The letter written by Lin Mo still taught him how to deal with Yuan Shao. How could Cao Cao, who was already suspicious, believe that his former mortal enemy was willing to help him sincerely.
What's more, as a master who never forgets the past, he clearly remembers how Liu Bei was tricked by Lin Mo in Anfeng.
Although he still couldn't see what evil intentions Lin Mo had behind doing this, he didn't dare to think that Lin Mo was a good person.
"Although our army borders Yuan Shao for thousands of miles, if he wants to defeat us as quickly as possible, he can only go to Guandu and then threaten Xuchang." Guo Jia murmured after reading the letter. Obviously, he agreed with Lin Mo's heart the opinion of.
"Is there a scam here?" Cao Cao's eyes rolled around twice, always feeling uneasy.
"Won't."
Guo Jia put the silk cloth back together and said softly: "Yuan Shaoqiang and Cao Luruo, this is the basic situation. If either of us and Lu Bu's family is defeated, the other party will not be able to escape the dilemma of losing lips and teeth. Lin Mo will not understand this truth. .
As for the purpose of this letter”
Guo Jia sneered, a little self-deprecating and a little disdainful, "He looks down on Sikong's counselors."
Cao Cao did not answer the call because he felt that Lin Mo's situation was not that small. He was probably worried that if he was defeated several times and Yuan Shao's army would collapse again, he wrote such a letter.
Frankly speaking, no one in the entire Xuchang City has mentioned the things Lin Moxin mentioned, including Guo Jia and Xun You.
"What do you think of Fengxiao?"
Guo Jia subconsciously groped around his waist, but couldn't find the wine gourd that fit him. He seemed a little disappointed, and then slowly said: "This matter seems to be of no harm to us. If he miscalculated, Quan's trip would be in vain, but If we succeed, this will probably be more effective in improving the morale of our army than Higa's ten victories and ten defeats."
Cao Cao nodded with approval, "Yes, this is considered the first battle."
Then, he hesitated again.
From my own point of view, I certainly hope that what Lin Mo said is correct, because this team has lost three consecutive games in Wancheng, Anfeng and Xiaoguan, and it really needs a victory to wash away the decline.
Especially the opponent is Yuan Shao. This northern army that intimidates the world will suffer a big loss in front of him, which will definitely make the soldiers no longer feel timid in the future.
But another problem he has to face at the same time is that if Lin Mo can even calculate this accurately, then he is a bit too evil. He is in Xuzhou, manipulating two parties to fight against Yuan Shao. This skill is a little bit weird. The world is a chessboard.
It would be nice if they were allies, but sooner or later they would belong to their opponents. Cao Cao sighed, forget it, don't think about it anymore, the enemy should still share the same hatred.
"He mentioned at the end of the letter that if the war is unfavorable, he can open the bag of tips." Guo Jia glanced at the bag of tips on the desk, his eyes intertwined with curiosity and fighting spirit. He really thought he had predicted the future.
Guo Jia is a carefree and free-spirited person who rarely insists on anything. However, Anfeng missed the Xiaoguan battle. Now the alliance would have been working together for a long time. Logically speaking, it is impossible to fight Lin Mo again, at least in the short term. impossible.
But he actually sent such a letter. Guo Jia felt that this was a slap in the face.
Cao Cao was also a little bit dumbfounded. He picked up the brocade bag and smelled it. The smell of angelica was still there, but his beloved was not there.
Did this tip become the key to turning the war around?
Cao Cao's hand twitched twice, and finally he put the kit under his coat and said with a smile, "Let's see if what this guy said is effective. What do you think about letting Xu Chu and Dian Wei ride with tigers and leopards?"
Guo Jia lowered his head and thought for a moment before nodding and saying, "As Lin Mo said, it will happen."
After getting the affirmative answer, Cao Cao was completely relieved.
This matter is embarrassing to say the least. In the past, when using troops in situations like this, one would definitely have to discuss it with a group of Xun You and Xun Yu. After all, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry is the most elite unit under his command, the ace among aces.
The problem is, this method was given by Lin Mo, and this matter cannot be spread. Otherwise, where would the great sages of the Yingchuan lineage be able to put their face?
Xuzhou, Pengcheng, a strange thing happened recently.
Within seven days, the government office received letters from the people from nine counties including Dongguan, Langya, Xiapi, Jiujiang, Lujiang, and Peicheng, all praising Lin Mo.
Chen Gong, Gao Shun and others all said this was a strange thing, and even Lu Bu lamented that this was the first time he had encountered such a thing in decades of life.
After all, starting from the later Zhou Dynasty, through the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and then to the Qin and Han Dynasties, the people had been struggling on the edge of food and clothing. Driven by various taxes and land annexation, the people and the court were often on opposite sides.
For example, the Yellow Turban Rebellion that swept through the eight states had only lasted fifteen years, and there were often refugee riots during the period. These are all bloody proofs.
Therefore, it is as strange as the sun rising in the west for the common people to send Wanmin letters to praise the important officials of the imperial court.
The reason that prompted the people to take the initiative to write tens of thousands of people's books this time was that the rice in the fields was growing well and the grains were full. It was just that the predicted harvest was 30% more than last year.
You must know that in the years when organic long-acting fertilizers are used, the harvest in the fields will definitely be worse than the previous year. This is caused by the fertility and soil quality of the land.
It was obviously wasteland that was newly reclaimed last year, but the second year's harvest was higher than the first year. This in itself is extremely surprising.
After a rough calculation, excluding various taxes, all the family's expenses this year can be properly solved, and they can even have a certain amount of food in storage. This means that they have the ability to withstand risks and will not be taken over by powerful families. The land in hand.
The people knew clearly in their hearts who gave all this. It was Lin Mo. The inorganic fertilizers he distributed made the counties so prosperous. However, he did not take any money from such a magical weapon. He was always being bullied by officials and powerful families. The oppressed people felt a little at a loss.
From the curved shaft plow, the keel waterwheel, to the free fertilizer, the people were very simple. Apart from writing a book of ten thousand people to express their gratitude to Lin Mo, they didn't know what else they could do.
"Looking at the whole world, except for you, Lin Yunwen, and except for us in Xuzhou and Jianghuai, there is no such strange news." Chen Gong looked at the Wanmin Book on his desk and marveled.
The old father-in-law picked up a few books of the people and took a look at them. There were a few crooked words on them. He knew how difficult it was to do this. In front of the people who were generally illiterate, such a book of the people was basically selected by each township. Someone who can write signs it.
Naturally, it is impossible to really have 10,000 names. Some have dozens of names, and some have only a dozen. But behind these names is the gratitude of countless people.
"They say Liu Xuande is more benevolent and righteous than my virtuous son-in-law? Look, look."
Lu Bu picked up a piece of silk cloth and waved it in front of everyone, and said with a serious face: "This is called benevolence and righteousness."
No one in the hall could tell that Lu Bu was in Versailles, but if someone said that this matter was indeed worthy of praise, naturally no one would mind saying a few good words to Lin Mo.
Moreover, this is indeed a matter of joy. The people's bumper harvest means that this year's taxes will be higher than in previous years, and the pressure on the government's money and food can be greatly alleviated.
As civil servants, they all have their own areas to govern, and as generals, they also have their own military expenses. At this time, they all made small calculations to prepare for higher expenses for next year.
If anyone is unhappy, the aristocratic families in Xu and Yang are very dissatisfied with this, because they did not receive chemical fertilizers. God knows how many serfs these people have in their homes, so it cannot be given to them for free.
Lin Mo also sold them at clearly marked prices, but of course they wouldn't take a look until the effect of the fertilizer was verified.
Now that the autumn harvest is around the corner and the results have been seen, these aristocratic families are jumping to scold their mothers.
My own harvest is not as good as that of the common people. Isn't this the most ridiculous thing in the world?
Dissatisfaction was dissatisfaction, but Lin Mo had already said hello to them before. If he didn't buy it himself, he couldn't blame others. He could only angrily order the fertilizer for next year, fearing that it would be sold out.
Looking at the books of all people piled up on the table, Lin Mo scratched his head in embarrassment. How would the people collect money next year if they do this? The fertilizer plan is a key part of strengthening the army, because this business is no longer as good as before. Not towards the aristocratic family, but towards the Thirteen States of the Han Dynasty.
At the same time, this is a mutually beneficial existence with the people, so there is no need to have any grudges. Even Lin Mo has planned how to spend the money.
It seems that I have to find a compromise. After all, I am so highly praised by the people that I can't turn around and take cruel measures.
"It seems that next year's taxes will be lowered." Jia Xu saw Lin Mo's little thoughts and said with a smile.
"This is a good idea." Lin Mo chuckled. Fertilizers will still be sold at the same price, but the tax can be reduced appropriately. This way, the money-making plan will not be delayed and the people will not be greatly affected.
Moreover, in the long run, this can even be regarded as a conspiracy. The taxes collected by the states and counties from the people are generally not far apart. Once the taxes in Xu and Yang states are reduced, it will be a big deal for the people in other states and counties. attraction.
"Okay, okay, let's put this aside for now. It's not too late to celebrate later. I have called you here today to discuss important matters."
Lu Bu clapped his hands and signaled everyone to quiet down. Then the civil and military officials returned to their respective positions, and then he said in a deep voice: "The autumn harvest is coming, which also means that the war with the Northern Kingdom is not far away. Gongtai, please tell us everything about the situation."
"Here."
After Chen Gong clasped his fists and bowed, he stood up, turned around and looked at Wen Wu and said loudly: "It is reported that Yuan Shao has sent an additional 150,000 troops to Qingzhou. Adding to the original 50,000 troops Yuan Tan has in hand, the number of soldiers and horses we are facing this time , no less than two hundred thousand people.
Although nearly 10,000 people were lost in the battle of Xiaoguan, we have recruited 15,000 strong men in Pengcheng and Xiapi over the past six months. The total number of troops from all parties is around 80,000, but this includes Xiaoguan and Peicheng. , Lujiang, and Guangling garrisons.
Now that they have joined forces with Cao Cao, the garrisons in Xiaoguan and Peicheng can be mobilized, but the people in Lujiang and Guangling cannot move, and they must guard against Sun Ce's sneak attack.
Therefore, the final number of troops we devoted to the war with the Northern Kingdom was 65,000. "
This time, it could be considered a life-and-death battle, so Lu Bu called everyone over.
Among them were Cheng Lian and Cao Xing who were stationed in Peicheng, Wei Xu and Hou Cheng in Jiujiang, Song Xian in Lujiang, Zhang Liao and Lu Su in Guangling, Chen Deng and Liu Ye in Anfeng, plus those who finally recovered in Pengcheng. Wei Yue, all the team members are here.
Sixty-five thousand versus two hundred thousand. Logically speaking, this huge disparity would cause a lot of turmoil. Lu Bu was even prepared to appease and thought of words to boost morale.
but
He seems to be overthinking.
"Marquis Wen, I have been ordered to garrison Peicheng in the past. Now that the crisis in the west has been resolved, no matter what, I must be the vanguard!"
"There are still junior generals. Instead of asking for a vanguard, a deputy general is enough!" Cheng Lian and Cao Xing spoke one after another.
In the previous battles of Shouchun, Lujiang, Guangling and even Anfeng and Xiaoguan, they had no chance to participate in so many battles. They finally caught the opportunity and immediately took the lead.
"Cheng Lian, let me do it. I've been lying here for more than half a year. If I don't move my body, I'm afraid I'll forget how to fight." Facing Cheng Lian, Wei Yue had no worries at all.
When they followed Lu Bu in Jizhou and defeated Zhang Yan's tens of thousands of Black Mountain bandits with dozens of horses, Cheng Lian and Wei Yue killed the enemy back to back. Their relationship was so deep that it was difficult for ordinary people to do so.
Then, Wei Xu, Song Xian, and Hou Cheng also asked for a fight.
Lu Bu was a little confused. Good fellow, haven't you heard clearly the disparity in strength between the enemy and ours?
"Marquis Wen, with my wise nephew here, brothers all know that military merit is easy to obtain." Zhang Liao, standing at the head of the generals, said with a smile.
He didn't ask for a fight, and he knew there was no need for it. Even if he asked, Lu Bu would not agree. After all, Guangling was not a place where ordinary people could sit.
Everyone laughed when they heard this, without any sense of nervousness on the eve of a life-and-death battle.
In the few battles he had experienced, it seemed that Lin Mo had never lost a fight. In addition, the generals in front of him were full of fighting spirit, which made Lu Bu feel a little bit carried away. He tilted his head and looked at Lin Mo, taking on the posture of an elder. Said: "Yunwen has some methods, but he is still a little immature and needs to be tempered."
This kind of atmosphere made Lin Mo feel very uncomfortable. However, there were only 8,000 cavalrymen in the 200,000-strong Northern Army. The soldiers were well-equipped, and life and death could become a reality in just an instant. If we deal with it with this mentality, I'm just afraid that the arrogant soldiers will be defeated.
This army has been so successful in the past two years. It has been so successful that they have forgotten that it is easy to die on the battlefield. It has been so successful that they have forgotten the embarrassment of escaping from Guanzhong to Xuzhou a few years ago.
But when I think about it carefully, I feel that I can't blame them entirely. Starting from Yuan Shu, to Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Ce, they all won big victories and draws, and even later Zhang Liao's 800 against 30,000.
Starting from Lu Bu, the whole camp became arrogant and lazy.
In fact, not only Lin Mo, but also Jia Xu, Chen Gong, and Lu Su all had this worry, but they all chose not to speak in a tacit agreement. At this time, who else but Lin Mo could listen to what they said.
(End of chapter)
