Peek at my diary, Cao Cao dominates the Three Kingdoms

Lu Yan sighed, and said quietly: "Who said that those who stand in the light are heroes?"

3 Chapter Twenty

In the sixth year of Jian'an, in August, after Cao Jun occupied Changshan County, he divided his troops into three groups and marched into Zhongshan State.

Yecheng,

Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai, Xun You, and Jia Xu gathered in the state pastoral mansion.

Xi Zhicai cupped his hands and said to Cao Cao: "My lord, there is news from the front that the three generals Cao Ren, Xu Huang, and Zhang Yan have entered the Zhongshan Kingdom in three ways. Yuan Shang lost to our army and has fled to Youzhou to join Yuan Xi."

Lao Cao was lying on a luxurious and spacious chair, peeling peanuts while praising: "Good!"

After Xi Zhicai withdrew, Xun You stood up again and said, "My lord, the governor of Bingzhou sent someone to send a secret letter, saying that he is willing to abandon the dark and turn to the bright, and join you."

"Gao Gan is Yuan Shao's nephew, and he is deeply trusted by the Yuan brothers. Do you think it is credible that he wants to surrender?" Cao Cao asked, and threw the peeled peanuts into his mouth, crunching. chewed up.

"Seven points are true, three points are false!" After Xun You finished speaking, he didn't retreat immediately, with a hint of hesitation on his face.

With such sharp eyesight, Lao Cao instantly understood Xun You's embarrassment, so he asked, "Gongda, we don't need any scruples, just speak up if you have something to say."

"Yes!" Xun You cupped his hands again, and after a little deliberation, he said, "Lu Hussars is still guarding Maocheng with General Zhendong...My lord, you also know that General Zhendong has always wanted to recover Bingzhou. If we accept the high-ranking officials' surrender..."

"Just find an excuse to transfer him away..." Guo Jia said indifferently.

"But Gao Gan still has tens of thousands of soldiers under his command. If he doesn't want to leave Bingzhou and rebels again, I'm afraid there will be another military disaster."

"Isn't Changsheng just waiting there? If Gao Gan rebelled, wouldn't that just give them an excuse to march?" Xi Zhicai replied with a smile.

Xun You shook his head and said, "If high officials are forced to rebel by us, who else in the world would dare to surrender to us?"

At this time, Cao Cao interjected: "In my opinion, Gao Gan only surrendered to protect himself because he saw Yuan's failure, and he didn't really surrender. If we were slightly disadvantaged in the battle with Yuan, he might rebel. Attack us with the Yuan brothers."

Xun You chewed Cao Cao's words. Although it was a bit too speculative, it was not impossible.

At this time, Jia Xu said: "Hedong was defeated across the board, and Yuan Shang fled to Youzhou... Gao Gan is now in a dilemma, and it is understandable that he intends to surrender! Since he surrendered, he must be willing to accept His Majesty's arrangement... .Let's promote him to Xuchang, so that we can silence the public.

Furthermore, the armies of Lu Hussars and General Lu are in Maocheng, and there are also the troops of Zhong Xiaowei and General Zhang to the west... Once there is any change in the senior officials, the two armies will enter Bingzhou side by side, let alone the senior officials. , even if Yuan Shao is reborn, I'm afraid he can't play any tricks. "

Xun You saw that Xi Zhicai, Jia Xu and Guo Jia were all in the same opinion, so he didn't say anything more and retreated to his position.

Xi Zhicai, Guo Jia, Jia Xu and Lu Yan all wore a pair of trousers.Lu Yan wants to win Bingzhou for his wife, so these three people will naturally help.

However, high-ranking officials are not important figures, and Xun You's concern about rebelling against high-ranking officials is only for the sake of Cao Cao's reputation.Since Jia Xu proposed a more feasible plan, Xun You naturally wouldn't fight them to the death. After all, the relationship between the Xun family and Lu Yan was not bad, and there was no reason to create a gap over such a trivial matter.

Seeing that Xun You no longer objected, Cao Cao laughed and said, "What you said is very reasonable.

However, the surrender of high-ranking cadres can be regarded as an example, and we cannot neglect...

In this way, first keep the high-ranking governor of Bingzhou, and then give him a Zhongshu order to join the prime minister's military and transfer him to Xuchang as an official. "

After Guo Jia heard this, he couldn't help giving a thumbs up and said, "My lord is still Gao! If Gao Gan doesn't even want to seize the opportunity to serve the emperor and the prime minister, then it is enough to show that he has a different heart. Find out what is right and what is wrong.”

"Hahaha!" Cao Cao raised his head and laughed in a very good mood, and said, "The order will continue, starting today we will hold a celebration banquet for three consecutive days. We won such a beautiful victory, we must not treat the meritorious people badly!"

"My lord is wise!"

......

After Xi Zhicai and the others left, Xu You Shi ran out from behind a screen.

When he came to Cao Cao, Xu You bowed respectfully and saluted.

Cao Cao sat up and asked, "Ziyuan, do you think Gao Gan really surrendered to me?"

After thinking for a while, Xu You replied: "My lord, according to my subordinates, the high-ranking officials must not have sincerely surrendered!"

Among the Cao army, the one who knows Gao Gan best should be the old minister of the Yuan family represented by Xu You.

Now that even Xu You said that, Cao Cao no longer had any doubts, and said: "Since that's the case, you will take the lead in persuading the senior officials' old department to surrender. As for the senior officials, it's fine if he accepts the arrangement, if not Accept it, then close the door and let the dog go... let Lu Yan and Zhong Yao's army go and deal with him."

"Lu Hussar and Zhong Yuan often go to deal with him, it's really a little flattering him..." Xu You smiled flatteringly.

Xu You was tricked by Cao Cao and Lu Yan.

He also wants to be a great minister, and he also wants to display his ambitions.So since he came to Cao Ying and knew that he was tricked, he has been carefully maintaining and trying to restore his image in Cao Cao's heart.

Cao Cao also needs Xu You to maintain the Jizhou Group, so he is also willing to give Xu You room to play.

Boss Cao now has a big family and a big business, so he has to think carefully about the factions under his command.

In fact, in the final analysis, it is just the word "balance", but how to maintain a good balance and be able to promote healthy competition to promote progress, this is a great test of the wisdom of those in power.

After finishing talking about the business, Xu You suddenly had a flash of inspiration, and said with a smile again: "Yuan Shao's second son, Yuan Xi, has a wife named Zhen Mi, who is a stunning woman. And when she was young, an expert divination, said that her Fate is priceless..."

Xu You only spoke half of what he said, but when he looked up, he saw Lao Cao's gloomy face, and he quickly apologized: "My lord, it's Xu You and Menglang..."

Cao Cao looked at Xu You with mocking eyes, and asked, "Xu Ziyuan, Xu Ziyuan, do you think I, Cao Mengde, are the kind of lustful people?"

"Isn't it?" Of course, this is what Xu You thinks in his heart, but he dare not say it now...

"Damn the subordinate! But the subordinate is indeed planning for the lord!

You should also know that the Zhen family is one of the best business masters in the entire Han Dynasty, if you can get the support of the Zhen family...."

Xu You only spoke half of what he had said, but Cao Cao interrupted impatiently: "Old man, Yanzhou has Cao Zilian, and Xuzhou has Mi Zhu. Could it be that the two major chambers of commerce they control can't compare to one Zhen family?"

Xu You was stunned when he heard this, and said in his heart: "Yes! The income and profits of the United Chamber of Commerce and Xuzhou Chamber of Commerce are probably not inferior, and it can even be said to have surpassed the Zhen family...then the Zhen family is really not worth it. Then it is necessary..."

And because of the Wancheng incident and the existence of Cai Yan, Lao Cao no longer desires beauty so much...

"Oh, I miscalculated...the flattery accidentally hit the horse's leg..."

Xu You felt some indescribable bitterness in his heart.

Chapter 321 Subtle propaganda offensive

After the First Battle of Zhongshan, Yuan Shang was completely defeated and withdrew from Jizhou.

From the third year of Jian'an to the current sixth year of Jian'an, Yuan Shao took the initiative to attack with an army of more than [-]; The war has also been fought for more than three years.

In more than three years, Cao Cao finally took over half of Jizhou. The hardships in it are unimaginable for ordinary people.

From the beginning of the war to the present, the two sides have fought several times with hundreds of thousands of soldiers: the battle of Baima, the battle of Guandu, the battle of Cangting, etc. In the end, even Yecheng was breached twice. The hardships of a war.From the time when Cao Cao was absolutely weak, he reversed his victory over Yuan Shao and then occupied most of Jizhou, which undoubtedly contributed many classic battle examples to the world.

In this protracted war, the casualties on both sides totaled no less than 40 soldiers and horses, and as many as 200 million civilians were involved. Countless food, fodder and money were consumed, and the respective losses of both sides were immeasurable.

The gap between Yanzhou, Xuzhou and the three northern states is there. Cao Cao wants to end the battle in a short time, which is simply a dream.Cao Cao in history took five or six years to gradually annex Hebei after the Battle of Guandu. Although Cao Cao is much stronger than at the same time in history, it has not yet reached the size that can swallow Hebei in one go.

It took Cao Cao three years from defeating Yuan Shao to capturing Jizhou, but facing the weaker and weaker Yuan brothers, the Cao Group's future battles will only become smoother.

All these sacrifices are worthwhile for Cao Cao.

......

In the sixth year of Jian'an, in mid-August, it is now the season when the sun is hot.

In Yangping County, an army of [-] troops led by Chen Deng crossed the Yellow River from Cangtingjin and successfully conquered the important towns of Yangping, Dongwuyang, and Leping.

In the past ten years, it was either farming or government affairs, but now it is able to lead the army alone.Chen Deng was fascinated and intoxicated by the wanton blood splattered on the battlefield and Fang Qiu's passion.

On the official road to meet Zhao Yun, tens of thousands of troops are marching forward.

The people along the way didn't have any fear of Cao Jun, and some of them even dared to get closer to observe.

The Cao Group's publicity campaign against Jizhou for so many years has seen results at this moment.

Chen Deng rode on his horse and looked at the surrounding situation.

Although there are countless fields on both sides of the official road, the fields are already full of weeds.Only in places far away from the official road, there are very few fields that have been harvested for grain.

Although there have not been many battles in Jizhou in the past three years, Jizhou does not have as strong an economic and agricultural foundation as Yanzhou.

What is fought in the war is money, food and population. Jizhou needs money and food to prepare for the war, so it can only be searched from the people, just like what many feudal dynasties did to the people.

The people were overwhelmed and fled their hometowns to find another way of life.

Yangping County, which is close to Yanzhou, is the top priority. In almost every village, a few dozen families have fled to the south of the Yellow River.

Dongjun is adjacent to Jizhou, so it naturally accepts the most refugees; Taishan County, Qingzhou and other places have also absorbed a lot. The arrival of these refugees, in disguise, provides these places with the necessary factors for development, population.

The front is Guan County, Zhao Yun has already swept the surrounding areas, and is stationing troops here to rest.

Leaving [-] soldiers to garrison each important place, Chen Deng led [-] troops all the way to Guan County.

When they arrived in Guan County, Zhao Yun and Xia Houlan had already been waiting outside the county seat for a long time.

Chen Deng saw the heroic Zhao Yun and Xia Houlan from a long distance, so he shouted loudly: "General Zhao, General Xiahou! Long time no see!"

Zhao Yun and Xia Houlan rode forward, came to Chen Deng, clasped their fists and said, "Brother Yuanlong, it's been a long time!"

"Hahaha! It's been two years since the last farewell, the years really pass by like a fleeting moment, it's gone in a hurry!"

After the three of them sighed, Zhao Yun said to Chen Deng: "Brother Yuanlong, we have wiped out the enemy army north of Yangping County. As long as we take down Guantao, the government office, the rest of the place should be left behind." .”

"The dragon cavalry battalions of General Zilong and General Ziheng are unparalleled in combat power. I'm afraid these defenders will become timid before they fight when they hear your name, hahaha!"

Zhao Yun smiled, but couldn't help sighing, saying: "When Yuan Shao was around, he could barely guarantee the people's livelihood.

After Yuan Shao's death, Yuan Shang and the noble families from all over the country plundered the common people and forced them to enlist in the army, which aroused complaints from the common people. It can be said that the common people have suffered from the Yuan family for a long time...

After entering Pingyang Street, many local people heard that Cao Gong’s army had arrived. Not only did they not resist, but some even showed the way for our army... I have to say that Yuan’s defeat is already doomed Understand. "

Chen Deng also showed a smile, and said: "Lu Hussar's reputation of caring for the people has spread all over the world, and you, Zhao Zilong, are Lu Hussar's number one favorite general... Your reputation may be more famous in the hearts of the people than the prime minister and Your Majesty is all right."

"Brother Yuanlong has been praised too much. When Ziheng and I followed my husband, we vowed to do what we can for the common people."

"Struggling for ideals is also a great joy in life!"

"I've already prepared a reception banquet for Brother Yuanlong, take a good night's rest today, and tomorrow we'll set off to take down Guantao!"

"Okay, just listen to Zilong's arrangement!"

......

rest overnight,

Before dawn the next day, Zhao Yun's [-] cavalry marched towards Guantao together with Chen Deng's [-] soldiers.

There are still dozens of miles away from Guantao, and the surrounding villages and people are gradually increasing.

At first, the people were very afraid when they saw the army coming.

But when someone recognized Zhao Yun and Chen Deng's army, the people gradually calmed down.

"It's fine if it's not Yuan Shang's army..."

"Yes, I heard that Prime Minister Cao's soldiers never embarrass the common people."

"Cao's army is here, so Yuan's army may have to leave. This winter's food can finally be saved..."

......

The army moved forward for a while, and Zhao Yun suddenly saw a small group of people appearing on the road ahead from a distance.

Zhao Yun had excellent eyesight. He saw that the group of people were all old men with gray beards, so he didn't send scouts to inquire, and rode alone to them.

Zhao Yun rode his horse and got off the horse when he came more than ten meters in front of these old people. The Yezhao Jade Lion spontaneously followed behind him... When he came to the old man, Zhao Yun clasped his fists and saluted and said: "The army is marching, and I invite all the old gentlemen Don't stand on the official path."

After hearing Zhao Yun's words, several old people who were already in their seventies and eighties hurriedly bowed their hands and said, "General, we are here specially for your army."

An old man of this age could not even bow to the emperor, so how could Zhao Yun dare to accept the salute from this group of people.

Zhao Yun moved away from the direction where the old people were saluting, and said: "We are under the command of General Hussars and Prime Minister Cao, and we are here to pacify Yangping."

An old man who was about to lose all his teeth suddenly became excited and said, "We know that what we are waiting for is your army!"

Chapter 322 The Battle of Bingzhou

Zhao Yun was a little surprised by the old man's words.

But before Zhao Yun could ask the doubts in his heart, Chen Deng's voice suddenly came from behind him, "Fellow folks, I will follow His Majesty's order to punish the remnants of the Yuan family... If there is any act of disturbing the neighbors , folks, please forgive me!"

The old man had never seen anything at this age, but it was the first time they had seen a high official and an army who were so polite to the people.

The common people are simple, if you treat me well, I will treat you better.You can feed me, and I will support you with all my strength.

During Yuan Shang's control of Jizhou, many people's families were destroyed. Compared with the people of Yanzhou across the Yellow River, it seems that one is in the sky and the other is in the ground.

The old people came forward one after another and said: "Prime Minister Cao's name of benevolence and righteousness, we have heard about it for a long time.

There are many young people in Yangping County who have already gone to the Central Plains. We are old and do not want to leave our homeland, so we can only wait for the Prime Minister's teacher of benevolence and righteousness to come to rescue us soon! "