"You are right. A benevolent and righteous king will at least let the people evacuate after a battle. Some people will even take the people away and settle elsewhere if they want to abandon the city."
"I heard that there were records of benevolent kings like this in the Spring and Autumn Period. Nowadays, many people stand on high places and look down. It can be concluded that they took the people away in order to cultivate the land in the future. Some people say that they used the people as a shield to block the pursuers behind them. …”
"But when you look at the scene before you, no matter how disdainful those words are, you can't deny what you see. I think that is a benevolent king who never abandons the people."
"And like this," Zhang Han stretched out his hand to lead everyone to this scene in the city, and said in a deep voice: "I secretly thought that he was a cruel and selfish villain who only seeks personal gain!"
"Why do you think you are your Majesty!?" Zhang Hanzhen shouted, glaring fiercely at the soldiers guarding the city in the distance. Those people were retreating and waiting to escape, but now they were shouted at, and their noses were already sore.
Suddenly, some people put down their weapons, cried loudly, fell to their knees on the ground, put their hands on their heads, and began to cry loudly.
One person did this, and soon these soldiers knelt down one after another, and everyone's character collapsed when the city was destroyed.
They were already exhausted, but Zhang Han's loud shout touched their hearts.
How can such a person be regarded as a king?
We actually killed our comrades, killed the people, plundered the countryside, and even sacrificed our lives for him.
During the chaos of the war, day and night were covered in chaos, as if there were thick dark clouds in the sky. It was not until now that the clouds and mists broke through, and a feeling of light and clarity was seen.
Zhang Han's words were inspiring.
Once the persistence in their hearts collapses, they will no longer be able to hold on because there is no longer any reason to fight to the death.
Therefore, the remaining soldiers only held on for a short time, and all the southern defenders surrendered. The inner city defenders were still numerous and more elite, but the inner city's defense was not as good as the outer city, so it was not too desperate.
In other words, the anger of Zhang Han and others at this moment is greater than the anxiety of the situation at this moment.
No one is a cold executioner with a heart of stone. Faced with such a hell-like tragic situation, it would be impossible without the surge of energy and blood.
"Dian Wei, take in the prisoners of war!"
Zhang Han gave an order and drove all the enemy troops who had no intention of fighting to one place and ordered Ji Boxiao to take care of them. The rest of the elite followed Zhang Han on their horses and galloped through the streets towards the inner city of the main city. .
Not long after, I also saw Cao Jun's comrades. After careful identification, I found out that they were Yu Jin.
The two men quickly galloped closer, and Yu Jin clasped his fists and bowed: "Your Majesty, the North City has been captured, but Yuan Shu has collected most of his troops into the inner city, and built an imperial city as a military fortress in the inner city, hoarding supplies. It took several months of food and countless money and food to allow us to attack the city."
"The Lord said that he was leaving the nearly 100,000 remaining people on the streets outside the city to us."
"Yes! I understand what my lord said!" Zhang Han's eyes lit up, and he finally figured out the last bit of confusion.
He heard Jia Xu say before that Yuan Shu might have a mental breakdown and wanted to trap himself as an iron bastard.
But there is still something that I can't understand. Abandoning the outer city in this way is not abandoning the convenience of the location and shrinking into the inner city.
Without the strength of people, a city wall would not be despairing. With the help of Cai Yan, Zhang Han had read a lot of military theories and often had in-depth exchanges and discussions with her.
What makes Congkai so hopeless is not the dangers of mountains, but the solidity of people's hearts.
If we are united, even if we can capture a place, if the place is willing to fight to the last soldier, how many casualties will there be?
It's immeasurable.
But now that I see this, I can understand what Yuan Shu is thinking.
He can no longer bear the change in people's hearts, and these people will consume a lot of money every day. If they drive people directly out of the outer city, then chaos will easily occur in times of chaos, giving our army an opportunity to take advantage.
Only a weak and mixed army of soldiers and horses were used to defend the city, and the rest of the troops were collected into the inner city.
At the same time, the people were thrown into the streets outside the inner city, allowing them to belong to the Cao family together with the dilapidated city wall buildings.
If Cao Cao did not support these people when he came from an expedition, the Han Dynasty would have nothing to miss.
If he were to feed the people, it would consume a huge amount of money and food, and even cause the army to be infected with diseases. However, Yuan Shu waited for work in the inner city, using sufficient food reserves to resist, and gained several months.
It can be severely cold for several months, and it is even more difficult to attack the city when the weather is cold and freezing. It will be even more difficult to attack the city at that time.
All it takes is a winter rain to make the city more manageable and the roads slippery.
Zhang Han hurriedly asked: "What is my lord's plan?"
Yu Jin shook his head: "The general doesn't know about this. He just asked us to occupy the main road first and then besiege the inner city."
"Commander Xun said that if we continue to attack the city, we may still need a few days of hard fighting."
"Yes, Wen Ze will help me take in the prisoners of war and put them in one place. I will go see the lord."
"Okay, sir, don't worry." Yu Jin bowed his hands and rode towards Zhang Han's army.
He respects Zhang Han very much, not only because of Zhang Han's achievements and talents over the years.
The main reason is that Bao Xin has always regarded Zhang Han as his son, and Yu Jin was the general brought out by Bao Xin.
Naturally, he was also grateful to Zhang Han and quite obeyed his words.
On Shouchun North Street, Cao Cao personally led his troops into the city. He saw a horse galloping in the distance. The guards around him were on guard, but Cao Cao immediately raised his hand to stop it.
Because he saw at a glance that the horse that came was the absolute shadow that he had regarded as a treasure at the beginning.
Now being ridden by Zhang Han every day, he rarely had any rest. Cao Cao felt like he was wasting his resources, but Jueying seemed to be enjoying it.
It's hard to predict.
"It's Junhou!" Someone beside him exclaimed, "I haven't seen you for a long time. Junhou is still so elegant and handsome as a young man."
"Haha," Cao Cao laughed dryly. He didn't look for anyone to speak. He even dismounted and waited with a little pride, his hands behind his back.
Not long after, Zhang Han turned over and dismounted, clasped his fists and saluted: "My lord, you are fine!"
"The southern city has surrendered, and Yuan Shu's troops and horses are now in the inner city."
"Well, Xuande," Cao Cao called over his shoulder. At this moment, a middle-aged Confucian general with long hands, a tall posture, and an upright face walked over with a smile.
Zhang Hancai discovered that Liu, Guan, and Zhang were also there, and they all nodded to him.
"Xuande, this is my son-in-law Chenglong Kuai, Zhang Bochang. You have met him before, and you have also been to his wedding banquet. Let's get to know him again."
"Mr. Xuande," Zhang Han saluted with his hands raised, and Liu Bei returned the salute.
Both of them smiled, and Liu Bei said with emotion: "Young hero, I see Bochang today with the same style. This time Lujiang takes the credit, and his reputation is greatly enhanced."
"Gong Xuande is brave, loyal to the Han Dynasty, and does not coexist with bandits. His righteousness and determination are admirable."
"Okay, Bo Chang is here this time, but I haven't seen you for a long time. Want to meet me?"
Cao Cao smiled with satisfaction, the corners of his mouth raised slightly.
Zhang Han nodded and said: "Yes, my son-in-law misses his father-in-law very much and is worried about your safety, so he came to see you as soon as he broke through Nancheng."
Liu Bei looked moved when he heard this.
It's a pity that their relationship has reached such a harmonious stage...
I remember that when I first met Bo Chang, the relationship was just between master and minister, but now we are as close as father and son.
Cao Cao was of course very satisfied when he heard this answer. The smile on his face could be described as joyful, showing a rare sense of relaxation and leisure.
Zhang Han then asked: "What does my father-in-law plan to do with the refugees outside the city?"
Cao Cao's smile froze almost imperceptibly, oh, so that's why he came.
Of course, missing my safety must also be part of it. How could Bo Chang not miss me? ?
He just never abandons public affairs for personal reasons.
"There are hundreds of thousands of people who were persecuted by Yuan Shu. If the food is divided among them, the food and grass in the army will be greatly depleted and cannot be sustained for a long time. Yuan Shu took this opportunity to shrink back to the palace walls and inner city. middle."
"When Bo Chang comes to see you, he should have something to say. Just say it."
Cao Cao stared at Zhang Han. He couldn't make up his mind now, mainly because he knew that it would still take a lot of energy to capture the inner city.
But if these people are not accepted, the hunger disease will spread again, and the reputation will definitely be damaged.
Cao Cao knew that if he did not take care of him, the people's trust in the Han Dynasty would collapse even more, but now he can't control so much.
It was difficult for him to decide whether to defeat Yang Ming or take in the refugees and then worry about this battle.
In fact, deep down in his heart, Cao Cao was more inclined to ignore these dying people, immediately step up the attack on the inner city, kill Yuan Shu in one go, and return to the court with a great victory. Otherwise, as time goes by, the hidden dangers in Xudu will become more serious. breed.
As for his reputation, Cao Cao had the means and means to erase this matter from the world, because it was not his fault in the first place. Yuan Shu, who usurped the Han Dynasty and established himself on his own, was the culprit.
At this time, Liu Bei, Xun You and others unconsciously looked at Cao Cao. They hoped in their hearts that he would order to save the people. These are the foundation of the country. If after the change of ownership, they would still be displaced and die. He Ye's ending...
Perhaps, what should be hurt is the hearts of the people of the world. If this matter is widely circulated and someone deliberately guides and publicizes it, maybe the big man will really die.
Yuan Shu's move was extremely poisonous, and his intentions were so ruthless that it was difficult to detect. What he wanted was the true demise of the Han Dynasty.
Or, Cao Cao saved the people and lost his chance to fight, allowing him to survive in the palace.
What's the benefit of delaying the war until winter?
It is nothing more than asking for help from Yuan Shao who is far away in Jizhou to delay the emptiness in Cao Cao's rear. Yuan Shao will not miss this opportunity.
Zhang Han bowed with his hands raised, stood up and looked solemnly, staring at Cao Cao, as if he was back when they first met, he said in a deep voice: "My lord, we must save him."
"Take the people into Huairu, collect grain to save the people, balance the difference in grain storage within the territory, and then within a few years, gradually reduce or reduce local taxes in the name of His Majesty," Zhang Han believed that the current problem was food shortage.
But as long as this matter is solved, it is not difficult to save the people. They are already on the verge of death. Wherever they need a large amount of food to fill their stomachs with two meals a day, or to allow young children and the elderly at home to eat, they will Be grateful.
After all, our Cao army is fundamentally not a local army, but an enemy army that has broken the city.
"Collect food to save the people?"
Cao Cao's eyes swayed, already deep in thought.
At this time, Liu Bei stood next to Cao Cao, with the same sincere expression, and an appreciative smile on his lips, and said softly: "Cao Gong has learned a lesson, the common people can actually understand the suffering of the common people best."
"The people of Shouchun were suffering. Lujiang, Huainan, Runan and other places were suffering from wars and never had a day of peace and tranquility. However, Duke Cao's soldiers and horses were benevolent and righteous, and did not harm the people's homes. Everywhere they went, there was no harm. Be hailed as a rebel."
"If Duke Cao focused on saving the people and conscripted food from the three lands, the people would not feel bitter, but would follow Duke Cao more loyally. Why?"
Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "Because I will not give up on the Shouchun refugees today, and I will never give up on the people of the three places in the future. If I feel the same, they will definitely be moved rather than hated."
"Not bad," Liu Bei glanced at Zhang Han inadvertently. The look in his eyes turned out to be one of unstinting appreciation and gratitude.
Then, he bowed to Cao Cao and said, "Bei, I implore Mr. Cao to accept Zhang Shaoqing's words."
"I second the proposal." Xun Youben did not speak at the side. He just sized up the situation and observed secretly. At this moment, he also decided to push forward and seconded the proposal loudly, but then he laughed and said: "A righteous victory is a victory in a war. If Sikong Ruo performs this kind deed, it may not necessarily be a good one." It has no effect on the war situation."
Everyone looked at Xun You, including Guo Jia, because what Xun Gongda said at this time was so profound. If he didn't have a deep understanding of the art of war and reached an extremely high level, how could he have fantastic ideas in an instant?
Cao Cao looked suspicious, nodded and asked, "Sir, please speak clearly."
"First, Yuan Shu's soldiers know that they are trapped in a fight, but they have no choice but to do it. The future will not be as dazzling as before. Even if they can escape now, it will be difficult to get back in the future."
"This is because the military's morale is lax."
"Secondly, Yuan Shu was greedy and sacrificed too much. His orders were cruel and unkind, and he would definitely be feared and hated by his subordinates. However, Sikong Renyi took it as his own duty to bring in the people, and in the name of the Han Dynasty, he performed heroic feats to save the people, and he would be victorious for a while. The negatives are left behind. Comparing the two, people are concerned."
The so-called "all care" actually means that the defenders on the city will also see it, and they will naturally understand the direction of justice.
"In this way, the outcome may not be in our favor because of Sikong Zhiren, but people's hearts will."
"Okay!" Cao Cao's eyes were slightly gleaming, and he suddenly felt a surge of pride, "People understand."
He pondered for a moment, and immediately ordered the entire army to guard the main roads and take in the refugees in the city. He first transported the grain from the general to the city to supply food, and then ordered Runan, Huainan, Lujiang and Xuzhou Guangling to send doctors to Shouchun.
Treat the sick and disabled people.
He also ordered the grain from four places to be transported to Yangzhou, and explained the reasons to the local people to collect grain.
At the same time, soldiers and horses were strictly ordered to do so quietly and explain the reasons when entering villages and rural pavilions, and not to force the troops to do so, even if the people were unwilling.
If you are willing to be taxed, it will be recorded in the registry, and you can pay it back with more tax reductions and exemptions in the future.
This kind of attitude is no longer asking for food from the people, it is borrowing food!
Xun You wrote them down one by one, and immediately went to inform the three armies to handle the order.
Zhang Han stepped forward again at this time, bowed deeply to Xun You first, and then said to Cao Cao: "In this case, we should go one step further and make another plan."
"Publish the family rules "Inner Commandment" set by the old man and the lord, and then use a strong bow to shoot into the inner city, so that the soldiers guarding the city can watch."
"In this way, they can not only see with their own eyes that the master spared no effort to save the people from danger, but also know how honest and upright the Cao family is."
"Yuan's name is just an illusion. It's hard to live up to his reputation."
As soon as these words came out, Xun You and Liu Bei fell into a brief silence, while Cao Cao's smile became even brighter.
"good!"
Cao Cao laughed and felt very relieved! If you have a son like this, what more can you ask for! !
Spreading it at this time is the icing on the cake, but its significance is not unimportant!
(End of chapter)
