"Well," Cao Cao responded softly, "Generally, most of the things you remind me are whimsical, so just tell them."
Zhang Han raised his head and said solemnly: "At present, whether it is the situation in the court, the princes outside the pass, the relatives of the Jingzhou emperor, and the Taishan thieves, their relationships have been stabilized and they are constantly drawing them together."
"It seems that the situation is great, but in fact everyone is waiting and watching. This is the case for us, and the same is true for Yuan Shao."
"And if this situation is to be broken, it will be very easy. All it takes is the first battle to decide the outcome, and these people can fall to one side again."
"They are willing to sit back and watch, mainly waiting for the first battle."
"That's right," Cao Cao was not too surprised. He was a man of foresight, so naturally he had already considered this issue.
Therefore, the battlefield for the first battle must be chosen after Yuan Jun crosses the river, and is located in the Guandu area. Only the battlefield here is big enough, but not big enough.
If it is large enough, it can accommodate the elites of Cao's army to spread out their formation, and distribute cavalry, infantry, and archers to coordinate the attack, and serve as support for each other.
If it is not big enough, it can stop the formation of Yuan Shao's army, so that only the same number of his main forces can enter the battlefield, and the rest are in reserve.
In this way, the competition is about the elite of the soldiers and horses, the courage of the generals, and the strategy of using the troops. Only in this way can we have a chance of victory.
Cao Cao had already deduced the situation on the battlefield that day countless times in his mind, so he believed what Zhang Han said.
"Very good, I remember it," Cao Cao smiled happily. "After this year's autumn harvest, the grain accumulated through farming is almost enough. Recently, the court meeting almost said that to encourage merchants to pass through the territory, several waterways need to be dug."
"At the same time, several more main roads will be opened for trade, and new departments will be opened for civil construction of main roads, building bridges and setting up pavilions."
"I have asked Mao Jie to take charge of this matter. If Bo Chang has a plan, he can also offer it; if he does not want to do it, he can build armaments and train a new army."
"In addition, the envoys I sent to Jizhou have returned. They have received Brother Zhao Yun's widow and relatives, and are on the way to Xudu. If what you promised me is fulfilled, I will immediately give you the thousand fine war horses. Just give it to you.”
Well...so many choices.
They didn't tell me about the civil construction of roads and bridges or the newly opened departments at all. This was to prevent me from making money... Zhang Han thought.
While Cao Cao knew him very well, he could also get a glimpse of Cao Cao's thoughts.
However, the relationship between the father-in-law and his son-in-law is indeed much closer than that between ordinary lords and ministers. Although there is no civil construction, there are still two options to choose from: installing new armaments and training new troops.
Zhang Han thought for a while, then raised his hands and said: "Father-in-law, my son-in-law has always been very knowledgeable about forging iron, and recently he has learned a lot about it. There is a method for forging iron. Repeatedly folding and calcining it can produce steel that can be tempered hundreds of times. It can be said that forging weapons If you can cut iron like mud and make swords one by one, then you can form an army and be as powerful as breaking bamboo."
"Wrought iron..."
The art of forging can only be achieved by a craftsman's lifelong immersion. The art of forging in the Han Dynasty has made great progress through changes.
Bochang's blacksmithing skills - Cao Cao suddenly remembered his black mace named "Da Gen", which has now been hung up as a collection together with "Fang Tian Painted Halberd".
Well...it's really not that good.
That's all, give him something to do, and then train the cavalry later, so that he won't have nothing to do during this period and leave his post without permission, fearing causing trouble.
Cao Cao nodded and said, "Go find Fengxiao and take charge of the forging. You can make arrangements on your own."
Zhang Han accepted the order, thanked him, turned and left.
At this time, Cao Cao wrote the words of recommendation to Zhang Han on the paper.
The other two were originally clasped on the back, but were turned over at this time. They were the candidates written by Guo Jia and Xi Zhong. They were also Xun You who succeeded Dali Temple Minister and Zhong Yao who was in charge of the Guanzhong Army.
This candidate is the most convincing and the most able to achieve his goal, that is, he will wrong the Lord of Zhongsi.
The governor of Guanzhong Army did not go to Chang'an to enjoy the blessings. You can see from the fact that Ma Rixi and Zhao Qi went to Guandong as envoys. They arrived at Yuan Shu and never came out again.
Finally, he died in Shouchun. He died of illness before Cao Cao could come to rescue him after he captured Shouchun.
If the princes in the Guanzhong and outside the Guan are equally ruthless, Zhong Yao's departure will certainly be a disaster. This depends on his reputation, connections and rhetorical skills.
"Zhong Yao," Cao Cao pondered for a moment, preparing to go to Dali Temple to discuss the matter with Zhong Yao in person. So soon after, he got up, put on thick clothes, and hurried out.
Here Zhang Han left the Prime Minister's Mansion and returned to the mansion. There were many wine shops and restaurants on the street behind the gate. They randomly found one to sit down and ordered something to eat.
The store owners are all family members of my old brothers, and they can basically keep accounts.
"We are responsible for the procurement and construction of armaments. There may be no fighting in the next year. Even the bandits within the territory have been almost eliminated."
After sitting down, Zhang Han began to make plans. Jia Xu beside him smiled and said: "How is your mood now? It is true that the whole territory is using its troops, and distant friends are stationed, just to start a war with Jizhou in the north."
"Only when we defeat Yuan Shao can we truly achieve our great cause!"
How can it be so easy? Zhang Han thought to himself, and at the same time he raised his head and looked at Jia Xu with a smile, "You think so too?"
"That's natural..." Jia Xu said in confusion: "Among the princes in the world, those with family background who can compete with the prime minister are none other than Yuan Shao of Jizhou, Liu Biao of Jingzhou, and Liu Zhang of Yizhou."
"However, I heard that Liu Zhang is not the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Liu Jingsheng is old. If we talk about how he can withstand the northern army in the long run, the one who is really capable of fighting is Yuan Shao."
"The Yuan family has been operating power for decades. Yuan Shao made many wise friends when he was young, and later supported the party members and made secret friendships. Now he has gained the land of four states and has grown in power. His soldiers, horses, civil and military forces have already been Far superior to Yuan Shu."
"Now, both sides are just waiting for the opportunity to start fighting again."
"And the thoughts of the monarchs are indeed very delicate," Jia Xu praised without hesitation: "Hanoi and Wancheng were both places where the monarchs managed them in advance and insisted on holding on to them. Now they have solved the problem of the descendants of Taishan people. , the internal troubles in the court, and then there is... the soldiers and horses in Wancheng's defense, and now the main force is Zhong Si Qing, who is supervising the Guanzhong Army. "
"Haha, you are really thoughtful. Before the war started, you have already taken precautions against hidden dangers everywhere, so that Cao Jun can fight with peace of mind."
"This is where the king excels."
"No, no," Zhang Han waved his hands quickly when he heard this, and said with a serious face: "You are ridiculous. Recommending Zhongsi Qing to go to Chang'an is your strategy for me."
"No, no, no, it was the Lord who had an idea and took Wanquan's thoughts into consideration."
"No, no, it was you who gave me the strategy." Zhang Han was also very modest in this matter and did not compete with Jia Xu for credit at all.
Just as Jia Xu was about to push the envelope again, he heard angry shouts coming from outside the door behind him.
"Zhang Han!!"
Although this sound has the meaning of vicissitudes of life, it is full of vitality, just like an old general on the stage.
Zhang Han stood up immediately, turned around and wanted to hide in the house. Jia Xu was also confused. Who dared to yell like this in Junhou's home? !
It is simply lawless and daring! And Junhou is still a little scared, why?
When Jia Xu saw Zhang Han hiding, he also trembled slightly and hid behind him. He wanted to hide behind Zhang Han, but he didn't expect that he couldn't escape.
When he looked back, he saw a tall and elegant middle-aged man, walking towards him angrily. He was wearing a black official robe with red edges, and he was holding a scabbard in his left hand, and the sword was not unsheathed.
Jia Xu could tell at a glance that this was Zhong Yao, the minister of Dali Temple. No wonder Zhang Han wanted to run away.
This is a shame.
The man came with great force, and Zhang Junhou had to retreat.
Jia Xu was happy when he saw it. It was rare to see such a scene. In addition to being chased by beauties in his life, I am afraid that this is the Qing of Zhongsi.
Oh, maybe there is also Xun Lingjun.
His originally worried heart gradually calmed down, and it turned out that he was here for Zhang Han, not some inexplicable assassin.
However, when Zhang Han turned around and ran away, he suddenly shouted: "It was Jia Wenhe who gave me the strategy!"
Jia Xu was stunned, "Junhou, you——"
He turned around and glanced at Zhong Yao, only to see Zhong Yao pause in his steps, tighten his sword in his left hand, stare angrily at Jia Xu, and shout: "Jia thief!! You were not good-hearted when you were in Chang'an!"
"not me!!"
Jia Xu waved his hands fiercely. He didn't dare to use force with the king, but he definitely dared to fight with me! !
Thinking of this, Jia Xu could only turn around and run away. Zhang Han felt relieved when he saw that the huge Fuqian Street of the Banshan City mansion was enough for them to run away with a stick of incense.
He followed slowly behind and asked the shopkeeper to keep accounts before leaving.
Not long after, Zhang Han caught up with the two of them. He was surprised to find that Jia Xu was panting slightly on the stairs and still had enough energy to explain.
But Zhong Yao had already fallen at the bottom of the stairs, unable to stand up to catch up.
"Secretary of the Temple, please listen to my explanation. Based on the current situation, if you go to Chang'an in person, you will definitely be able to stabilize the princes. In Xudu, no one can compare with you in terms of status, reputation, achievements and talents."
"So, you must be the most suitable candidate!"
"Shut up, shut up...that's nonsense..."
Zhong Yao heard Zhang Han's footsteps and slowly turned around, still panting and sweating.
She looked at him and sighed softly, and said: "Junhou, tell the truth, how did I treat you in Dali Temple?"
"Like a master and a disciple, very sincere and deeply affectionate..." Zhang Han answered honestly.
Jia Xu immediately intervened and advised earnestly: "In this case, the temple minister should understand the prince's painstaking efforts. I also know this, and only then will I urge you."
"Qing Zhongsi came to live in Chang'an with a sense of justice. He could hold back hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses from the princes outside the pass. At least he could let them sit back and watch the success or failure without interfering. When he returns in the future, it will be a great achievement."
Zhang Han nodded like a fool: "Yes, yes, Lord Zhong Si took me as a close relative, how could I harm him? Going to Chang'an and coming back will definitely be the merits of the Three Lords supporting the country. The Zhong family can also leave a name in history, and will be remembered for thousands of years. One person How famous it is for a town to be in this area!”
"You, you guys..." Zhong Yao hasn't even taken a breath yet. What he actually wants to say is, since he treats you so well, why can't he be accommodating to this kind of drudgery and recommend it to others.
Being able to uphold integrity, regardless of status or talent, is nothing more than a fox pretending to be a tiger's power. The Han court really has a tiger's power. It turns out that no one among the three princes is the same! ?
It's okay for Yang Biao to go. He doesn't have any official position now. Apart from acting as an agent for the Chancellor, he just spends his time at home to take care of himself!
Why must it be me? Is it really the merit of delivering it to my door?
Zhong Yao calmed down a little, looked at Zhang Han seriously, and said: "To go here, we need to defeat Hebei and have the advantage of troops and horses. Otherwise, the princes outside the pass are not ordinary people. Even if there is a family marriage, it can only be postponed, but not cut off. The spirit of competition.”
"It is true that the Ma family has been favored by the emperor, but there are many ambitious generals in Xiliang."
Jia Xu agrees with this sentence. Once the chaos in Guandong resumes and the Han Dynasty supported by Cao Cao declines again, then the princes outside the Guan and the foreigners who are eyeing the Han will never let go of this great opportunity.
"Don't worry," Zhang Han was suddenly shocked, "I understand what this means. Once a war starts, there can be no decline, or even a stalemate for too long, otherwise there will be internal chaos."
"I can assure Mr. Zhong that once the war begins, good news will come out frequently."
Zhong Yao sighed: "The prince also made this guarantee to Taishan, in exchange for which the prince of Taishan Prefecture and his general sent his heir to Chang'an."
"Your Majesty, you know how heavy the burden is on your shoulders to bear so many guarantees. Does your Majesty have a plan?"
"No," Zhang Han straightened his back, still very calm and composed.
Zhong Yao was furious for a moment and gritted his teeth and said, "Then why are you so confident?"
Who gave you the courage! ! With so many guarantees, what if you run away then? Let alone the issue of character, I, Zhong Yao, don’t believe it!
Zhang Han stood upright on the spot and said: "I have a gun in my hand, a sword on my waist, and I have Red Rabbit and Jueying under me. Once the war starts, there is no need for strategies. I can kill the enemy generals in the frontal battlefield, and I will be famous in Hebei!"
"They defeated the counselor Zhang Han with a trick and made him unable to even be a Shaoqing in Xudu. So what?!"
"What does it have to do with my fierce general Zhang Han!? Let me tell you, I captured Lu Bu back then!"
Dian Wei looked over from a distance, expressing confusion.
Zhong Yao perked up after hearing this, and suddenly looked at Zhang Han again, feeling admiration in his heart.
His most intuitive impression of Zhang Han was when he rode alone to kill the white rabbit in Hanoi.
Extraordinary bravery!
Sometimes, he himself would forget that Zhang Han was originally from the army. He devoted his life to internal governance and occasionally went to the battlefield to behead a few important people.
His words are still very convincing.
"Okay, I will keep your words in mind, so I will write down Jia Xu's suggestion." He glanced back at the frightened Jia Xu.
"Thank you, Mr. Zhong..." Jia Xu could only respond with tears.
Alas, why bother to embarrass the old man? In fact, he was muttering in his heart, and suddenly he became my fault.
Junhou is really cheating!
…
After the beginning of spring, Zhong Yao received an edict from the emperor, held the Great Han Talisman, led Zhang Han's six hundred elite guards, and was escorted by black-robed cavalry to Chang'an.
Accompanying him are Chen Qun, Hua Xin, and Dong Zhao from the Chen family of Changshe. Several people are going there, and they can make plans with each other. Although some of Zhong Yao's achievements will be divided, the advantage is that there are many people and they are wise, and they can act according to the opportunity.
This departure will surely bring peace to the princes outside the pass, and today, the envoys who returned from Jizhou also brought good news to Cao Cao.
Prime Minister's Mansion.
Su Wei came to report, "After the envoy returned, the people invited by the Prime Minister have gone to the post house to rest, and various memorials from Jizhou have been delivered."
"Okay, submit it to me and let me see what Brother Benchu wants to do now."
Cao Cao was in a relaxed mood. After the literature was brought to the hall, he opened the memorial and watched it with Guo Jia.
After watching for a while, the two men looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It seems that Jizhou is not willing to use weapons immediately."
"Both of us can have a year to recuperate and prepare food and armaments." Guo Jia said sincerely.
Only at this moment did he really feel relieved, even though he kept asserting that Yuan Shao would not immediately raise troops to fight.
Many Zhang Han and Xi Zhong believed this, but they could only be convinced after seeing the meaning of Yuan Shao's memorial and the words of his letter.
"No," Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief lazily, "Actually, the war has already begun."
"I'm flattering Yuan, and he's pretending to take advantage of me, but in fact, he has a hidden edge..."
Cao Cao smiled and said, "In this case, it depends on who is more prepared."
"Come," Cao Cao said and stood up immediately, "call Shang Bochang and ask him to accompany me to the post house."
(End of chapter)
