When Yizhou becomes calm, the war in Huainan is in full swing!
Zhou Yu mobilized his water force to pretend to attack the Guangling River Estuary, and then led his own army to make a surprise attack along the Huaihe River Estuary in Haixi. He also divided his troops to seize Yandu and control the Huainan coastal area.
When Xiahou Dun mobilized his troops to return for reinforcements, Zhou Tai and Jiang Qin led the naval forces northward and marched directly from Gaoyou Lake to Huaiyin. The two armies responded from the north and south and occupied the southern part of Guangling.
Zhou Yu then pretended to send his troops north to attack Donghai County. When Xiahou Dun saw the Wu army raiding Xuzhou, he urgently asked Shouchun for help. Cao Jun's coast was basically undefended, so he personally led his troops to the north for support.
Just when Cao's army was transferred to the coastal area, Cheng Pu led the Wu army to attack Hefei in three directions, while Zhou Yu led the navy to march west along the Huaihe River and besieged Shouchun.
Sun Quan was overjoyed when he heard the news in Jianye, and decided to cross the Yangtze River again and go to Hefei in person to encourage the three armies and capture Shouchun in one go.
The Wu army prepared in March and was ready to go. It only took one month to capture Huainan. Cao Cao left Chang'an half a month ago. If he acted later, his previous efforts might be wasted.
Just when Sun Quan was traveling to Chaohu, Jiangdong suddenly reported urgently that Wu Guotai was critically ill, so he had no choice but to rush home.
On his deathbed, Wu Guotai told Sun Quan to treat Zhang Zhao and Zhou Yu with the courtesy of a master, and entrust his sister Mrs. Wu to Sun Quan to be kind and respectful.
Sun Quan held a funeral for Wu Guotai, and all Jianye officials paid homage, but most of the civil and military officials were away on expeditions, and the battle formation was not strong enough.
Zhang Zhaoyan said: "My lord is a prince of a certain country. His death has passed away, and the whole country is in mourning. It is not appropriate to use weapons rashly. When the order is sent, the war will cease immediately, and the generals will be transferred back to the governor and buried with state honors."
As soon as he finished speaking, someone heard a loud voice saying: "Today's army has sent out, and its momentum is like a torrent. How can we contain it? The pacification of Huainan is just around the corner. If we retreat now, won't we fail in our efforts? This is what Mr. Zhang is doing to harm the country."
Zhang Zhao turned around and saw that it was Lu Meng, the newly promoted military general, who said angrily: "I have been entrusted by the state to protect the foundation of Jiangdong. How can you, a young child from Huangkou, a mere warrior, know about the important affairs of the country?"
Lu Meng said coldly: "The Art of War goes like this: One surge of energy will weaken again, and three times it will be exhausted! If we don't take advantage of Shouchun at this time, how can we defend Huainan when Cao Cao's reinforcements arrive? Huainan is lost, and Cao Cao's army comes to fight across the river. Could it be that he wants to fight again? Surrendering with a hand, what is Mr. Zhang’s intention?”
"How outrageous!" Zhang Zhao was furious, "The mother of the country has recently been mourned, and the whole country is mourning. This is the etiquette of the country. The lord and even the filial piety, how can etiquette be neglected?"
Lu Meng clasped his fists and said: "I heard that the warehouses are solid and you know etiquette, and you know the honor and disgrace when you have enough food and clothing! Today, the safety of Jiangdong depends on the battle in Huainan. At this time, retreat and wait for Cao's army to cross the river. Jiangdong is in danger and the people are uneasy. I don't know what Cao's thieves are willing to do." Talking about etiquette with Mr. Zhang?"
"You, you... the younger generation, you are so arrogant, how can it be reasonable!" Zhang Zhao was so angry that his beard was trembling, he turned around and cupped his fists towards Sun Quan and said: "Such rude and crazy people should be killed!"
In the past, only Cheng Pu and Zhou Yu dared to confront him face to face, but now even a small general is so arrogant. How can Zhang Zhao endure it?
Lu Su hurriedly advised: "The Queen's last words are that we should make peace between civil and military affairs and work together to protect the foundation of Jiangdong. Now that the coffin is in the hall, how can it be unworthy for the two of you to quarrel like this?"
Zhang Zhao said angrily: "Zhuzi is not enough to make plans. I am just a minister of Tuogu. How can I be ranked with a reckless man?"
Lu Meng had long been dissatisfied with the fact that Zhang Zhao relied on his old age and only wanted to get out of trouble. Now that he was promoted by Sun Quan, he felt a little confident when he saw that Sun Quan was silent. Although Lu Su hinted again and again, he refused to give in and apologize with a cold face.
"Young man, don't be too arrogant!" Just when the situation was at a stalemate, Mrs. Wu came out of the mourning hall and said slowly: "Both of you are thinking about Jiangdong. There is no right or wrong. In my opinion, the war cannot be stopped, etiquette Nor can it be abolished.”
Sun Quan then asked: "I wonder what your mother has to say?"
Mrs. Wu said: "The funeral will be held as scheduled, but there is no need to alarm the governor. Waiting for the great victory in Huainan and then offering incense in front of the funeral is the best comfort to the soul of the queen in heaven."
"What mother said is absolutely true!" Sun Quan appeased the two of them and held a funeral ceremony for Wu Guotai without reporting the news to Zhou Yu.
After the funeral was over, Sun Quan took Mrs. Wu out of the back garden, held a banquet and met with civil and military officials, and still called Wu Guotai.
"After thirty years, I finally came out!" Mrs. Wu stood in front of the Hou Mansion, glanced around, and asked slowly: "Do you know how I lived these thirty years?"
Sun Quan was startled: "My mother is planting flowers in the back garden to maintain health and teaching us. Isn't she enjoying it?"
Mrs. Wu chuckled and said: "The canary singing happily in the cage is just the fun of the birdkeeper."
Sun Quan couldn't understand why: "Why did mother say this?"
"It's just a moment of emotion!" Mrs. Wu sighed with emotion and said with a smile: "As long as my son protects Jiangdong and carries forward this foundation, I will be at peace!"
While chatting, news came from the front that Zhou Yu had led four armies to besiege Shouchun, and Cao Cao was coming from Xuchang to support him.
Sun Quan asked Lu Su to discuss matters, and decided to send Lu Meng to lead troops to support him, so as to capture Shouchun as soon as possible and pacify Huainan so that the defense line could be deployed in time.
When Lu Su saw Lu Meng again, he saw that his temperament was different from before. He also recalled that day when he argued with Zhang Zhao and quoted scriptures, but he did not fall behind at all. He was surprised and said: "I thought the general only had a good ear for martial arts. However, after not seeing him for several months, his knowledge has greatly improved." , is no longer the Amen under Wu in the past!"
Lu Meng cupped his fists and said, "It's all thanks to my lord's guidance and guidance. I just started to learn. It's just a glimpse of the door. Guan Yu is a good person and eager to learn. Why don't I be as good as me?"
Sun Quan smiled happily and said: "I have been separated for three days. I should look at you with admiration. Ziming is eager to learn, which shows that children can be taught. I have a successor in Jiangdong."
Then he went to the back hall to discuss with Wu Guotai. In order to fulfill the preface, he wanted to give Lu Meng a copy of the family biography "The Art of War".
Mrs. Wu personally summoned Lu Meng and praised: "General Lu is worthy of me as a brave general in Jiangdong. It is really commendable that he did not give in to the old trend of the old ministers."
Lu Meng hurriedly clasped his fists and said, "I was so impulsive that day that I made Guota laugh."
"It's inevitable for young people to be full of energy!" Mrs. Wu said with a smile: "I have a box of pineapple cakes here, specially prepared for the general. The general will kill many enemies and perform meritorious service, so that everyone can stop talking."
Lu Meng was overjoyed and hurriedly knelt down: "I have heard for a long time that Madam's pineapple cakes are unique and cannot be tasted except by close relatives. Meng will definitely live up to the kindness of the Queen and the Marquis of Wu."
"Get up!" Mrs. Wu nodded happily, ordered someone to deliver the brocade box, and warned: "In recent years, my hands are shaking and my eyes are dazzled, and I have made less and less. There are only four. General, you should eat sparingly. But don't be reluctant to eat. , otherwise it will go bad, I will make more on the day when the general returns to the army."
"Thank you so much!" Lu Meng took the food box excitedly, paid his respects to the queen, and showed off to Lu Su when he came to the front hall.
Lu Su stroked his beard and sighed: "I have followed Wu Hou for many years, and I have only eaten one pineapple cake. Ziming took a box at one time, do you want one for me?"
"That's not allowed!" Lu Meng turned around hurriedly, like a dog guarding its food, "No one is allowed to touch it!"
Sun Quan shook his head and laughed, and gave him "The Art of War" and said: "I am in mourning and it is difficult to lead troops. Zi Ming will go on my behalf to inspire the three armies and help Gong Jin."
Lu Meng accepted the order and left Jianye with a lot of money and big boxes and small boxes in his arms.
