"The famous Tiger and Leopard Cavalry is nothing more than that!"
Seeing the tigers and leopards led by Cao Xiu returning with feathers, Zang Ba immediately covered his long beard and laughed.
"My lord, he has unparalleled military prowess. Although Cao Pi is the King of Wei, since Meng De's death, the King of Wei has been nothing more than this. If Meng De were here, how could he drive the tiger and leopard cavalry to attack the walled city? In my opinion, this Cao Pi is no more than that. It’s just a show of skill and embroidery, looking after the useless guy. The foundation of the king and prince will be established soon!”
In front of Zang Ba, there was a big man in armor who was about the same age as him. He was bending down at the moment, with a flattering smile on his face to please Zang Ba.
This person is not an ordinary person, but Wu Dun, one of the four bandits in Mount Tai.
The Four Taishan Bandits refer to the four Taishan bandit leaders who were entrenched in the Qingxu area in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, namely Sun Guan, Wu Dun, Yin Li, and Chang Xi.
Sun Guan followed Cao Cao to attack Sun Quan on the eastern front. He was shot by a stray arrow near Ruxukou and died after the battle.
Yin Li originally belonged to Zang Ba and Lu Bu. After Lu Bu's defeat, he surrendered to Cao Cao, became his general, and was appointed as the prefect of Dongguan.
Now he follows Zang Ai, Zang Ba's son, to guard Xuzhou.
Chang Xi was originally one of the Taishan bandits and later surrendered to Cao Cao. However, Chang Xi was erratic and rebelled many times. Finally, he was defeated by Xiahou Yuan's troops, surrendered to the ban, and was finally killed.
Wu Dun was an An slave, born in the Yellow Turban, and was originally a mountain bandit. He helped Lu Bu. After Lu Bu was defeated, he surrendered to Cao Cao.
After Zang Ba gained power, he lured Wu Dun and Yi Li with huge profits from the business alliance, so they were both under his account and driven away by him.
"Don't underestimate the world's heroes."
Although Zang Ba was somewhat complacent, he was not completely arrogant.
It is important for a person to know himself. He still knows how much he weighs.
"I have seen Cao Pi before. He is not an incompetent person. He has countless capable people and strangers. We are in danger. If we are arrogant, we will lose our chance of survival."
He waved his hand and said: "We must be careful to prevent the Wei army from cutting off our food routes. If we hold on to our food and grass, we will have a chance to fight with Cao Pi. Otherwise, if we stick to this place, we will also be defeated because of the food and grass problem."
"What my lord said is absolutely true."
Wu Dun immediately agreed.
"Then I will guard Yin Ling? In case the Wei army cuts off the food route!"
you...
Zang Ba took a deep look at Wu Dun and said, "You and I are like sons and daughters. My wealth is also your wealth."
After saying this with seemingly profound meaning, Zang Ba nodded and said, "I will allow you to lead our troops to Yin Ling."
"Father!"
Just as Zang Ba said his words of agreement, in front of Zang Ba, a young general wearing red armor who looked somewhat similar to Zang Ba stood up.
"This is inappropriate, Yinling is an important place..."
In front of Wu Dun, Zang Ba's son Zang Shun did not dare to speak too clearly.
But as soon as he said this, both Zang Ba and Wu Dun understood the meaning of Zang Shun's words.
Wu Dun's face turned pale instantly.
"My lord, if not, I will stay in the stronghold and let the young master go and guard the Yin Tomb."
"No need to say anything more."
Zang Ba glanced at Zang Shun angrily, then laughed loudly, stepped forward and took Wu Dun's hand cordially and said: "I, Zang Ba, are like Meng De. We have become brothers with different surnames, sharing life and death, and sharing wealth and honor! I can rest assured that your uncle Wu will lead the troops to Yinling."
After finishing speaking, he said to Zang Shun: "Come and apologize to your Uncle Wu quickly."
Zang Shun also knew that he had made a mistake, so he quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Wu Dun, and said, "Uncle Wu, I..."
"hehe."
Wu Dun smiled and said: "Second Young Master, it was just an innocent mistake. How can I hold a grudge? As the saying goes, you will be away from home, and you will not be affected by your fate. I hope that my lord will not be suspicious. We have been friends for many years. If we are suspicious of each other, , then this big thing can’t be done.”
As he spoke, he solemnly saluted Zang Ba and said: "My daughter has married the eldest son, and there is a grasshopper on a rope between my lord and me. This time I am going out to seek wealth, and I am also burdened with all the burdens." Those who care about the lives of the clan do not dare to mess up important matters and ruin the overall situation."
"Brothers!"
Zang Ba was moved and said: "Tonight I will host a grand banquet for you. The wealth in the future will depend on you and me, brothers!"
Wu Dun nodded heavily.
"In that case, my lord, I will go to the army to make some preparations, and I will set off to Yin Ling early tomorrow morning."
Zang Ba's eyes were red and he nodded slightly.
After Wu Dun walked away, the feeling of resignation on Zang Ba's face disappeared in an instant.
He kicked Zang Shun on the hind leg, causing the latter to kneel down on the ground in pain.
"Don't you know what you should say and what you shouldn't say?"
Zang Shun knew that he was wrong, so he had no choice but to kneel down.
"My child realizes his mistake."
snort!
Seeing his son admit his mistake, Zang Ba's attitude improved a lot.
certainly...
The anger in my heart has not completely dissipated.
"What's wrong?"
"You shouldn't have spoken so bluntly in front of Uncle Wu."
Zang Ba couldn't help but kicked Zang Shun on the back again and said, "You shouldn't have said such things!"
Zang Ba looked at his second son with a look of hatred on his face.
"Can we, father and son, really occupy the land of Qingxu? We need help. You, Uncle Wu, and I are old friends. If we can't trust this person, who can we trust?"
Huhehuhe~
Zang Ba gasped and said again: "Or do you think you are the only smart one in the world? I don't see the risk in this matter?"
"Father, child..."
"I originally wanted you to follow me when I went to Yin Ling this time, but now, can I give this order?"
"Then why doesn't father send someone else to go?"
Zang Ba sneered and said, "Are there other people more reliable than your Uncle Wu?"
Wu Dun was his in-laws and a brother he had known for many years.
You can't believe this kind of person, he really can't send anyone else.
"Your Majesty, Uncle Wu can believe it, but in Xuzhou, can the eldest brother and Uncle Yi also believe it?"
Zang Ba narrowed his eyes and asked, "What do you mean?"
Zang Shun knew that he had made a mistake again.
He had no choice but to bite the bullet and said: "The king is alone and goes deep into the land. There is no father to suppress the land of Qingxu, and the people's hearts are in turmoil. King Wei Cao Pi only needs to send an envoy to stir up the storm. If the king of Wei promises that the eldest brother or Uncle Yi will be rich, What if they are allowed to become the lords of Xuzhou and then defect to Wei?"
"If it were you, of course it would be possible, but your eldest brother would never do it, and your Uncle Yi, who also has a life-long friendship with me, certainly wouldn't do it!"
Zang Ba said decisively.
"It's just that compared to wealth, is friendship really important?"
Zang Shun's heart-wrenching words actually silenced Zang Ba.
yes!
It's okay for his son. If Wei King Cao Pi promised Yi Li to be the lord of Xuzhou and take his place, would he be tempted?
If the rear is gone and the alliance fails, wouldn't Zang Ba have no choice but to die?
...
In Shouchun City.
The main meeting hall.
Cao Pi, who was sitting on the main seat, had a face as dark as a scapegoat. He clenched his fists and stared at the map behind him.
The king was in a bad mood, and naturally none of the ministers in the main hall dared to speak. Even when they breathed, they tried to keep their voices as low as possible, for fear of offending Cao Pi.
"Reporting to your Majesty, General Cao Xiu led the tiger and leopard cavalry to call for formation. Zang Ba did not leave the camp. General Cao Xiu stormed the camp in anger, but failed."
Cao Pi stared at the map in front of him and asked the officials behind him: "What is Zang Ba's plan for setting up camp on the east bank of Fei River?"
Cao Pi had already decided to show weakness to the enemy.
It was naturally his order and authorization to let Cao Xiu lead the tiger and leopard cavalry to summon the formation to charge into the camp.
Let the elite soldiers attack the city.
Only a fool would do this.
He, Cao Pi, really acted like a fool today.
but...
After thinking about it all night, Cao Pi also came to his senses.
I'm afraid that his previous show of weakness was in vain.
It is impossible for Zang Ba to camp on the east bank of Fei River just because he showed weakness to the enemy.
In Cao Pi's expectation, Zang Ba's Xuzhou army would only be detained for a few days.
But judging from the current situation, Zang Ba is obviously prepared.
The fort built was very strong, and it didn't look like it was done hastily. On the contrary, it had the intention of being stationed there for a long time.
So...
What is his reliance?
Seeing the doubts in Cao Pi's mind, Sima Yi, who was dressed in counselor's robes, immediately stood up, saluted Cao Pi, and said, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid Zang Ba wants to detain your Majesty's army here to give Jiangdong a chance to breathe."
Give Jiangdong a chance to breathe?
"What Zhongda means is that Zang Ba unites with Jiangdong?"
Sima Yi nodded, and then said: "I'm afraid not only have they united with Jiangdong, but Liu Gongsi, the crown prince of Hanzhong, must have also formed an alliance with Zang Ba. If Zang Ba dares to come here, he is well prepared. He is here to hold the king back. , wait for reinforcements from all walks of life to arrive here, and deliver a fatal blow to the king!"
Although the general trend has not yet formed, Sima Yi has already guessed the situation.
certainly...
He wasn't just guessing.
Zang Ba sent several envoys, but some of them were intercepted by the Wei army. From their mouths, Zang Ba's intentions were naturally obtained.
"How dare he?"
This is the question in Cao Pi's mind.
"Going deep into a dangerous situation and leaving his own safety in the hands of others, how long does he think he can stop him? Ten days? Twenty days. Or a month or two months?"
Cao Pi sneered and said: "That Jiangdong Sun Quan is famous for his treachery. Even cunning men like Liu Gongsi are almost defeated. As for Liu Gongsi, he is even more unreliable. Zang Ba allied with these two. If you put yourself in danger, you have a way to die!"
After figuring out his joints, Cao Pi felt relaxed.
"The scouting news from the front has arrived. Who will guard the Qingxu Land? Is there anyone available in Zang Ba's army?"
It can't be beaten head-on... Oh no, it's too damaged.
Then try another method.
My Cao family has been running the land of Qingxu for decades and has cultivated some power of its own. You, Zang Ba, suddenly rebelled.
How many people dare to drag their families with them to rebel against you?
Even if I rebel against you, can I be determined?
To deal with such a person with an unstable foundation, there is no need to go head-to-head and use some tricks. A seemingly powerful force may fall apart in an instant!
Wu Zhi, who was wearing a Confucian robe, stepped forward and said, "The land of Qingxu is guarded by Zang Ai, the eldest son of Zang Ba, and Yi Li, the prefect of Dongguan County."
This Dongguan is naturally not the Dongguan of later generations.
"Hanshu Geography" records that there is Dongguan County in Langye County. From the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty to the early years of Jian'an, Dongguan County was established, located in the northern area of Yishui and Ju County in present-day Linyi City.
"Zang Ai, Yi Li?"
Cao Pi murmured to himself and asked, "Who is this Zang Ai?"
Know thyself, ever-victorious.
Although Zang Ai is the son of Zang Ba, are there many incidents of antagonism between father and son?
How did the Jin state decline during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period?
In the mythical story, why did Mount Buzhou collapse?
Under the temptation of absolute power and interests, what does the love between father and son count?
Even during Cao Cao's lifetime, Cao Pi had treacherous thoughts from time to time.
This is not enough for outsiders.
"Zang Ai was famous for his talents. He was originally a Huangmenlang and became an official in Xudu. However, he returned to Xuzhou because of Zang Ba's malingering."
Some time ago, Zang Ba was ill and his son Zang Ai returned to Xu.
"What's his intention?"
Wu Zhi answered honestly: "I heard he is quite scheming. He is not a stupid person."
smart people?
Cao Pi's eyes flashed.
"Then Yili, can I have correspondence with my country, Wei?"
Wu Zhi nodded and said, "There was one a month ago, but this month, there has been no news."
This is strange.
Cao Pi rolled his eyes and said, "Send a capable envoy to Xuzhou to persuade Zang Ai or Yili to surrender. Whoever wants to bring order to order will be appointed as the governor of Xuzhou!"
The post of state pastor is rarely appointed.
The governor can be regarded as an official position that nominally checks and balances a state.
Cao Pi felt that he had given enough benefits.
"Who is willing to be the messenger for this?"
After Cao Pi finished speaking, he glanced at the officials in the hall.
It's just that many people kept their heads down and didn't dare to answer.
The previous envoys crossed the Feishui River to meet Zang Ba, but the consequences are still vivid in our minds!
Now go to the Longtan Tiger's Den in Xuzhou?
I'm afraid that if I make one wrong step, my body will be wiped out.
No one in the hall dared to be a lobbyist. Cao Pi clenched his fists, frowned, and was about to lose his temper when one of his advisers finally stepped forward.
This man has gray hair and looks to be of a certain age.
"If the king does not give up, I am willing to leave."
The speaker was none other than Jiang Gan and Jiang Ziyi.
Once upon a time, he was a famous scholar and debater in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. He has good appearance and is known for his talent and ability. He is unique among Jiang and Huai Rivers and cannot be compared with others.
As a result, when he persuaded Zhou Yu to surrender, he fell into his counter-intentional plan.
Cao Cao was furious and ordered the execution of generals Cai and Zhang, which indirectly caused a gap between Cao's army and Jingzhou.
Fortunately, Cao Cao did not punish him, so he survived until now.
But now, it's time to clear his name.
Going on a mission to Xuzhou is dangerous, right?
Everyone is unwilling.
Then come on, my old bones!
Seeing that it was Jiang Gan, Cao Pi hesitated at first, but soon burst into laughter.
"If Mr. Jiang is willing to go, it will happen!"
Jiang Qian naturally knew that Cao Pi was hesitant, so he just said loudly and forcefully: "If I don't succeed, I swear I will never return!"
"Okay, okay!"
When Jiang Qian was like this, Cao Pi was naturally happy.
"Then I will leave all the power to Mr. Jiang."
After giving instructions on the envoy's mission to Xuzhou, Cao Pi looked at Wu Zhi again and asked, "Is there anyone in Zang Ba's army on the east bank of Fei River who can be used?"
Wu Zhi nodded and said: "I got the news this morning. Wu Dun, the governor of Licheng, led his troops to Yinling to guard the Bingliang Road in Xuzhou. This man is one of the four bandits in Mount Tai. Although he has friendship with Zang Ba, he is not a few of them. We have been in contact with each other through letters for months, and even sent soldiers to transport grain and grass to Hefei. If this person rebels, Zang Baru will lose his arm, and he will have to sit in sleepy city on the east bank of Feishui River."
Wu Dun?
Cao Pi nodded and said, "If you convince this person, don't be stingy with the rewards from officials and titles!"
This punch took twenty years of work.
Zang Ba?
Can you stop it? !
