"So, using merchant ships to transport soldiers is actually not feasible?" Sun Quan said in a deep voice. Only two merchant ships are allowed to pass each time. Even if both merchant ships are full of soldiers, how many troops can they transport in total?
Moreover, most of the caravans that Huang Zu would release were related to the Jingzhou nobles. It would be difficult for Sun Quan to find collaborators. Even if he does find him, Sun Quan still has to bear the risk that the other party may betray him at any time.
So, it’s difficult.
If it is not difficult, it will not be difficult for Zhou Yu, a smart man, to make progress here. Why did Zhou Yu always hope that Sun Quan would capture Xudu first? Cao Cao's heavy troops were deployed in the north. On the one hand, they were restrained by Yuan Shao. On the other hand, after capturing Xudu, the Jiangdong Army could also pass through Xudu, pass through Wancheng, Xinye and other places, and directly attack Xiangyang where Liu Biao was located. Once Xiangyang is conquered and attacked from both the upstream and downstream sides, Jiangxia's difficulty will be overcome.
The same is to occupy Jingzhou, and the same is to dominate the Yangtze River. The difference is that Sun Quan first captured Jingzhou and then considered Xudu, while Zhou Yu first captured Xudu and then used the road to attack Jingzhou.
In terms of difficulty, it seems that Zhou Yu's plan is better. However, in addition to focusing on immediate advantages and disadvantages, Sun Quan also paid more attention to strategic issues. Prioritizing the attack on Xudu was likely to lead to Cao Cao's rapid defeat. At that time, the entire north would fall into Yuan Shao's hands in a short period of time. In Sun Quan's view, , not good news.
Even if Cao Cao wins the Battle of Guandu, he will still have to fight with Yuan Shao and Yuan Shao's son for several years until he unifies the north. Such a long time, not to mention the mutual consumption between the two parties, was enough for Sun Quan to do a lot of things. But if Yuan Shao were to defeat Cao Cao, it would probably be overwhelming and overwhelming, and would not leave much opportunity for the Sun family to grow.
The reason why Zhou Yu did not consider this was that he subconsciously believed that Cao Cao could not win. This is also the disagreement between Zhou Yu and Sun Quan that cannot be reconciled.
"The more impossible something is, the more unexpected it will be, and the weaker the opponent's precautions will be." Sun Quan said.
Dong Xi was startled and couldn't help but say,
"My lord, do you really want to borrow a merchant ship to transport troops?!"
With so little luck in one day, how long does it take to transport enough troops to the opposite side? Moreover, where should the soldiers transported there be stationed? How should food and grass be supplied? What should I do if I'm discovered?
Yes, this is indeed unexpected and unexpected, but it is also incredibly difficult to operate!
"No, it doesn't have to be that complicated. I just went over and cut off the iron rope." Sun Quan said.
"Huh? Huh?"
Dong Xi was dumbfounded. He had almost never worked with Sun Quan, and it was really difficult for him to follow Sun Quan's thinking.
"Lord, do you know how thick the iron rope is?" Dong Xi couldn't help but stretched out his hand and gestured. With such a thick iron rope, even the Mengchong ship can be held firmly in the river, and ordinary ships cannot hit it. How can it be cut off casually?
"Don't worry, I have a magic weapon that can cut iron like clay." Sun Quan couldn't help but smile. The green sword finally had a use again.
"Once the waterway is opened, let our fleet pass quickly against the falling rocks on the mountain. It is best to find a day with favorable winds. As long as the speed is fast enough and the distance between the ships is large enough, even if they smash them, they won't be able to hit a few ships." Sun Quan Said, "I want to kill Huang Zu directly in his port before he can react!"
"Lord! This is too dangerous. You can't put yourself in danger." Dong Xi said quickly, "Since you have a sharp weapon that can cut iron like clay, you can lend me your magic weapon temporarily. I only need to lead a team of dead soldiers." , will definitely be able to cut off the iron rope and open the defense line for our army!"
"No."
Sun Quan shook his head decisively. It wasn't that he couldn't trust Dong Xi, but that he had to do this by himself. Before taking action, Sun Quan can use the illusion of thinking twice to judge whether it will succeed, and see in advance whether there will be any unexpected risks. This is one of them. Secondly, the purpose of Sun Quan's personal visit was not just to cut off the iron cables. Sun Quan also wanted to test in advance the troop layout of Huang Zu's port opposite the pass.
"I'm not familiar with naval warfare. Rather than being in the rear and giving random commands as an amateur, it's more valuable to be at the front," Sun Quan said.
"No, no, no." Dong Xi shook his head repeatedly, "Lord, no matter what, even if you sit in the army and do nothing, you are the biggest backbone of our Jiangdong Army. You are really not suitable to put yourself in danger!"
"I call it setting an example, but it does not mean risking one's life. You should know better than me. In the previous few times Zhou Yu made tentative attacks, there were still quite a few casualties on our side. The soldiers saw this, and how many people were willing to fight in vain? Are you going to die? I set an example this time, just to show everyone that the Jingzhou Army is not that scary, Huang Zu is not that scary, and Xiakou is not an insurmountable difficulty! Even I went there in person, what else do the soldiers have to fear? Yes!" Sun Quan said loudly, "In short, I have made up my mind, and it is useless for you to say anything. Instead of trying to persuade me, you should think about how to cooperate with me, break through Xiakou in one fell swoop, and capture Huang Zu! After breaking through Xiakou The scene is the highlight.”
"Lord!"
Dong Xi was so excited by Sun Quan's words that he almost burst into tears. Taking the lead is often just a gimmick. When faced with real danger, how many coaches are willing to be at the forefront? !
"My lord is righteous, and I admire you! Since my lord has made up his mind, I hope that my lord will take great care of you and bring more masters with you!" Dong Xi bowed solemnly.
"Don't worry, although Zhou Tai is still staying in Lujiang to confuse the enemy and has not come over, I have already made an agreement with Ling Cao. Ling Cao is good at swimming and there will be no problem traveling with him." Sun Quan said, "In addition, regarding the issue of merchant ships, You bring Zhu Ran here, and I'll discuss it with him. After running on the river for so many years, he should have some connections."
"yes."
??????
Then, Sun Quan found Zhu Ran and discussed with him a plan to borrow merchant ships to approach Xiakou. After making all preparations, Sun Quan calmly waited for the best opportunity, that is, waiting for the east wind.
Although they would not choose to attack by fire this time, going up the Yangtze River, only with the help of the east wind, Jiangdong's fleet could quickly pass through Xiakou. Reduce the risk of being smashed by boulders, and also catch Huang Zu by surprise.
As a result, the east wind did not come often. Before Sun Quan could wait for the east wind, he waited for the news that his elder brother Sun Ce had fallen into the hands of the Demon Sect.
With the help of thoughtful people, the news quickly spread throughout Jiangdong, north and south of the Yangtze River, and the Sun Jiajun was panicked for a while.
The result was at this moment that no one expected.
"No need to wait for Dongfeng, this news is the best Dongfeng! Contact Zhu Ran, I want to take the next merchant ship."