The northern border of Huo County.
At noon, the sun is hot.
Yuan Shu led the fleeing team in embarrassment and finally stopped. Last night, he and his people evacuated in a hurry and were killed along the way. From the beginning to the end, Yuan Shu did not dare to relax for fear of being overtaken by Lu Xuan's army.
Now that he was far away from Huo County, he could finally take a breath and ordered the army to rest in place and count the losses.
Yuan Shu leaned against a big tree and hid in the shade to rest. He looked at Feng Fangnu beside him, who was extremely tired from the continuous rush. There was no lust in his eyes anymore, only helplessness and despair.
The losses in this battle were too great.
His general Zhang Xun was killed, and his 30,000 elite troops suffered countless losses. Even if he wanted to fight now, he no longer had the confidence to fight with Lu Xuan.
Not long after, Qiao Rui finished counting the losses, walked to Yuan Shu, and reported: "My lord, there are still 4,000 people who are retreating with the army. If we wait for a while, many soldiers should come back to join us. "
Yuan Shu's eyes became even more angry, and he said hysterically: "In this battle, 30,000 of our elite troops went south to Lujiang County, and only 4,000 were left, which was a huge disgrace."
Qiao Rui apologized and said: "The general was incompetent. Not only did he fail to rescue the granary, but he was also ambushed by Lu Xuan. Please punish me, my lord."
Xu Shao was also on the side. He also took the initiative to apologize and said: "My humble duty and incompetence caused the defeat of the five thousand army. Please punish me, my lord."
Yuan Shu was furious and wanted to kill someone.
However, Zhang Xun died and Ji Ling was killed before, so there were not many people available under his command. Yuan Shu had murderous intentions, but looking at Qiao Rui and Xu Shao, he couldn't kill them.
Otherwise, there won’t be many people available.
Yuan Shu's eyes were cold and he ordered: "You lost this time, on the one hand, because of your incompetence, and on the other hand, because of Lu Xuan's cunning. Remember this incident well, and I will allow you to make meritorious deeds."
"Thank you, Lord, for not killing me."
Qiao Rui and Xu Shao spoke together.
Xu Shao laughed even more in his heart.
Without being questioned, he can continue to stay by Yuan Shu's side and make meritorious deeds for Lu Xuan.
Yuan Shu said in a deep voice: "We have now evacuated Huo County and are about to enter Lu'an County. What do you think we should do to turn defeat into victory?"
As the chief historian, Yang Hong has always been by Yuan Shu's side. He is the main counselor. After hearing Yuan Shu's words, he quickly said: "My lord, Lu'an County cannot be defended. I humbly recommend that you withdraw to Shouchun. We still have troops in Jiujiang County." , can withstand Lu Xuan's attack. What's more, although Lu Xuan defeated us, his troops are limited and he may not dare to go deep into the hinterland of Jiujiang County."
Xu Shao said: "I second my humble opinion and the best policy is to withdraw to Shouchun. Our army's morale is unstable, and now we have no food supplies. It will be difficult for us to fight."
"I'm not willing to give in!"
Yuan Shu gritted his teeth and looked angry.
He traveled all over the country, feared Dong Zhuo, and was defeated by Cao Cao. After all, Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao were both very powerful people. Now, the legitimate son of his dignified Yuan family had lost to a mere Lu Xuan and was completely humiliated.
Yuan Shu looked around and didn't see Yan Xiang, so he asked, "Where is Yan Xiang?"
Yang Hong replied: "When we evacuated, we didn't see Yan Xiang. I'm afraid it has fallen into Lu Xuan's hands."
"That's all, he's dead when he dies."
Yuan Shu shook his head and snorted, and said: "Yan Xiang has always been self-righteous. He died in a chaotic battle, so we didn't care about him. We were defeated this time and after we retreated to Shouchun, will we just die out like this? I don't want to, Revenge is necessary.”
Yang Hong rolled his eyes and said quickly: "Master, there is only one way to take revenge."
Yuan Shu asked urgently: "What can we do?"
Yang Hong said: "We had a truce with Cao Cao and resolved the conflict. This time we were defeated by Lu Xuan. We simply asked Cao Cao for help and used Cao Cao's power to attack Lu Xuan and completely destroy Lu Xuan."
"inappropriate!"
Xu Shao spoke directly.
Xu Shao also knew about Cao Cao's strength.
The Qingzhou soldiers under Cao Cao are very powerful, and Cao Cao has many tiger generals. These people are not useless people like Zhang Xun and Qiao Rui, but people who can conquer and fight well.
Once Cao Cao's troops arrive in Yangzhou, they will have a great impact on Lu Xuan.
Yang Hong glanced at Xu Shao, his eyes were deep, scrutinizing, and probing, and asked: "Xu Shao, why is it inappropriate to say so?"
Xu Shao is actually not afraid of Yang Hong.
However, he had to do things for Lu Xuan, and sometimes he still needed Yang Hong, so he did not show any hostility and said calmly: "Yang Changshi, my starting point is very simple. If Cao Cao's troops enter Jiujiang County, if Jiu captures Magpie Nest, instead of attacking Lu Xuan, are you going to attack us?"
"When the time comes, the lord will definitely be affected. No eggs are left intact after the nest is overthrown. Once the lord is damaged, those of us who serve the lord will have no place to stand. People like Cao Cao can do anything."
"My lord, please think again."
Xu Shao looked loyal and sincere.
Seeing Xu Shao's kind attitude, Yang Hong dispelled his hostility and said, "My lord, Xu Shao's analysis also makes sense."
Yuan Shu asked: "Don't you care?"
Xu Shao continued: "Lord, let's withdraw to Shouchun first, and then consider the next step. We are still in Lujiang County. If Lu Xuan continues to send troops to kill us, we will be in danger. Let's protect ourselves first."
After Yuan Shu heard this, he sneered, patted his butt and stood up, pretending to be heroic.
He looked tough and said loudly: "When we reach the border of Huo County, how can Lu Xuan continue to pursue us? Impossible. Next, we will return to Lu'an County first to replenish food and grass, and then withdraw to Jiujiang County."
"Although we are defeated, there will always be a way to take revenge when we return to Jiujiang County."
"Cao Cao cannot be relied on, we have to rely on ourselves. If Lu Xuan thinks that defeating me, Yuan Shu, once will defeat me forever, that is a big mistake. I, Yuan Shu, will never admit defeat and will definitely fight back."
Sun Ce has been sitting on the edge.
He knew that he was not trusted by Yuan Shu, but Yuan Shu's sword was used when needed and put aside when not needed. However, for the time being, Sun Ce could only compromise.
Sun Ce was actually worried that Yuan Shu would fail, otherwise, he would not be able to use Yuan Shu to take revenge.
Now, after hearing Yuan Shu's words, Sun Ce also said loudly: "General Yuan's fighting spirit is still there, and he will definitely make a comeback. Next time he attacks Lu Xuan, I, Sun Ce, will still be willing to be the vanguard."
Sun Ce said this, but he also had thoughts in his heart.
Yuan Shu is unreliable.
Although he relies on Yuan Shu for the time being, he still has to develop his strength as soon as possible, otherwise it will be bad once Yuan Shu is wiped out by Lu Xuan.
Yuan Shu said confidently: "Don't worry, my dear nephew, we have returned to Shouchun and can send troops again soon."
"Report!"
At this moment, a sentry flew back from the rear, came to Yuan Shu's side, and reported: "General Qi, Lu Xuan's army is still coming, and they are still more than ten miles away from us."
boom! !
Yuan Shu's mind exploded.
here we go again!
Why is this guy Lu Xuan still lingering?
"Retreat quickly!"
The heroic spirit on Yuan Shu's face disappeared, and he ran away without caring about anything else.
Everyone was ordered to follow and evacuate.
Yuan Shu's retreat was extremely embarrassing. The soldiers in the army were exhausted. On the way back, they found a small town to rob some food to fill their stomachs, and then fled northward in a panic.
Yuan Shu's plan was to return to Lu'an County for supplies and then continue his retreat. It was a pity that when Yuan Shu returned to Lu'an County, the gate of the county was closed tightly, preventing Yuan Shu from entering the city, and he adopted a posture of fighting to the death.
There are very few troops in Lu'an County, so there is still a chance to defend.
When Yuan Shu saw the situation in Lu'an County, he became even more angry and felt depressed and extremely uncomfortable.
Without Lu Xuan's pursuers, Yuan Shu would have continued to attack Lu'an County.
Now, once he stops to attack Lu'an County, Lu Xuan's army in the rear catches up, and Yuan Shu is bitten, and it is difficult to get rid of the pursuers. Yuan Shu did not dare to delay, and with resentment and full of anger, he bitterly left Lu'an County and went to Jiujiang County.
Yuan Shu looted all the way and fled north, entering Jiujiang County, and then he breathed a sigh of relief.
Finally home.
Yuan Shu returned to Jiujiang County. He paused to rest and adjust his condition before continuing north to Shouchun. When Yuan Shu led the army back to Shouchun, he gathered some more troops along the way, and the number returned to about 8,000.
Yuan Shu returned to Shouchun and returned to his arrogant appearance. He called Qiao Rui, Xu Shao, Yang Hong, and Sun Ce together. He looked at the people under his command and said, "We have returned to Shouchun. The next step is Recruit troops to rest and restore combat effectiveness. Qiao Rui, you recruit 20,000 troops and reorganize them as soon as possible to form combat effectiveness."
"As you command!"
Qiao Rui answered immediately.
He breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Yuan Shu didn't settle old scores, everything would be easy.
Yuan Shu's eyes fell on Sun Ce, his eyes a little complicated. He coveted the imperial seal in Sun Ce's hand, but now that he was defeated, Yuan Shu couldn't steal it openly. Fortunately, Sun Ce was still under his command.
As long as Sun Ce is here, he can continue to plot.
It's just that Sun Ce still needs to continue to win over him, so that Sun Ce won't complain.
After Yuan Shu thought about it in his mind, he ordered: "Sun Ce, I allow you to recruit three thousand troops, and I will provide you with the provisions and equipment."
"As you command!"
Sun Ce cupped his fists and replied solemnly: "Sun Ce will definitely live up to General Yuan's respect. He will train his soldiers and strive to defeat Lujiang as soon as possible."
"Report!"
At this moment, a soldier hurriedly entered and reported: "General, urgent report from Hefei. Lu Xuan sent troops to seize Hefei and make it his own."
brush!
Yuan Shu's expression changed suddenly.
His eyes were dark and his anger was welling up.
This time he was defeated by Lu Xuan, Yuan Shu was constantly being run away, and he was always depressed. I thought he had returned to Jiujiang County and Lu Xuan had also returned to Lujiang, and there was a temporary truce. Unexpectedly, Lu Xuan did not give up and directly captured Hefei.
Hefei is the southern gateway of Jiujiang County. If Hefei is lost, Lu Xuan can invade Jiujiang County at any time.
When Yuan Shu thought of this, his mind was buzzing, his face suddenly turned red, his chest was tight, and he felt extremely uncomfortable.
puff!
Yuan Shu spat out a mouthful of blood.
Blood sprayed out, Yuan Shuren's breath weakened, his eyes were full of anger, and there was even more anxiety and fear, but more importantly, he was helpless.
Hefei is lost!
Jiujiang County lost an important town.
When Xu Shao heard the news, his face looked nervous, but his heart was filled with joy.
Lu Xuan's capture of Hefei means that it will be easy to capture Jiujiang in the future. On the way back, he had received a message from Lu Xuan and knew that Lu Xuan's next plan was to capture Hefei first and would not continue to advance troops for the time being.
Therefore, Xu Shao was even more calm.
Xu Shao stood up and asked: "Lu Xuan captured Hefei, but did he continue to advance?"
"No!"
The soldier shook his head in reply.
Xu Shao nodded, looked at the panicked Yuan Shu, and said: "My lord, although Lu Xuan captured Hefei, his strength is limited and it is impossible to continue going north. Now, as long as we restore our combat effectiveness as soon as possible, we will be able to recapture Hefei sooner or later."
"Yeah!"
When Yuan Shu heard this, he calmed down a little from the panic in his heart and said quickly: "Qiao Rui, Sun Ce, you recruit troops as soon as possible."
"As you command!"
Qiao Rui and Sun Ce answered immediately.
Yang Hong said seriously: "Lord, we have a truce with Cao Cao. Now we are affected. Although we cannot borrow troops from Cao Cao, can we borrow food from Cao Cao? Although it is difficult, it is still good to try."
"This time, we lost a large amount of food, grass and weapons, and we need to replenish them. If Cao Cao is willing to support part of it, for us, it will be a timely help. In addition, our presence can also contain Lu Xuan and prevent him from going north. "
Yang Hong suggested: "If Lu Xuan's power continues to expand, it will threaten Cao Cao. From this point of view, there is still a chance."
Yuan Shu thought for a moment, and although he felt that Cao Cao was unlikely to support it, he still treated the dead horse as a living doctor. He nodded and said: "Yang Hong, go there yourself."
"Here!"
Yang Hong also agreed.
Yuan Shu felt uneasy and a little irritable. He had no intention of dealing with the matter. He waved his hand for everyone to leave, and took Feng Fangnu to the backyard.
