In mid-June of the sixth year of Jian'an (201).
Sun Ce handed over Shouchun and Guangling to Cao Ren for garrison.
At this time, Cao Ren meant to Sun Ce what Zhang Xiu meant to Liu Biao in history, that is, to defend the north and use northerners to garrison the north. Adding trouble to Yuan Xi.
News of the Sun and Cao family's defense change spread to Luoyang. For a time, the imperial capital was turbulent, and panic filled the entire city.
Yuan Xi didn't care at first, because as far as he knew, Cao Ren was hiding in Huainan and when it came to ability, Cao Ren could not be his opponent at all.
But it wasn't until after a consultation with Guo Jia, Jia Xu, Liu Ye and others that Yuan Xi realized that things were not that simple.
After a thorough analysis of Sun Ce's strength by Guo Jia, Yuan Xi had a deep understanding of him.
Sun Ce's power extended to Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Jingzhou and Yuzhou. Among the princes in the south, even Liu Biao was not as good as Sun Ce. Among them, Shouchun County occupied by Sun Ce was the largest county in the Jianghuai River.
There are 500,000 households with a population of no less than 1.4 million, and the agriculture, commerce, and handicraft industries in Jianghuai are quite developed. Sun Ce's strength is even greater than that of Liu Biao at this time.
Inside the meeting hall.
Yuan Xi looked at the generals below with a calm expression, and saw that the civil and military officers below were distributed on both sides. There were no less than a dozen people densely packed, all of whom were close relatives of Yuan Xi. Many of them had deep and high-pitched temperaments, and they could be seen at a glance. Zhi is by no means a general person.
After a long silence, Yuan Xi coughed lightly and said calmly: "Everyone, today's discussion in the palace is for the sake of the country and the king. Those who speak are not guilty, and those who hear are warned. If you have something to say, there is no harm in speaking."
"Back to my lord." The person who spoke was very loud.
It's Xu You.
"My lord supports the Emperor of the Han Dynasty and helps the government, and he is the most important minister of the Han Dynasty. Now that Cao Ren is guarding Huainan, all the princes in the world are watching the developments in Luoyang. If my lord lets the rebels indulge, I am afraid that many people will follow suit after a few years, and my subordinates will think that It should be cut down."
Why is Xu You so different before and after Yuan Shao and Yuan Xi came to power? It's not that Xu You is so fickle.
But if the master is bright, the ministers will be upright, and if the master is dim, the ministers will be treacherous, just as Emperor Taizong Li Shimin granted the title of De Yi.
"There are so many imitators..."
Yuan Xi nodded slowly and said: "Zi Yuan's words are very good. It's just that Cao Ren can't take action easily. I originally intended to wait until the Central Plains was settled before retaking Jianghuai. I don't think man's calculations are as good as God's calculations. Cao Ren has already colluded with Sun Ce." It’s really not what I expected.”
Everyone nodded when they heard this, but remained silent.
What happened this time was sudden. Luoyang was surrounded by enemies on all sides. Once the army and horses were transferred south, if the enemy could not be defeated in a short period of time, the situation behind it would be in jeopardy. After all, Kyoto was initially decided.
Moreover, the Sun family is extremely powerful and cannot be defeated overnight. But if he does not attack, as Xu You said, after a few years, all the princes from all over the world will follow suit, and the emperor of the Han family will lose his prestige and be disrespected by the four quarters. This is extremely detrimental to Yuan Xi's political strategy.
But how to cut it? You have to think about it carefully.
"My lord, I have a plan."
Everyone couldn't help but look when they heard the words. When they saw the speaker clearly, they couldn't help being slightly stunned. It turned out to be the military advisor Guo Jia.
When Yuan Xi heard Guo Jia's answer, he immediately turned around and said with a smile, "Fengxiao, if you have any ideas, it's okay to say so."
Guo Jia then said softly: "With our own strength, if we want to challenge Cao Ren head-on, the gains will not be worth the losses. Now that Liu Bei, the general of the left, is attached to our army, he can be the vanguard, and one can be used as a leader when fighting Cao Ren." Secondly, it can also consume Liu Bei's strength to prevent his wings from becoming too full. Although Jiangnan Sun Ce is allied with Cao Ren, they are not a family after all. They can temporarily appease Sun Ce and delay it. After defeating Cao Ren, it will not be too late to attack Sun Ce."
When Yuan Xi and Jia Xu heard this, their eyes suddenly lit up.
Xun Yu in the corner seemed to have expected this. He just raised his head and glanced at Xu You, then continued to close his eyes and lower his head.
Xun Yu was forced to return to Yuan Xi due to helplessness. He was wise in protecting himself and restrained in his sharpness. Although he had a wonderful method, he did not come forward to offer advice. It was not surprising. He was really in Yuan camp and his heart was in Cao.
Guo Tuze
He touched his chin and said, "Liu Bei, although Sun Ce has a rift with Cao Ren, the matter is very important. I'm afraid they may not easily agree to our army's request."
Yuan Xi was hesitating when he saw Liu Ye speaking calmly and analyzing, "Mr. Gongze, you can rest assured. Liu Bei and Sun Ce occupied Xuzhou and Jiangdong respectively, but they have no status. Now we only need to agree to the two of them, and use the merit of fighting against rebellion to make Ce Make Liu Bei the Shepherd of Xuzhou and Sun Ce the Shepherd of Yangzhou. We will definitely succeed! It doesn't matter whether Sun Ce sends troops or not, as long as he hesitates."
Historically, Soochow lost the best opportunity to rescue Zhuge Dan in Huainan because of hesitation, and was defeated by Sima Zhao.
Yuan Xi couldn't help but nod his head when he heard this. His subordinate is indeed a talented person like Wang Zuo! Deeply versed in politics and diplomacy.
Liu Bei and Sun Ce were in charge of one side, and if they could not issue an edict to rectify their names, they would be constrained from commanding the troops.
Unless Yuan Shu established himself as emperor like Yuan Shu in history, he would have no title or title. In this era, it would be difficult to command a general. If the name is not correct, the words will not be correct.
I saw Yuan Xi finally smiling: "Okay! It's indeed a great idea, just follow what the teacher said."
Yuan Xi then said to Gu Yong: "Yuan Tan, please report to your majesty immediately tomorrow and draft an edict to order Yilang Yang Hong to go to Jiangdong. Sun Ce will be appointed as the Polu General and Yangzhou Shepherd, and he will replace his father as the Marquis of Wucheng."
"I ordered him to raise an army to attack Cao Ren, and gave instructions to Sun Ce. He said that if he could make a great contribution to the Han in this battle, I still have the post of general to defeat the rebels, and the Duke of Wu has no one to choose."
"As for Liu Bei, let him be granted the post of Xuzhou Mu for the time being."
Everyone promised. After some deliberation, the government meeting was dismissed.
The sixth year of Jian'an, mid-201 AD.
Yuan Xi raised troops to attack Cao Ren, the remnant of Cao Cao in Huainan. At the same time, Chen Deng's tribe in Xuzhou and Liu Bei in Xiaopei also responded.
The armies of Jushuo's tribe in Yuzhou and Zhang He's tribe in Pei's country were huge and came out in five directions. For a time, the land of the Central Plains was turbulent, and a war was about to break out.
Yuan Jun's movement was extremely fast. Two days later, he left the southern part of Yanzhou and headed straight for Jianghuai and Shouchun.
Yuan Xi's younger brother Yuan Mai served as a cavalry captain in the Chinese army and commanded 700 elite cavalry under Zhang He's army to march south with Zhang He's army.
When he was about to enter Jianghuai territory, Yuan Xi ordered to camp temporarily and held a military meeting in the Chinese military tent.
In the central military tent, civil servants and generals stood on both sides, while Guo Jia, who was offering wine, was ordered to be at the top of the list of counselors.
Yuan Xi saw that there were all people in the tent, and then nodded gently, indicating that the meeting could begin.
Pointing to the leather map behind the Chinese military tent, Yuan Xi stood up slowly and glanced at everyone seriously.
Then he said in a deep voice: "Everyone, this southern expedition is not a trivial matter. It is related to the structure of the Han Dynasty and the foundation of our army. If you have any opinions, it doesn't matter."
Military Advisor Guo Jia smiled softly, stood up and said: "My lord, although there are five troops coming together for this southern expedition, the Huainan household registration is no less than one million. Moreover, the Jianghuai River is rich and its strength should not be underestimated. We will use it to conquer it." This time Cao Ren will definitely shrink the main defense line to Shouchun. Shouchun City is nearly ten feet high and the moat is more than a hundred paces wide. It is well built and it is not easy to attack. It is actually a strong city. Our army does not have much food and grass. If we don't If the battle is quick and decisive, if it is delayed for a long time and there is insufficient food and grass, the army will be timid and the princes of the world will take action upon hearing the news."
When everyone heard this, they all nodded their heads.
Yuan Xi looked gloomy for a while, and then said slowly: "What Feng Xiao said is true. In this battle, our army's food and grass are a key factor. Once Cao Ren goes wrong, he will lose all his food, grass and longevity." In Spring City, we will burn the grain and cut off the crops to cut off the supplies of our army. This matter must be guarded against."
When Guo Jia saw Yuan Xi finish speaking, he chuckled and said: "There are advantages and disadvantages. If Cao Ren burned the rice for temporary self-interest and acted erratically, he would definitely lose the hearts of the people in Jianghuai. It is not a bad thing. The current plan is, The best strategy is to speed up the march and attack Huainan with lightning speed."
"What Guo Fengxiao said is true. As for grain and grass, people can quickly spread messages in the Jianghuai area, saying that Cao Ren wants to burn grain and burn grain, so that the people can improve it. In this way, part of the grain can be preserved and prepared for our army. I will be mobilized to Huaihe in the future." The speaker, with a calm face and awe-inspiring eyes, was none other than Yuan Xi's other chief conspirator, Jia Xu. That
He is ruthless in his tactics and can always hit the point with his words, which is highly valued by Yuan Xi.
Within a few words of the two masterminds, Yuan Xi made up his mind in an instant, so he said in a deep voice, "Yes, the most important thing in using troops is to win quickly. If the two sides are in a stalemate, the long battle will be fruitless and will increase the enemy's momentum. Listen today The scout reported that Cao Ren's army is currently scattered. Xiahou Shang is blocking Chen Deng all the way, Cao Hong is resisting Ju Shuo all the way. As for Shouchun, it is Cao Zhen, the rebel's subordinate, who is blocking our troops. I should lead the army south quickly and defeat Cao Zhen quickly. No matter how urgent it is, Attack Shouchun!"
"Second brother, Xian Yong has an idea, I don't know if it's feasible."
As soon as Yuan Xi finished speaking, he saw Yuan Mai hurriedly leaving work to offer advice.
Yuan Xi was stunned for a moment, then continued: "Let me tell you what Xian Yong thinks."
"Second brother, since we want to fight quickly, instead of marching forcefully, it is better to use a feint strategy to attract Cao Zhen's attention, send another army to advance directly from the trail, bypass Huaixi and Lishui, attack Shouchun, and win the battle. Victory or defeat. In this way, the troops sent by the Five Routes of Huainan have not returned, and even if Cao Ren shrinks his life, he will not be able to last long."
For a moment, the tent was extremely quiet, and everyone lowered their heads in deep thought.
Yuan Xi closed his eyes and thought carefully about what Yuan Mai said.
When I was young, I heard Gu Yong suddenly say: "The five armies attacked Shouchun together, and Cao Ren mobilized his troops, but that doesn't mean that he didn't leave any back-ups. I wonder if the Fifth Young Master has ever thought about what would happen if Cao Ren and his troops were stationed in the territory." A strange force comes in the middle to rescue the five groups, but what about this lone army that goes deep?"
When Yuan Xi heard this, he slowly opened his eyes and turned to look at Yuan Mai.
Yuan Mai looked at Yuan Xi and Gu Yong's questioning eyes, and after a while he said softly: "The soldiers will block it, and the water will cover it."
Yuan Xi couldn't help but feel happy, this guy was a member of the Yuan family.
Everyone else couldn't help but smile when they heard this, and some generals with relatively low status in the city couldn't help laughing.
Yuan Xi sighed softly and said: "Xianyong, how can a military affairs be trivial? Although your idea is good, it is short of stability."
Yongqi is also Yuan Xi's specialty. Why don't he use it now? He used to use it when he was weak.
Now that he is powerful, it would be a pity not to use his power to overwhelm others. Besides, it would be a loss to his prestige if he fails.
Yuan Mai heard this and said anxiously: "Second brother, the Central Plains has experienced the decisive battle. After the war, although the second brother farmed and reorganized, it has always been difficult to supply food and grass. Huainan is rich. If we get this land, our army will have a sufficient cultivated land." We have a place to raise grain, and we will rely on this to deal with Sun Ce in the future. Once Cao Ren burns the grain, our army will defeat Cao. Within a few years, the Huainan grain land will not be available to our army. Second brother! Except for Cao Ren , our army will face many enemies in the future!"
"My lord, Yuan Tan doesn't think it's appropriate." Seeing Yuan Xi's move, Gu Yong couldn't help but rush out to object, "This matter is of great importance. I don't think it's time to discuss these distant matters."
"Second brother, if you don't have long-term worries, you will have immediate worries! This matter is of great importance. Second brother, please think twice!" Yuan Mai was also anxious.
"What does it mean to be filial?"
At the critical moment, Yuan Xi just turned his head slightly and looked at Guo Jia with a calm and calm expression on his face, who also had a pensive look on his face.
I saw Guo Jia slightly squinting his brows, his wise eyes wandering, after thinking for a long time.
Fang heard Guo Jia speak softly and carefully: "As the Fifth Young Master said, if you don't have long-term worries, you will have immediate worries."
After hearing what Guo Jia said, Yuan Xi finally nodded gently and said, "Okay, in that case, I will follow what Xian Yong said."
In addition to his own talents, an excellent monarch must also fully explore the talents of his subordinates. Otherwise, even if he is a genius, he will die of exhaustion. For example, Zhuge Liang and Yang Guang feel that no one can compare with them, so they are just arbitrary.
Yuan Xi was too lazy to try his best, he just had to master the outline. Emperor Taizong Li Shimin did better in this regard. He hid his sharp edge and gave full play to the talents of his ministers, which led to the later Zhenguan rule. .
Yuan Mai finally let go of what he had been holding on to, and then breathed a sigh of relief.
At this time, Guo Jia continued to speak: "It's just that this matter is very important. The leader of this surprise army needs to send an experienced general who is good at fighting. This person must not only be proficient in the art of war, but also Good at using surprise attacks."
Heard Guo
When Jia Zhi said so, he saw that all the generals in the tent were gearing up and seemed to be striving for this achievement.
Yuan Xi also said after hearing this: "Yes, I must carefully consider the division of troops and generals. Who should I send?!"
Guo Jia smiled and said, "In my opinion, General Zhang He must do this, and the next best thing is to take the Fifth Young Master as his deputy."
In addition to his strong commanding ability, Zhang He was actually good at surprise attacks. He was well-known among Yuan's army for his calm and precise tactics.
Moreover, it is appropriate for the fifth son of the Yuan family to supervise the army.
After Yuan Xi heard this, he couldn't help but nodded and said: "Filial piety is a very good thing! So let's do it!"
Everything was settled, and after discussing some more details about the surprise attack, Yuan Xi announced that the accounts were settled, but Yuan Mai was left alone.
Looking at Yuan Mai with a confused look on his face.
Yuan Xi was silent for a while and then said: "Soldiers are dangerous weapons, but those who use them are always willing to take risks. Since you have made up your mind, Xian Yong, my second brother is looking forward to your performance. You must be careful in everything you do. You don't know how to march." If you have any difficult questions, always ask General Junyi."
Yuan Xi attaches great importance to his fifth brother Yuan Mai. In fact, Yuan Xi's behavior is also a compensatory mentality. Because the previous Yuan brothers were fratricidal and were almost killed by Cao Cao, that's why Yuan Xi loves Yuan Mai so much. The deeper reason is that maybe Yuan Xi wanted to wash away his sins like Emperor Taizong Li Shimin.
Zhu Di, the founder of Ming Dynasty, also did the same.
Yuan Mai nodded lightly, raised his hands and said, "Second brother, don't worry, Xian Yong will definitely live up to your high expectations!"
Yuan Xi raised his forehead happily and said, "Be careful in everything. Don't just charge. Think more about good strategies."
Yuan Mai nodded gently when he heard this.
After a while, the two brothers looked at each other and smiled.
Later, the great Sima Yuan Mai, the king of Zhongshan, became the most loyal clan king and a sharp knife used by Yuan Xi to check and balance the power of his relatives and ministers. Just like Li Daozong, King of Jiangxia in the Tang Dynasty.
Huainan, Shouchun.
It turned out that in Yuan Shu's magnificent new palace, Cao Ren was seen sitting quietly in a high position, with monstrous anger in his eyes.
When he was young, Cao Ren suddenly slapped the table and said angrily: "Yuan Xi actually went against my Cao family! This is really an unforgivable crime! Let me avenge Meng De. What's even more hateful is that even Liu Bei A man who weaves mats and sells shoes dares to attack me! What is his credentials?"
After a long while, when Cao Ren calmed down, his subordinate Jiang Ji said: "Even if the general is angry, he should be cautious. Now the three-way expeditionary army led by General Cao Zhen has all set off. It is expected that it will not be long." There will be good news later. However, just in case, the general ordered an army to be stationed in Huainan to prevent Yuan Xi, Liu Bei and others from calling us empty and dividing their troops to raid Shouchun."
I saw Cao Ren's rare proud smile: "Haha, I, Cao Zixiao, have been using the army for many years, am I still not as good as you? Before Cao Zhen and others went out to fight, I arranged a group of surprise troops at the mouth of the river in front of Shouchun to rescue the envoys and prevent them. The thieves took advantage of the situation. How could you have expected it?"
Cao Ren did have a way of marching and fighting, but at this time Cao Ren had actually lost his mind, otherwise it would not have been the case.
When Jiang Ji heard this, he couldn't help but be surprised and said: "The general's foresight in using troops makes people unable to take precautions. I admire him deeply, but I don't know which general should be the rescuer on this road? Why don't we know anything about it?"
Cao Ren laughed and said: "The importance of using troops is difficult to guard against. Moreover, this mobilization was not done by you, but was arranged by the general myself, so you don't know. As for the rescue on this road..."
Cao Ren paused, and after looking at everyone's eyes full of questions, he said one word at a time: "It's my brother's favorite generals, Le Jin and Le Wenqian!"
