On who the counselor should be compared to Yuan Qi
News of the Five Route Army's attack on the four prefectures of Hebei has spread throughout Youzhou, Bing, Qinghai, and Hebei, and the tragedy of the bloodbath in Youzhou has also caused an uproar throughout the world.
The people and princes of the world were gnashing their teeth against the foreigners, and the princes discovered that the people under their rule were flocking to recruit troops just to go north to crusade against the foreigners.
Faced with such a situation, the princes from all over the country naturally secretly rejoiced, just to increase their own military strength. But some people are happy and some are sad, not to mention Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Liu Zhang of Yizhou, Sun Ce of Jiangdong, etc.
In the Mufu of Xuchang Prefecture in Yanzhou, Cao Cao was worried about the strategy of his subordinate Yang Xiu and asked Xun You: "Gongda, if I lead my troops to attack Jizhou, can the food and grass last until Yuan Shao is defeated?"
Xun You glanced at his lord, smiled bitterly and said: "My lord, the spies reported that although several counties in Youzhou were captured by foreigners and Liaodong Gongsun. Yuan Shao even lost tens of thousands of troops and his second son Yuan Xi showed his strength, but Youzhou Makian Yuanhao had already ordered All remaining military forces were concentrated and Fan Yang was in a defensive position, waiting for reinforcements from Jizhou. If our army were to attack Jizhou at this time, we must unite with Lu Bu and let him send generals and elite troops from Langya to Qingzhou to occupy Linzi, Beihai, Dong'an and other places. Contain Qingzhou Zhang Yan and Liu Ye, consolidate the right wing, and prevent the Qingzhou army from rushing to aid Yecheng from the east. However, our army's existing food and grass is only enough for the 70,000-strong army for three months."
Cao Cao rubbed his temples with his hands and thought: We are still short of food and grass! ! Damn it, Yuan Benchu, the Fourth Generation and the Three Dukes still occupied the wealthy land of Hebei. But he was so poor that he could hardly afford to feed his soldiers.
Then he said to Xun You: "In that case, Gongda immediately wrote a letter and sent someone to give it to Lu Bu. He ordered him to send troops north to attack Zhang Yan in Qingzhou so that Yuan Benchu wouldn't have time to breathe."
Xun You cupped his hands and said, "Yes, I accept your orders." Then he turned around and went out to repair his books.
Cao Cao then looked at Xi Zhicai, who was sitting under his command, and said, "Zhicai, if our army goes out, how will we advance?"
"Ahem, cough," Xi Zhicai coughed twice and replied: "Since my lord has already written a letter to Lu Bu, there is no need to worry about the journey to Qingzhou. My lord can concentrate his troops first, guard the key passes, and fortify key points, and then wait for work and strike later. Send first. Generals Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan led an army of 10,000 troops to advance and capture Liyang first. They then ordered General Yu Jin to lead 5,000 infantry and cavalry to garrison Yanjin, an important ferry on the south bank of the Yellow River. General Li Dian was then sent to lead 5,000 infantry and cavalry to guard Baima, blocking Yuan's army. Cross the river and drive southward. At the same time, the lord personally leads troops to build fortifications in the Guandu area to prevent Yuan Shao from attacking from the front. Moreover, Guandu is located in the upper reaches of Honggou, close to the Bian River. The Honggou Canal connects Hulao, Gong, and Luo passes to the west, and goes to Huaihe to the east. Si is the northern and eastern barrier of our army. It is the key point and the battleground for Yuan Shao to capture Xuchang.] "
Cao Cao was overjoyed: "I have ambition and talent, just like the great ancestor who had a ovary."
Xi Zhicai handed over his hand and said, "I'm ashamed of myself."
Cao Cao immediately issued an order: "Yuan Rang, Miao Cai, Wen Ze, Man Cheng."
Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Yu Jin, and Li Dian immediately stepped out: "My subordinates are here."
"Yuan Rang and Miaocai will lead an army of 10,000 troops to capture Liyang first, giving us an opportunity to march into Jizhou."
"The last general takes orders." The two Xiahou brothers were direct descendants of Cao Cao from childhood to adulthood, so they were deeply trusted by Cao Cao. The two took the order and left.
"Wen Ze, you lead five thousand cavalry to guard Yanjin. Mancheng, lead five thousand cavalry to guard Baima. Yuan's army is not allowed to cross the Yellow River with one foot." Cao Cao then issued an order to Jin and Li Dian.
"Follow your orders." The two generals were both action-oriented, and they immediately left the house to organize the troops without Cao Cao having to say anything.
Cao Cao looked at Cheng Yu again: "Zhongde, is there any news from Liu Bei?"
Cheng Yu came out and said: "My lord, Liu Bei led Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Chen Qun and 50,000 Yuzhou troops out of Runan three days ago. They marched towards Sili."
"Oh, Liu Xuande actually brought out all his wise men and powerful generals. It seems that the plan is not small." Cao Cao said with a smile.
"Lord, since Liu Bei has led the army out, the land of Yuzhou will be empty. If Liu Bei wins in Bingzhou, our army can immediately lead the army to capture Yuzhou. And cut off Liu Bei's way back south, and he can only wait in Bingzhou We can establish a foothold in the border fortress. And our army can establish a foothold in the three states of Henan, Yan and Hebei. The food and grass issue can be slowed down. We can also advance eastward to Xu and Qingzhou, and attack Sili and Nanyang in the west. If Liu Bei is defeated, our army will postpone sending troops. Yuzhou, let Liu Bei return to Yuzhou to recuperate in order to attack Yuan Shao again. Our army will attack Zhang Ji in Nanyang first. Moreover, Zhang Jiduo and Liu Biao are currently in contact with each other, and they can threaten us in Yanzhou at any time. Get rid of this thorn in the side as soon as possible, and the lord can get the land of Nanyang. , then my lord will have no worries about food and grass from now on." Cheng Yu said.
"Hahaha, I have all the princes, so why worry about not being able to rule the world." Cao Cao was in a good mood, and each of his three major conspirators was a key figure.
"My lord, you are so complimentary!" Xi Zhicai and Cheng Yu said, cupping their hands.
"My general order: Cao Hong, Cao Chun, and Le Jin are ordered to lead 10,000 troops as the front army. Xun You, Xi Zhicai, and Cheng Yu are as counselors. I myself command the remaining 30,000 troops as the middle army. Xu Chu is to guard the middle army, and Han Hao and Lu Qian command 10,000 troops to escort the rear army with food and fodder without fail." Cao Cao issued the order.
The generals were called out in the palace and said: "I will obey the Lord's order."
Cao Cao then looked at Cao Ren again: "Zixiao, after our army goes out for the expedition. You and Dezu (Yang Xiu), Xiaoxian (Mao Jie), Zini (Guoyuan), Boran (Zhao Yan), Zixu (Du) There must be no mistake in staying in Yanzhou with Xi) and others."
Cao Ren came out and said: "Follow your orders, there will be a general in the end. I will definitely not let Yanzhou be in trouble."
Cao Cao stood up stroking his beard, looked around the generals and thought: Yuan Benchu, the one who can stand in the world in the future must be me, Cao Mengde.
In Xiapi, Xuzhou, Lu Bu received another letter from Cao Cao and summoned Chen Gong and Chen Deng, son of Chen Gui, the head of the Chen family of the local clan in Xuzhou who had recently surrendered, to discuss: "Gongtai, Yuanlong. Cao Mengde sent a message to me, asking him to We will send generals with elite troops from Langya to Qingzhou, occupy Linzi, Beihai, Dong'an and other places, contain Qingzhou Zhang Yan and Liu Ye, consolidate their right flank, and prevent the Qingzhou army from rushing to aid Yecheng from the east. What do you two think?"
Chen Deng said: "General, we are waiting for this moment to become a hegemon. Now that Yuan Shao has lost his troops and lost his generals, the morale of the army in Qingzhou will definitely be unstable. If the general does not take it, who can take it? I also ask the general to write back to Cao Cao and send troops north to attack Qingzhou immediately. "
Lu Bu laughed and said: "Hahahahaha, Yuanlong's words are very suitable to my liking. This time, Yuanlong, you will go with me on the expedition."
"General, how dare you disobey your orders?" Chen Deng cupped his hands and said.
But Chen Gong was still thinking about Cao Cao's purpose of writing this letter. Lu Bu saw that Chen Gong was silent but still looked at Chen Gong. After all, Chen Gong is his first counselor, so Lu Bu is still very relieved about Chen Gong. Moreover, if it weren't for Chen Gong, he would still be a wandering army, occupying the land of Xuzhou, which is rich in food, like now.
"Gongtai, you are silent. Do you see anything inappropriate in Cao Cao's letter?" Although Lu Bu is heartless and brainless, at least he has learned the importance of asking advisors for their opinions after so many years of frustration.
"General, I agree with what Yuan Long said. It's just that when the general goes north, he needs to leave troops to prevent Jiangdong from attacking Guangling and go north. In addition, although Cao Cao of Yanzhou is in alliance with us, he must be on guard." Chen Gong replied.
"Brother Gongtai, are you too cautious? Now I, Xuzhou, Cao Cao and Liu Bei are allied with each other to attack the national traitor Yuan Shao. If Cao Cao takes advantage of others' danger, he is not afraid of the ridicule of the world." Chen Deng has opinions about Chen Gong. . However, competition for favor is probably the dominant emotion at the moment.
"Otherwise, Cao Cao is cunning and suspicious by nature. In the past, Lu Boshe and his family saved him from danger, but he killed the whole family out of suspicion. He even said arrogantly: I would rather teach me to betray the world than let the world betray me! This shows what a villain he is. The famous scholar Bian Rang killed him just because his words of advice did not fall into his ears. How can such an unfaithful and unjust person believe him?" Chen Gong said.
Yes, after Chen Gong's words, Lu Bu and Chen Deng could only remain silent. Who told Chen Gong to be Cao Ah Man's first counselor in the first place? He is the one who knows and hates Cao Cao the most.
"Then how does Gongtai think I should advance the army?" Lu Bu asked.
Chen Gong said: "General, you can send Cao Xing and Hou Cheng to lead a vanguard of 30,000 people out of Langya to join Sun Guan, Wu Dun and Yin Li in Qingzhou and occupy Linzi, Beihai, Dong'an and other places. Then order Cheng Lian to lead an army. Wannan went to Guangling and merged with Zhao Yu, the prefect of Guangling, to prevent Sun Ce from Jiangdong. As for Xiaopei, General Wei Xu stationed 20,000 elite troops. The general led me, Yuanlong, Song Xian, Hao Meng and other troops to go out. The Mi family will be responsible for the matter. The Mi family is a large local family in the East China Sea and can still get some food and grass. Unless the Mi family does not want to establish a foothold in Xuzhou, as for the base camp of our army in Xia Pi, General Cao Bao can just stay here."
"Hahaha, I have a public platform and it's a big deal!" Lu Bu said with a smile.
"General, our Chen family is also a local wealthy family. We can also supply a lot of food and grass." Seeing Chen Gong's advice, Chen Deng immediately claimed the credit.
"Okay, I will conquer Qingzhou. Both gentlemen will be rewarded heavily!" Lu Bu smiled even more unscrupulously.
"Thank you for your kindness, general!" Er Chen stood up and bowed his head to Lu Bu.
After talking about the Three Kingdoms Alliance, we turn our attention back to Yecheng in Jizhou. The civil servants and generals who received orders from Dian Wei all knew that Gongsun Du and the foreign tribes had conquered Youzhou, and also knew that the lord Yuan Shao was about to discuss important matters. Different from the past, this time Yuan Shao summoned all the civil servants and generals who stayed in Yecheng, and the rhythm of general mobilization was imperative.
At dawn on the second day, all the civil and military officials in Yecheng gathered in front of the palace to attend the imperial meeting. Yuan Shao was already waiting for everyone to arrive in the palace. After entering the hall, all the civil and military officials discovered that even the young emperor Liu Xie and all the officials were in the hall. Everyone did not dare to neglect, and quickly stood at their respective positions, with Yuan Shao taking the lead to pay homage to Liu Xie: "Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"
Liu Xie yawned: "Pingshen!" "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Everyone stood up.
"The Prime Minister ordered someone to come to the palace last night to talk about a big event. What do you mean by asking me to get up early today?" Liu Xie was already a little nervous about Yuan Shao's constant oppression.
"Your Majesty, now Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Lu Bu, and Gongsun Du have joined forces with foreigners to attack our Han Dynasty's Hebei prefectures. They even massacred our Han Dynasty people in Beiping, Youzhou. I ask the Holy One to issue an edict to unite the other princes to raise troops to conquer, and to In the name of colluding with foreigners, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, Lu Bu, and Gongsun Du immediately led their troops to attack the foreigners. If Cao Cao and others obey, their crimes will be forgiven. If they do not obey the Holy One, the whole world will jointly punish them and punish them." Yuan Shao came out. Listed.
"What? Foreigners... have already invaded Youzhou. This..." Liu Xie didn't care about the people at this time, but about his own safety.
"Your Majesty, this country is in crisis. We should immediately issue an order for Prime Minister Yuan to send troops to attack. If foreigners continue to invade, our Han Dynasty will be in danger!" I saw the ministers walking out of the queue. It can be seen that at this time, the officials were no longer thinking about how to fight for power with Yuan Shao, but how to save themselves and the little emperor's lives.
"In this case, the prime minister will be solely responsible for this matter! I am a little tired, so I will go back to the palace first." You are not tired, you are just weak from fear. After saying that, he was supported back to the palace by the palace maid and eunuch.
When the officials saw that the emperor had left, they came over to greet Yuan Shao one after another: "Since the Holy Emperor has left this matter to the Prime Minister, it is time for the Prime Minister to pay. I will wait for the Prime Minister's triumphal return in Yecheng." After saying that, the officials also slipped away. The ones are scattered.
Yuan Shao took everything in his eyes and said in his heart: It seems that at this juncture, no one will come to cause trouble. Then he turned to Xun Yu and said, "Wen Ruo, please turn all civil and military officials to the side hall to discuss matters."
Xun Yu bowed and said: "I obey."
After a while, all the civil and military personnel re-entered the side hall and took their positions. Yuan Shao sat at the main seat and said: "Now the five armies are attacking our Hebei province. Xianbei and Gongsundu have already attacked several counties in Youzhou and massacred our Hebei people. This is unbearable. This is intolerable."
The senior official came out with a look of grief and anger on his face and said, "Uncle, I am willing to lead my troops to conquer Youzhou to avenge my second brother."
Xun Chen, who had not shown his face for a long time, came out and said: "The young general is loyal and brave, but please put aside your anger for a while. The current crisis is not only in Youzhou, but also in Bingzhou, Qingzhou, and Jizhou. We need to take a long-term plan before sending troops to rescue."
Yuan Shao glanced at Xun Chen and said, "You Ruo's words are very kind, so don't get excited, my nephew. This time I will avenge Xian Yi. I wonder if You Ruo has any good ideas?"
In the past, Yuan Shao's military advisors respected Tian Feng, Ju Sue, Xun Yu and Guo Jia. As for other people, Yuan Shao actually didn't pay enough attention.
When Xun Chen settled in Jizhou, he made great contributions to persuading Han Fu to surrender, but afterwards he only gave Xun Chen a general reward. During the time when Xu You and Xin Ping rebelled, Xun Chen claimed to have been ill at home and had no contact with anyone. In fact, he had been secretly helping Xun Yu stabilize Yecheng and appease Dong Zhao, Cui Yan and others.
This was also learned last night when discussing countermeasures with Guo Jia and Xun Yu. It can be seen that Xun Chen is not very useful to him, but Xun Chen did not leave him and join others because of this. Therefore, Yuan Shao still admired Xun Chen very much in his heart. This is why Yuan Shao asked Dian Wei to notify all civil and military gatherings.
Yuan Shao took another look at the four civil servants behind Xun Chen: Dong Zhaogongren, Cui Yan Jigui, Cui Yan's younger brother Cui Linderu, and Xin Ping's younger brother Xinpi Zuozhi.
These people have been under his command for some time, but their presence is not even as strong as Man Chong, Shen Pei, Wang Xiu, Zhen Yan, and Chen Lin.
Seeing Yuan Shao's question, Xun Chen cheered up and said: "My lord, now Youzhou has fallen. The first priority is to send troops to Youzhou, and the second is to Bingzhou. Although Bingzhou has not been conquered, we cannot relax our vigilance. The Lord of Qingzhou has captured it. The time is not long, and Lu Bu is approaching Xuzhou to the south. This man is ambitious and must be guarded against. As for Jizhou, it is the foundation of our army, and we must keep capable people behind."
Yuan Shao's eyes lit up, and it turned out that none of the descendants of the Xun family were fuel-efficient: "In your opinion, sir, how should I evaluate these five paths?"
Xun Chen said: "We should first issue an edict to announce it to the world. We should establish a correct name and attack foreign tribes. Later, we should save Youyou in the north and defend Qingji in the south."
Yuan Shao was shocked. Xun Chen's words coincided with those of Guo Jia the day before yesterday. Yuan Shao did not gather all the civil and military personnel for discussion a few days ago, which shows that Xun Chen's talents are not inferior to Guo Jia's.
Immediately he said with great joy: "Sir's words have enlightened me. Please help me, sir." Yuan Shao stood up from his desk and bowed his head to Xun Chen.
Xun Chen was shocked: "My lord, you can't do this. This is the duty of a lower official." Xun Chen hurriedly supported Yuan Shao.
At this time, Dong Zhao also came out and said: "My lord, it is said that soldiers are valuable and quick. Now Youzhou is in danger, and it is necessary for the lord to go out personally to fight. The first is to improve the morale of our army. The second is to let Xianbei and Gongsundu know that the lord will personally go to the expedition." We have come here to capture the lord, and we can plan an ambush. But if the leader of the thief is dead, the rebels can break through without attacking. By then, they can recover Youzhou and march north. We can also march eastward to Liaodong and wipe out the Gongsun family."
Yuan Shao had a dull look on his face: Why are each one more ruthless than the other? These usually silent masterminds suddenly jumped out today. His IQ is almost as high as that of Guo Jia and Xun Yu.
Sure enough, after Dong Zhaogang finished speaking, Xin Pi also came out: "My lord, what you say and Gongren's words are reasonable. But we must not let down our guard against the princes of the Central Plains. My lord can also issue an edict to make Cao Cao the Mu of Xuzhou and Liu Bei the Mu of Yanzhou. , Lu Bu is the shepherd of Yuzhou. If his territory is exchanged, there will be a gap between the princes, which can buy favorable time for our army. Even if Cao Cao and others do not obey the edict, we can announce that Cao Cao and others are rebels in the world, and order Liu Biao, Sun Ce and others attack them. Then the danger in Jizhou, Qingzhou and Bingzhou can be resolved."
Xin Pi's words made Guo Jiadu's eyes light up. This guy is really poisonous. In this way, although the princes come to attack, they will definitely be useless. We only need to solve the crisis of Xianbei and Gongsun Du Hebei to relieve themselves.
After listening to Xin Pi's strategy, Yuan Shao sighed and said: Each one of them is a treasure. Why didn't I notice before that these guys are all very capable? Let’s take a quick look at “myself” in history. Damn it, how stupid do you have to be to lose a good hand of cards?
Since Xun Chen, Dong Zhao, and Xin Pi have all spoken, what about the other two? Yuan Shao looked at Cui Yan and Cui Lin and said, "Ji Gui, Deru, do you two also express your opinions?"
Cui Yan stepped out and said: "My lord, the people in our Hebei provinces and counties are currently in panic due to the invasion of foreigners. Your lord should immediately summon all counties and aristocratic families to state that our army has sent troops to assess the foreigners. In this way, if the people's hearts are stable, more soldiers can be recruited to fight against the foreigners." Jizhou is rich in rice, and the major families can also supply a lot of it. If the family shirks, it means that if foreigners invade Hebei, chickens and dogs will not be left. You Beiping is the best example."
Yuan Shao broke out in cold sweat on his forehead again: Damn, this is cruel enough. With one blow, the family will donate food if they don't want to, but it can greatly alleviate the food problem after the army is sent out. Good, really good!
Then he looked at Cui Lin and saw that Yuan Shao came to see Cui Lin, who also came out and said: "My lord not only wants the family to provide food, but also wants him to provide money."
Yuan Shao frowned and asked, "Sir, what do you mean by this?"
Cui Lin added: "Sending troops to conquer not only requires food, but also rewards. If there is no money to reward those who have meritorious service, who will sacrifice their lives for the lord? What's more, if there is money, the lord can also bribe the greedy people among foreign tribes. If there is internal strife. , then the Lord has a greater chance of winning, and it means getting twice the result with half the effort."
Yuan Shao's eyes widened: Damn it, if these cousins can leave their names in the history books, then none of them are useless. Strategies emerge one after another.
The senior cadre originally wanted to say something to Xun Chen, but he was shocked by the tactics of these people before he came out.
And Yuan Shao also had a plan in his mind and said: "In that case, everyone listens to the order!"
"Here!" All the civil servants and generals said with their hands in hand.
Yuan Shao began to order: "On the Jizhou side, Xun Yu will stay in Yecheng, Guo Jia will be the military advisor, and Cui Yan will be the counselor. Chen Lin and Zhen Yan will be responsible for the supply of grain and grass.
Regarding Bingzhou, Zhong Yao is the commander-in-chief, Shen Pei is the military advisor, and Dong Zhao is the counselor.
For Qingzhou: Man Chong is the commander-in-chief, Wang Xiu is the military advisor, and Xin Pi is the counselor.
As for Youzhou: The prime minister personally assigned Xun Chen as military advisor and Cui Lin as counselor.
Everyone said: "Follow the Lord's order!"
