Yuan Shu snorted coldly: "Sure enough, the bolder you get, the less courageous you become. How can a dignified governor still be so cautious!
Whatever! Apart from Tao Qian's words, have you seen Lu Bu? How is his new town? How about his iron works? "
Li Ye couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief when he heard that Yuan Shu was no longer bothered about Tao Qian's reply.
Then he vividly described what he saw and heard, and finally concluded:
"Lord, I think that if we want to accomplish this, we need to send troops as soon as possible!
First of all, Lu Bu's city wall is only four or five feet high, and it is almost useless.
Secondly, you can also take them by surprise and attack them unprepared.
Moreover, Lu Bu was cruel and unkind, and his soldiers beat and scolded the coolies working in the coal mines. I think he must be unpopular!
As soon as the lord's army arrives, these coolies will definitely take the opportunity to rebel!
In addition, Tao Qian sent troops from behind. Even if Lu Bu had three heads and six arms, what could he do? "
Yuan Shu nodded and said, "What you said makes sense! Generals, who will be the main general in this crusade against Lu Bu?"
"The general is incompetent, but I am willing to lead the army to conquer Lu Bu for my lord!"
A large group of military generals stood up and said.
They all heard clearly what Li Ye said just now. Isn't this kind of battle with more people attacking less people, the opponent has no city wall to rely on, and there are helpers behind, easy to win?
Who would miss such a good opportunity to make a contribution?
Yuan Shu was very satisfied with the positive response of his subordinates. He nodded, looked at his eldest son Yuan Yao and said:
"You are too young to take on such a big responsibility! You might as well go out with the army this time and gain experience.
Ji Ling, as the governor, you will lead 30,000 horsemen and infantry to conquer Lu Bu!
Zhang Xun, you are the vanguard officer and lead five thousand cavalry to clear the way forward!
Li Ye, since you are already familiar with the terrain of Lu Bu New City, you will work hard again this time and plan with the army!
Everyone goes down to prepare, the army will set off in two days! "
"Yes!" Everyone agreed in unison.
——
Pengcheng Yamen Office.
The scout came to the hall and knelt down on one knee to perform a military salute and said: "My lord, Langya reported that Cao Song sold the land and houses in Langya, built more than a hundred carts, and took his family all the way westward. I think it was He went to Yanzhou to join Cao Cao!"
"Oh? Cao Song!" Tao Qian's eyes became sharp!
The enemy’s father is naturally also an enemy!
This time, he just formed an alliance with Yuan Shu to deal with Lu Bu. Why not take this opportunity to kill Cao Song, seize Cao Song's family property, and let Cao Cao take the initiative to send troops to attack him?
When the time comes when I and Yuan Shu join forces, are we still afraid that we won't be able to deal with Cao Cao?
Because he said: "Let Captain Zhang Kai (kǎi) come to see me!"
After a while, Zhang Kai strode into the hall, cupped his hands and said, "What are your orders, my lord?"
Tao Qian motioned for him to sit down, and then said slowly: "Zhang Kai, there is a very important thing for you to do this time. Are you capable of it?"
Zhang Kai said hurriedly: "My lord has treated me with great kindness. Now that Zhang Kai is of use, how dare I not sacrifice my life? My lord just gives me orders!"
Tao Qian nodded and said: "Cao Song is heading to Yanzhou with his family and property. I want you to lead five thousand Qingqi and ambush in Taishan County, and then kill all Cao Song's men and steal their belongings! "
"I have the order! Lord, don't worry, Zhang Kai will definitely live up to his orders!"
"Very well, without further ado, go down and get ready and set off early tomorrow morning!"
Tao Qian thought for a moment and then said, "Just go and relax, I will take care of your wife, children, and parents for you!"
"Thank you, lord..."
Zhang Kai's heart trembled: Tao Qian still can't worry about him!
No wonder, Cao Song was an old corrupt official. He must have brought a lot of gold and silver with him this time, so Tao Qian was worried.
However, even if Tao Qian did not take Zhang Kai's family members as hostages, Zhang Kai would not dare to take this windfall alone.
Cao Cao is a ruthless character!
Who killed his father and robbed his family's money? Can Cao Cao let it go?
If he doesn't come back after taking the money, can Tao Qian let him go?
At that time, the world will be huge but there will be no place for oneself. It is a typical situation where one has life to make money but no life to spend money.
Zhang Kai agreed and went.
Tao Qian thought for a moment, then picked up his pen and started writing a letter to Liu Bei.
——
In Xiapi City, Liu Bei was a little surprised when he received Tao Qian's letter: Is it so fast?
Zhang Fei was overjoyed when he heard this: "Okay, okay! Let's move the heads of the slaves with the three surnames this time!"
Guan Yu said: "Brother, we are going to attack Lu Bu this time. Tao Qian himself will not send troops, but he will let us be the vanguard. Shouldn't we be cautious?"
Liu Bei laughed and said: "Second brother, you are too worried! Tao Gong is dissatisfied with Lu Bu.
But as the governor of Xuzhou, how could he kill Zhou Mu with his own hands? That's why we have to use our own hands to get rid of Lu Bu.
Besides, all we have to do is to block Lu Bu's escape route. The real ones facing Lu Bu head-on are Yuan Shu's men! "
Guan Yu sighed in his heart: After all, the eldest brother is still benevolent and righteous! Having faith in Tao Qian is what a gentleman is!
But Zhang Fei shouted: "How can Yuan Shu be given credit for killing Lu Bu?
Big brother, give me a thousand men and horses, and I will be the vanguard and get Lu Bu's head first to offer to big brother!
Then take that little girl from the Mi family back to your elder brother! "
"Third brother, don't talk nonsense!" Guan Yu scolded.
"That's right... My eldest brother and the Mi family originally made a marriage contract, but Mi Zhu broke the contract because he saw the opportunity for gain and neglected his duty!
According to me, you should take this opportunity to kill all the members of the Mi family! "Zhang Fei said.
Liu Bei said solemnly: "Third brother! Mr. Tao has the final say on these matters! No matter how you say it, Mi Zhu is someone else who works under Mr. Tao. It's not your turn or mine to deal with it!"
"You forget your loyalty when you see profit, you villain, what can you do with him..." Zhang Fei muttered again in a low voice.
Liu Bei said: "Third brother, if we go to fight Lu Bu this time, you should stay in Xiapi to defend the city!"
Zhang Fei quit after hearing this: "Brother! Where do you start talking about this? Why do you ask me to defend the city? No! I have to chop off Lu Bu's dog's head with my own hands!"
Liu Bei said: "Third brother! Now that Prime Minister Ze is injured and we are going to Pengcheng again, how can Xiapi be left unattended?
Tao Gong trusted me and appointed me as the county magistrate. Naturally, I have to protect Xiapi. How can I not leave one of my own to guard the city? "
Guan Yu also advised: "Third brother! Defending the city is also a great achievement. Don't you even listen to my elder brother's words?"
Liu Bei also said: "Third brother, when I go to challenge Lu Bu this time, I can only leave you a thousand troops! With such a small number of troops, I can only rest assured if you personally guard it!"
"I..." Although Zhang Fei looked unwilling, he still said: "Okay then! I will look after the house for my eldest brother!"
Liu Bei was still a little worried, and said to Zhang Fei: "Third brother, don't blame me for talking too much. You are reckless and love to drink, so it is inevitable that you will make mistakes. This matter is important this time, you..."
Before Liu Bei could finish speaking, Zhang Fei patted his chest and said, "Brother, just don't worry! It's fine if I don't drink during the days when you and my second brother are out leading the troops!"
Liu Bei nodded happily: "Third brother! I feel relieved when you say this!"
