Xuchang, Guo Mansion.
Guo Jia was lying on the couch, his face turned pale and he was unconscious.
In fact, he had already passed out before arriving in Xuchang and entering Yingchuan territory. A carriage was sent from Yingyin day and night to bring him back.
In the battle of Anfeng, Cao's army was defeated. During the flight, even the strong and elite soldiers vomited blood, not to mention Guo Fengxiao, who had been drunk and indulgent all year round.
The medical officer in the palace checked his pulse and looked solemn.
Cao Cao behind him had his hands behind his back and his eyes were like a falcon.
After a long time, the medical officer withdrew his hand, made a gesture of invitation, and said softly: "Sikong, please speak outside the room."
After Cao Cao followed him out, the medical officer said in a serious tone: "Sikong, Guo Jijiu is already weak. He has been running wildly for days and suffered from the cold. Now his breath is like a gossamer, his pulse is weak, and his life is hanging by a thread."
Hearing this, Cao Cao's face turned livid, but the hands behind his back were clenched and turned white, and his nails almost dug into his flesh.
Who is Guo Jia? He is his think tank, his support in defeating the enemy, his confidence in dealing with Lu Bu and even Yuan Shao, and even his future assistant when Cao Ang comes to power.
Anyone can die, but not him!
Cao Cao squeezed out four words through his teeth, "Save Fengxiao."
"I will do my best." Although Cao Cao's voice was very soft, the evil spirit emanating from his body still made the medical officer with white hair and beard tremble.
"It's not about doing everything we can, it's about saving Feng Xiao."
Cao Cao suddenly looked at the medical officer and said word by word: "If he can't survive, you will be buried with him. Do you understand?"
The medical officer knelt down with a plop, "I will definitely save Guo Jijiu!"
Turning around and taking a look at Guo Jia lying on the couch, Cao Cao felt heartbroken and finally waved his sleeves and left.
When he returned to Sikong Mansion, he immediately sent someone to tell Xun Yu to come see him.
"Sikong." Not long after, Xun Yu came over. His short hair was stuck to his forehead. He was obviously sweating from running all the way.
"I want to attack Xuzhou, not later, not next year, but now, immediately, right away." Cao Cao was sitting on the stone steps at the door of the council hall, holding his knees with his hands, and said the harshest words in the gentlest tone.
Xun Yu's identity in Cao Cao's camp was the logistics manager. If Cao Cao wanted to launch a war, he could do without generals and counselors, but he could not do without Xun Yu.
Many times, when there was a shortage of soldiers, food, or weapons, he relied on him to mediate among aristocratic families, and relied on Xun's appeal to solve these problems for Cao Cao.
Xun Yu raised his eyes and glanced at Cao Cao. The determination on his face told him that there was no need to say words of persuasion. What he wanted was an answer, and it was a affirmative and supportive answer.
But ah.
He is Xun Yu, Xun Yu who cares about the overall situation and plans Xun Yu.
Regardless of whether Cao Cao is willing to listen or not, he has to express some words. This is his attitude.
"Sikong, in the battle of Anfeng, our army was severely defeated and our elite troops were wiped out. In addition, Cao Chun and Li Tong were beheaded, and Yu Jin was captured. The three armies were shaken. There is no opportunity to use troops at this time."
"How many war horses can be purchased from Guanzhong with the money in the treasury?" Cao Cao did not accept Xun Yu's words at all. Instead, he wanted to further sublimate the topic. He no longer asked whether you would fight, but how to prepare.
Xun Yu sighed and explained: "On the eve of the Battle of Wancheng, the construction of Quyuan plow and keel waterwheel had already consumed 70% of the treasury. This Anfeng battle was so hasty that the rest were used. Today's The treasury is just an empty shell.”
"I need war horses." Cao Cao looked at Xun Yu resolutely, and he did not want to listen to bitter talk.
Xun Yu twisted his short beard with a melancholy expression, and finally relaxed, "I will go back to Yingyin next time and let Zhong Yao, Du Xi, and Chen Qun go back to mobilize their family's strength.
However, I estimate that with the combined efforts of everyone, they can only purchase 1,500 war horses at most.
In the battle of Anfeng, the tiger and leopard cavalry were destroyed."
"One thousand and fifty is enough!"
Cao Cao waved his hand and said in a low voice: "The losses in the Anfeng battle were indeed serious, but there are still 800 Leopard Cavalry, and the Tiger Cavalry has not moved at all, so why worry about it!"
The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry are not one troop, but actually two.
It is as fast as the wind and as fast as lightning.
The tiger rides as fast as a mountain and as strong as a broken bamboo.
It's just that the main purpose of going south to Anfeng this time is to be fast, so the Tiger Cavalry was not transferred to the front line.
This was also an important reason why Cao Cao dared to launch the Xuzhou War.
"How about food, grass, ordnance?" After finishing the question of war horses, Cao Cao turned to ask about resources.
"Because of the curved shaft plow and keel waterwheel, Xia Zhong's harvest is estimated to be at least 800,000 dan. After excluding the 300,000 dan of grain and grass promised to be returned, there are still 500,000 dan left."
Obviously, food and grass were no longer a problem. Xun Yu frowned and continued: "But the ordnance cannot keep up. There are 30,000 troops who need to replace their armor, swords and guns, and there is also a serious shortage of arrows. If Sikong wants all three armies to launch an attack, at least We are still short of 50,000 arrows.”
The perseverance on Cao Cao's face finally ran out of energy.
This is such a headache.
Such a huge gap cannot be overcome by borrowing money from aristocratic families.
Besides, you have to pay back the loan.
For example, Xia Zhong has indeed increased his output with the Quyu Plow, reaching an astonishing figure of 800,000 dan, but to return the investment to help the family make the Quyu Plow, he has to cut off 300,000 dan.
Cao Cao rubbed his temples and felt Xun Yu's difficulty.
"Wen Ruo, think of a way for me."
Obviously, this was a bit overwhelming, so much so that Xun Yu couldn't make up his mind for a while.
The gap in ordnance is too big, and these equipment all require iron, which is very difficult to purchase. The exaggeration of money consumption is beyond imagination.
Cao Cao stood up with support on the stone steps, walked to Xun Yu, and said with a sincere attitude:
"Wen Ruo, do you know that Gongsun Zan can't hold on much longer. The scouts came to report that Yuan Shao gathered an army of 200,000 to surround Yi Jing. They dug trenches and built high walls. I estimate that in another year at most, the Northern Kingdom will be destroyed. All four states will fall into Yuan Shao's hands, and he and I will have an unprecedented battle."
Cao Cao exhaled a breath, twirled his fingers, and said bitterly: "In other words, I only have one year. If I can't eradicate Lu Bu and annex Xu and Yang, I will definitely be swallowed up by the Northern Army."
In fact, how could Xun Yu not know about such a trend.
It's just that Cao Cao's attitude made him feel that at this moment, he was blinded by hatred, and he was afraid that he was not rational enough and would easily suffer big losses on the battlefield.
Seeing that he could still see the situation calmly, Xun Yu seemed to have a little more confidence, nodded and said firmly: "Don't worry Sikong, I will do my best to facilitate this matter.
This Eastern Expedition cannot be fought for a long time. In this case, the food and grass cannot consume more than 500,000 yuan. By replacing part of it and transferring part of half a year's monthly salary, we can barely solve the urgent need of ordnance.
There are fewer arrows, so try to add 30,000 more. "
Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief and patted his arm, "I have worked hard to support Wen Ruo. Without your help, I am afraid it would be difficult to achieve today's success."
"Sikong Yan is too serious."
Seeing that Cao Cao was in a much better mood, Xun Yu changed the subject and said, "There is a grand event in Pengcheng recently. I wonder if Sikong has heard about it."
"What's the matter?" Cao Cao shouted and walked towards the council hall.
The servant inside had already prepared tea. After pouring it for the two of them, they quickly left.
Cao Cao sat on the handsome chair, made a gesture of invitation, and continued: "I have been worried about Filial Piety these days, and I haven't been around the houses much. I don't know what happened."
Xun Yu also sat down, holding the teacup in one hand, and said with a smile: "Lin Mo set up Ziyang Academy in Pengcheng, and used it as a place to summon scholars from all over the world to the poetry meeting. There were also two Qiao from Lujiang playing. The winner can be Obtain a pair of glazed treasures that Zuo Rong obtained when he went to sea to visit immortals, which can prolong life."
Cao Cao sneered at first and couldn't help but sigh in his heart. He was smart. He knew how to use the good name of Lujiang Erqiao to attract people, as well as the glazed treasures. This move would probably attract enough people.
It's a pity that I am too impatient. It is not so easy to balance the scholars of Xu and Yang states by relying on such means.
When it comes to scheming, Cao Cao is also an old fox. He can see the purpose of Lin Mo's gameplay at a glance.
However, he still appreciates this move. As a hero who can issue orders to seek talents, in fact, he has always hoped to get rid of the shackles of the aristocratic family.
However, the rise of one of the princes has long formed a symbiotic relationship with the family, which cannot be eliminated by getting rid of it.
However, Lin Mo's behavior made him feel more and more that he should be with him, so why should he go with Lu Bu.
Is his daughter that beautiful?
"What do you think about this?" Cao Cao asked, leaning on his handsome chair with his right hand on his chin.
"This move is actually to put pressure on Xu and Yang's scholars, but it is also a way to win over people's hearts. I think we can't let him go too smoothly."
Xun Yu took a sip of tea, and Cao Cao laughed, "When it comes to poetry and poetry, Yingchuan and Jingxiang are the places where all the heroes in the world gather. I think you will also send people to participate."
Of course Cao Cao knew that the purpose of their going was not just to disturb Lin Mo's good deeds.
He has made the scale so large that he cannot let all the benefits be taken away.
The major aristocratic families will definitely send people to swarm here to show off their heritage, and it is very likely that there will be a situation where Lin Mo takes the stage and others sing the show.
Of course, the aristocratic families are very selfish, but Cao Cao is still happy to see the results if they can hit Lu Bu.
Xun Yu nodded, "All major families have sent young talents. I heard that even the Hongnong Yang family has sent people there. I don't know what's going on in Jingzhou yet."
"go Go"
Cao Cao stretched out, "Anyone can win the championship, just don't let Lin Mo succeed."
Cao Cao was a little confused about what Lin Mo was thinking about this matter. If you want to use this method to influence Xu and Yang scholars, the winner must be one of your own.
Lu Bu, with his muddy legs, went to compose poems. Wouldn't that be embarrassing?
Lin Mo had to accept his ingenious plan, but after knowing his details, he also knew that he was just a cheap guy.
There is no one else.
Moreover, there is a huge risk in this matter. Once Shikui is the Chen family, the Lu family, or Liu Ye's group, the barely balanced situation between the Xu and Yang scholars will be broken immediately, which is not conducive to stability.
A smart person like him shouldn't be able to see through this.
Cao Cao thought about it, and finally felt that it must be Lin Mopiao, thinking that poetry and songs could also be used for military warfare.
"I haven't been to the court for some days, but what's the big deal?" Cao Cao asked casually.
"There's nothing else, but after Sikong went on the expedition, His Majesty received a letter from Lu Bu, asking for credit for Lin Mo. He thought it was to ask for a marquis and to show off his daughter's figure." Xun Yu looked at Cao Cao from the corner of his eye, and he also I want to see his attitude.
The teacup that Cao Cao raised to his mouth stopped and then he put it down.
If Lin Mo was offered a title, he instinctively wanted to refuse.
How much suffering we suffered in the battle of Anfeng.
Even though the title of marquis was insignificant to Cao Cao himself, even if he didn't, Lu Bu would definitely let Lin Mo lead a prefect to enhance his status in the end. He was just a favor.
But Cao Cao just didn't want to give him this favor, so thanks to his gift, Cao Chun and Li Tong died, Yu Jin disappeared, and Guo Jia was dying.
"Rejected." Cao Cao's eyes were full of disgust.
"It's better to be accurate."
Xun Yu's words made Cao Cao a little surprised, "Why?"
"A gentleman can be bullied, but a villain should not be insulted. Sikong will attack Xuzhou next. If Lu Bu is defeated, he will recruit Lin Mo immediately, which will make him more confident."
thorough
Cao Cao felt that Xun Yu saw clearly.
He is just a Marquis, which is a completely empty title. If you give it, you will give it, and you can still show your own measure.
"According to you, I will grant you the land of Lanling and three thousand households." Cao Cao said casually.
The marquis system of the Han Dynasty is generally divided into three categories: king, duke, and marquis. Wang and duke are reserved for princes. When Liu Bang founded the Han Dynasty, the White Horse Alliance swore that the opposite sex could not be crowned king. Therefore, when Cao Cao was promoted to the throne, there was a lot of trouble. trouble.
The biggest difference between a marquis and a king or a duke is that the king and the duke can lead armies, appoint officials, and even have three princes and nine ministers in their own territory, which is equivalent to a country within a country, while the marquis only enjoys the food and rent in the fiefdom.
Cao Cao talked about three thousand households, not three thousand towns, which means that Lin Mo was granted the title of Marquis of Guannei instead of Lieutenant. This is also very different.
Lieutenants can be passed on to their children, but Guanneihou cannot, and they will be gone after death.
Moreover, fiefdoms also have certain requirements. Lanling is a county, under the rule of Pengcheng, it is just a small county.
Of course, in Cao Cao's view, this was already a great gift to Lin Mo.
He has shitty meritorious deeds. Except for defeating Yuan Shu, the rest of his meritorious deeds were all earned on Cao Cao.
"By the way Sikong, since we are going to fight, we have to consider morale. We need to put some thought into this matter recently."
There are many ways to improve morale, including giving money, rewards, or empathy.
Xun Yu was actually an outsider in these aspects, but after the news of Anfeng's defeat spread, the morale in the city was too low, and he had to remind Cao Cao.
"How is Dian Wei? I didn't see him coming back when I came back." Obviously, Cao Cao was preparing to win over the strong generals and walk around the military camp together, which was a form of empathy.
"It's much better. I can't wait. Before Sikong came back, I asked him to go to Dong County to patrol and replace soldiers. He should be back in the next two days."
"good."
Cao Cao nodded, "With Dian Wei here, I have nothing to worry about."
Dian Wei and Xu Chu will surely defeat Lu Bu!
In the battle of Anfeng, he also suffered the loss of Lu Bu's bravery. It's a pity that Dian Wei was not here, otherwise the situation would have been much better.
For example, on the night of the sneak attack on Dazhai, it was because Li Tong was quickly killed that the swaying military morale collapsed.
For example, in the battle at Donglinkou, Xu Chu could not hold Lu Bu alone and let him leave in a big way.
If Dian Wei was here, how could he, Lu Bu, be so crazy?
In Cao Cao's heart, Dian Wei is the most powerful general in the Cao camp, and his bravery is by no means inferior to Lu Bu.
During the battle at Xingyang, Dian Wei beat Lu Bu head-on, and he had a record to show for it. I don't think he was just stupid.
Just wait, Xuzhou.
Just wait, Lu Bu.
(In case you are unclear about the update time for subsequent reading, let me say it again. Every night in the early morning, two pages are updated at once, with more than 8,000 words and few chapters. But I have more words, which is more than three others!)
(End of chapter)
