"Go on."
Yuan Shao raised his head and looked at Tian Feng with great interest.
"Yuan Hao, please continue, I want to hear your opinion."
"I want to hear, what about Jizhou, what about Youzhou? What are the advantages of merging the two states?"
As soon as these words came out, even Xu You felt suspicious and quite annoyed. He rushed over as soon as he learned the news. He thought it was early enough, but unexpectedly he was a step too late.
Being caught up by Tian Feng, he was only a little short of being able to persuade Yuan Gong to attack Xudu.
According to his estimate, despite Xu Du's aggressive efforts to take in the refugees, their treasury will definitely be empty by the spring of next year, and Cao Cao may not be able to spend so much money and food to start a war.
Bao Xin's side in Xuzhou can be resisted by Qingzhou's soldiers and horses. Even if Xuzhou has a hundred thousand soldiers and horses, Qingzhou can rely on its geographical location to resist and will not be breached.
Then, we only need to cross the river to fight for Dongjun. Dongjun is nothing more than Puyang.
Although there are many soldiers and horses in Puyang, the city is not strong and tall. Once Puyang is captured across the river, they can expand their defenses outwards and defend Dongping with soldiers and horses. They can cut off the dangerous roads of Kangfu and Mount Tai, so that they can continuously resist the enemy. Soldiers and horses coming from the south.
It's a pity that before these strategies can be spoken out, Tian Feng arrives. Now I'm afraid that the Lord actually wants to ask him about his views on internal governance.
Of course, internal treatment can also be successful...but this method is too indecisive, unable to advance or retreat.
And if both sides grow stronger and continue to attack each other with internal governance, external strategies, and strategies, there will be more civil strife.
I am afraid that the outcome in the future is uncertain. In this case, it is better to send troops immediately, dragging the exhausted soldiers of both sides to fight each other, and compete for the true northern overlord from the fight.
However, the only drawback of this strategy is that the outcome is uncertain. Perhaps the princes outside the pass are also eyeing the Central Plains and may send their troops into the Central Plains at any time.
But everything in the world, no matter how big or small, is full of unknowns, so why not rely on fighting to get out of it?
Let’s hear what Tian Feng has to say...
After Tian Feng thought deeply, he immediately handed over his hand and said: "My lord, the three states of Bing, Liang and You are rich in war horses, and the Hu City outside Youzhou can lead to the Xiongnu trade, and you can also buy war horses, slaves, iron, gold and silver."
"As for Jizhou and the southern part of Youzhou, it can be said that there are thousands of miles of fertile land, which can be used to invest hundreds of millions of dollars, and the annual income of grain is more than millions of dendrobium."
"In addition to keeping the people peaceful, by asking the tribes to spend money, they can exchange for countless armaments within a few years, so they can get hundreds of thousands of armors in a few years."
"In just five years, we will have millions of troops and thousands of generals. We will lead the territory of the four states and move south. We should wipe out Xudu with overwhelming force. The plan for this war is not for the present, but for the long term."
"Furthermore, there have been hundreds of letters sent by Hongyan among the ministers of Xudu, from people of all ethnic groups. Isn't it that my lord doesn't know the meaning of this sentiment?"
Tian Feng asked with a smile, while Yuan Shao nodded, seeming confident.
As the hero of a state, of course he understood what this meant.
There may be internal ghosts in Xudu. Most of the clan members of the Gongqing family have contacts with Wei County, and many people are tempted to defect to Hebei.
Among these letters, some people said that the emperor was not actually free in Xudu and was under house arrest under the control of Cao Cao. Others said that the court in Xudu was in chaos and that many officials were greedy, lustful and immoral.
All these are to say that Xudu's government is not as good as Weijun in Jizhou and not as good as the Yuan family's government in Yecheng. Yuan Shao is clear in his heart.
Tian Feng has a very interesting saying, Xu Duzheng depends on the disharmony between the internal ministers, and sooner or later the monarch and his ministers will have two minds, that is to say...
"What Yuan Hao said was to take charge of internal affairs, accumulate armaments, and wait for the opportunity."
"That's right." Before Tian Feng could speak, Jushou stretched out his hand that was originally on his back, nodded in praise, and continued: "What Ming Gong said is true. At this time, we should not send out troops immediately, but should focus on internal governance, but also It’s not that we are timid and timid, but that we are accumulating armaments and waiting for the opportunity to advance.”
"The so-called timing is where great righteousness lies. What Yuan Hao just said is the key. The key to great righteousness lies among the Xudu clan. If we win them over with promises, maybe they will continue to send good news."
"It's not a bad opportunity."
"What a good opportunity?" Yuan Shao became more and more interested, and now he had forgotten the strategy Xu You mentioned before.
"It will be a good opportunity when Xu Du's courtiers reveal the emperor's misfortune to the public with his death wish!" Ju Shou handed over his hand, but his words were thought-provoking and profound.
In an instant, all the civil and military officials in the hall suddenly realized that this statement made sense!
"Well said!" Yuan Shao stood up immediately, nodded in praise, glanced at the hall and said loudly: "When the truth about the emperor is revealed to the world, then we can raise the flag to fight against the rebellion and get rid of the evil thieves in Xudu!"
"Before this, we should accumulate food and grass, manage the people, guard the river crossings, occupy favorable terrain, and prepare for future battles."
"In addition to this, we should also engage in distant and close attacks, recruit allies, seek comrades, continuously strengthen our own military formation, and in the meantime harass Xudu."
"But there is one more thing, please don't forget it, my lord..." Xu You refused to give up and raised his hand eagerly to speak, which attracted a reproachful look from Yuan Shao, and then he stood still with his hands retracted.
After Yuan Shao praised them, many advisers also breathed a sigh of relief. They were already unwilling to start another war. After experiencing the war with Youzhou and wasting people and money, it should be time to raise the people for several years to accumulate strength.
After the discussion, most of the people dispersed first, leaving Ju Shou and Xu You here. Even Tian Feng was invited out of the lobby, and the guards were asked to go to the government office to ask for the chief registrar Guo Tu.
The status of several counselors in Jizhou is different, and they also represent completely different classes. The Qinghe celebrity party is naturally dominated by local celebrities such as Cui Yan and Jushou.
The people from Runan are Xu You and others. As for Guo Tu, they are wealthy and famous people from Yingchuan, and they also have a lot of fame.
After the people left, Xu You knew that the ministers could talk privately, so he raised his hands and said: "My lord, please don't forget that Hanoi will take in tens of thousands of refugees this winter, which will strengthen Xu Du's reputation, and Zhang Han's reputation will definitely spread. To spread.”
"Wei County is only separated from Hanoi by a few rivers, separated by mountain roads. If he is strong, I will be weak, which may not be a good sign."
"Humph, why are you panicking?" Yuan Shao firmly took his seat, with a rather restrained and solemn expression. He glanced at Xu You and said: "There are tens of thousands of ordinary people in Hanoi, but the government of Wei County is still stable. There are tens of millions of people in Youzhou, Jizhou. What's there to be afraid of?"
"Ziyuan should not be flustered by small kindnesses and abandon the governance of my big state. If we can get good governance and stabilize it, the people will naturally come back."
"Yes, yes..." Xu You was ashamed, but he felt it was very reasonable. He didn't know how to refute, so he could only hold back what he was thinking.
Yuan Shao looked at Ju Shou and said, "What other wise ideas does Ju Jun have?"
Jushou was neither sad nor happy, he held up his hands and said: "I think that since we don't want to fight with you, there is no need to avoid talking. We should take the initiative to apply for the imperial title based on our achievements in pacifying Youyan, and then write to the emperor clearly stating that the army is short of supplies. Since the territory is unable to provide disaster relief, fortunately the Qingting Marquis has abundant financial resources and can support 80,000 people."
"First, we can tell Cao Cao that we in Jizhou have made meritorious service, but we have also been short of money and food due to the war. If he is willing to reward us, we will put an end to paying tribute. If Cao Cao still insists on paying tribute to damage our money, it is conceivable that Jizhou will The nobles will also be angry and disgusted with Cao's government, which will naturally be of great benefit to the lord."
"The second is to put this winter's disaster on the people above the recapture of Youzhou and put down the rebellion, so that neither emotion nor reason nor justice will be harshly criticized."
"Third, it is to promote Zhang Han's reputation, so that his family wealth can be widely spread without whitewashing it. How much wealth does his family have to accommodate 80,000 people in one winter?"
"The final result is nothing more than giving Zhang Bochang a reputation. The Emperor and Cao Cao will certainly not be harsh in punishing him, and they may even be able to get a lot of money for disaster relief."
"So, very good."
Yuan Shao chuckled and nodded, and immediately sent people to write the memorials, organize the merit books, and send them to Xudu along with the piles of memorials and files.
Three more envoys were sent forward, led by Guo Tu, the chief secretary of Jizhou, and brothers Xin Pi and Xin Ping went together.
Less than ten days.
When the winter snow had just fallen and it was still difficult to travel in the mountains, the news was sent to Hanoi first. Cao Hong's informant secretly sent the news and delivered it to him.
And he also immediately found Zhang Han, and they were having wine and conferring in the snowy courtyard. Both of them opened their doors and wore furs, crossing their legs together on both sides of the table.
Cao Hong had a thick beard and a rough and rude manner, while Zhang Han was strong and well-proportioned, with a heroic spirit, and even his skin was healthier than before.
"I just came back to Hanoi and heard this kind of news. I really don't want to have a good year..." Zhang Han left his post without permission, and Cao Cao happily deducted his salary for half a year, but he was used to it.
It only took him a day and a half to get back and forth, and even if he had to report his case, it would only take three days.
As a result, he stayed at home for three days.
Not to mention the time spent traveling back and forth.
"Now, Yuan Shao has thrown the blame for the war in Youzhou, and asked Xu Du for credit... He complained again and again that in order to take back the Han family's world, Wei County was unable to provide disaster relief... By the way... Put me on the fire."
There were several pauses in Zhang Han's words, which were rare in Cao Hong's knowledge.
After all, the Zhang Han he knew was a jerk. Most of the time he was shy and embarrassed, he wanted you to think he was embarrassed.
Zhang Han paused and then quickly raised his head, asking eagerly: "Have you ever found out who in Jizhou made the plan?"
Cao Hong shook his head and smiled: "I don't know about this. The secret agents haven't touched this level yet, but they will find out sooner or later."
"Very good," Zhang Han sat with his legs crossed, supporting his chin with one hand, and said with a distressed expression: "Once this news reaches Xudu, after they react, I don't even know they need to investigate in secret. how long."
And it doesn’t necessarily have to be secretly. It depends on how the current prime minister protects my good righteousness...father-in-law.
Alas, this feeling of entrusting life and death to others does not feel safe at all.
Although it does not involve life and death...
Zhang Han's "horizontal training" has reached a state of perfection, and his current physical fitness is probably the same as that of Li Cunxiao, the little superman in the late Tang Dynasty in the history storybook. He couldn't pull the five horses at all, and he didn't tell others to cut his body apart. There will be no problem at all.
But the feeling of being criticized is always uncomfortable. I have such a good reputation now, how can I be criticized.
Who would have thought that this stratagem was definitely an old trick? I guess he was a gentleman like Xu You and Guo Tu, like Cui Yan and Jushu, who would not bother to use such underhanded tricks to benefit oneself at the expense of others.
Cao Hong smiled slightly and said happily: "You don't have to worry too much. Even if the news is sent back to Xudu, as long as the eldest brother wants to protect you, the words of other ministers don't matter, and you should also trust His Majesty on the throne. .”
"He also relies heavily on you."
"Well, thank you uncle."
Zhang Han took a sip of hot wine, wiped his mouth and said, "But you can't just let it go if you are bullied. You have to find a way to get back some advantages."
"How to occupy it?"
"I don't know. We'll discuss it after I go back. If Uncle Zilian still has information, he can find as much information for me as possible." Zhang Han cupped his fists and bowed, "I will definitely thank you very much in the future."
He knew the character of "my uncle Zi Lian" very well. Zi Lian was not honest at all, and he had done a lot of things in recent years to get people's positions.
Dong Zhao was still serving as the county magistrate in Hanoi, while Chen Deng went to Guangling as the prefect.
This is equivalent to the fact that a young man from a wealthy family who is upright, honest, clean and full of lofty ideals is gone, and there are no eyes and ears to restrain them. Therefore, there are many things in Hanoi that enrich people's pockets.
"No problem, no problem," Cao Hong liked Zhang Han's intelligence. Zhang Han could tell that he was about to poop without opening his mouth or even moving his butt.
"What kind of news do you want?"
"The best of all the military information near Wei County, the more detailed the better."
Zhang Han took a handful of documents and sighed with anger. Mainly, he really didn't expect that while his own people were still accumulating merit for disaster relief, this disaster would fall from the sky and hit him on the head.
"What the hell is this? My luck..." Zhang Han muttered secretly.
…
Returning to the mansion where he lived, Zhang Han called Jia Xu and Jia Xu's son Jia Ji'er.
At the same time, Sun Qian and Mi Zhu, who were accompanying him, were summoned to discuss the matter at hand. This speech and memorial were on their way to Xudu.
Jia Xu immediately felt grateful, his eyes kept flickering, and his thin face showed a look of sorrow and deep thought. After a long time, he smiled at Zhang Han and said: "According to the current news, Jizhou has taken strict precautions against Hanoi, and has sent the memorial to Xudu." After that, we will definitely send out spies to pay attention to changes in the situation."
"They used this excuse to shirk the responsibility for the winter disaster, and then took advantage of the situation to take credit for Youzhou's achievements. At the same time, they also pushed the princes to the forefront. This is a strategy to disrupt our Xudu rear area."
"This is the real purpose!" Jia Xu's eyes gradually became clearer, and he saw the most important section at a glance.
Zhang Han sat down, approached Jia Xu and said with a smile, "Go on."
Jia Xu smiled mysteriously and said: "Just in time, we can pull this off and let everyone in Wei County watch a good show and show the enemy's weakness..."
"Why are you showing weakness..." Zhang Han frowned, suddenly looked up at Jia Ji, and said in a deep voice, "Ji'er, go get the map quickly. I want all the maps around Guandu. If you have any connections, I can get them."
"Ji'er, go quickly," Jia Xu also stroked his beard and said with a smile.
When Jia Ji heard Zhang Han call herself that, she felt very cordial. The haze of being scolded before was swept away, and she went out happily...
(End of chapter)
