The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 100 Two Accounts: Gains and Losses

"Commander Gao Yi possesses the talent to bring peace and stability to the people and the country. This humble general is utterly impressed and prostrates himself before you!"

As Zhang Jian spoke, he immediately prostrated himself before Mi Wei, keeping his word.

Miwei quickly stepped forward to help him up, repeatedly saying that he was only benefiting from the king's favor and that he himself was insignificant.

Then he silently added a sentence in his mind.

Actually, it also benefited from the influence of Prime Minister Cao and General Cao.

Although it's a case of benefiting from the opposite side.

This time, he wasn't being modest.

Just as Yang Yi said at the banquet that day.

How many of these people are among the "hundred thousand" who went south back then?
Perhaps some of their ancestors were Cao Cao's soldiers.

But whether it's true or false doesn't matter.

The important thing is.

Because of the military or ruling needs of Cao Wei during those twelve years.

They carried out large-scale and systematic plundering and massacres in the Jingbei region.

then.

Those 100,000 people back then.

This is deeply engraved in everyone's heart.

At this moment.

No matter where we were back then.

Should we follow Liu or Cao?

Even whether or not they have already been born.

None of this prevents people from taking on the role of those "ten thousand people".

They considered themselves as 100,000 reformed righteous men.

then.

They could take a portion of "Yuzhou grain" that was more than enough to fill their stomachs without feeling guilty.

What is public opinion?

This is the will of the people!
……

One day later.

The city of Deng was so crowded that it terrified Cao Ren and made Mi Wei and others' scalps tingle.

Finally, it quieted down.

It was so quiet it was almost oppressive.

In terms of managing an inner prefecture city, this is certainly a bad thing.

However, as a military fortress located on the front line, it was necessary to implement a scorched-earth policy.

This is actually acceptable.

There's less grain, but fewer people are eating it.
Two thousand soldiers and a suitable number of laborers.

In addition, our own fleet was constantly providing support on the Yu River.

It is sufficient to defend this city.

The following day, Mi Wei sent messages to the rear while simultaneously working to strengthen the city's defenses.

Afterwards, he discussed the subsequent defense of the city with his subordinates at the county temple.

But after the military council ended, Mi Wei noticed that Xiang Chong's expression was unusual, so he said:
"Are there concerns about the massive violation?"

Xiang Chong smiled sheepishly upon hearing this and said:
"I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep, my mind filled with the scene of the crowd chanting 'Yuzhou grain' yesterday."

"Although it's always good to be able to solve this problem, I can't help but feel confused."

"Think back to the days when the Cao Wei cavalry invaded like fire, driving 100,000 men like pigs and dogs."

"Why are we now being driven by 'ten thousand men' and forced to flee north in panic?"

"What kind of destiny lies within this mysterious realm?"

Mi Wei understood, and then said to the others:
Do you, my friends, share this concern?

Everyone nodded.

Seeing this, Mi Wei simply told everyone to sit down again.

"To be honest, when we marched north to capture Ruoxian and Yicheng earlier, I heard that the garrison was unusually small, and I had this suspicion in my heart."

Upon hearing this, Xi Hong, standing nearby, looked on with anticipation:
"Has the captain figured it out yet?"

Mi Wei nodded slightly and said:

“Pan Shizeng jokingly called me the son of a merchant, so I will use accounting as an analogy.”

"The two sides have been fighting for twenty years, fighting over two separate accounts."

"One is for military purposes, and the other is for the people's hearts."

"Cao Wei's invasions were like fire, sweeping across the Central Plains and dominating the north in just over a decade. This was a military advantage."

"But what is the price?"

Before anyone could respond, Mi Wei said:
"Large-scale levies, frequent levies, levies every year and every month."

"If there is any resistance, extinguish it immediately."

"Only in this way can we maintain our aggressive momentum and suppress the other feudal lords militarily."

"But such actions are bound to lose the support of the people."

After a pause, Miwei continued.

"But Your Majesty is the opposite."

"The military budget is insufficient to cover expenses, but the people's hearts and minds have been cultivated for decades."

Pan Mi recalled the ups and downs in Jingzhou last year, and even the recounting of his elders' early experiences. He couldn't help but sigh sadly:

"Therefore, in the past one or two decades, the Cao family has risen rapidly, while Your Majesty has stumbled and struggled to establish a firm foundation."

"It wasn't until the Battle of Red Cliffs, when the opportune moment, the geographical advantage, and the popular support all came together, that the decline was slightly reversed."

“That’s exactly right!” Mi Wei continued.

"However, everything is a mixture of fortune and misfortune; there is gain and loss."

"Your Majesty has already borne the consequences of any military losses."

"How could what the people desire not come to pass?"

"If one were to lose one's last breath and unfortunately pass away prematurely, that would be one thing."

"But if we can hold on to this last breath."

"Isn't this exactly how today's gains and losses should be accounted for?"

"This is a scheme by man, not destiny!"

Everyone suddenly realized.

Then they were moved and inspired.

Zhan Sifu, who had been listening in a daze, suddenly spoke up:

"I've heard that Cao Wei has no shortage of talented people under its command. Is there really no one who can figure out these two things?"

Without hesitation:

"Of course!"

"I predict that within two years, the Cao Wei rulers and ministers will change their course, shifting from drastic measures to lenient ones!"

Otherwise, how could one have the posthumous title of Emperor Wu and the other Emperor Wen?

Regardless of any personal grudges between father and son.

Regardless of whether Cao Pi went to the other extreme.

However, since historians throughout history have generally accepted these two posthumous titles.

Isn't that enough to illustrate the point?
Every time someone opposes Cao Cao, things can be accomplished... and it's not just one family or one surname.
can only say.

I'm so glad I was born this life.

Ji Han did not waste these two years.

……

A few days later, in Fancheng.

Xu Huang stood atop the city wall, gazing at three camps outside the city that bore the character "关" (Guan).

Silent for a long time.

At this very moment, countless figures are descending from the north.

Under the active or passive guidance of enemy soldiers and guerrillas, they slowly crossed the Han River to the south.

Until a general behind him shifted uncomfortably, making a clanging sound as his armor clashed.

Xu Huang slowly turned around and said to one of the scouts:

"Was Dengcheng truly emptied out overnight?"

The scout's knees had long since given way from kneeling, and he could only barely support himself as he hoarsely said:
"Not only in Dengcheng, but also in the surrounding countryside!"

"It is said that many locals of Deng County have also sought refuge here, out of concern that if the two armies were to engage in a fierce battle in this city, and the city were to fall..."

The scout couldn't continue.

Xu Huang did not press the matter further.

An eerie silence descended once again upon the city walls.

a long time.

Xu Huang turned his gaze back to the crowd and said in a deep voice:
“Your servants have stood by me until this moment, and have already lived up to the expectations of General Cao and the court.”

"Let's withdraw the troops."

The generals responded with a resounding roar, each feeling relieved.

But after letting go of that feeling, I looked at the countless figures in the distance crossing the Han River to the south.

I couldn't help but recall that strange and legendary event from twelve years ago.

Then silence fell again.

That night, Xu Huang sent an envoy to see Guan Yu.

On the condition that Fancheng would not be burned, he was allowed to retreat with his entire army.

Guan Yu agreed to the request, but with one condition.

Only Xu Huang's main force was allowed to retreat, and they could only take ten days' worth of provisions with them.

All the other auxiliary soldiers, laborers, and baggage trains must remain.

Xu Huang readily agreed, but asked Guan Yu to give way to the northern road after breakfast the next day.

So Guan Yu readily agreed.

The next day, when the appointed time arrived, Guan Yu yielded the way as promised.

Xu Huang kept his promise and led his troops with ten days' worth of provisions to withdraw from Fancheng.

As the army marched north, a messenger arrived with a message when they passed in front of Guan Yu's army formation.

It is said that Guan Yu wanted to invite an old friend to drink a farewell cup of wine.

But Xu Huang kept a straight face and said:

"I came here for the sake of the country, and I am leaving for the sake of the country."

"We can drink again on our journey to the underworld!"

After saying this, he spurred his horse and headed north.

(End of this chapter)