"Just asking, I don't like this person," Zhang Miao said calmly. Of course, he said in his heart that I don't like anyone who is promoted through the so-called meritocracy.
This road is actually Cao Mengde's attempt to cross the river and demolish the bridge.
Zhang Miao thought about this and smiled and said: "You made Cao Cao the governor in the beginning, led the counties to quell the rebellion, and used your fame and popularity to work for him. Why do you want to rebel now? Could it be that Cao Mengde never allowed you to be a high-ranking official and receive a generous salary? , there is no bright future, so you feel jealous?"
When it comes to Zhang Han, he actually has something to do with Chen Gong. Zhang Miao always believes that because Chen Gong fought against all opinions and made efforts that were incomprehensible to the family and regretted by celebrities, the position of drama hero should be his. Or Xun Yu's position.
But he was transferred to Shoudong County, which is intriguing. In addition to the idea of "evaluating people based on their talents", Cao Cao also claimed that "people with foreign surnames are not trusted, but those who are trusted are not used." In this way, he showed his broad mind by appointing people with foreign surnames. .
There seems to be only one explanation for this arrangement: Cao Cao doesn't believe him.
"I just recognize his ability to use troops, but he has the ambition to defeat thieves, but he did harm the Duke."
"Since he was killed, I have also cried in mourning. I cannot be decadent and decadent. If this tiger enters Yan because of me, it should be driven away because of me."
Young Chen Gong made friends with famous people all over the world and had connections with his family. In his early years, he recommended Cao Cao to solve the chaos in Yanzhou, but he gave in to others.
Confucian scholars who were mainly willing to give in to others immediately felt insulted after hearing the idea of "elevating talents only", and their early praise of Chen Gong's ability to recognize people turned into blame.
There is another connection here.
For Chen Gong, Bian Rang was both a teacher and a friend, and he also had the favor of recommendation. This kind of kindness was greater than the emperor's favor at the moment, so he could not be neglected in the slightest. If Cao Cao killed Bian Rang, he was destined to be hated by Yanzhou scholars. But fire and water are incompatible.
Chen Gong thought about it for a while and then cheated on her out of habit.
But he was very talented, and he could tell at a glance that this was the best time. The soldiers and horses of this state were marching eastward, but the territory was empty. Only the important town of Puyang had Xiahou Dun's soldiers and horses, and the city could be defended. But it is absolutely impossible to block Zhang Miao and Lu Bu's troops.
Zhang Miao pondered for a long time, thought about these words, and said slowly: "Actually, this is not your fault, and you don't have such ability. Gongtai does not need to take all the blame on himself."
"The people who allowed Cao Cao to gain a foothold in Yanzhou were Qiao Mao, the former governor of Dongjun, Yuan Shao, the former governor of Bohai, and Bao Xin, the prime minister of Jibei."
Chen Gong: "..."
He did not refute, but everyone knew that although he, Chen Gong, had some family resources, manpower, literary reputation and military skills, his role was not as good as that of Yuan, Qiao, Bao and others, and he recognized it.
But at that time, he also spent everything he had, worked hard to cooperate externally, and appeased the opposition of many people, so that Cao Cao could quickly and safely ascend to power and send troops to quell the thieves.
As long as he was a little passive and slack at that time, he would not blame himself so much after Bian Rang's death.
Because the butcher's knife that killed Bian Rang seemed to have been his part.
"Ming Gong, with your ability, you shouldn't be buried like this."
"I know," Zhang Miao smiled, "Don't provoke me, I know this is the best time."
The two looked at each other and smiled, hit it off immediately, and decided to lure Lu Bu to Yanzhou. While leading him away from Zhang Yang, he would also gain a place in the army.
At this time, Yanzhou is in crisis and chaos, so he is considered the best candidate. Perhaps with his presence, he will have the opportunity to truly dominate the kingdom.
The military strategy presented by Chen Gonglai was in line with his wishes everywhere, except for one thing: Zhang Miao did not have 100,000 soldiers.
Cao Cao camped in Chenliu Army for three months and kidnapped more than 3,000 local warriors. Last year, only a few hundred new recruits entered the camp. Besides, there were also those who abandoned and turned to Cao Cao...
Dian Wei was the most impressive. That wine bag and rice bag can actually protect Cao Cao now.
…
Juancheng.
Under the dark night, a corner of the Xun Mansion's courtyard was brightly lit, with candles inside close to a table.
Xun Yu looked closely at the map in front of him with a very serious expression, and his eyes swayed slightly. He was obviously surprised by the dense markings and simple explanations on the map.
Small arrows were also drawn. As for the mountains, they were replaced by triangles, and the water was represented by waves. The drawn paths were even clearer.
He was so shocked by this painting skill that he didn't know whether to curse or praise him. Apart from Zhang Bochang, he couldn't think of anyone else who could have made such a thing.
Sitting in front of him was Cheng Yu, a gray-robed Confucian scholar with a slightly fluttering beard and sharp eyes, quietly waiting for Xun Yu's response.
"Are these maps given to you by Uncle Zhang?"
"Yes," Cheng Yu nodded and said solemnly: "To be precise, we stayed at Chenliujun for several months. Bo Chang would sometimes take his guards and the cavalry from the vanguard battalion out to explore the way. I always thought that Bo Chang was slacking off and derelict in his duties, so he went to rest."
I'm still touched that I concealed this for him.
I didn't expect that he would actually do things other than his duties. Bo Chang worked really hard for his achievements, and he deserved to be so favored.
Xun Yu nodded and said calmly: "Bo Chang's behavior is indeed different from ordinary people, and it is precisely because of this that getting along with him is more exciting. There is always something surprising."
"For example, now," he raised his head with a smile, "the Lord has left three generals in Yanzhou. One of them has secretly ordered General Yuan Rang to guard Puyang. He has already prepared secret sentries and stockpiled 30,000 shi of grain and grass."
"The second is Young Master Cao Ang. When he vowed to send out troops, he claimed that only 5,000 remnant veterans were left to defend the city, but in fact there were 2,000 tiger and leopard cavalry, and 10,000 Qingzhou soldiers were still in Dongjun."
"Third, the troops in Dong'a and Fan counties include Cao Xiu, Mao Jie and his subordinates. It's up to you how many there are."
Cheng Yu grabbed the fluttering beard on his chin and said: "If you raise your family's assets and call your friends, thousands of people will follow you. This is also due to the benevolent government and the merit-based promotion system that have always been implemented."
Xun Yu smiled and said: "In this case, these maps will be of great use. Perhaps this is the opportunity Bo Chang left for you to make a contribution."
Cheng Yu's expression moved slightly, and he felt a little in his heart. At the same time, a surge of spirit also surged in his heart.
…
In mid-March, soldiers and horses appeared outside Puyang, and the sentry cavalry who was far away at the border to inquire about it immediately spread the news back to the city.
The brothers Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan were guarded by 8,000 elite soldiers and only had a few hundred cavalry. They were not good at fighting in the field, so they immediately built the city wall high and prepared the equipment to defend the city.
At night, Han Hao hurriedly walked in from outside the city gate tower. He was tall and long-armed, walking in the wind, wearing a full-face helmet with his hands clasped in his fists. He said in a deep voice: "Prefect, the news is correct, we are indeed coming straight to Puyang, the outpost pass. It has been released, Lu Bu's army has arrived in the territory, and Zheng Zhi has not returned since he left the city yesterday."
He paused for a while and said, "His family members are still in the city."
Xiahou Dun raised his head and looked straight, with a stern look in his eyes. He sighed and said, "Send people to surround his mansion and treat his wife and children well. Don't be disrespectful. Wait until Meng De comes back to punish him."
"yes."
Han Hao nodded and continued: "You should go to Lu Bu. The next pass will be cleared. Ten flying cavalry have been sent to Xuzhou to inform the lord."
Xiahou Dun chuckled lightly and stood up with a steady breath to give the order: "Order my troops to lie down on the city wall, remove their defenses, and wait until they reach the foot of Puyang City before firing a volley."
"The infantry are waiting on the tower."
"The sandbags in the city river were removed after his army crossed the suspension bridge, and the river was filled with water. Lu Bu's army was defeated in the first battle."
"Where are the pursuers?" Han Hao asked with expectant eyes. That was the flying general Lu Bu. If he could pursue and capture him, he would at least be famous in southern Hebei, Yan, Henan and parts of central China!
"There are no pursuers."
He still remembered that before Cao Cao went on the expedition, he reminded him three times not to be greedy for merit, never to chase after losing the city, and never give Lu Bu any chance.
"As you command!"
Han Hao cupped his fists and left immediately.
…
"drive!"
"drink!"
"noisy!"
"Hold!"
Outside the city gate, the cavalry army that had passed three passes in a row was approaching Puyang. The leader was riding a red horse. Under the moonlight, there were uneven shouts of slapping the horses, and the horses' hooves rolled like drums.
Lu Bu is majestic and powerful, with strong arms. He wears dark robes and cold armor. He has a golden crown on his head and has a cold but powerful face.
Not long after, when he was far enough to overlook a corner of Puyang City, Lu Bu ordered to stop, panting slightly while showing an arrogant smile, "The place to stand is tonight."
"Gongtai came to me as promised. He is truly a man of his word."
Passing three passes in a row and entering Puyang territory, Lu Bu already trusted Chen Gong to have laid out everything. Next, he planned according to his strategy and asked Zhang Miao to win over officials from various places. Those people from the scholar sect would switch sides one after another. Within a few days, The default choice is Puyang.
On Lu Bu's side, a black-robed Confucian scholar came on horseback and gasped: "Marquis Wen, there are only a few thousand defenders in Puyang City at this time. Xiahou Dun has not noticed it yet. Marquis Wen should attack the city immediately, otherwise something will happen if it is too late."
"Okay! We have decided on Puyang today! This is our first victory." Lu Bu was high-spirited and his eyes were bright. This was the closest he had ever come to the foundation of his great cause. He had to consider whether this was the only opportunity in his life.
