The weather in Anfeng has been very dull and hot recently. If the patrolling sentries walked a little slower, they would be covered in sweat due to the stuffy air. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell at a glance that it was going to rain heavily.
The rainy season in Huainan is concentrated in June and July. This year it has already arrived in July, but there has been no rain. It seems that this year's rain must have come quickly because it came late.
Xiahou Dun in Cao Ying's stronghold outside Anfeng City looked very anxious. He was pacing back and forth in the Chinese military tent. It was not clear whether it was because the weather was too hot or because he was too impatient. He was sweating profusely even though he was wearing armor and helmet.
"What should we do? Lin Mo moved too fast and even entered Yecheng. Moreover, the northern aristocratic families also chose to acquiesce. There are still 50,000 northern troops in Liyang City. Once he goes crazy, he will approach Xuchang , then even if we want to withdraw, Zhang Liao will definitely chase us all the way, this will be troublesome, it will be troublesome."
Cao Cao captured Bingzhou, seized hundreds of thousands of grain and grass, thousands of horses, captured more than 20,000 Northern troops, and opened up channels for purchasing horses in the future. This is great news.
But the bad news was that Lu Bu had taken control of Jizhou without causing too much trouble. This made Xiahou Dun feel on pins and needles.
They even thought of retreating because of this.
Guo Jia, who was standing aside, seemed much calmer. He was probably calm and relaxed. He smiled and said: "General, there is no need to be so restless. I have already said that, now we are just competing with him to see who is faster." "
Xiahou Dun knew that the 'him' Guo Jia was talking about was the so-called expert hiding behind Zhang Liao, but he still didn't understand how fast he was. It sounded like Guo Jia had known for a long time that things would develop to this point, so He stood still and asked patiently:
"At first I thought you were going to take action when they moved to Yanhuiling to see who could react faster. But now it seems that sir has other intentions, please let me know."
"General, when the heavy rain comes, they will inevitably move to Yanhui Ridge. After the heavy rain passes and the water force of the flood weakens to the point where it cannot be diverted to Anfeng, they will take it back to the city. This is what we have to fight against. Take the time."
Xiahou Dun's face showed the original expression, "Let me just say, it's raining heavily, and the soldiers will be stuck in the mud. How can we start a battle? It turns out that this is the speed you are referring to."
Then, he frowned and asked: "Then if Jiang Yiqu in Liyang City takes advantage of this to attack and attack Zhang Liao on two fronts, it will be useless even if we capture Anfeng."
Guo Jia held his hands in front of him and said with a calm face: "I am not worried about the Northern Army in Liyang. Even if Lin Mo can enter Yecheng, he will never be able to absorb all the Northern Army for his own use in a short time. Otherwise, Sikong I've been told to wait for my return trip."
Thinking about it, the messenger from Xuchang only brought the news that the eldest brother had taken Bingzhou and Lu Bulinmo had entered Yecheng. He did not say that he was allowed to return to the army. The eldest brother should have a plan in mind.
After Xiahou Dun thought about this problem, he turned to ask: "Sir, Lu Bu's troops can't directly surround Wei to rescue Zhao, but they may not be able to take the waterway from the Yellow River back to Xuzhou and go around to the front line. What about this section? response?"
Guo Jia slowly shook his head and said softly: "No, Lu Bu doesn't have many troops. He just conquered the Northern Kingdom. He doesn't dare to transfer all the people. What's more, our army has just lost more than 10,000 people, and its morale is low." On the other hand, Zhang Liao is leading a great victory and his reputation is at its peak. At this time, there is no need to send reinforcements."
The corner of Xiahou Dun's mouth twitched. If you put it this way, my defeat was not bad.
"In the final analysis, we are competing with him to see who can enter Anfeng City earlier." Guo Jia half-squinted his eyes and said in a low voice.
It doesn't work if it's too early, because whoever enters the city first may be flooded; it doesn't work if it's too late, because the city has already changed hands by then.
Guo Jiating is willing to compete with the people behind Zhang Liao again to see who is faster and can control the battle situation more accurately.
As long as Anfeng City is obtained, he can ignore the strategic restrictions of Yanhuiling and annex the eight counties south of Anfeng County one by one, and even reach out to the Lujiang River.
After taking Anfeng City, the previous losses can be made up for.
"If I'm just competing against them, I'm still confident."
Xiahou Dun said categorically: "In the worst case, we will recruit death squads and block them at the foot of Yanhuiling Mountain, fighting for their lives to buy time for the army!"
So many people have died here in Anfeng. Now that we have reached the most critical moment, even if we pay some price, it is worth it.
But seeing that Guo Jia seemed to be still deep in thought and had not come back to his senses, Xiahou Dun couldn't help but said, "Sir, do you have any other worries?"
"General, do you still remember how Shouchun was captured, and how Sikong captured Xiaoguan?"
Guo Jia's words made Xiahou Dun startled. He recalled it for a moment, and then he blurted out as if he was electrocuted, "Maybe all the Lu troops in the city will not leave the city. They may leave a group of people to pretend to be common people!"
Guo Jia nodded slightly and murmured: "If I were to use troops, I would definitely do this."
"Fortunately, sir, you gave me some advice."
Probably because he was frightened by the recent defeat, Xiahou Dun felt a lingering fear in his heart and said in a deep voice: "When we enter the city, even if we don't massacre the city, we will drive all the people in the city away!"
The word massacre is not unfamiliar to the people of Lao Cao's family.
Although Guo Jia does not agree with this approach, it is undeniable that this is the most direct and effective method.
As a counselor, all he had to consider was success or failure. As for the rest, he had to consider the best at the same time. But he really couldn't care about it, so he could only let Xiahou Dun be a villain.
There should be no other questions. Guo Jia thought about it for a long time and didn't feel that there was anything missing, so he relaxed a little.
After learning that Lu Bu and Lin Mo had successfully entered Ye City, Zhang Liole went crazy. That was the Northern Kingdom. Lu Bu, who used to look down on these Bingzhou brothers the most and was scolded by Yuan Shao as border refugees, successfully entered Ye City and began to take over Yuan Shao. The foundation of the family has been established.
As a hero of Lu Jun, Zhang Liao felt the pleasure of being slapped in the face for thirty years in Hedong and thirty years in Hexi.
It is estimated that Yuan Shao, who is under Jiuquan, will be unable to hold the coffin board if he finds out about this.
Of course, Yan Liang Wen Chou couldn't empathize with them. Their eyes were dull, not happy, and they didn't seem to be sad.
Since Yuan Shao's death, he doesn't seem to care so much about everything in the Northern Kingdom.
During the whole process, they just asked, how many people and generals were killed in the battle between Yuan and Yuan.
After learning that Zhao Rui, Han Ju, Ma Yan and others were all killed in battle, the two of them felt a real pain in their hearts. However, they all died in the battle between Yuan and Yuan for power, at least on the surface, that was the case. So in the end, I just lamented that things have changed and people have changed.
"Except for Jiang Yiqu, how many familiar faces are left in the entire Northern Kingdom?"
Wen Chou patted Yan Liang's shoulder and comforted him: "With the eldest son gone, there will be no more battles for power. I believe there will still be a chance to have a good drink with him."
Zhang Liao glanced at the two of them. He didn't know Jiang Yiqu and felt that he couldn't empathize with him, so he ran to share the good news with Jia Xu.
"Why are you not happy at all?" Looking at Jia Xu, who looked calm and relaxed, Zhang Liao expressed a little confused. Did you feel as bad for the Northern Army as Yan Liang and Wen Chou did?
"Don't you know what kind of general Lin Yunwen is? After Yuan Tan died and Marquis Wen's people hadn't withdrawn yet, I knew that this day would come sooner or later."
When Jia Xu said this, Zhang Liao felt that it made sense, but he still muttered that it was too embarrassing.
"General, Marquis Wen and Yunwen in the north will take care of themselves. We can't hold them back now."
"Don't worry, sir, everything is ready. As soon as the heavy rain falls, the soldiers will leave the city overnight. It is impossible for Cao's army to come out in the rain to intercept and kill. This matter cannot be delayed."
Zhang Liao felt disappointed. After sitting down, he leaned on the armrest under the pavilion and muttered: "As soon as we leave, there will be no defenders left in the city, otherwise they will definitely dig up the river embankments and flood Anfeng. It's just that After the heavy rain stops, it depends on who can seize the city first, but there is no guarantee of victory."
Zhang Liao is a little worried about the topography of Yanhuiling. This year's rain will come late and it will definitely be more intense than in previous years. Even if it does not cause landslides, the army will still be hindered in going down the mountain. If it is faster than Cao's army, it will suffer a hidden disadvantage. .
"Therefore, I have prepared three strategies for the general to consider."
Although Zhang Liao is sometimes neurotic, he can do what is right. Because of this, Jia Xu feels that there is no need to keep things in his heart and he can speak out boldly.
Moreover, if Cao's army cannot be retreated quickly, there is actually a risk of losing the city if it continues.
He knew very well that now it seemed that Lu Bulinmo had taken control of the Northern Kingdom, but if he really wanted to mobilize the Northern Kingdom's army to fight, he would not be able to do it within half a year.
Therefore, the only person we can count on is An Feng.
"What's the plan?" Zhang Liao immediately became interested.
"The first policy is to retreat to Yanhuiling on a heavy rain night. After the rain stops, wait for an opportunity to return to Anfeng. Of course, this is to compete with Cao's army;
The second strategy was changed, and the army retreated to Yanhuiling as planned, but some elites were left behind to pretend to be civilians. Cao Jun rushed into the city ahead of our army, and could not find out the problem in a short time. He could immediately cooperate with the inside and outside, and then Destroy Cao's army! "
"Wonderful!"
Before Jia Xu came up with the third strategy, Zhang Liao felt that the fog in his mind was suddenly blown away, and his whole mind became more alive just by this second strategy change.
Cao Jun would never have imagined this arrangement, and it smacks of conspiracy. If you are afraid, then fine, don't go into the city. We will come back by ourselves. In the end, there will be no losses.
Beautiful, she is indeed an old scumbag who even my nephew is full of praise for. He changes every word and conjures hidden murderous intentions. It can be called a stroke of genius.
How could I not think of it? How could I not think of it? Damn it, I usually pride myself on being false and true, but I didn't think of it!
"Okay! Let's follow Sir's plan!"
Ah, here, I have a third plan, why don’t you ask?
You don’t have to be so obedient.
Fortunately, Jia Xu doesn't have obsessive-compulsive disorder, otherwise he would probably be suffocated to death.
Zhang Liao thought for a while and decided that the people who should stay as internal responders must be his six hundred personal guards. In terms of combat effectiveness, loyalty, and response, no one can be stronger than them.
Seeing that the heavy rain was coming, Zhang Liao naturally had to go out to make arrangements. Before leaving, he did not forget to add, "Sir, this second strategy should not be called a change, but should be called a surprise. It is true that it is false and true."
"No, I have to make a third move before I can call it a surprise."
Zhang Liao's right foot had already stepped out of the threshold. He was attracted back by Jia Xu's words. He turned his head to look, was stunned for a while, and then quickly turned around and came back.
There are probably only four words in this world that interest Zhang Liao.
"Sir, please tell me, how about this third strategy?"
"General, don't worry, please come with me."
Jia Xu took him to the sand table in the inner hall and immediately made some arrangements and deductions. When he finished his speech and looked at Zhang Liao, he saw that the latter was stunned.
Isn't my third strategy better than the second strategy? Jia Xu was a little confused as to why the general was indifferent.
The next breath, Zhang Liao let out a long sigh, "So it can be like this, it can be like this, I never thought that I have wasted several years studying the truth, truth, and truth, but in front of my husband, it is as if I have never learned the art of war or heard the strategy.
The second strategy just now is inferior to this one. In terms of falsehood, reality, wonder and righteousness, I would like to call you the strongest. "
Is Lin Mo awesome? The answer is yes.
However, Zhang Liao had heard about Lin Mo's use of troops several times, especially the use of extraordinary troops, and had never seen it with his own eyes.
But Jia Xu actually showed off his skills in front of him, so how could the impact of seeing and hearing be ordinary?
Zhang Liao was so excited that he couldn't help himself.
"Wonderful, so wonderful, creating something out of nothing, secretly deceiving others, confusing the real with the fake, bluffing, this strategy is worthy of the word "wonderful"!"
Jia Xu held his forehead, "General, there is no need to do this. It's just a basic exercise."
"So, the general plans to use this strategy?" Jia Xu wanted to confirm further.
"This is natural. In Anfeng's current situation, nothing can be better than Mr.'s plan!"
"The general is full of praise."
In fact, Jia Xu himself is also inclined to use this method, so he has to give it a strange word. In fact, in Jia Xu's view, there is nothing strange about the way of using troops. Fighter opportunities are fleeting, and inspiration comes. Yes, it is naturally strange.
That is to say, Zhang Liao just likes to listen. If Lu Bu were here, he would say that there are three strategies: upper, middle and lower.
Anyway, there is only one purpose, to defeat the enemy and protect yourself from being settled by the queen.
Zhang Liao was a man of action who did what he said. After finally deciding on the strategy, he immediately went down to deliver the order without any hesitation.
Two days later, it began to rain heavily throughout Anfeng, as if it was pouring down.
In this weather, as soon as it got dark, Zhang Liao began to command the troops in the city to leave the city. If it were any later, the horses and people would be trapped in the mud.
Even though Cao Jun didn't dare to make a sneak attack, if he acted too slowly, Jia Xu's clever plan might be seen through.
More than 18,000 people filed out of the three gates and finally disappeared into the rainy night.
Walking along the post road, the troops and horses were not trapped. Thanks to Jia Xu's foresight, he transferred all the food, grass and baggage in the city to Yanhui Ridge. Otherwise, in this weather, the carriage would definitely be stuck in the mud.
There are also advantages. In such extreme weather, there is no need to worry that Cao Jun's scouts will discover their whereabouts. Even if the team is so large, the scouts cannot move freely under such visual conditions and blocked roads.
Moreover, their team was divided into five groups, and they went through dense forests and mountain trails along the way, so they were very secretive.
Therefore, what Xiahou Dun heard from the scouts only confirmed that Lu Jun had left Anfeng City and was heading towards Yanhuiling.
This was expected, but there was no big reaction.
The next step is to wait, wait for the rain to stop, wait for the water level to drop, and then start to seize Anfeng!
(End of chapter)
