Juancheng, Prefecture Mufu.
Cao Cao's dark face showed unconcealable exhaustion. In the depths of those calm eyes, burning anger flashed.
His home was burgled.
Zhang Miao and Chen Gong, two people he trusted, pushed Lu Bu out to seize Yanzhou from him.
Cao Cao never thought that he would encounter such a thing.
But, it happened.
Cao Cao looked at the civil and military officials such as Xun Yu, Xun You, Xi Zhicai, Xiahou Dun, Xia Houyuan, and Cao Hong who were sitting below. He glanced around and his eyes fell on Xun Yu. He clasped his hands and said, "Zhang Miao and Chen Gong rebelled. Thanks to Wen Ruo for taking charge of the overall situation, please accept Cao Cao's respect."
"My lord, no!"
Xun Yu changed his color slightly and quickly avoided it.
Cao Cao still saluted solemnly, then looked at everyone and said loudly: "This time Zhang Miao and Chen Gong rebelled, and the entire Yanzhou rebelled, which shows that the other party had a premeditated plan. Even if the incident happened suddenly, Wen Ruo still remained stable solved the situation."
"If Wen Ruo hadn't turned the tide, the situation would have collapsed before I came back. This time, Wen Ruo has four great achievements."
Xun Yu humbly said: "My lord, this is an honor. This is what a humble official should do."
Cao Cao said loudly: "When Chen Gong and Zhang Miao rebelled, there was also a rebellion inside Juancheng. It was Wenruo who quickly suppressed it, solved the rebellion in Juancheng, and stabilized the situation. Without Wenruo's suppression, Juancheng would have been lost. Everyone’s families are under control and we have no chance.”
"This is the first achievement."
"Before the armies of Lu Bu and Zhang Miao came, Guo Gong, the governor of Yuzhou, took the lead and led his army to the foot of Juan City to capture Juan City. With Guo Gong's strength, if we attack by force, Juan City will most likely not be able to defend it."
"Wen Ruo left the city alone and rode into Guo Gong's military camp. He urged Guo Gong to retreat and Juancheng was saved again."
"This is Wen Ruo's second skill."
"When Lu Bu entered Yanzhou and before he openly rebelled against Zhang Miao, Zhang Miao sent people to Juancheng, saying that Lu Bu was here to help me attack Tao Qian, and asked for the supply of military rations. Just this sentence, Wen Ruo discovered it keenly If you have any questions, please notify Xiahou Dun immediately to return to the defense from Dongjun."
"Xiahou Dun is guarding Dongjun. Although there are troops stationed there, Chen Gong is the one I left behind to guard Dongjun. If Wen Ruo hadn't immediately recalled Xiahou Dun, I'm afraid Xiahou Dun would have been killed by Chen Gong."
"This is Wen Ruo's third skill."
"Yanzhou rebelled, and Fan County and Dong'a County in the north of Juancheng were our granaries. Wenruo arranged for Cheng Yu to go north, quickly stabilizing the situation in Fan County and Dong'a, ensuring our granaries in the rear, and ensuring that we had military supplies to fight .”
"This is the fourth skill."
Cao Cao talked eloquently and said: "Such four great achievements, do you think they are worthy of my courtesy?"
"worth!"
Everyone answered in unison.
No one has any objection to Xun Yu.
Xun Yu was in charge of the government system under Cao Cao. It was also because of Xun Yu that Cao Cao was indomitable on the front line.
Xun Yu humbly said: "My lord, you have given me the reward."
Cao Cao was full of energy and continued: "Although Chen Gong and Zhang Miao joined forces with Lu Bu to rebel this time, which caught us off guard, Lu Bu is a man who is brave and reckless and has nothing to fear."
"Why do you say that?"
"Lü Bu had the help of Zhang Miao and Chen Gong, as well as the support of the whole Yanzhou, but he did not send cavalry to occupy Dongping County, cut off the main road between Kangfu and Mount Tai, and use the danger of Mount Tai to prevent me from returning from Xuzhou. Instead, Go and occupy Puyang."
"This is too petty."
"It is not unreasonable for Lu Bu to be brave and courageous, but he was expelled by Li Jue and Guo Si in Chang'an. He went to Yuan Shao and was tricked again."
"Lu Bu is an ignorant and reckless man."
"Lu Bu doesn't understand the art of war. Even if he wins temporarily, I don't think he has any future."
Cao Cao's eyes flashed and he said confidently: "I have returned to Juancheng. All the army has returned safely from Xuzhou. My troops and horses are still there. I have enough food and grass. We have enough troops and food, so Lu Bu will be defeated."
When the generals below heard this, they all looked relieved and no longer worried.
On the contrary, he was very motivated.
Cao Cao is right, there is food and grass, there is an army, what should we be afraid of?
Xun Yu saw everyone's expressions, looked at Cao Cao again, and breathed a sigh of relief. It was very difficult for him to preside over the overall situation in Juancheng. Even if he defended Juancheng, without Cao Cao, people's hearts were not stable enough.
After Cao Cao came back, the situation was different.
This is the charm of Cao Cao.
Cao Cao waved his hand and ordered: "Xun Yu, Xun You, Cheng Yu and Xi Zhicai stayed, and the others went down to rest and have a good rest. The army rested for a day, and tomorrow we will go to Puyang with me to destroy Lu Bu. Give them all to me." Be energetic, I want Lu Bu to know that Yanzhou can come or go."
"Here!"
All the soldiers responded with clasped fists.
Everyone left, and Xun Yu, Xun You, Cheng Yu, and Xi Zhicai stayed behind.
Cao Cao watched everyone leave, put his hands on the desk, sat down slowly, and breathed a long sigh of relief.
He waved his hands and said: "Everyone, sit down and let's discuss how to deal with Lu Bu. Lu Bu has no brains, but his cavalry is very powerful. We are not afraid of him, and we cannot underestimate him. We must think carefully."
Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, Xun You and Xi Zhi sat down.
Xun Yu's eyes were deep and he said directly: "My lord, our first battle with Lu Bu is very crucial. In the first battle, we must show momentum and establish the next victory."
Cao Cao said confidently: "Qingzhou soldiers are victorious in every battle and are invincible. What's more, I also have warriors like Dian Wei. They are strong enough to win on the battlefield. Wen Ruo can rest assured, we will definitely win."
Speaking of Dian Wei, Cao Cao was even more confident.
Dian Wei was under the command of Xia Houdun. When Cao Cao went out to conquer Tao Qian, he transferred Dian Wei to his side and was responsible for protecting him.
Lu Bu is brave, and his Dian Wei is not weak either.
"Report!"
At this moment, a soldier hurriedly entered and reported: "Zhou Mu, Xia Houyuan wants to see you."
"please!"
Cao Cao ordered.
He was a little confused as to why Xia Houyuan had just left and came back again.
Not long after, Xia Houyuan hurriedly entered, clasped his fists and said: "My lord, the sentinel sent news that Lu Xuan suddenly appeared in the south of Juancheng with more than 8,000 elite troops, and will approach Juancheng soon."
There was an explosion in Cao Cao's head, and he was momentarily lost.
Soon, Cao Cao recovered.
Cao Cao's eyes were sharp and he said in a deep voice: "Lu Xuan was clearly going to attack Wu County, but he suddenly came to Yanzhou. It's surprising."
Xia Houyuan said: "Yanzhou is fragile, and many people have ulterior motives and want to seize Yanzhou. Yuan Shao sent people to ask if we want to help? Obviously, Yuan Shao has an agenda. Lu Xuan came without warning, and I am afraid he also wants to take advantage of the situation."
Cao Cao thought for a while and said: "Logically speaking, it is impossible for Lu Xuan to attack Yanzhou. If I lose, at worst, I will bring in Yuan Shao, and no one will be able to benefit. What's more, there is a marriage relationship."
Xi Zhicai said: "Although Lu Xuan is young, he is very discerning and knows the consequences of attacking us. However, Lu Xuan absolutely does not want to see Yuan Shao go south. I believe that Lu Xuan is here to help."
Xun Yu said: "I second the proposal."
Cheng Yu said: "But we still need to know more about the details."
Cao Cao stroked the beard under his chin and continued: "There is also the simplest reason. If Lu Xuan attacks Yanzhou, he must be careful at every step. Now Lu Xuan has obviously hidden his whereabouts and suddenly appeared outside Juancheng."
"It can be seen that Lu Xuan traveled a long distance."
"Lu Xuan has no logistical supplies and no food and grass support. There is no point in attacking Juancheng."
"When he comes, he will definitely support me."
Cao Cao smiled softly and said, "It's surprising that my cheap son-in-law, Cao Cao, sent troops to help us at a critical moment."
Xun Yu praised him and said, "My lord, I have arranged a marriage in advance. I admire you for my humble position."
Cao Cao stood up and said: "What kind of purpose does Lu Xuan have? Hearing is false and seeing is true. Only when you see it will you know. Let's go and see Lu Xuan."
He led people to the south gate.
Cao Cao did not greet him on the tower, but opened the south gate and waited at the door.
Not long after, Lu Xuan arrived outside Juancheng with more than 8,000 elites.
After Lu Xuan entered Yanzhou, he had been hiding his whereabouts for fear of being blocked. After entering Juancheng, he went on his way openly.
Lu Xuan saw the open gate of Juancheng and Cao Cao and his party, with a look of surprise in his eyes. You know, Lu Xuan came directly without notifying him in advance. Cao Cao dared to open the door to welcome him, which was so courageous.
Lu Xuan came fifteen steps outside the city and clearly saw Cao Cao at the front of the city gate.
The Cao Cao in front of him was dark-skinned, slightly fat, and short in stature. Cao Cao has an ordinary appearance, but he is not tall and tall. Standing at the gate of the city, he looks like a towering mountain, and he has an impressive demeanor.
When Cao Cao saw Lu Xuan, he shook his clothes and strode out alone, ignoring the people behind him.
Lu Xuan stopped his soldiers from moving forward and walked forward alone.
The two met in an instant.
"Lu Xuan, meet my father-in-law."
"What a good son-in-law."
The two looked at each other and laughed at the same time, all without saying anything.
