! What a pity." Cao Cao narrowed his eyes.
On the city wall, Zang Ba commanded his soldiers to reinforce the city's defences, and three generals, Sun Guan, Wu Dun and Yin Li, also gathered around him to discuss the matter of fortification.
"General, the Yanzhou Army probably has 50,000 or 60,000 people. I am afraid that our 5,000 people can only hold on for three months. Where should we go after three months?" Sun Guan asked worriedly.
Zang Ba's expression turned cold and he said, "Sun Guan, what do you mean by these words! We are favored by Tao Shijun and ordered to guard Tancheng. Even if we die, we will die here!"
"General, you misunderstood. I was just thinking about how to protect Tancheng." Sun Guan explained.
"Three months is already a considerable amount of time. Cao Cao's army does not have much food, and we have to fortify the walls and clear the country. According to my estimation, he can only last for two months at most." Zang Ba said seriously, "The Yanzhou army's offensive in the next ten days will definitely be fierce. . To defend Tancheng, it depends on whether we can survive these ten days, and the rest depends on Xuzhou and Qingzhou."
Under the city, Cao Cao was also pointing with his men and discussing how to attack the city. After all, he, Cao Cao, was not a god, and he needed to change his strategy according to the time, place, and changes in the situation.
After a while, the herald reported: "General, a group of people came, saying they were envoys from Yuan Shao and Yuan Cheqi. They met the general in the camp.
"Yuan Benchu? Haha, what a coincidence! The younger one moved out with his front foot, and the older one followed immediately." Cao Cao murmured.
When Isoroku Yamamoto attacked Pearl Harbor, the military also secretly dispatched aircraft carriers and marched to Hawaii at starry night. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was responsible for covering up and conducting peace talks with the United States, a two-pronged approach.
"They must want to mediate between us and Tao Qian." Xi Zhong said after hearing this.
"Then his trip was really in vain! I am bound to win this battle, how can he mediate just when he says to mediate? I really think that I, Cao Cao, am a three-year-old child! What a joke!" Cao Cao sneered.
Having said that, Cao Cao still received Yuan Shao's envoy very politely. After all, he was not yet ready to completely fall out with Yuan Shao, just like Emperor Qi Xianwu Gao Huan of the Southern and Northern Dynasties did when he faced the powerful Erzhu family.
"I wonder what I call you sir?" Cao Cao asked with a smile.
Yuan Shao's envoy was a scribe in his twenties. He replied: "I am Gao Rou, a native of Chenliu. I have met General Cao!"
"I've heard of it, sir. Are you Brother Benchu's nephew?" Cao Cao said. He knew Yuan Shao very well and had heard that Yuan Shao's two nephews, Gao Gan and Gao Rou, were also Yuan Xi's brothers-in-law.
The few generals below noticed that Gao Rou was so young. It was Yuan Shao's nephew again. He thought he was a dandy who relied on connections to seek errands, so they all started to look down upon him.
Gao Rou saw the attitude of Cao Cao's men, but he was not angry. Instead, he said respectfully: "Yuan Cheqi is my uncle. This time I was ordered by Yuan Cheqi to persuade General Cao and Tao Qian." I don’t know what the general’s will is for those who have stopped fighting and made peace.”
"If Mr. Cao comes here just as a relative of the Yuan family, Mr. Cao will treat me wholeheartedly. But if Mr. Cao comes to dissuade me and does not seek revenge, then Mr. Cao will regard him as one of Tao Qian's gang!" Cao Cao Leng Ran refused.
Gao Rou knew in his heart that Yuan Shao's so-called dissuasion had no effect on Cao Cao, but he still tried his best to say: "General Cao, it is still unclear who instigated your murder. When your father settled in Xuzhou, Tao Qian Take more care of me. Even if you are at war, he has never shown any disrespect to your father. How could he murder your father on the way?"
Gao Rou did not allow Cao Cao to argue, and continued: "The general always talks about revenge, but the murderer of your Majesty's life is far away. General, instead of pursuing the investigation, you privately sent troops to attack the governor of a state without His Majesty's permission. This is treason." What an act! I heard on the road that the general sent troops to rob money and food and kill civilians. This is an unkind and unjust act! If you don’t withdraw your troops as soon as possible, the general’s reputation will be ruined. Please think twice!"
"Bold! This is no place for you to run wild!" Le Jin shouted loudly.
Li Dian, Li Tong and other generals stood up and put their hands on the handles of their swords to intimidate Gao Rou.
"Don't you think that what I said is biased?" Gao Rou looked around the crowd without any fear.
"Sir, you are a eloquent man, but Tao Qian is undoubtedly my father-killing enemy. I'm afraid your trip will be in vain, sir. Please tell Brother Benchu that this is my family's feud. There is absolutely no room for maneuver!" Cao Cao! cāo said coldly.
Gao Rou knew that Cao Cao was determined to annex Xuzhou, and could not be dissuaded no matter what the reasons were. He could only remind: "Since General Cao completely ignores his reputation, I have nothing to say. It's just that natural disasters have occurred one after another, and powerful forces from all sides have There are also great variables. If we are not careful, the entire Yanzhou army will be in an extremely dangerous situation."
"Please sir, please convey to Brother Benchu that I appreciate his kindness. After I have avenged my family, I will raise a toast with him and reminisce about old times!"
It was pitch black between heaven and earth, and only the undulating lights from far and near could distinguish the direction.
Huh! Huh! The water slaps against the ship's plank. Tossing ships large and small up and down. Everyone on the boat felt their eyes black. The world is spinning.
"Ugh! Cough cough!" One by one, the soldiers lay down on the aisle and vomited, and the fishy smell filled the cabin.
"Who are you? If you want to vomit, throw it outside!" shouted the general with thick beards.
The scolded soldier stumbled out. The general snorted, but he immediately covered his mouth with his hands and started retching himself. Northerners were really not good at water warfare and marching.
Guo Jia, who had a single room by himself in the cabin, was not much better. His face turned pale from vomiting.
Jia Xu, who has a dark face and a relatively strong body, is in better condition, but he still holds on to the wooden pillars of the cabin.
You should have watched Detective Chinatown 3. When Tang Ren returned to Thailand to find Snow for help, he also vomited on the boat.
"Zhongkang. Go and bring some ginger soup to the two gentlemen." Yuan Xi ordered from the side.
Xu Chu grinned, agreed and went out. He had never seen Guo Jia so embarrassed. Although they are all from the north, those who practice martial arts are tough and have much stronger resistance and adaptability. A cavalryman who often rides on horseback. Its ability to withstand bumps is also better than ordinary infantry.
"This damn ship, I have never felt so uncomfortable in my life. It is simply worse than a serious illness!" Guo Jia complained while wiping his mouth.
"Although it is said that ships from the south and horses from the north, even if the southerners reach the sea, they may not be able to withstand the wind and waves." Jia Xu said after taking the ginger soup sent by Xu Chu.
"This is just offshore. If we go far away from the land route and go to the sea, the wind and waves will be higher. I'm afraid the sea-going ship we are traveling on will not be able to withstand it." Yuan Xi said quietly.
"Going out to the sea from Qingzhou and heading east is the legendary fairyland Penglai. Back then, Qin Shihuang sent Xu Fu to the east in order to seek immortal medicine. How many people have been able to live forever? Xu Fu could not have been swallowed by the wind and waves and buried in the belly of the fish. The Qin Empire was defeated in just two generations." Yuan Xiruo said with profound meaning.
Affected by the social atmosphere at this time. Guo Jia has always believed in magical alchemy, and Yuan Xi has persuaded him many times.
People in this era were proud to take Hanshi Powder, including the later Wei and Jin Dynasties, which became a fashion for a time. Even though many people died suddenly, they still continued to take it. Even Tuoba Gui, Emperor Daowu of the Northern Wei Dynasty, took it all the year round, which caused great changes in temperament.
"I have never seen anyone who can live to be a hundred years old. The affairs of Peng Zu and Liu An are mostly spread by rumors, and they are a joke for thousands of years. Our strategists should be like the sages Zhang Liang and Chen Ping, assisting the Ming Dynasty to establish an enduring legacy. This life is not in vain." Jia Xu said. Affected by the situation at this time, he unconsciously talked more.
"Haha, it seems that I am restrained and not as cool as Mr. Wen He." Guo Jia said with a wry smile.
Zhao Yun walked down from the cabin and said: "My lord, we will arrive at Qu County in half an hour. The first ship has already gone to investigate the situation. However, there was a sudden storm and the soldiers were in many discomforts. If there is a war situation, only one-third of the people will be there." Able to join the battle immediately.”
"Boil more ginger soup for the soldiers to drink, and gather the soldiers who can fight. If the Yanzhou Army appears in Qu County, don't worry about anything else and seize the port immediately while the night is dark." Yuan Xi ordered.
Zhao Yun promised and retreated to prepare.
Guo Jia frowned and said, "I don't expect that more than half of our soldiers have lost their combat effectiveness. It seems that the northerners are really not suitable for water warfare. No wonder that when Emperor Wu conquered South Vietnam, he mostly recruited southerners."
"The situation in the Central Plains war is not yet clear at this time. After defeating Cao Cao, it is time to start preparing the naval army." Yuan Xi murmured.
"Those who plan for the world should look at the overall situation. The young master, after going to sea this time, will think about the battles on the river in the future, which is very valuable. There is a saying that the winner before the battle is concluded, must be more. The one who is not the winner must be less. . When the battle is over and you don’t know the outcome, it’s useless to calculate. The young master knows the way." Jia Xu said.
Yuan Xi clenched the hilt of his sword and stared at the waves in front of him. He was silent for a long time. The forces on all sides were complicated and he didn't know when he would be able to pacify the north. In the south, the Sun family and his son are enemies, and it is even more unclear how to unify Jiangnan.
