Not long after, the family's fields had been almost ruined by Zhang Xiu, and the fields were in a mess.
If he was not provided with soldiers and horses, and was not provided with food support, the handsome general in front of him would not be as kind as he looks.
I am afraid that I would really rather destroy all the fields and let the entire harvest of the clan go to waste. I am really cruel.
"This general, I, and we are not unwilling to support him. It's just that Mr. Cao Ang collected grain some time ago and sent all the grain to Shucheng for hoarding."
"We, we don't have much food and grass to store now, so please, General, please show your respect and let us go!"
A middle-aged man dressed as a Confucian scholar bowed in front of Zhang Xiu with a rather embarrassed expression.
So Zhang Xiu raised his right hand, and immediately another group of cavalry began to trample their horses in the fields to drive away the farmers.
The farmers on the left and right glared at the cavalry with burning eyes, but when the men on the war horses glanced at them, they could only lower their heads in fear.
After less than half an hour of tugging, the middle-aged Confucian scholar couldn't hold it in any longer. He collected 3,000 hu of rice grain from the clan and gave it to Zhang Xiu.
Throughout the day, Zhang Xiu led his cavalry back and forth among the wealthy families near Shucheng and Wancheng, and managed to get a lot of money and food.
But it's not much. Zhang Xiu is also someone who often deals with these gentry and wealthy families. He knows that a mere 10,000 dendrobium rice is far from touching the foundation of these gentry and wealthy families.
However, this amount is in line with what they said. The young master Cao Ang who has given financial aid to Shucheng is an old fox. The superficial pleas for mercy are definitely not true. They are all pretending to be aggrieved and pitiful. In fact, they are just disgusted and angry in their hearts.
"Major General, it's almost over. There are already seven wealthy families, and local villagers and farmers are also complaining."
Zhang Xiu's lieutenant also informed him of what he had secretly discovered.
"Well, let's go back to camp and wait. We'll give it a try in a few days. It's still early for the war in Huainan. We can continue to deal with it if we have time."
The lieutenant general was ordered to go back and divide 10,000 dendrobium rice among the soldiers. They were stationed outside Shu City but could not advance.
At this time, Shucheng's city gates were much more heavily guarded, and many interested people could smell a hint of uneasiness.
Most of the scholars who stood on the sidelines remained silent and only watched the situation without commenting.
But many people can roughly understand that the princes and princes in Shucheng are a bit intimidating towards Zhang Xiu's actions.
Shucheng was captured by them.
If the road was opened like this and Zhang Xiu was allowed to take the credit for capturing Huainan, then the two of them would definitely be unwilling to accept it.
Zhang Xiu, however, was not a vegetarian and did not give in easily. He immediately coerced the local wealthy families to provide food and grass, and stationed troops outside. Both sides were ready.
This is a situation where a war is imminent. Once a war breaks out, it will not only be the common people and the property of the nobles who will suffer.
"General Zhang outside the city has 30,000 soldiers and horses. He robbed 10,000 dendrobium of rice and grain through coercion. He has enough food for several days."
"But in a few days, there will still be a shortage of food. Everyone, in order to prevent chaos in our Lujiang territory, please go together and ask the eldest son to calm down the trouble."
An elder summoned the wealthy families from all over the place, and when they gathered together, it was quite lively. Everyone was surrounded by brave warriors and five or six retainers. It seemed that there were many talented people.
It is a pity that this excitement has not been used in the right way. Each family secretly supports hundreds of disciples and thousands of slaves.
It is indeed a force that cannot be underestimated. If you are determined to go against Cao Ang and Zhang Han, when their troops go to Huainan, the gentry in Lujiang can freely replace them as governors.
"Asking for help from the eldest son, Cao Ang, may not be of any use. Now it's a grudge between Zhang Junhou and Zhang Xiu."
A member of the Qiao family, who was in a relatively forward position, stroked his beard and said, "I sent people to inquire, and indeed got a lot of information. When Zhang Xiu rebelled in Wancheng, it was said that it was Zhang Junhou and Dian Wei. , two people blocked 300 cavalry and rescued Cao Cao."
"Where did you get this news?" Someone immediately frowned, confused.
What kind of concept is this, two people blocking three hundred cavalry in the streets of the city? !
I'm afraid this is already extraordinary. Could it be that the two of them are immortals?
"It's the rumors that spread in Lujiang. He spent a lot of money." The middle-aged man of the Qiao family glanced at it, his expression remained unchanged, and said calmly: "If you don't believe it, you can go and find out for yourself."
"Yes, I have heard similar remarks. Zhang Xiu and Zhang Han have a personal enmity. It can be said that the reason why Cao Cao kept Zhang Xiu's troops until this time and sent them here is because the pressure of the war on all sides is too great. He has no one at his disposal."
"Looking at the situation, Yuan Shu usurped him and he had to fight against it, but he had to guard against Yuan Shao in Jizhou. Although Yuan Shao said he wanted to deal with Gongsun Zan, I heard that Gongsun Zan was already at the end of his power. He didn't need a large army to suppress the situation, and only used elite troops. If you push hard, you can gradually chip away at the victory."
"Although the use of Zhang Xiu is unexpected, it is also helpless."
Another middle-aged man said with emotion that the current situation is like this, whether they want to accept it or not, it is already like this.
"If Zhang Xiu continues like this, there is no solution. In a few days, he will definitely come back to ask for food. Everyone, if we return it, what will we do when the governor of Lujiang orders food to be collected in the future?"
"Go and ask Mr. Cao. Since he is in Shucheng and is wary of Zhang Xiu, he will accept us."
"Well, Zhang Xiuguo is a cunning villain, and there is nothing wrong with what Liu Taishou said."
"That's what I mean. It would be better to ask the eldest son for help."
"Please ask the eldest son to administer justice. You can also find out the intentions of the prince and the prince through Prefect Liu. Do you really want to go to war with Zhang Xiu?"
"Yes, if it is really irreconcilable, we also need to know some inside information."
After some discussion, several highly respected people agreed that succumbing to Zhang Xiu would not be a long-term solution.
Therefore, several celebrities were appointed to go see Cao Ang, report Zhang Xiu's affairs, and at the same time test Zhang Han's tone.
…
At the same time, the Shouchun war had come to a halt, and Cao Cao had not attacked the city for seven days, giving Yuan Shu a chance to breathe.
Shouchun Wenwu always believed that perhaps Cao Cao was tired and needed help and supplies from the rear.
Therefore, the idea of moving the capital to Huainan began to be considered, but then came the news that Liu Bei had conquered Youquyang and attacked from the northeast to Shouchun. He had taken several passes and was about to join forces with Cao Cao.
Yuan Shu did not dare to move anymore, so he could only continue to hoard all his troops and horses in Shouchun City.
At this moment, in Cao's camp.
On Cao Cao's left was Guo Jia, and on his right was Yang Xiu. Both of them reported on the military situation during this period.
After speaking, Yang Xiu listened respectfully, did not dare to discuss the matter, and supervised and recorded the work.
Guo Jia took out another letter and said: "The urgent message sent by Bo Chang is that Zhang Xiu's 30,000 troops have arrived in Shucheng, but they have not entered the city, but are stationed outside."
"Bo Chang, and the eldest son, were visited by the Lujiang nobles in Shucheng, and they were given money and food, but Zhang Xiu did not go to visit him for the time being."
"Um?!"
Yang Xiu's face was shocked and his brows suddenly furrowed.
Could it be that, with all the general military strategies in hand, problems would arise in Zhang Junhou's area?
If he loses Shu Cheng, the whole game will fall short.
It's a pity that Lord Bochang is in such a critical moment. This letter is obviously to ask for help and advice, and may have reached a dangerous point.
At this time, he heard Cao Cao laugh and say: "Then we will organize our troops today and prepare to attack the city, and then send an order to Xuande, asking him to make achievements in the east city, take all the urns and armories in Shouchundong, and block the east road. Die and attack the city together.”
Um! ?
Yang Xiu listened so hard that he didn't understand what Cao Cao was thinking. How could he be so calm after receiving this kind of information?
It's unbelievable... How much confidence does he have in Zhang Han? Zhang Xiu has stationed troops outside the city and is already at war with him. He doesn't know when he will take action directly.
At this time, why did Duke Cao choose to continue attacking the city?
Yang Xiu thought quickly and suddenly heard Cao Cao's call.
"Dezu."
Yang Xiu quickly stepped forward, raised his hands and saluted: "Sikong."
"What do you think of the situation in Shucheng?"
Yang Xiu was stunned, and subconsciously wanted to speak, but held it back because of some emotion. He lowered his head and said, "Xiu, I have little talent and little knowledge, so I don't dare to make unreasonable comments."
"It's okay. I want to hear your opinion. Let's start with the Lujiang nobles."
Yang Xiu blinked and thought about it for a long time. After thinking it over in his mind, he said, "Celebrities are rare in Lujiang. I have heard of celebrities but none other than Lu Kang'er."
"The Lu family still has clan members in Shucheng, and the local Qiao family leads them. The merchants are more important than the celebrities. Zhang Xiu is stationed outside, and the eldest son and the prince are supported by local wealthy families. This should explain...explain Zhang Xiu's garrison. Outside, being feared by the nobles, these people will instinctively choose one of them to attach themselves to."
"What they want is preservation... Now that Yuan Shu has rebelled, he cannot surrender. Although Zhang Xiu's garrison is a threat, his identity is not orthodox after all."
"Given time, the stalemate will definitely turn towards Mr. Ang."
"Oh, I understand!" Yang Xiu's eyes lit up, and he looked at Cao Cao excitedly, and then at Guo Jia. Suddenly he remembered something, and his mood suddenly stopped.
Cao Cao smiled and said, "Tell me, what do you understand?"
"Down here..."
Yang Xiu originally planned to guess what Cao Cao was thinking, but just as he was about to speak out, he remembered his father's serious and kind face.
Then fell into silence.
Cao Cao said: "Just tell me, it doesn't matter."
"My lord wants to attack the city with a fierce battle to buy time for the princes and win the hearts of Lujiang."
"And Zhang Xiu was the driving force behind the monarchs and princes who pushed the people of Lujiang to fall in the opposite direction."
"In this way, if Lujiang is peaceful, then the men, horses and food we captured in Anfeng and Runan can be continuously transported to Lujiang, which will become the greatest confidence to attack Huainan."
"Well said." Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction, with an appreciative smile on his face. He put the letter in his hand on the case and said, "You can lead a hundred cavalry and go to Shucheng in Lujiang along the rear road. .”
"I?"
Yang Xiu was stunned.
Cao Cao nodded and said: "At the end of Bo Chang's letter, he wanted you to be the chief registrar."
"Your name as Yang should have some effect. Do you think I brought you with me just to threaten Yang Biao in Xudu?"
"Young talents have already gained a great reputation. If there is an opportunity, they must not let this fame go unnoticed. They should make achievements and become famous all over the world."
"Si, Si Kong..."
Yang Xiu was so moved that he was stunned on the spot. He didn't even know how to express his inner shock.
He has been following the army to Shouchun since Xudu, and he has been careful in his words and actions along the way. He will be keenly aware of anyone's eyes or conversations behind his back, and then sensitively think that he is being talked about.
This kind of suffering made Yang Xiu dare not sleep peacefully for several days, and he was exhausted mentally and physically. He always had to figure out Cao Cao's intentions, for fear that one day if something went wrong, he would be dragged out and beheaded in public.
Sometimes he also understood that his father was responsible for the stability of the Xudu court, and his own safety would be guaranteed.
At this moment, after hearing Cao Cao's words with his own ears, Yang Xiu seemed to have been relieved of his shackles.
Because the words have been made clear, it shows that Sikong has not thought about killing him, but will instead entrust him with an important task.
What he said just now was not to say that when he was young, he had achieved a fame that no other boy in the world had ever achieved.
Nowadays, when people are young and ambitious, they should also achieve the achievements that the young people in the world want to achieve, so that they can be counted and live up to their reputation.
"Xiu, thank you so much, Lord, for your grace, I will definitely live up to your expectations!"
"Go." Cao Cao said solemnly, his face still serious.
In fact, he had nothing to appreciate, but Zhang Han asked him by name, so he spoke more generously to arouse the fire in the young man's heart.
Besides, if Yang Xiu goes away, he will be behind Zi Xiu. He is as young as Bo Chang.
Bo Chang was one of the people of his generation who had enough intelligence and courage to overpower all the foreign ministers and guests. Cao Cao was very relieved.
…
In the next few days, Cao's army gathered for a sudden attack and almost opened the door several times. Some soldiers climbed up the stairs first.
At the same time, Liu Bei was ordered to attack from the east and made continuous achievements, killing thousands of people and taking control of all the buildings to the east.
However, Yuan Shu immediately gave up the idea of retreating and moving the capital, and quickly pulled the soldiers and civilians back to Shouchun City to resist the attacks from the north and east cities.
After losing tens of thousands of people, they withstood Cao Jun's fierce attack for seven or eight days. They also recruited strong men to climb the city wall, carry stones, and constantly repair the damage.
He didn't dare to have the intention of migrating anymore. If the Shouchun garrison's strength was taken away even half of it, Cao Cao might tear open their wounds and break into the city.
At the same time, Yang Xiu spent six days swapping carriages with the cavalry, rushing by land and water, entered the Lujiang River, and also rushed to help.
The Yang family's name is prominent and long-standing, and its reputation and connections are unimaginable. Zhang Han's guess is not wrong.
As soon as Yang Xiu arrived in Shucheng, Zhang Han immediately spread the news through a well-laid intelligence network.
The local gentry had already turned to Cao Ang and was just making a last-ditch struggle. However, Yang Xiu, who was born in the world, was willing to work under Zhang Han as the chief clerk.
It was as if someone had taken the lead to open the gap, and the scholars immediately filed out, secretly making more intense friends with Yang Xiu and Cao Ang, and corresponding openly.
All the tribes donated the food they had hoarded at home to supply the city. Zhang Xiu therefore retreated and refused to fight. He moved his troops back more than ten miles, occupied the ferry and set up camp, occupying the main waterway.
As soon as Yang Xiu arrived, the entire situation in Shu City was turned upside down. He felt as if he was like a whirlpool, and every move and word could affect the situation.
As a result, he was so high-spirited that he would be a hero rather than me, and the situation was decided by me! !
Shucheng.
Yang Xiu came back from inspecting the military camp and went straight to Cao Ang. He cupped his hands and said, "My eldest son, the soldiers in the camp have enough food. The savings are enough to feed the 50,000 troops for three months. The follow-up food routes have been planned."
"For the present plan, I suggest that we first force Zhang Xiu back and remove his threat. Then we can open the ferry, cross the river by water, and lead the troops into Huainan."
"I have a plan to raid Zhang Xiu's camp. I just need Zhang Shaoqing to kill him personally..."
He raised the corners of his mouth arrogantly and looked at Zhang Han meaningfully.
Zhang Han stared at him for a while, and said with a sigh: "Xiu'er, there is no need to be impatient with Xiu'er. Now mainly the officials in Lujiang counties need to be replaced by talented people."
"What's so difficult about this?" Yang Xiu smiled, his eyes shining with confidence: "After I arrived at Lujiang, I asked the old officials and friends at home about the local talents and hermits. They had all been recruited and removed by the prefect. A few days ago The people sent by the prince and the princes have been sent to their posts, and famous people have been sent to invite them. They should be able to take up their posts in a few days."
"There are more than 400 local families, and they are all included in the memorial I wrote. Please keep it in mind, sir."
"That's good," Cao Ang nodded. He did not take the lead in praising Yang Xiu, but looked at Zhang Han: "What do you think, brother?"
"It's almost done," Zhang Han and Cao Ang looked at each other and said, "Send someone to invite Xiu'er."
After Yang Xiu heard this, he was confused again.
What's the meaning! ?
Invite Zhang Xiu? Zhang Han, you are so playful...
I have to read another chapter before I go to bed. Now is the time to be clear-headed at night. During the day, my nose will be blocked and I will feel dizzy. Please keep warm.
(End of chapter)
