"Although as two gentlemen Fengxiao and Gongda (named Xunyou) said, half of Yuan's army's food and grass were burned, Yuan Shao must be in great pain."
"But he has dispatched nearly 200,000 troops. There is no way he will accept this setback and withdraw his troops."
"From what I see, Yuan Shao's purpose of retreating is very simple."
"We came here hoping to lure us out of the city and take the initiative to fight them."
"Secondly, it is also to avoid stretching the supply line and wait for the food and grass from the rear to arrive."
"In this case, we must not be able to fulfill Yuan Shao's wish and must take the initiative!"
After listening to Yang Ling's previous analysis, everyone couldn't help but nodded in agreement.
But his last words confused everyone.
"Ziyi, since we can't do what Yuan Shao wants, why do we have to take the initiative again?"
Cao Cao was also confused.
"The Prime Minister misunderstood. I was not talking about going north to pursue Yuan Shao, but here!"
Yang Ling finished speaking and pointed at the sand table.
Cao Cao took a closer look and blurted out,
"Hanoi County?"
"Yes, it's Hanoi County!"
Yang Ling smiled confidently,
"Yuan Shao focused most of his energy on Guandu."
"We can detach an elite force to cross the Yellow River and attack Hanoi County."
"As long as we capture Hanoi County, we can threaten Yecheng."
"At that time, the initiative on the battlefield will be in our hands!"
Xun You's eyes flashed, and he couldn't help but praise,
"Mr. Ziyi is really talented. This is really a wonderful move!"
Guo Jia also sighed,
"If Yuan Shao divides his troops to rescue them, the prime minister can send his troops north to pursue them."
"If he refuses to divide his troops, then the troops can march towards Yecheng and threaten Yuan Shao's rear!"
"Mr. Ziyi's methods are amazing!"
While Guo Jia, Xun You and others were only focusing on Guandu, Yang Ling had already set his sights on the entire north.
How can this pattern and vision not make everyone admire and sigh?
Cao Cao was also a man of great talent and strategy. After hearing Yang Ling's proposal, he was very excited!
He looked at Yang Ling with a smile,
"Yi Ziyi, do you think who is more suitable to send to attack Hanoi County this time?"
Yang Ling couldn't help but rolled his eyes.
Boss Cao, you don’t know why you are asking.
In the entire Cao camp, is there anyone more suitable than me?
"I am willing to be the prime minister and make this trip myself!"
"So good!"
Cao Cao said with great joy,
"In that case, then I will give you 30,000... no, 50,000 troops!"
The total number of Cao's troops stationed in Guandu was only more than 100,000.
Although it was not necessary to defend the city with so many soldiers and horses, Cao Cao allocated half of it to Yang Ling, which shows his trust in Yang Ling!
Yang Ling was a little moved, but still shook his head.
"Prime Minister, there is no need for it. Soldiers are more valuable than more."
"If there are too many troops, I'm afraid Yuan Shao will get the news in advance."
"Besides, if Guandu is empty and Yuan Shao leads his troops to counterattack again, it will be troublesome."
Cao Cao thought it was right and asked,
"Then how many troops do you plan to have?"
"Five thousand is enough!"
"Five thousand? Isn't that too little? You must know that the person stationed in Hanoi County is Zhang Yang."
Cao Cao reminded.
According to the original historical process, when Cao Cao attacked Lu Bu, Zhang Yang, the governor of Hanoi County who was good with Lu Bu, would send troops to Dongshi to respond.
His subordinate Yang Chou killed Zhang Yang in order to defect to Cao Cao.
But before he could defect to Cao Cao, he was killed by his subordinate Sui Gu.
However, the emergence of Yang Ling caused fluctuations in history.
Zhang Yang did not send troops to support Lu Bu, but after Lu Bu's death, after careful consideration, he defected directly to Yuan Shao.
Now he is following Yuan Shao's orders to build a defensive line on the north bank of the Yellow River in Hanoi County, with the purpose of preventing Cao's army from crossing the river.
"Even Ju Shou, Guo Tu and others are no match for me. What can a mere Zhang Yang do to me?"
Yang Ling smiled confidently.
"Okay! In that case, you can choose the manpower in the army. In addition, if you have any other needs, just tell them!"
Cao Cao promised.
Yang Ling was naturally not polite and named four generals: Gan Ning, Zhao Yun, Huang Zhong, and Gao Shun.
As for weapons such as black powder and Lingyue Repeating Crossbow, the more the merrier!
…
That night.
Cao Ang took Zhang Liao, Zhang Xiu and others to Yang Ling's camp to see him off.
"I hope the teacher can return triumphantly from his trip to Hanoi County this time!"
Cao Ang smiled and picked up the wine glass in his hand.
After Yang Ling finished his drink, everyone also drank their glasses.
At this moment, Cao Ang's expression suddenly changed, he turned his head and coughed violently.
When Yang Ling saw this, he said with concern,
"Master Zixiu, what's going on? If you're too drunk, just drink a few drinks less."
Cao Ang waved his hand, pretending to be relaxed and said,
“I don’t know if it’s because of the cold wind I’ve caught these past few days. I have lost my appetite and often vomit.”
"Then have you ever gone to see the military doctor?"
Yang Ling asked quickly.
"I've seen it, but they can't explain why."
Cao Ang shook his head and smiled,
"Teacher, don't be nervous. After this matter is over and I return to Xudu, I will personally visit Mr. Zhongjing and ask him to see a doctor for me."
Only then did Yang Ling feel relieved.
Zhang Ji's medical skills were superb, and only Hua Tuo could compare with him in the world.
If he treats Cao Ang's illness, he will probably cure it with medicine.
"By the way, I've known the teacher for so long, but I still don't know how drunk he is?"
Cao Ang changed the subject and asked with a smile.
Yang Ling smiled and said nothing, only stretched out one finger.
"A jar of Moutai wine?"
Cao Ang said tentatively.
Yang Ling shook his head.
"Could it be Shitan?"
Cao Ang was surprised.
Yang Ling still shook his head.
Dian Wei on the side laughed and said,
"Young master, I don't know. What my eldest brother means is to keep drinking!"
Cao Ang: "..."
Everyone's drinking didn't end until late at night.
Fortunately, Yang Ling possesses Qi refining skills and wakes up before the sky lights up.
Under Guo Zhao's service, he dressed neatly.
While the sky was still dark, Yang Ling quietly left Guandu with four generals, Zhao Yun, Gan Ning, Huang Zhong, and Gao Shun, as well as 5,000 Cao soldiers.
In order to prevent the news from leaking out, they avoided official roads and took small roads along the way.
After two days of traveling, Yang Ling and his party arrived at the south bank of the Yellow River.
"Brother, after crossing the Yellow River and heading north for twenty miles, we will reach Huai County, the seat of Hanoi County."
Zhao Yun pointed to the other side of the river and introduced.
Yang Ling raised his eyes and looked up. Although he couldn't see the city wall of Huai County, he could vaguely see many troops stationed on the other side of the river.
"We have to find a way to cross the river."
Yang Ling touched his chin and said thoughtfully.
They only have 5,000 troops, and it is impossible to cross the Yellow River by force.
"It's better to send someone to look around first to see if there are any loopholes."
Zhao Yun suggested.
