In Ku County, the troops of Cao and Yuan had been fighting fiercely for more than two months.
Since Zhang Xun, the general of the Zhong family, led his troops to the front line, there were no less than 120,000 troops in one place, and a stalemate did form for a while.
In terms of generals' combat capabilities, Cao's camp was full of fierce generals. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they could crush the Huainan Army. However, in this kind of battle involving hundreds of thousands of people, individual bravery is somewhat insignificant.
Of course, the overall advantage still lies with Cao Cao, who is not as powerful as the Huainan Army.
Until the natural punishment incident happened a few months ago, the Huainan Army seemed to be immediately discouraged. From the generals to the sergeants, everyone had no fighting spirit, and even lived in fear all day long, with many deserters.
Cao Cao's ability to seize opportunities with his troops was top-notch. He immediately launched multiple attacks and defeated the Huainan Army seventeen times in a row, resulting in no less than 50,000 casualties.
The smug Cao Cao squinted at the sand table in front of him, planning to launch the final blow and drive the Huainan Army to death.
"Report!"
A scout quickly rushed into the Chinese army's tent, knelt down on one knee and bowed: "Sikong, hurry up and report urgently. Lu Bu and his army suddenly appeared at the foot of Shouchun City. They had already invaded the city after nightfall three days ago. Yuan Shu led him More than two thousand remaining soldiers fled to Anfeng!"
The entire Chinese army tent exploded instantly like a ladle of cold water being poured into boiling oil.
Cao Cao was startled at first, and then laughed, looking at the scouts like a falcon, "Impossible, absolutely impossible! Shouchun city's defense is as solid as Luoyang, and there are more than 20,000 elite guards, how could it be broken overnight! "
"Report to Sikong..."
The scout was afraid of being stared at, so he lowered his head and said honestly: "Our people captured Shouchun's defeated soldiers. After cross-examination, we learned that Lu Su and Lu Bri, who had defected to Yuan Shu a few months ago, joined forces and opened the city gate at night to meet them."
Cao Cao felt as if he was struck by lightning and took a few steps back. Only with Cheng Yu's help did he regain his footing.
As smart as he is, his mind felt very confused for a while.
What happened? Why did Lu Bu suddenly abandon Guangling and go straight to Shouchun? Even if Lu Su really abandoned the dark side and turned to the bright side, it would be impossible for him to get in touch with Lu Bu in such a short period of time.
"Sikong, this matter is probably a set-up from beginning to end." Xun You said, twirling his white goatee.
"What do you mean?" Cao Cao frowned and looked at him.
Xun You took a deep breath and analyzed: "If my guess is correct, Lu Su's defection to Yuan Shu was originally ordered by Lu Bu. He came to Shouchun to do two things. The first was to arrange the so-called Heavenly Punishment Stone, and the second was to support Lu Bu. Siege the city.”
Xun You's words caused everyone in Cao's camp to clear up the clouds and see the sun.
This is the only reasonable explanation. Only this possibility can explain why Lu Bu moved so quickly and successfully captured Shouchun City.
Both Xun You and Guo Jia praised this move as a master move, let alone Cao Cao.
The absurd thing is that this matter was led by Lu Bu, which is what they find hard to believe.
But no matter how absurd it is, this is the only explanation, and Cao Cao can only accept it.
"Lu Bu doesn't have the brains, and Chen Gong and Chen Deng can't do it either."
Cao Cao fiddled with his short beard and said slowly: "It seems that Feng Xiao's guess about the battle outside Peicheng was right. Behind Lu Bu, there is really a genius of the world hidden."
After saying that, a strong anger appeared on Cao Cao's face, and he hissed: "Our army fought a bloody battle with hundreds of thousands of Huainan troops in Ku County. We lost troops, generals, food and money, but we are making wedding clothes for Lu Bu!"
He was breathing heavily, and the blush on his face spread to his neck, and he said in a low voice like a roaring tiger: "After taking care of Zhang Xun, we must also take care of Lu Bu in Huainan. Otherwise, given time, he will replace Yuan Shu and become my leader." A serious problem in my heart!"
this...
Everyone looked at each other in shock.
Cheng Yu spoke up and persuaded: "Lü Bu was ordered to assist in the battle and had merit in defeating Yuan Shu. If Sikong takes action now..."
"According to the information from the scouts, Yuan Shu fled to Anfeng in a hurry. He probably didn't prepare anything."
Before Cheng Yu could finish his words, Guo Jia interrupted directly. He knew that Cao Cao knew better than to disturb Lu Bu at this juncture. He said those words obviously to ask them to come up with a decent idea, "In other words, the jade seal is probably still there." In Shouchun City, Sikong could use this as an excuse, saying that Lu Bu had a disobedient heart, and after finishing dealing with Zhang Xun, he surrounded Jiujiang!"
The corner of Cao Cao's mouth raised slightly, and he finally showed a relaxed smile, "Immediately send your horses to Dongjun, and order Xiahou Dun to lead an army of 30,000 people to march to Shouchun!"
The frontline army had been fighting Zhang Xun for so long and was at the end of its strength. Even if it was a big victory, it still needed rest and recuperation.
Before the messenger could shout "here" to receive the order, a sergeant ran in and bowed, "Sikong, there is a group of cavalry outside the stronghold claiming to be Lu Bu's envoy and they have a gift for Sikong."
Lu Bu's envoy?
Cao Cao frowned, thought for a moment and then waved, "Bring him in."
Not long after, an armored captain entered the account with a brocade box in his hand. After performing the worship ceremony, he said loudly: "Reporting to Sikong, Marquis Wen was ordered by the court to quell the rebellion. After Xia Shouchun, he found this imperial seal. Because Marquis Wen The Huainan rebels who are still in the counties of Jiujiang are not allowed to go north in person. I have a special order to return the jade seal to the general!
Marquis Wen also asked the last general to pass the message, and now the notices have been posted in all counties of Jiujiang and Xuzhou. Everyone in the world knows the good news of the return of the jade seal to the court, and they will all praise Sikong Zhuliang for his contribution to protecting the country. "
The words of this cavalry captain made the entire military tent audibly quiet.
Cao Cao stayed on the spot, expressionless, but his heart was filled with turmoil, and his body was even trembling with excitement.
Captain Lu Buqi's words seemed to him a provocation, a show off, and a show of force.
He closed his eyes and tried hard to calm down the murderous impulse in his heart.
I don't know how long it took, but he finally laughed, but the anger in his voice filled the entire military tent.
He stepped forward to take the jade seal and put it on the table. He turned his back to Captain Qi and said with great disdain: "Send word back that Lu Bu played a good game of chess. Tell him that someone will play with him again soon." , I hope he won’t let me down by then.”
"Follow Lord Sikong's order." After saying that, the Cavalry Captain turned and left.
The Chinese military tent once again fell into a deathly silence, and everyone had mixed feelings in their hearts.
Even the genius Guo Jia and the mastermind Xun You couldn't help but admire secretly.
It's amazing. Ever since Yuan Shu started to build momentum and proclaimed himself emperor, this person has been planning the overall situation for Lu Bu.
First, Lu Su was used to introduce Shouchun, then he used the power of heaven to suppress it, and finally he did not forget to block our butcher knife.
This person's scheming, strategy, and city government are truly unparalleled in the world.
While Yuan Shu was building momentum, they were also planning how to deal with the upcoming situation of becoming emperor. They had many methods, but no one could do it so well.
Lu Bu, who had few soldiers and few generals, turned out to be the biggest beneficiary of the entire incident of proclaiming emperor in his plan.
People's hearts are in the game, and we are all pawns...
This is the first time that the free and easy Guo Jia has someone he admires in his heart.
It's a pity that such a person is on the opposite side. Sikong is right, sooner or later he will have to play against him.
Thinking of this, Guo Jia felt a little more hopeful.
But seeing that Cao Cao had not said a word, Guo Jia put away his inner longing and said:
"Sikong, we must not attack Lu Bu again now. After Yuan Shu's defeat and escape, the Huainan Army has nothing to worry about. Our army should counterattack in an all-out manner, and then quickly recover Geyang, Anfeng, Nanyang and other counties to prevent Lu Bu from further expanding his territory.
After the matter is settled and the army has rested, they will then attack Xuzhou. Xuzhou is the foundation of Lu Bu, and if it is lost, it will lead to death. "
Cao Cao also understood this.
After all, Yuan Shu has been operating in Huainan for many years, and Lu Bu has just held it in his hands. It will take time for him to master it.
He was just angry that after fighting for so long and paying so much these days, in the end he was reduced to a pawn on someone else's chessboard.
For Cao Cao, this incident itself was more humiliating than losing a Shouchun city.
"Although Lu Bu is hateful, the tricks behind him are really impressive. This man is so talented that I wish I could own him!"
Cao Cao couldn't understand why this man of great talent came to assist Lu Bu? Am I not better than Lu Bu?
The more he thought about it, the more uncomfortable he became, and he said helplessly: "You guys should think about how to play chess with him later."
(It will be updated during the day after tomorrow. One post will be posted now and one will be posted at noon tomorrow. After that, updates will be concentrated at noon)
