In Chang'an, in the main hall of the palace, Wei Emperor Cao Rui was convening the civil and military ministers to discuss the matter of withdrawing troops and returning to the court.
Because it might be the last court meeting in Chang'an, Cao Rui summoned the three generals, General Cao Zhen, Later General Zhang He, and Yongzhou Governor Guo Huai, from the front line to prepare for the defense of Guanzhong to be properly arranged at once.
"My lords, according to reports from spies, the pseudo-Shu Prime Minister Zhuge Liang has returned to Chengdu from Hanzhong, leaving the traitor general Gao Xiang with more than 40,000 troops to guard Hanzhong.
As for the strength of the Shu army in Longyou, it has been found out that Wei Yan, the thief general, is in charge of Gui, Liao Hua is in charge of Jieting, Chen Shi is in charge of Nan'an, and Wu Yi is in charge of Anding. The five counties have no less than 20,000 troops.
The Shu thieves have left their troops deployed like this. Do you think our army can take advantage of the gap? "Cao Rui said loudly.
Although he had already made plans to withdraw his troops and return to the court, Cao Rui wanted to confirm for the last time whether his army could take the opportunity to launch a counterattack. Otherwise, if he went back in despair, the emperor's majesty would be weakened.
However, the cruel reality finally extinguished the last glimmer of hope in his heart. He only heard the general Cao Zhen come out and say: "Your Majesty, I thought that the Shu thieves were well deployed in Longyou and Hanzhong. There are no less than 60,000 troops in the army, and the total strength of our King's Division in Guanzhong is only 40,000 to 50,000. The defense is acceptable, but it is impossible to counterattack.
Therefore, I ask your majesty to endure the temporary defeat and return to the court to deal with state affairs first. After the troops and horses are reorganized and the food and grass are sufficient, the victory can be decided with the Shu thieves. "
"What do you think, sir?"
A look of disappointment flashed across Cao Rui's face when he heard this, but he also knew that the general trend could not be forced, so he asked other ministers as usual, preparing to make a decision after asking.
"I agree with the general's words."
Sure enough, the replies from the ministers were not what he expected, so Cao Rui finally made up his mind: "In that case, I will set off to return to the court in two days." After a pause, he looked at Cao Zhen and said: "General, I'm leaving. After that, all matters in Guanzhong will be entrusted to you, so Wan Wang will be careful."
"Your Majesty, don't worry. I will do my best to protect Guanzhong for the country." Cao Zhen accepted the order and said.
Cao Rui nodded and said: "Zhang Qing, Guo Qing, you two must assist the general with all your heart, and don't slack off."
Zhang, He and Guo Huai were defeated and had the intention of doing meritorious service. Now that they heard Cao Rui's entrustment, they hurriedly cried and worshiped: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will do my best to serve you!"
"Good, your loyalty and bravery are commendable, I am very pleased." Cao Rui said: "Your Majesty, we will hold on for the time being. After I return to the east, I will quickly send a large army to reinforce Guanzhong. When the opportunity comes, I will compete with the Shu thieves."
"Your Majesty is wise, and I obey your decree." The ministers responded in unison.
Just as the Han and Wei countries were withdrawing their troops and returning to their respective dynasties, Poyang County in Soochow was quite lively.
Poyang County was originally part of Jiujiang County in the Qin Dynasty. After entering the Han Dynasty, it was successively named Huainan Kingdom and Yuzhang County, and was subordinate to Yangzhou. In the 15th year of Jian'an, Sun Quan divided Yuzhang County into two parts, and established Poyang County to the east of Poyang Lake, with Poyang County as its administrative seat.
The current governor of Poyang is Zhou Li. He is the son of Zhou Bin, the governor of Guangping. He was born in the Zhou family of Yangxian, a noble family in Jiangdong. He was smart and studious since he was a child. He was elected as Xiaolian by the county when he was less than thirty years old.
After entering the official position, he successively served as the magistrate of Ningguo County, the magistrate of Huai'an County, the Chief of Fenwei, and the Marquis of Qiantang. Within one month of being the Marquis of Qiantang, he killed Peng Shi, the leader of the Qiantang bandits and his party members, which showed that he was both civil and military. Therefore, he was promoted to the Western Captain of Danyang by Sun Quan.
Later, he was promoted to the governor of Poyang due to his meritorious service. He played a great role in quelling the rebellion of Peng Qi, the leader of the Poyang clan bandits, and was promoted to the rank of captain of Zhaoyi.
However, even though Zhou Li's achievements are remarkable, Soochow is still full of talents, and there are many prefects who are as talented as him or even above him. The reason why Zhou Li has recently favored Sun Quan, the leader of Wu, is because of his sacrifices A trick to fake surrender.
This plan was led by Lu Xun, cooperated by Sun Quan, and implemented by Zhou Li. Now Cao Xiu, the chief minister of Cao Wei, has been more than half convinced.
In order to make the fake surrender plan more realistic, Sun Quan recently sent Shang Shulang Wenyi to Poyang County to pretend to investigate Zhou Li's illegal activities. This matter was reported by Cao Wei's spies to Fei, who then made Cao Xiu believe too much about Zhou Li's surrender. point.
Hefei is located between the Huaihe River and the Yangtze River, with Shouchun at its back and Chaohu Lake to the south. It is located at the hub of the criss-crossing Jianghuai water network. It is the most important fortress on the east line of Cao Wei.
With Hefei, the navy of Cao Wei can start from Qiaojun, enter the Huai River along the Wu River, then pass the Feishui River through Hefei and go south, and finally cross Chao Lake and enter the Rux River to reach the Yangtze River. The transportation of soldiers, grain and grass was extremely convenient and fast.
Therefore, if Soochow wants to maintain long-term peace and stability, it must uproot Hefei and control the entire Huainan. The so-called strategic understanding that to defend the river must defend the Huai has begun to take shape in this era.
What's more, once Soochow Wu captures Hefei, they can also go north along the water route that Cao Wei's navy went south. At that time, whether it is to capture Xuzhou to the east or to capture Yuzhou to the west, Sun Quan and others will have a choice of marching troops. There are many strategies.
That's why Sun Quan has always been obsessed with Hefei, and has repeatedly sent troops northward, hoping to capture this strategically important place in one fell swoop. However, Cao Wei's defense was very strict and there were famous generals in charge, so the Wu army always had no choice but to return in defeat.
Only this time, Sun Quan seemed to see a good opportunity to capture Hefei.
Hefei is now not only the seat of Cao Wei's Yangzhou, but also the residence of Great Sima Cao Xiu, the supreme commander of the Wei army, which is very important.
On this day, Cao Xiu received a detailed report and learned that Zhou Li, who wanted to surrender to him, was scolded by the Langguan sent by Sun Quan, causing him to be in a difficult situation. He secretly said that the seven notes he sent a few days ago were true, and he immediately attacked Zhou Li. The county surrendered a few points.
Zhou Li stated seven things in seven letters secretly sent to Cao Xiu. In addition to telling that he was deeply criticized by Sun Quan, he also revealed to Cao Xiu several places where Wu troops stationed troops and stored grain along the Yangtze River.
Although Zhou Li was sincere, Cao Xiu was not a person with a false reputation, and he would not trust him simply based on a few letters.
During this period, Cao Xiu had sent agents to secretly verify that the places where troops were stationed and stored grains were indeed true. Today, he also learned that Dongwu Langguan came to Poyang County for accountability. So far, all four things mentioned in Zhou Li's letter have been confirmed. This was confirmed, so Cao Xiu already had the idea of sending troops south to meet Zhou Li.
So he immediately prepared to send an envoy to report the matter to Cao Rui. As long as he obtained the emperor's consent, he could send his troops south to establish immortal achievements.
Once Poyang Lake is successfully captured this time, Cao Wei will be able to drive a nail into the hinterland of Soochow south of the Yangtze River, and Soochow will be attacked from both sides.
"This year, the Wei Dynasty was unfavorable in the war in Kansai and suffered a setback at the hands of Western Shu. This time, I will win a big victory in the east to regain the situation. Otherwise, the rebels from all directions will despise the Central Plains." Looking at the hand in his hand. Secret report, Cao Xiu thought to himself.
North of Chengdu, in the Ten Mile Pavilion, Zhao Yun, Guan Xing, and Zhuge Qiao were buying wine with Yang Qing and Ma Di to see them off.
Today, Yang Qing is going to Longyou to take up the post of governor of Yongzhou, and Ma Su will also go north with him. However, Ma Su's destination is not Longyou but Hanzhong, because he is the person who succeeded Yang Qing as the prefect of Hanzhong.
Hanzhong is the base camp of Ji Han's Northern Expedition. Naturally, the prefect must be someone Zhuge Liang can trust. Now that Yang Qing no longer holds this position, there are not many people in the entire court who can take over as the prefect of Hanzhong. Ma Su is one of the few suitable candidates. List.
Firstly, Ma Di had already been the prefect during the late emperor's reign and had sufficient qualifications. Secondly, he was also considered a versatile man in both civil and military affairs. Thirdly, he had made great contributions in the recovery of the three eastern counties and the Northern Expedition. Fourthly, Zhuge Liang seemed to have the suspicion that he had a good vision but a low hand. I was thinking of sending him to a local place to get some experience, so it was just right for him to take over as the prefect of Hanzhong.
In addition, Zhuge Liang will now always be in Hanzhong, and Ma Di, a confidant who joins the army, can cooperate well with the Prime Minister's Mansion just like Yang Qing did before, so Ma Di's takeover can be regarded as a well-received one.
"General Zilong, Anguo, Bosong, I'll say goodbye. See you next time during the Northern Expedition." After drinking three cups of farewell wine, Yang Qing and Ma Su said with their hands in hand.
Zhao Yun cupped his fists and said, "Mingzhi, Youchang, take care."
"Brother, take care, join the army and take care." Guan Xing and Zhuge Qiao also returned the greetings to them.
Yang Qing got on his horse and looked back at the carriage not far away. In the carriage, Xia Houyue lifted the curtain and looked at him lovingly with a smile. Yang Qing also smiled, nodded slightly, waved goodbye, and rode off.
Ma Su and dozens of other riders followed immediately, raising a cloud of smoke and dust.
