Three days later, when the congratulatory envoy was on his way, the sentinel in front returned to Xiangyang and explained the situation in more detail.
The actual situation in Wancheng is that Cao Cao led a small number of troops to ride into the city personally, and used Zhang Xiu's trap to trap Zhang Ji's widow, and also surrendered Wancheng's soldiers and horses.
His boldness and boldness are unparalleled in the world.
This incident has now been widely spread in Nanyang, demonstrating Cao Cao's talents, which are rare in the world.
However, it is said that Cao Cao did not like to be praised for this matter, and only said that it was the contribution of his advisers Zhang Bochang, Guo Fengxiao and others.
Later, there was news that at least eight civil and military personnel were omitted from this "waiting".
Hearing these news, Liu Biao sighed with emotion, and he couldn't help but think a little higher about Cao Cao. This Cao Cao was just like the rumors, leading by example, courageous and courageous, and had the courage to swallow up the world.
He can be regarded as a hero in this world. No wonder His Majesty has never been dissatisfied since he entered Xu Capital. Xu Shi was also impressed by Cao Cao's moral character and respected him.
"Alas," thinking of this, Liu Biao said to the adviser in front of him: "Cao Mengde has a reputation for benevolence and righteousness, and His Majesty Xu Du has never heard of him being disrespectful."
"Now that he has captured Wancheng with such extraordinary courage and arrogance, how can he be found guilty?"
Liu Biao recalled that he rode into Jingzhou, united with the four prominent families in Jingzhou, governed the people, locked up the river, won the people's support, and recruited powerful soldiers, making Jingzhou a place for hermits in the world and a place for people to take refuge, leading to its current prosperity.
Ten years younger, he can be as high-spirited and courageous as Cao Cao.
But now, it is hard to keep up the business and be cautious, and you can no longer do such heroic actions, putting those who follow you in danger, and depriving the people of good governance.
For a moment, I had mixed feelings.
At this moment, Liu Biao didn't know whether to be wary and fearful of Cao Cao, or envious and respectful.
Unrestrained and heroic, there is no place in the world that I cannot go to, domineering and heroic.
Entering Wancheng alone, he used himself as bait to lure Zhang Xiu to follow him. In this way, he got tens of thousands of Xiliang followers left by Zhang Ji.
It's almost... effortless to capture tens of thousands of troops, and even occupy Nanyang County.
Because in order to resettle Zhang Xiu, Liu Biao had almost handed over half of Nanyang to him. Except for the people to take back, all the places to the north that were prone to war were entrusted to Zhang Xiu for defense.
They also gave away a lot of grain and the baggage of 30,000 soldiers and horses, which cost a lot of money.
Now, I am afraid that all of these will belong to Cao Cao.
"Send flying cavalry to catch up with the envoys and tell them not to mention the matter of taking back Wancheng."
Liu Biao knew that Nanyang was in the hands of another hero.
Nanyang, a large county in the world with a population of one million, was first troubled by the Yellow Turbans and bandits, and then occupied by Sun Jian when he suppressed the rebellion. After Sun Jian's death, Yuan Shu obtained Sun's old tribe.
Now, Nanyang is no longer as prosperous as it was in the past. After many twists and turns, it has fallen into the hands of Cao Cao again.
Liu Biao still remembered that Cao Cao had millions of villagers in his hands. Over the years, many of them had been rewarded as residents of the same place, but there were also many surrenders and refugees.
The Cao family has great potential in Nanyang, and Jingzhou cannot turn against them immediately, so they may have to wait for the opportunity.
…
Wancheng.
In the camp outside the city, Zhang Han personally led his troops to station here to train some of Zhang Xiu's troops in Wancheng.
Nowadays, most of the remaining soldiers are still being treated. Those who cannot join the army are accepted as residents, or those who can no longer work at all will be given severance pay.
The rest of the lowered soldiers were running circles in the spacious school grounds of the camp, and among these people was an elderly scribe.
"Run faster! Speed up!!"
"The last one won't have dinner tonight!" Zhang Han and Dian Wei shouted on the high platform to select strong warriors with long physical strength.
The treatment you receive will also differ depending on whether you are selected or not.
But no one knows why Military Advisor Jia is included in this list.
After Dian Wei yelled these words, the old man in plain clothes fell to the ground.
Zhang Han pointed and said: "Pick him up, help him up! Hold him up and finish running!"
"No no no no……"
Jia Xu hurriedly waved his hands, using up the last bit of his strength, he shouted with all his strength: "Your Majesty! I, I am not good at this!"
"Junhou, Junhou..."
Jia Xu's voice became quieter and quieter. The school ground was very big and it would not be able to reach such a distance. He could only whisper to the soldiers on both sides: "Brothers, can you let me go see Zhang Junhou..."
"No," the soldier who supported him replied directly and coldly.
Jia Xu didn't know why their 37-degree mouths could say such cold words.
Then he dragged him alive and ran ten laps of the entire school field, sweating profusely and his buttocks trembling.
Jia Xu had bruises all over his body, and there were wounds from the spear point under his ribs. Although Zhang Han avoided the sharp point of the spear at that time, he had thrown the person away after all, so there could be no scars.
After he finished running, he was lying on the ground dying, feeling like his soul was flying out of nowhere, and he had completely lost his strength.
It was already sunset. He was treated as a prisoner of war for three days in this so-called selection camp. I don't know if Cao Gong knew about this.
"It is said that Mr. Cao is a man who is thirsty for talents and cherishes talents as much as his life. He is the most polite and virtuous corporal..."
"These people treat me like this. If he knows, can he say a few words for me? These young people are really evil-minded and do not respect the wise, so they would treat me like this. If word spreads, it will do great harm to Gong Cao's reputation. "
Jia Xu was thinking complicatedly, and in a moment Zhang Han and Dian Wei had already approached.
"Junhou, even if I have to punish you, now, now it's almost okay..."
"There is no enmity between you and me, and the disagreement that day had nothing to do with me. It was the young general who had to do this because he was young and energetic."
"He has no food to eat at night. This is a rule that must be followed," Zhang Han pointed at Jia Xu and ordered to the generals responsible for training.
In the entire military camp, even Jia Xu couldn't complete it. Others could pass physical training at worst, but they just couldn't be selected into the elite.
"Your Majesty!" Jia Xu cried out in agony after hearing his words, with a face full of pain, "I am just an adviser, so if I have offended your Majesty, why not say it clearly! My wife, Xiaojun, is in Wancheng and has been treated well by Cao Gong. They still think that I am now Serving as an errand in the camp!”
"Corporal Cao Gongli Xian, the reputation he has gained over the years, if the princes and princes are allowed to act like this, won't it gradually be ruined!?"
"I pride myself on being talented and knowledgeable, and can assist you. Why do you have to train with soldiers?"
"Oh," Zhang Han's face straightened, he stood with his hands behind his back and said, "Military Literary Aid, Merit Cao, Chief Secretary, what position do you want, sir?"
As he spoke, he looked at the handsome young man on the left and introduced: "This is Cao Ang, the eldest son of the Cao family. If you can provide strategies and show your talents, you may be favored and become a counselor and civil servant, and you will be exempted from the trouble." The hard work of training.”
"Okay!" Jia Xu gritted his teeth and nodded in agreement. If it comes to discussing the world situation and governance strategies, he is confident that he can give an answer that satisfies Zhang and Cao.
Not long after, everyone arrived at the main tent. Jia Xu's strength still had not recovered, and his hands and feet even began to feel sore.
Zhang Han sat on the main seat, while Dian Wei and Cao Ang stared at Jia Xu on the left and right.
Jia Xu was also stunned. What kind of status is this?
Of the three of you, Dian Wei is the nominal leader and commander, while Zhang Han is just the military advisor and the marching commander of the army.
However, the eldest son of the Cao family is on the left, and Dian Wei is on the right.
Zhang Han is in charge... But in terms of force, it is clear that Dian Wei and Zhang Han are protecting Cao Ang. Cao Cao must have had this idea, using two generals to protect his legitimate son from being hurt, and to continue to accumulate military merit.
In the future, when Cao Cao grows old, with Zhang and Dian guarding him, Cao Ang can take over without any worries, and his talents can be fully displayed.
Thinking of this, Jia Xu was twirling his beard, but suddenly he paused and looked at the three leaders with sharp eyes, and he had some new ideas in his heart.
Cao's family is long.
Yuan Shao had three sons, Yuan Tan and Yuan Xi, both of whom were famous. It can be seen that during the Chang'an period, Yuan Shao deliberately built momentum for his two sons in the name of fame and merit.
I also heard that Yuan Shao loved his youngest son Yuan Shang the most. If all three sons had meritorious deeds, and most of the civil and military followers he followed came from major families...
This is the prototype of the factional struggle, and it is a derivative place.
From this point of view, he will not be as good as Cao Gong in the long run.
Planning for future generations should be far-reaching and solid, rather than grabbing a lot of achievements for them and making young people exaggerate.
"My eldest son, Zhang Junhou, may I ask what the examination will be?"
Jia Xu gradually calmed down and asked.
Zhang Han looked around and asked lazily: "Then tell me how to defeat Yuan Shao of Hebei."
Jia Xu relaxed his shoulders and said helplessly, "Junhou, can we discuss something practical..."
Your question is extremely exaggerated, and besides, this is just a question and answer for civilians entering the camp.
Is the threshold for literary masters in your camp so high? !
What are you asking?
If I can answer this, do you have the nerve to ask for this achievement?
No shame!
"Can't you answer? That's too bad. Dian Wei takes him back to run laps."
"Da da da!!" Jia Xu nodded quickly, then started thinking hard.
Yuan Shao lived in Hebei, captured Youzhou and Qingzhou, and after gathering enough of Gongsun Zan's tribe, he was at the height of his power, and Bingzhou might also fall under his control.
In addition to its own military strength, there are also Huqi and Baibo remnants outside the Great Wall who obey orders, and their momentum should be greater than it appears.
In addition, Qingzhou and Jizhou are easy to go south. Although there are no natural dangers to defend, the rivers mostly flow south.
It is easier to transport grain through the branches of the Yellow River Basin. Therefore, Yuan Shao's army must have no worries about the grain. The army should be many times larger than Cao's army, relying on Wei Commandery to fight south. The marching place should be...
Jia Xu frowned, carefully considered the map, and came to the conclusion that it was Li Yang.
As for the Cao family, they have been stationed in Puyang, Dongjun for many years, and they are unstoppable. They have lost and regained the river crossing many times and will never let go.
From this point of view, they have to rely on Puyang with their backs, and rely on Yingshui, Jishui, and Bianshui to transport food. The transportation by water and land should be very fast, and there is no need to worry about food and grass.
The real key lies in Guandu Water.
The ferry on the Guandu River and the large plains on both sides of the river will be the main battlefield, but the battlefield can only accommodate more than 10,000 people.
Jia Xu understood this very well. The battlefield was so big that even if he divided his troops and attacked, he couldn't find a bigger battlefield.
The place where the two armies are fighting can only accommodate tens of thousands of people. So even if the army brings millions, it will only be 10,000 fighting troops and 990,000 energetic troops and horses to be supplemented by backup.
The general trend should be like this. It is not clear. It can only be said that there is hope.
But from this point of view, the Cao family is by no means a lamb waiting to be slaughtered and cannot compete with Yuan Shao.
Thinking of this, Jia Xu understood that Zhang Han's understatement was to make him think carefully about the strength and weakness of the two families.
Moreover, this kind of thinking does not require him to mention much, or even say a word, it all needs to be thought out by himself.
Because the situation you analyze and judge by yourself is the one you believe in the most.
Jia Xu had never thought about this matter in detail before. Like Daliu, he always felt that Yuan Shao from Hebei was the master of the world today.
But after the incident in Wancheng, Cao Gong was able to advance and retreat freely. His civil and military personnel were so powerful, and he had foresight and foresight to employ juniors like Zhang Han.
The so-called "evaluate people based on their talents" and "don't trust people who are suspicious of them, but don't trust people when they are employed" can only reveal the true nature of a hero.
In this way, the battle between the north and the south of Henan should be a battle between "famous people in the country" and "meritists", with a strong sense of conflict.
It should be a battle that will be remembered forever. Zhang Bochang... advised me to join this chaotic tide and stir up the waves.
"To defeat Yuan Shao, we must seize all the elites, have the same desire from above and below, use our elites to attack the broad areas, and defend the chaos. Yuan Shao will definitely not be able to win."
"The key is to cross the river."
Zhang Han and Cao Ang looked at each other with interest, and then asked, "What's the point of crossing the river?"
Jia Xu's face was serious, he stroked his beard gently, his eyes were slightly vacant, his thin face trembled several times, and he was thinking deeply. After a moment, he said in a deep voice: "With the Yellow River as the boundary, if Yuan Shao crosses the river with a large force to attack, he can war."
"If we don't cross the river, we can continue to develop southward and accumulate food and grass to prepare for war. Now the advantage is that Cao Gong treats the emperor like a minister and a citizen, respects the emperor and does not rebel, and has a good reputation. Yuan Shao will definitely be anxious."
"Once he is anxious, he will no longer want to obey the imperial edict and will definitely look for opportunities to fight."
"In my opinion, both Yuan brothers do not want to be restricted by the Han court anymore, but Yuan Shao has many famous people under his command, so we have to take it into consideration. I predict that Yuan Shu will usurp it first."
"To guard against Hebei, we only need to station more troops and horses at the crossings along the river and use the emperor's edict to restrain them."
"Beware of the Huainan area of Yangzhou first! Take Yuan Shu's land! This will further enhance the prestige of the Han court and gain countless people and money!"
"After that, he secretly recuperated while actually accumulating troops, showing weakness to the outside world and withdrawing defenses from the river crossings, instead seizing the tributary crossings. He led Yuan Shao across the river to attack. In this way, he had no way to retreat with his back to the river bank, and food and grass needed to be transported and hoarded on the other side of the river, which was a taboo for military operations. .”
"And the key is to cross the river! When Yuan Shao crosses the river, it is the key point of the battle. The army has no way to retreat when crossing the river. Once the food and grass are destroyed, hundreds of thousands of lives will be in flames. But... will there be such an opportunity for real combat? "
Jia Xu's eyes were constantly shining, but in her heart she still felt that the chance was slim...
After all, Yuan Shao's conspirators and many of the world's most extraordinary people were not weaker than the civil and military forces in Cao Gong's tent if they were gathered together on the battlefield.
He stared into the distance with a sense of loss, feeling that although his heart was excited, he could not imagine the details.
Because these are just military strategies and predictions, and they are far from the time to make conclusions.
The situation on the battlefield is changing rapidly, and planners are most taboo with "certainty" and "assertion." They should always be alert to seize opportunities.
In this regard, he is completely different from Guo Jia. Guo Jia's plan is heroic and bold. Once the decision is made, he will move forward bravely and work hard to achieve it.
Jia Xu, on the other hand, was cautious, always paying attention to changes in the current situation, and constantly revising his strategies to ensure that the enemy had no chance of turning over.
But at this time, Cao Ang was deeply impressed by his eloquent military discussions. If Zhang Han hadn't been present, he would have really stepped forward to pay homage to his husband.
Because the basis for these general judgments should be derived from the intelligence obtained by Jia Xu in Chang'an, and inferred by himself, this vision is unparalleled in the world.
He hasn't even dabbled in Cao Ying's many secret information.
At this time, Zhang Han nodded and said: "That's right, then let's run half as little as we can tomorrow."
"Eh!?" Jia Xu was stunned, then glared at Zhang Han and pointed: "Young man, you must respect the elderly!!"
"The army is training me, I really can't do it..."
(End of chapter)
