Late at night, in a valley at the foot of Jinyang Mountain.
While Sergeant Jiangdong was resting back to back in twos and threes, several groans of pain could be heard from time to time.
Sun Ce was sitting on the bluestone slab. Under the bonfire with sparks dancing in front of him, his face was very gloomy, the veins between his eyebrows appeared, and his clenched teeth protruded his jaw.
"Lord, we have done an inventory. In the battle at dusk, more than 3,800 brothers were killed. Now, of the more than 4,600 people in the army, more than 800 were slightly injured and 290 were seriously injured." Dong Xi came over and reported.
Sun Ce said nothing, but his heart felt as if he had been hit hard by a battering ram.
At this time, he should go to Zhou Yu to discuss countermeasures, but the anger and humiliation in his heart seemed to make the suppressed blood of this little overlord who had suffered more than one defeat surge.
From the time he took refuge with Yuan Shu, to the conquest of Jiangdong territory, and even the entire Jiaozhou, he had a complete victory except for a draw with Taishi Ci.
He didn't understand why he always lost every time he met Lu Jun.
What made him feel even more humiliated was that according to the soldiers, Zhao Yun did not seem to appear on the battlefield, but the Sun family's mortal enemy was killing them.
It's forbidden.
When he first learned that Sun Quan had died at the hands of Cao's surrendered general, he secretly swore in his heart that one day when they met on the battlefield, he would cut off his head in memory of his younger brother.
But he also knew that such an opportunity was probably rare.
After all, Yu Jin was just a reduced general, and he didn't have a very dazzling performance. He might not have the chance to appear on the battlefield where Lu Jun rescued him.
Who would have thought that today he would be so close to Yu Jin without even knowing it, but instead he would be chased all the way, what a shame.
It was not only the little bully who felt ashamed, but also the young man sitting on the other side of the bonfire, Ling Tong.
His eyes were dull and his expression was depressed. Even the report of the battle damage failed to stir his mind.
Because his father-killing enemy Xu Sheng also appeared on the battlefield.
He and Sun Ce even wanted to go together. They felt that it would be difficult for someone like Xu Sheng to have a chance to meet him in a major role, but as long as he met him, he would avenge his deceased father even if he risked his life.
But everyone was evacuating at that time, and there was no chance to fight with Xu Sheng. It was only when they were resting in the valley that they learned that Xu Sheng was coming.
Hate it.
After sighing heavily, Sun Ce clapped his hands on his knees, stood up, and walked away.
"Gong Jin, what do you think?" Zhou Yu, who was leaning under an old locust tree, had white lips and a tired expression. His right arm was simply bandaged, and the bright red marks were showing through.
"Lord, I'm fine."
Zhou Yu endured the pain and tried to help him get up. Sun Ce hurriedly knelt down to indicate that he did not have to get up, and sighed: "After counting, more than half of the soldiers were killed or injured."
Hearing this, Zhou Yu subconsciously touched the wound and frowned, not knowing whether it was because the wound was torn or because of distress.
Of course, Zhou Yu had foreseen the result of today's commotion and the casualties of more than 4,000 people, but when he really heard this number, he still felt shocked. Only a sentence from Zuo's Spring and Autumn came to his mind.
One general is incompetent and the three armies are exhausted.
It can be said that his own design in Bo County was completely tailor-made for Zhao Yun. It may be incomprehensible that he did not go to Bo County and transferred to Lujiang, but in the end he appeared on Jinyang Mountain. Zhou Yu is now They couldn't understand how Zhao Yun could see through his plan so easily.
Letting the cavalry dismount and become infantry is equivalent to taking advantage of the shortcomings at the expense of their strengths, which is unreasonable no matter how you look at it.
But this was the most unreasonable choice, but it was the only way to counter the massive amount of caltrops he had prepared.
This incident was a big blow to Zhou Yu.
After the Battle of Guangling, he began to think about Lin Mo, imagining that one day he would collide with him in wisdom and create a shocking spark, and in the end he might have a chance to be slightly better and achieve eternal hegemony.
It's a shame that Lin Mo was defeated by Zhao Yun, a martial artist, without even seeing Lin Mo's shadow.
For Zhou Yu, this was almost a humiliating defeat.
"Evacuate at dusk. If Ziming and the others had not covered the passage with iron caltrops, the army would not have had a chance to evacuate. It can be regarded as saving us." Seeing Zhou Yu falling into sorrow, Sun Ce added this sentence as a consolation. Bar.
Of course, this is indeed true.
Taking advantage of the darkness and poor visibility, the caltrops dropped by Sergeant Jiangdong still stung some of Lu's troops and gave them a chance to escape from the battlefield.
"This defeat is all my fault," Zhou Yu choked with tears in his eyes.
"What to plan next?" Sun Ce changed the subject.
Zhou Yu slowly raised his head and looked directly at his lord. His mouth opened but no words came out. He hesitated for a moment before squeezing out a sentence, "My lord, go back to Jiangdong."
"We have been preparing for so long, fought bloody battles for several months, and lost so many troops, so we are just going to withdraw?" Sun Ce couldn't believe his ears.
"Lord."
Zhou Yu took a deep breath, the corner of his mouth was almost bleeding, and said in a deep voice: "I set up a siege in Bo County. One is to cut off the most powerful cavalry of the Lu army, and the other is to scare the Huainan family so that they can Settle down.
This defeat means that we still have the strength to fight, but the disparity between the enemy and ourselves is getting bigger and bigger. Some people in that group of aristocratic families must be unable to sit still. There is a risk of civil strife when we enter the city. But if we don’t enter the city and rely on the stockade, how can we stop Lu, who has a brave knight? The army is 30,000 to 40,000 men, twice as many as our army, and there is no danger to defend it."
The battle at Jinyang Mountain seemed to be just a small defeat, but the chain reaction caused was enough to plunge Jiangdong into a situation beyond recovery.
The only few hundred cavalry they had were stolen from Yan Liangwen Chou. Without enough cavalry, not only would they suffer losses in the wilderness battle, but their tactical choices would also be restricted.
The only chance is to enter the fortified city, and even be prepared to be surrounded, just to buy enough time for Cao Cao.
But looking at it now, those aristocratic families probably won't let Sun Ce defend the country.
Sun Ce stood up suddenly, with suspicion in his eyes, and slowly shook his head and backed away.
"No, we can't retreat, we can't! You know how much effort we put into crossing the Huainan River. It was not only a land battle, but also a water battle. We finally managed to gain a firm foothold. If we retreat this time, we may want to cross the river next time. It's difficult!" Jiangdong does not have such a deep foundation, nor does he have so many official positions to feed the four major families who eat people without spitting out their bones.
As for Jiaozhou, although it is in a period of rising development, its overall barren appearance has not changed.
It can be said that preparing for such a large-scale battle took all the efforts of the two states, and with the Jiangdong children killed in the battle, Sun Ce would not accept this result under any circumstances.
"Do you still remember how you comforted me when I was defeated by Lu Bu? Why did you become timid after being defeated for a while!" Sun Ce finally lost control, his eyes were gnawing at others, because he was so angry that his body Trembling too.
"Lord."
Zhou Yu stood up with difficulty holding on to the old locust tree with his left hand, "It's not because I was timid. At this moment, the camp in the wilderness was out of food and grass. It was because Lu Jun did not attack the camp and directly bypassed us to capture Wankou. Once the ferry was lost, We will have no way out!"
Sun Ce staggered two steps, and the anger in his eyes slowly faded away, replaced by helplessness and unwillingness.
Yes, the rations and fodder that accompany the army are not enough to last for a few months, and they have to enter the city to resupply.
Wasn't the siege in Bo County originally designed to secure the city?
Liangcao and Wankou Ferry. These are their fatal wounds.
If he could gain a foothold in the city, it wouldn't be a problem to give up the ferry for the time being, because he only had to delay it for a few months, and Cao Cao would definitely take action.
But the problem is that you can't guard against the group of aristocratic families in the city, unless you can kill them all. Obviously, Sun Ce, who has suffered losses in front of the aristocratic families, knows that this arrogant approach will not work.
He didn't speak, leaving Zhou Yu with a lonely figure as he slowly left.
In the end, he listened to Zhou Yu and withdrew his troops.
Even though Cheng Pu from Shucheng sounded reluctant, he felt that this was the only way.
While the army was packing up, at the south city gate, a man riding a donkey followed by a group of guards slowly entered the city.
Duke Qiao has arrived.
"You said you are willing to support me?"
After Sun Ce sneered, he glanced at Duke Qiao with his eyes like blades, "When our army was at its peak, Duke Qiao refused to stay a thousand miles away. Now that we are defeated, he shows his favor. Do you think that the Overlord Spear in my hand is disadvantageous?"
"This time, that time." Qiao Gong laughed calmly.
Sun Ce is really murderous, and a scholar cannot be humiliated. You came here to pretend to surrender with a trick that even a three-year-old child couldn't deceive. Isn't this humiliating yourself?
But seeing that Mr. Qiao still had something to say, he just suppressed his temper and stared at the former.
"I wonder if Marquis Wu has ever heard of something?"
Sun Ce glanced at him without comment, and Duke Qiao continued: "Lin Mo ordered Chen Gong to pretend to be the governor of Yangzhou and supervise the officials of the three counties."
"So what?"
Duke Qiao smiled bitterly and said: "This shows that the Marquis of Lanling has never trusted us Huainan family members. Does Wu Hou know that in recent years, the struggle between our Huainan scholars and Xuzhou scholars has become increasingly fierce? First, Chen Deng, with the help of Chen Deng, The position of governor of Anfeng suppressed the scholars of Huainan; later, Lu Su refused to save Lujiang and Jiujiang."
Sun Ce had indeed heard of these things.
At that time, he also felt that Lu Su's failure to save Lujiang was just because he was afraid of being ambushed halfway, but he had forgotten the fight between their scholars.
The literati looked down on each other, and when the war between these scholars broke out, they were more difficult to defend against than swords, guns, swords and halberds.
"For this reason, the Huainan scholars recommended Ziyang to go to Pengcheng to ask for an explanation. If nothing else, we should be the ones to make the decision in these three counties. At least there will be no such situation of watching the fire from the other side."
Duke Qiao said that the whip was so deep that Sun Ce couldn't help but nod.
"But what did Marquis Lanling do? He demoted Lu Su to the position of counselor of Pengcheng Mansion, but took charge of the government affairs of Pengcheng Mansion. What is this? Is it a show for us? Not only that, he also asked Chen Gong to come to three counties to pretend to be the governor of Yangzhou. Supervise the officials.”
Duke Qiao smiled contemptuously and said: "It's a pity that we have worked so hard to govern the three counties over the years, but the Marquis of Lanling never trusts us. Even people like Zuo Rong can serve as the governor of Qingzhou, but we Huainan scholars have to Being controlled by others everywhere.
Wu Hou governed Jiangdong and entrusted important tasks to the four major families of Gu, Lu, Zhu and Zhang, which shows his broad mind. The old man was recommended by everyone and came to express his attitude to Wu Hou, hoping that Wu Hou could lead his troops to garrison in Lujiang. , no matter what, we are all Yangzhou people. "
Duke Qiao's words were reasonable and without contradiction. In addition, his previous concessions to the four major families had now become a publicity effect. It was not completely impossible for these people to be tempted.
Judging from the current local officials of the Lulin Group, it is indeed the Xuzhou scholars who are being re-employed. This fact has caused dissatisfaction not only in Huainan, but also in the North, and these Sun Ce also know it.
Could this really be my chance to turn the tide of the battle?
Sun Ce really needs a fortified city. If the Huainan family really entrusts Duke Qiao to come here, then the delaying tactic of fortifying the wall and clearing the country in the entire Lujiang River will be completely feasible!
"Junior was a bit rude just now. I hope Mr. Qiao will forgive me."
Sun Ce apologized with his hands in hand, paused, and said tentatively: "Of course I am willing to garrison, but the soldiers have already returned home, and the transportation of food and grass will be inconvenient, so..."
Before Sun Ce could finish speaking, Duke Qiao had already raised his open right palm and said, "The Huainan family is willing to provide Wu Hou with fifty thousand stones of food and grass to help Wu Hou defeat the enemy."
Hearing this, Sun Ce's eyes flashed. He was really inhumane. Fifty thousand stones of food and grass was more than the food and grass of his army. With the food and grass of his own army, he could easily survive for half a year, let alone a few months.
"However, to be clear, these grains and grass have nothing to do with Lao Chen and people from other families."
"Understood." Sun Ce smiled knowingly, which meant that this group of people did not dare to openly oppose Lu Lin.
As for these grains and grass, if you are willing to give them away, there will always be various ways to cut off the relationship with yourself.
This is the routine used by aristocratic families, placing bets and not knowing how to stud.
Having accomplished a meritorious service, you will have the confidence to ask for an official position later.
Sun Ce, who claimed to know the thoughts of the Huainan scholars, felt that this was a chance for a reversal sent by God, so he immediately stood up and handed over his hand, "Thank you, Duke Qiao. I will send someone to prepare a banquet for Duke Qiao."
With that said, he left the hall with a smile on his face.
Mr. Qiao frowned while sipping his tea, and cursed in his heart: The old man had lowered his face and said something against his will, but why was his reaction inconsistent with what Yun Wen said in the letter.
After Sun Ce left the hall, he immediately ran to share the good news with Zhou Yu, but the latter smiled disdainfully, "Bo Fu, we are at the end of our game now. How could this group of scholars in Huainan take the initiative to help? I'm worried that Lin It was arranged by Mo, he wanted to eat us all in one go in Lujiang."
"I thought the same as you at first." Sun Ce recounted the conversation between the two with a smile.
From the overt and covert competition between Xuzhou scholars and Huainan scholars, to the deliberate suppression by Chen Deng and Lu Su, and finally Chen Gong, who has lived in Xuzhou for a long time, all signs indicate that these Huainan scholars are really interested in Lin Mo. A different heart.
Moreover, they are not studs, they are just betting secretly to replicate the treatment of the four major families.
At this time, Zhou Yu was also a little unsure.
He was not as convinced as Sun Ce, but after savoring it carefully, he felt that it was all reasonable.
Mr. Lin Mo wouldn't have started suppressing Huainan scholars in the early years just to set up a plan.
The problem is that the price of choosing to believe is too high. If you are not careful, Jiangdong Society and its lord will be buried in Lujiang River.
After thinking about it, Zhou Yu, who was leaning on the couch, said in a deep voice: "Bo Fu, the attitude of the Huainan scholars is not enough for us to stay, unless the Qiao family provides guarantee."
"How to provide guarantee?" Sun Ce asked suspiciously.
After Zhou Yu listened, Sun Ce nodded with satisfaction, and finally laughed heartily, "I'll go right away."
When he reached the door, he turned to look at Zhou Yu, "What if he really agrees?"
Zhou Yu frowned, thought for a moment and then said: "If you really agree, it would be credible to prove the matter, but it should not be publicized. The Qiao family and Liu Ye may be able to take advantage of it."
Sun Ce rolled his eyes, and knowing Zhou Yu's plan, he turned around and left.
At the reception banquet, not only Sun Ce, but also veterans Cheng Pu and Han Dang were present.
After drinking for three rounds, Sun Ce asked calmly: "I have always heard that Duke Qiao has two beautiful women whose reputation spread all over the world. Unfortunately, we were only on one side last time. Gong Jin and I have admired Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao for a long time. I don't know what he mentioned last time." How did Mr. Qiao think about the incident?"
Mr. Qiao's heart trembled, but he still asked. Yunwen even expected this, and it was not in vain for him to make sacrifices for his son-in-law's great cause.
"Haha, to be honest with Wu Hou, my little girl also has a yearning for Wu Hou and Zhou Lang, and she even made a fuss about coming together this time."
Mr. Qiao nodded with a look of great joy and said: "Marquis Wu wants this to happen, so he invites someone to choose a good and auspicious day to perform the marriage ceremony of the marquis, so that it can be a good deal.
Oh, by the way, when I come to Shucheng this time, I will visit several big families along the way to inform them of this matter. "
Hearing Duke Qiao agree so happily, Sun Ce no longer had any doubts in his heart.
Once they get married, both parties are equivalent to tying their interests together. With the reputation of the Qiao family, unless they want to discredit the entire family, they would not dare to joke about it.
"No hurry, no rush."
Sun Ce breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling a huge stone falling to the ground, and said with a smile: "Mr. Qiao, I think it is better to keep this matter secret for the time being."
"Why?"
"I heard that Liu Ye and Liu Ziyang were close friends with Mr. Qiao, but I didn't know about him."
Before Sun Ce could finish speaking, Duke Qiao directly waved his hand and said firmly: "Don't worry, Marquis Wu, Ziyang is from Huainan and shares the same spirit with us."
"good!"
Sun Ce took action and said, "Mr. Qiao, Liu Ziyang is in Changfeng City and may follow Lin Mo on the expedition. If I can get in touch with him, he may be able to help me.
But once my marriage to Da Qiao is made public, Lin Mo will be wary of Liu Ziyang because of his cunning.
so."
Sun Ce looked at Duke Qiao and smiled knowingly, "I hope to announce this matter after the Lu army has retreated."
Mr. Qiao lowered his head in embarrassment, twirling his beard and cursing, "It's exactly what Yunwen said. My virtuous son-in-law is truly unrivaled in his scheming."
Ever since Liu Ye brought the news to Duke Qiao, he began to feel the same pride in Lin Mo as Lu Bu did.
Of course, it was also because of this that Mr. Qiao was willing to put down his body and join the game with his own body.
After all, in his opinion, what he was doing now was no longer to serve a prince, but to promote his own family's hegemony. For this, it was worth making some sacrifices.
No one knew what the final effect would be, but at this point, Sun Ce's reaction was completely calculated by Lin Mo. This feeling made Mr. Qiao, who lived in seclusion, feel the joy of teasing the wind and clouds.
"Well, for the sake of my future virtuous son-in-law, I will go against my will just once."
"Thank you, father-in-law!" Sun Ce was overjoyed.
Mr. Qiao waved his hand with a smile, "I'm sorry, I'm not talking about you."
However, Mr. Qiao felt that Lin Mo planned this matter quite well. Only three people from Jiangdong were present today. There would be no big problem of going back on his word in the future, and it would not smear the reputation of the Qiao family.
A win-win situation.
The reception banquet ended only after midnight. After Qiao Gong left, Sun Ce returned to Zhou Yu's room again.
But Zhou Yu did not completely clear up his doubts as Sun Ce thought, and it seemed that there was always uneasiness deep in his heart.
"Aren't you still worried?"
"The stakes are too high. We are betting on Jiangdong's future. Bo Fu, I want to try him one more time." Zhou Yu looked at Sun Ce with a somewhat embarrassed expression.
"How do you want to try?" Sun Ce asked with a frown.
"I'll just do it myself. You don't have to worry."
Sun Ce nodded, "Okay, but be quick, Lin Mo should be on the way already. In addition, if we are sure to stay, we must remove the warship. As you said, Lin Mo will definitely attack Wankou." , As for the navy, I want to mobilize some people to garrison in Shucheng, what do you think?"
"If it is confirmed that Mr. Qiao is trustworthy, then the warships from Wankou should indeed be withdrawn." Zhou Yu nodded.
"Okay, you rest now, there is still a fierce battle to be fought."
After walking out of Zhou Yu's room, Sun Ce felt that he was in an unprecedented mood.
With the support of the Huainan Family, you can safely and boldly guard the city.
It doesn't take much. If it takes a few months, Cao Cao's army will definitely retreat when it reaches Lin Mo. At that time, he can take back Jiujiang and Anfeng in one go, and he can even reach out to Xuzhou.
The hegemony belonging to Jiang Dongjiro has begun.
(End of chapter)
