Yuan Tan is dead and Yuan Shang is in his hands. This is of course the best result that Lin Mo has finally achieved after planning for more than half a year.
However, there is still a long way to go before we can truly control the North Country.
It can even be said that this is just the first step.
Not to mention the distance, it is not easy to gather these hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses. After all, most of them are Yuan Tan's people. It is difficult to completely unite the morale of the army with just one Yuan Shang.
Fortunately, there are three great counselors here. They work together and cooperate with Yuan Shang. Even if there is a small-scale mutiny, it will not be too chaotic.
Therefore, the first thing is to appease Yuan Shang and let him understand that being a puppet can actually be very comfortable.
General Lin Mo held it in front of him and behind him, giving him whatever he asked for, and giving him whatever he wanted, which gave Yuan Shang enough face.
Of course, you also have to make your own demands. For example, after you have rested, we will go to the Chinese army stronghold and say in front of everyone, Uncle Lu, you can’t leave. The North Kingdom needs you, and I, Yuan Shang, need you, so you can stay. Come down and help me stabilize the situation.
This is only in line with etiquette.
As for Zhao Rui's troops, they always have to face it. Sometimes some people die in order to keep more people alive.
Yuan Shang is just timid, but he is not stupid. Of course he understands the situation he is in now and can only accept the mercy of fate helplessly.
In the final analysis, life is the most important thing.
"Master, why should we be so servile to him? He is just a lost dog." Xu Sheng couldn't stand it anymore and felt that Lin Mo's attitude was too low.
"You don't understand this. Without him, we really can't stand in this northern country." Lin Mo smiled helplessly.
Lu Bu established a foothold in Xuzhou, and the Chen family and the Lu family made great contributions; Liu Ye was the first to take over the three counties of Huainan without causing chaos.
But once these people leave their own territory, they are no different from the Yuan family. It can be said that in the entire Thirteen States of the Han Dynasty, as long as you are the Yuan family, you have the ability to stabilize the situation.
This is not just because of the fourth and third sons of the Yuan family. If it were another person, the person standing here today is not Yuan Shang, but Yang Xiu, or rather it is not the Yuan family but the Yang family who also has the heritage of the fifth and third sons. Such a thing cannot be done.
Because in addition to the Fourth Generation and the Three Dukes, the Yuan family also had another identity, the head of the world's noble clan. This identity was not given by the court, but was earned by the Yuan family themselves.
There are two most typical cases. First, the calamity of party imprisonment brought humiliation to the world's scholars and countless victims. The lifting of party imprisonment cannot be said to be a feat of the Yuan family, but it is undeniable that they played the most important role in this. If you put a lot of effort into this matter, you will naturally win the hearts of scholars all over the world.
The second is the matter of supporting the young emperor to ascend the throne. Yuan Wei promoted it as the head of the civil servants in the world. In terms of reputation, scholars all over the world have reached a consensus. The Yuan family is the representative of etiquette, law and justice.
It is precisely because of this background that Yuan Shao can call the shots in the Northern Kingdom. Even if the following aristocratic families have conflicts due to interests, he can play a good role in buffering and resolving them.
Cao Cao in history, if it were not for the support of Yuan Shao, he would not even be able to gain a foothold in the Central Plains.
In fact, after the struggle for hegemony among the heroes came, the Central Plains area was the sphere of influence of the Yuan family, except for the princes in a corner of the country. Many wars were started because of the Yuan family.
For example, the North-South Alliance formed when the two Yuans were fighting for the world were the Cao Cao and Liu Biao groups headed by Yuan Shao, and the Gongsun Zan and Tao Qian groups headed by Yuan Shu.
Even the once bravest Jiangdong Tiger could only take orders from Yuan Shu.
This is the true strength of the Yuan family.
Nowadays, the influence of the Yuan family has naturally declined compared to when it was at its peak. But just like Liu Xie, with the name of the Emperor of Han on his head, he can still call on the world.
This is also the reason why Lin Mo tried so hard to kidnap one of the Yuan brothers. It can be said that without the Yuan brothers, even if he takes the North Kingdom, he will not be able to secure this country at all.
The current Yuan Shang is as important to Lin Mo as Liu Xie is to Cao Cao.
Xu Sheng was confused when he heard this, and just giggled, "Young Master is wise, Young Master is wise."
Lin Mo didn't intend to let him, a warrior, understand this level of politics. He just hoped that he could understand the importance of Yuan Shang from his heart.
Now, it's time to prepare to go to Dazhai to pacify Yuan Tan's men. If Yuan Shang suddenly appears, it is estimated that both sides will take action directly. Therefore, someone with weight is needed to take the lead.
Of course this person is Guo Tu.
He still has a certain say in Yuan Tan's army. Let him convey the news of Yuan Tan's death first so that Zhao Rui and the others can be mentally prepared.
Lin Mo discussed the details and precautions with Guo Tu in the military tent, including how many people were loyal to Yuan Tan and how to get the Xin brothers to also contribute.
Guo Tu enjoyed this process very much, because he could clearly feel his importance and was willing to facilitate this matter for Lu Bu and Lin Mo.
At this point, the three of them have no place to place their bets except Lu Bu. Lin Mo believes that they will help wholeheartedly.
But there was one person who was not happy, Xu You and Xu Ziyuan.
He didn't understand why Lin Mo turned a blind eye to him when he was clearly the number one hero in this matter. Instead, he entrusted an important task to a flattering person. He immediately said in an unhappy voice: "If it weren't for me, Xu Ziyuan, you guys would have Can you break the Xiajin situation?"
Lin Mo looked at Xu You in shock, do you know that in history, you lost your head because of this sentence?
In fact, even Xu Sheng next to him was already looking at him angrily and wanted to have a fit.
However, the overall situation was undecided at the moment, and it was the time to hire people. Of course, Lin Mo didn't want to be acquainted with him. He wanted to comfort him, but one person quit. He stood up and looked at Xu You with disdain and said coldly. :
"You, Xu You, are just an ordinary man. Xia Jin's success is entirely due to the Hou Ye Qilin's skills and amazing tricks. What do you want to do?
If you are so capable, how could Yuan Shao be defeated in Guandu? It's because the Marquis doesn't care about you that he has a lot of people, but with me here, you can't be presumptuous! "
This is Guo Tu, he is bossy and domineering.
If the person standing here today was Xu Shu, Jia Xu, Chen Gong, or even Chen Denglu Su, he would think about how to speak.
But it's you Xu You. Guo Tu is very familiar with dealing with this group of people.
"You" Xu You was a little dumbfounded.
When facing Shen Pei, Tian Feng, and even Ju Shou, Xu You could deal with them eloquently, but facing Guo Tu, he was a little overwhelmed.
Because the other party is not arguing with you based on the logic of a matter, he is pointing fingers at you based on his own opinions, which is simply unreasonable.
"I will certainly remember Sir's great contribution, but the current situation is unstable, so let's get down to business first." Lin Mo waved his hand, his face unhappy, but his heart was pleased, Guo Tu can be of great use.
Xu You seemed to have some natural fear of Guo Tu, so he did not continue to pester him and watched him and Lin Mo walk out of the Chinese army's tent.
"Master Hou, Xu You is arrogant and arrogant, that's why Yuan Shao abandoned him like a pair of worn-out shoes during his lifetime. Master Hou needs to relax and not argue with him."
Guo Tu is very smart. He is testing Lin Mo's attitude towards Xu You, so as to determine the extent of his attacks in the future.
After all, they had entangled relationships in the past, and it was impossible for them to stick together like the Xin brothers.
Lin Mo just nodded and said nothing.
Guo Tu continued: "There is another person. I feel that if he is alive, he may affect the Marquis's plan."
"Matching?" Lin Mo stopped.
"When I was in Dazhai just now, I saw him being held in a tent by a sergeant. If Marquis Wen supports Yuan Shang, then he should be released. But this man is extremely loyal to Yuan Shang. If he lives, he will definitely try to rescue him. "Guo Tu has been around for so long because of three things: lack of loyalty, betrayal of his brothers, and his sharp tongue.
Having just joined Lu Bu's command, of course he had to sell off a few more of his former brothers.
"Thanks to you for reminding me about this, I almost forgot about him, but I'm afraid it's hard to do it now."
Lin Mo rubbed his chin with a look of embarrassment on his face. It is probably unrealistic for a person who can shout that my Lord is in the north and don't let me die facing the south to surrender him to him.
The problem is that if you want to hold Yuan Shang hostage, you should not kill Shen Pei. This is the same as Cao Cao holding Liu Xie hostage. He knew Dong Cheng and his gang had evil intentions but couldn't do anything.
"Oh, I almost forgot. The judge is so courageous. He would rather die than be a prisoner, so he hanged himself in the camp. What do you think, Lord Marquis?" Guo Tu asked with a smile.
"Hanged himself?"
Lin Mo had a look of regret on his face, "Alas, the judge was a great hero from the North, but he ended up in a miserable way. It's a pity, it's a pity."
"Master Hou, there is no need to be sad. The judge has a spirit in heaven, and he will also lament that in the next life, he must remember to serve the master in order to have a good death." After a few words of comfort, Guo Tu mounted a fast horse and led a team of guards. He galloped towards the direction of the Chinese army's stronghold.
After a night of fierce fighting, Lu Bu's casualties were not light. More than 3,300 people were killed, 1,800 were seriously injured, and 2,600 were slightly injured. The casualties were almost half.
However, Lu Bu was not too surprised by this. After all, the opponent was prepared to fight, and the group of sergeants he brought, except for the Bingzhou Wolf Cavalry, were really weak in combat effectiveness.
After he had arranged all the wounded and the sergeants had packed up, they were ready to set off for the ferry. After all, Zhao Rui was impatient to wait.
Then Guo Tu arrived.
If he hadn't seen him carrying Yuan Tan's body back, Zhao Rui would never have believed it. Yuan Shang was clearly defeated, how could he kill Yuan Tan?
After some analysis by Guo Tu, it turned out that Yuan Shang was too cunning. He deliberately attracted the young master to Yunluo Valley. His purpose was to capture the thief first and capture the king first. He succeeded. Our young master is dead. He said with tears. My nose was dripping with snot.
"Young Master has treated me with great kindness and righteousness. Today I will risk my life to avenge Young Master!" Zhao Rui's eyes were scarlet and he raised his gun and yelled angrily.
"Revenge! Revenge! Revenge!" As Zhao Rui yelled, hundreds of people were shouting at first, but slowly evolved into thousands, thousands, and finally everyone in the entire military camp was shouting. Revenge for Yuan Tan.
Of course Lu Bu understood that this was not because Yuan Tan's cohesion was strong enough to make the entire army work for him, but because after his death, Zhao Rui became the leader of this team.
Although he is just a martial artist, and although he will definitely not be able to lead this team in the future, everyone has a herd mentality. If the person in front shouts and the person behind does not shout, it will seem unsocial.
If not, someone might have his head removed and be accused of being a treason.
However, Lu Bu could also roughly judge that among the more than 20,000 people, there were at least a thousand people who were truly loyal to Yuan Tan, which was already pretty good.
"Brothers, follow me and fight towards Yunluo Valley!"
"kill!"
Just when he was about to take action, Guo Tu hurriedly stopped in front of Zhao Rui, "General, there is no need to travel far. When I returned, I saw Yuan Shang leading his troops. I thought he would arrive in a short time. General, you can wait and work to defeat the enemy." !”
When Zhao Rui heard this, he instinctively wanted to send someone back to the camp to move troops, but then he thought that it might not be useful for others to go. What if Yuan Shang arrived if he left, he gave up the idea after much thought.
He has more than 20,000 people on hand, and Han Ju brought more than 10,000 people. Together, they are 35,000. Even if 5,000 people are taken out to guard the prisoners, it is enough to eat Yuan Shang!
As for Lu Bu, Zhao Rui glanced at him and said nothing. Of course, he understood that Lu Bu could not avenge Yuan Tan and lead his own people to fight, but he would not help Yuan Shang. After all, there was such a quarrel between the two sides last night. Dead enemies.
Don't expect him to help, just don't interfere in the end.
Zhao Rui quickly summoned the military lords, Sima and captains from the camp to assign combat tasks.
Yuan Shang came here, most likely to take the opportunity to persuade him to surrender. Zhao Rui planned to wait for his men to arrive and take action. He would never give him a chance to persuade him to surrender and shake the morale of the army.
Therefore, he wanted to pull all 30,000 people outside the military camp.
What made him a little confused was that Lu Bu was also mobilizing the more than 10,000 men on hand to prepare to leave the military stronghold, and they were standing on the flanks, looking like they were preparing to be part of the masses.
"Does Marquis Wen want to help Yuan Shang?" Zhao Ruice immediately stepped forward and asked.
"General, don't worry. I have a deep friendship with my nephew Xiansi. How can I bear to kill his people while his body is still cold?"
I stayed here just because I didn't want Yuan Shang to misunderstand, and to express my position that we would not help each other. "Lu Bu's explanation was reasonable. Zhao Rui didn't ask any more questions. He still believed Lu Bu.
As the team filed out, Guo Tu also led his guards towards the prisoner camp.
The so-called prisoner camp is actually just driving the captured sergeants to a corner and blocking them with fences. That's it.
But even for prisoners, there is a strict hierarchical system. There are a bunch of ordinary sergeants, and there are special detention places for military lords, Sima, captains and even generals.
The authority to supervise the army, such as Shen Pei, is equivalent to that of a general. Naturally, he is detained in an exclusive single-person camp.
Fortunately, the guards were all Yuan Tanjun's own people, and no one stopped Guo Tu.
The moment he saw Guo Tu, Shen Pei, who was wearing a Confucian robe, disheveled hair, and with blood stains on his face, spat, "Thief, I was thinking about the overall situation in Yecheng and spared your life, which led to today's tragedy. I wish I could cut you into pieces with a thousand knives!"
Shen Pei really regretted not attacking Guo Tu at that time. If this guy hadn't gone to Yuan Tan and announced that he and Pang Ji had tampered with Yuan Shao's last words, Yuan Tan wouldn't have been able to fight at all.
Shen Pei has always been worried about this matter.
"It is said that a person's words are good even when he is about to die. Tell me about you, why are you still talking nonsense?"
Guo Tu turned his profile to the judge, sneered coldly, and issued a winner's declaration: "It doesn't matter, I just want you to say a few last words after getting to know each other."
(End of chapter)
