This battle could change the general trend of the world. It took a full five days to compile the statistics of battle losses and gains, and it was not an accurate figure.
Cao Cao in the Chinese military tent held his chin and looked at the battle report that was built into a hill on the table, smiling without saying a word.
I can't finish it, I can't finish it at all.
He only knew that the Northern Army lost nearly 200,000 people in this battle, but not many people actually died on the battlefield. Except for the 20,000 dead soldiers led by Jushou, they were killed violently by being chased all the way.
A large number of casualties were concentrated at two points. The first point was the breakthrough of Dianwei. They broke through the dead soldiers and pursued them to the Yellow River ferry. Many Northern Army soldiers were frightened and fell into the Yellow River and were washed away by the water; in addition, There were interceptions and killings on the other side, and countless people fell into the water.
The second point was the trap and killing of more than 70,000 Northern Army prisoners.
In the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao reduced his army from 100,000 to only 40 to 50,000. His military strength was also in critical condition, but he could not take these prisoners for his own use. They were all from the North, and it was a huge trouble to deal with them. You can choose to trap and kill.
At first, Cao Cao thought he didn't need to kill so many people. When the captain came back to receive the reward, he was smiling from ear to ear. However, when Cao Cao saw it, he realized that it was not Yuan Shao's head at all, and the captain was immediately stabbed. out.
The most painful thing in life is this.
But of course there is more good news. In order to reduce casualties, Jushou had people throw away heavy weapons and war horses in advance to delay the attack. After these scattered things were packed up, it amounted to an astronomical sum.
Not to mention anything else, they captured more than 6,000 war horses alone. Six thousand, even when their strength was at its peak, they had never reached this level.
Coupled with the chariots, bows and arrows, armor, and the euphorbia soldiers brought by Zhang He, as well as the prestige effect of this incredible victory itself, Cao Cao can foresee that in the next one to two years, his own The strength is very likely to replace Yuan Shao.
Of course, the premise is to take advantage of this great victory and expand the territory at lightning speed, so that the huge consumption brought by the growing number of soldiers and horses can be controlled.
Therefore, in the Chinese military tent, discussions have begun on how to expand the territory. There are two voices. Before Yuan Shao can catch his breath, he immediately went north to Jizhou to eat the biggest fat in the North.
There is also a voice that is to unite with Yuan Tan to counterattack Xu and Yangzhou, because at this stage, Lu Bu is also in urgent need of rest.
To be fair, the second voice has the least support, but it suits Cao Cao the best. Lu Bu is nothing, and Lin Mo behind him is really scary.
It can be said that the war has come to this day thanks to Lin Mo. He controlled the east and west fronts at the same time to deal with the Northern Kingdom, and forced the powerful Yuan Shao into a desperate situation with his own strength. This ability must not be Not to be feared.
Unfortunately, not many people knew about this matter. Apart from himself, Cao Ang and Guo Jia knew about it.
Therefore, Guo Jia's attitude is very important at this time.
"Sikong, the centipede insect is still alive. Even with this great victory, Yuan Shao has brought back a hundred thousand remnant troops. With the addition of troops stationed in the three states of Qing, Bing, and You, Yuan Shao can still muster an army of three hundred thousand.
On the other hand, although our army won a great victory in this battle, more than half of its troops and horses were lost, barely fifty thousand. I suggest that our army in Xuchang take a short rest, and then plan to map three areas and conquer the world. "
"Three lands take the world? Which three lands?" Cao Cao frowned and listened carefully.
"One is Sili. The throat of the Three Qin Dynasty has been fought for by military strategists since ancient times. I think back then, Emperor Gaozu used Sichuan, the land of abundance, as his backup, and sent troops from Guanzhong, and then intercepted the world. Since Dong Zhuo's disaster, various ministries in Guanzhong have become numerous, and people's livelihood has declined. If If it can be restored to its original state, it will not only be able to block Liu Zhang and Ma Teng's sneak attacks from the west, but it will also be used for both offense and defense."
After Guo Jia finished speaking, everyone carefully considered the key points and nodded.
"The two are Jingzhou. Jingzhou is the heart of the world, with easy access to water and land. The land is fertile and can support 300,000 soldiers. However, Liu Biao's people who look after the family and the courtyard are unable to defend it. If they can annex Sili and Jingxiang, then Get one of the three points in the world, connect Yan and Henan, and avoid the danger of four wars."
Cao Cao, who was sitting on the handsome chair, stood up from his lazily reclining position. He couldn't help but lean forward and said in a deep voice, "Where is the third place?"
"Bingzhou! Among the northern kingdoms, Bingzhou has the weakest defense, and is blocked by the Taihang Mountains, so the Black Mountain bandits can't help. With Sili in hand, our army has the advantage of attacking and defending. From a strategic point of view, after capturing Bingzhou, we can attack the northern kingdom on two fronts. "
Guo Jia's words are not just simple strategic suggestions. It can be said that they outline a blueprint for Cao Cao's march in the next few years. This determination of the general direction is far more important than a temporary plan.
Because once the big policy is determined, everything in the future will revolve around this point.
Therefore, even if Cao Cao admired Guo Jia sincerely, he did not dare to nod easily.
"I second the motion!"
It was Xun You. While everyone was still discussing in whispers, he stood up and analyzed seriously: "Sikong, the words of filial piety are worthy of the country's scholars, and they are also the best choice for Sikong at present."
Xun You's words shocked Zhang He and Gao Lan who were present. Is this Cao Ying's counselor? With such unity, if we leave it to the Northern Kingdom, the echo they hear should be: Guo Jiazhi's words are really the opinions of ordinary people!
No wonder the mediocre master is played around by Cao Cao, this is the gap.
In terms of importance, Xun You's status in Cao Cao's mind was actually not inferior to that of Guo Jia. He immediately smiled lightly and raised his forehead, "Gongda, how can you be the best choice?"
"The military is the important matter of the country, the place of life and death, and the way of survival. It must be observed. After the battle in the north, Yuan Shao has been unable to mobilize troops for several years. The only one in the Central Plains who can compete with Sikong for supremacy is Lu Bu.
The policy of filial piety is to avoid shortcomings and cut off the path of progress.
After this battle, Lu Bu wanted to expand further in only three directions, either going north to Qingzhou, west to the Central Plains, or south to Jiangdong.
However, although the Northern Kingdom was defeated, it was still the hegemon in the world, and it could never be conquered. Sikong was in charge of the Central Plains, and if he launched a strong war, he would eventually be swallowed up by the Northern Kingdom. Lin Mo would not fail to understand this truth. Going south to Jiangdong was inevitable. It is necessary to fight by water, but Lu Bu's army is unparalleled in foot and cavalry, and is incompetent in water warfare. It is unwise to sacrifice strengths and gain weaknesses by attacking by force. "
After Xun You explained it like this, even idiots like Dian Wei and Xu Chu understood that Guo Jia's general strategy was not just a random talk, but was carefully planned.
The North Kingdom is in a miserable state now, but it is still the strongest. He just doesn't have the ability to take action for the time being, so both sides should find ways to improve their strength during the rest period in the next few years.
Cao Cao wanted to abandon the idea of taking over Xuzhou in the past, and instead plotted against Sili, Jingzhou and Bingzhou. This was less difficult and had a higher success rate. It can be said that he fully utilized his geographical advantage.
As for Lu Bu, his position is very awkward. There are only three directions for expansion, but any one of them is far more difficult than Cao Cao's expansion.
This is no longer about blocking at the tactical level, but about using force to contain it. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is the opinion of a national scholar.
Cao Cao, who fully understood the mystery, laughed loudly.
This strategy is indeed more in line with his own development, and it also avoids the possibility of an immediate head-on collision with Lin Mo.
If he could merge these three territories into one in the shortest possible time, he would no longer be afraid of Lin Mo. Multiple approaches would always make people lose sight of one.
Finally, Cao Cao looked at Guo Jia and said, "No wonder you already have an idea about Hanoi. It seems that this Yang Budie is not going to work. But the show must be done well, and Lu Bu cannot use this as an excuse to launch troops."
"Don't worry, Sikong, this section will be properly deployed."
"Okay, then I will write a letter to Lu Bu. Our alliance must not be loosened." Cao Cao smiled at the corner of his mouth, as if things were developing in a positive direction.
Yan Liang was very confused on the way from Xuchang to Xuzhou Linqu. At first, he thought that Yuan Shao spent a lot of money to redeem him from Cao Cao. But when he heard that he was Lu Bu's man, he was completely confused. Messy.
Until Yan Liang and Wen Chou met in Linqu, they immediately hugged each other and cried.
"Brother, it will be good if you come back. It will be good if you come back!"
"Why are you here, brother? Aren't you supposed to be with the master?"
Yan Liang, who was staying in the prison, didn't know that everything outside had already undergone earth-shaking changes.
When Wen Chou saw his old friend again, he felt as if he was in another world. When he originally made this request, he originally just wanted Zhao Yun to give up persuading him to surrender. God knows he really did it. For a while, he was a little at a loss, let alone how to explain it to Yan Liang.
"Marquis Wen, please allow us brothers some time!" Wen Chou in Linqu City burst into tears and thanked Lu Bu with his hands in his hands.
"It doesn't matter, I have plenty of time, but I hope General Wen is also a man of his word." Lu Bu nodded and left with Zhao Yun.
At this point, the two brothers Wen Chou and Yan Liang got together in Xuzhou. After drinking, Wen Chou explained the cause and effect clearly.
"What? Brother, my lord has treated me like a benefactor, how can I betray him? If a man dies, then he will die. What should I fear? If you want me to be an enemy of your lord, why don't you take my head off!" Yan Liang was about to throw the bowl when he heard this.
The favor that Cao Cao promised him would allow him to become a general later, but Yan Liang accepted the fact that he would only work for the Yuan family in his life, and no amount of money could change his original intention.
"Brother, don't be surprised. I had no choice at that time. You were in Xuchang Prison. My brother wanted to die with you, but I never imagined that they would actually have a way to rescue you from Cao Cao's hands. , this. Sigh."
Wen Chou himself is also a rough guy. He has always been tough with fists and mouth, but he also has a tender side when it comes to his brothers.
"Then what should we do now? If we really want to become an enemy of our lord, can my brother do anything to him?" Yan Liang felt uncomfortable, but when he thought that Wen Chou had suffered a lot for himself, he also shrank.
"No, no, no, brother, don't worry. I made it clear in this third covenant that I will never be an enemy of the lord. If I can't do it, you and I will die at the very least."
These words made Yan Liangliang's heart drop mostly, and he nodded slowly.
Then, there was a long period of silence. The two of them drank wine in silence, the joy of meeting having been replaced by the worries of the future.
After a long time, Yan Liangcai said in a deep voice: "Lü Bu saved my brother's life and took me away from Xuchang prison. Our brother owes him two lives. When the lord takes over the world, we will plead for him together. This kindness, Just give it back to him."
This is the only solution that Yan Liang can think of. Anyway, it is absolutely impossible for him to fight Yuan Shao for Lu Bu's life-saving grace.
Before Wen Chou could answer, Zhao Yun left and returned, "General, I'm afraid he won't be able to wait for that day."
"What does Zilong mean by this?" Wen Chou asked with a frown.
"I just received the battle report from the Guandu front line. Cao Cao burned Yuan Shao's grain and grass, Zhang He Gaolan surrendered to the enemy, and the Northern Kingdom's 400,000-strong army was left with less than 100,000, and they fled back to Yecheng in embarrassment."
"What?" The two stood up suddenly, staring angrily.
Yan Liang's subconscious reaction was that Zhao Yun was lying and was using this method to coax the two of them into surrendering.
But after getting along with each other for this period of time, Wen Chou understood Zhao Yun's character and was not like someone who would do such a thing. He immediately asked in a deep voice: "How is my lord?"
Zhao Yun sighed, "I heard that Yuan Benchu was exhausted mentally and physically after his defeat. He vomited blood several times and is now critically ill."
"Impossible, impossible."
Yan Liang staggered back, shook his head, and murmured: "My lord is invincible in the world, how can he be defeated by Cao Cao? It's impossible."
Zhao Yun put the bamboo slips in his hand on the table, turned around and left without saying anything more.
"Brother, let's go back to the North. The master needs us now, let's go!" Yan Liang pulled Wen Chou and was about to leave.
"Brother, it was all thanks to Marquis Wen that you and I could get together. What's more, I made my promise first. How can I not keep my word now?"
"I don't care about that! He saved my life. You can take it away anytime you want. I want to go back to the North!"
"Brother, calm down!"
Wen Chou pressed Yan Liang firmly to prevent him from moving, and said quickly: "Why are you afraid of death? For so many years, you and I have narrowly escaped death on the battlefield, but have you ever seen me afraid of death? But people can't stand without faith. Since If you promise him, you must do it, not to mention"
Yan Liang blushed and gasped, looking at Wen Chou, waiting for his next words.
"We can't do anything when we go back now. Why don't we stay here first? Think about it, we are not enemies of the lord. If Marquis Wen wants to use us, he will have to fight with Cao's army. I want to ask those two thieves face to face. , why did you betray the lord!"
Yan Liang's eyes narrowed slightly before he remembered what Zhao Yun had just said. He nodded repeatedly and gritted his teeth and said: "Yes, Zhang He Gao Lan, these two thieves, my lord treated them so kindly, but turned his back on them. I have to pick off their heads." No!"
"Don't be impulsive yet!"
Yan Liang had a bad temper and was about to go find Lu Bu. Wen Chou shook his head with tears in his eyes and said, "Brother, this is not the Northern Kingdom, and you and I are no longer the commanders of the three armies. Whether it is war or peace, we have to take action whenever we can." They have the final say.
Anyway, as long as you don't attack the lord, it will be fine. For the rest, just wait and see. "
After saying this, Yan Liang seemed to realize what their status was here, so he could only be helpless and furious, venting his anger on the table.
"Damn Cao Cao. After this battle, his strength must have greatly increased. The battle report said that Cao Cao's army captured countless war horses and baggage. I think he will replace Yuan Shao and become the most powerful prince in the Central Plains!"
Looking at the battle report in his hand, Lu Bu was furious. He had been so tired from dealing with Yuan Tan and tried his best. Half of his troops and horses were lost. He only managed to get some chariots, mount heavy crossbows first, and no horses. To catch a few horses, he actually used the word "countless" on the other end, which is disgusting.
"It's time and destiny. This situation is already good, but when it comes to replacing Yuan Shao, Cao Cao is still far away." Lin Mo smiled calmly and continued to write on a piece of silk cloth.
Cao Cao's strength made a qualitative leap in this battle. Of course Lin Mo didn't want to see it, but this is the general trend.
You can't worry that Cao Cao will ignore him. Once he is annexed by Yuan Shao, Xuzhou will be unable to compete with the Northern Army.
Now that there are still hundreds of thousands of troops in the Northern Kingdom, Cao Cao does not dare to fall out with him. This alliance needs to continue.
"I'm worried that if this continues, our army's improvement may not be able to keep up with Cao Cao's pace. When the time comes, whether Yuan Shao rises or Cao Cao launches an attack, we will be absolutely passive. We are obviously relying on you in this battle."
Before Lu Bu finished speaking the rest, Lin Mo raised the silk cloth in his hand and said with a smile, "So, now we are going to please the Northern Kingdom."
"To please the North Country?"
Lu Bu took the silk cloth and looked at it. Goosebumps all over his body, "Yunwen, you are too flattering to Yuan Tan."
"It's just a means. If there's any reason to praise it, don't praise it."
Lin Mo shrugged, "By the way, let's send the more than 10,000 Northern prisoners we have to Yuan Tan."
"Is it a free gift? You don't need any food or grass?" Lu Bu clutched his chest heartbrokenly, feeling uneasy when he thought that Cao Cao had used countless four words to capture it.
"Master Yue-Zhang, what use are a few tuns of grain and grass to us? If this letter can help us win the Northern Kingdom, will Master Yue-Zhang still feel aggrieved?"
Hiss~
Lu Bu retreated tactically, "Are you deploying to capture the Northern Kingdom? Didn't you say they still have hundreds of thousands of people?"
"Otherwise, will my advice to Cao Cao be in vain?"
Lin Mo raised his eyebrows and raised the corners of his mouth, "This game of chess has been played for a long time. It is basically progressing as expected. It is time to enter the second step."
"Take the Northern Kingdom." Lu Bu frowned and muttered, always feeling a little unreliable.
However, he had done even more unreliable things. It was just a letter plus more than 10,000 prisoners of war. Naturally, Lu Bu would not be reluctant to part with it, so he nodded and said, "Then let's see what your methods are."
Many people left messages saying that Wei Xu had faked his body. What do you think? Wei Xu and Wei Yue are two people, and their personalities are so different. Why can't they tell the difference clearly?
Also, Wei Yue is much more powerful than Wei Xu!
(End of chapter)
