Three Kingdoms: Cao Ying's mastermind, from nine to five

Chapter 227 Is it necessary to have so many people come to rob food?
Youzhou, Guangyang.

Yuan Xi's ruling seat is here, and it took a lot of energy to stabilize the civil strife these years.

In this year, Yuan Xi's hair has turned gray a lot, and his beard has grown thicker. His beard grows downward along the character horoscope, and there is still a bushy pinch on his chin.

His eyes became more and more resolute, but he was a little skinny.

Originally, Youzhou was not considered stable and peaceful. With the army's prestige gradually increasing over the past year, with more than 1000 Su Tiejia and Su Tie Dao seized, Yuan Xi formed an elite cavalry and pacified many soldiers. rebellion.

When the civil strife was cleared, a lot of military rations were obtained by looting, and now the spring plowing can be regarded as contributing, forcing the soldiers and the people to garrison the fields, waiting for the autumn harvest to get a lot of money and food.

Moreover, the merchant horses in Yuyang went outside Youzhou to establish business relations with those foreigners on horseback, and earned a lot of extra income. Every step was like walking on thin ice.

"Hmph, wanting to share the food is wishful thinking!"

Yuan Xi patted the table, his expression was full of resentment, "Father originally entrusted me to manage all the soldiers and horses, but it happened that those civil and military men all supported Yuan Shang, which made him feel arrogant. I have been in Youzhou all these years Work hard to stabilize the situation, but get nothing, why??!"

In front of Yuan Xi, there stood a tall and muscular general, taller and slightly wider, with a broad-edged knife on his waist and chain mail armor, looking very mighty.

This person's name is Qianzhao, he joined Yuan Shao in the early years, he was regarded as a loyal and practical person among the generals with foreign surnames, so he gradually led many troops in ten years, and then joined Yuan Xi's command.

He and Liu Bei are still old acquaintances. He played with Liu Bei since he was a child, and later followed him as a knight. .

At this moment, his mood is still calm, although he is not dissatisfied with Yuan Shang's actions, "The general thinks that if you want to conflict with Bingzhou, you must be careful of Jizhou soldiers and horses."

"Although there is no movement in Jizhou now, the defense is also to defend the pass, but the general feels that Xu Zhen is not that simple, and should be waiting for us to fight among ourselves and take the opportunity to attack."

"That's right," Yuan Xi smiled, "How can I not know him?"

"The reason why my father was defeated last year was that he was attacked back and forth by Xu Zhen and Cao Cao, and he was in a dilemma. But I will not give Xu Zhen this opportunity. After the battle, I generally understand the secret of his military strength, but it is a new type of military equipment. .”

"I can endure the decisive battle with Yuan Shang until the autumn harvest. At this time, I will guard Daijun. As for the rations that were looted, I will give them to him. Yuan Shang can't support it. He can't get food in Bingzhou. He can only kill cattle, sheep and horses for food. Come to me sooner or later."

"My young master clearly sees it," Qianzhao nodded, "Jizhou must not be given a chance now. It is best to send another letter to the young master with a warning, or let him exchange some military power for food. It can reduce the pressure of leading troops, and allow the young master to have more soldiers and horses in hand, so that everyone can make the best use of their talents."

"En! What Zhuanzhao said is very true. I'm going to write a letter right away, and I must let Yuan Shang know of his mistake," Yuan Xi immediately took the case, with a look of joy on his face, it is indeed possible to change it!
I was always angry in my heart before, and I forgot that I could make a request with Yuan Shang, so that he would be shaken by taking a step back, and he could continue to eat away at his army by exchanging food for troops.

Next, if we prevent Jizhou from invading, we can sit back and relax for a few years. Xu Zhen will definitely not be able to make a large-scale attack in the next few years, and he must rest and support his people.

"After the autumn, and then settle accounts with Yuan Shang, even if Xu Zhen wants to take advantage of the fire, it will be too late. He can't brave the severe cold and march in the snow and ice to attack my Youzhou? If this is the case, then it is an excellent opportunity bestowed by heaven. , let me defeat Xu Zhen."

Yuan Xi immediately clenched his fists, confident in his chest.

He has stayed in Youzhou for more than two years, and he has visited Youzhou a lot in the past, so he understands how cold the winter here is, and it is basically impossible to march and fight. This is why they attacked Youzhou back then. At that time, two years stopped in winter.

As for the vassal state of Liaodong, it is even more difficult to capture, the terrain is complex and difficult to march, and it is too cold to march in winter.

Yuan Xi felt completely at ease, and was not afraid that Xu Zhen would rush to attack after autumn, because he could not survive the severe winter and marched.

"Go ahead, recruit the general, and then I will hand over the letter to you and send it to Bingzhou for Yuan Shang to read."

"Here."

Zhuanzhao nodded immediately, turned and left immediately.

A few days later, the number of soldiers and horses deployed in Daijun in Youzhou was increasing day by day, and the Bingzhou army naturally had no chance, so they could only wander outside. They were already under guard, and it was impossible for Yuan Shang to raise his troops to enter the country again, and he was easily swallowed by Yuan Xi's surprise attack. In short, in the past few days, thousands of shi of grain and a lot of property have been looted.

In addition to Bingzhou, there are princes outside the Guanzhou in Liangzhou who can exchange money and food. With Yuan's connections before, he can still trade with Han Sui and others.

It's just that they asked for a high price. The money and food they robbed could temporarily solve the urgent need, but it could not solve the problem of food shortage for a long time. Later, when they heard the news that Xu Zhen had allocated 80 grain to Cao Cao, he was so envious that he couldn't sleep.

If my father is still there, he will definitely give me 80 yuan.

Under such a gap, today I received a letter from my elder brother Yuan Xi, and I immediately felt uncomfortable after reading it.

"Exchanging soldiers and horses for food, he can figure it out!"

Yuan Shangshang was still young, he didn't have much beard on his chin, he had a handsome face with fine features, and he was full of vigor and resonant when he spoke.

Because of his handsome appearance since he was a child, Yuan Shao liked him very much. Yuan Shao thought that Yuan Shang was the one whose appearance and demeanor most resembled his own among several sons.

So I have always loved it.

"Young master, it's not impossible."

Wearing a black robe, Guo Tu bowed his hands and said calmly: "Yuan Xi's news shows that he also has plans. In this way, he can satisfy his request and get what we want. Food and grass are the foundation for soldiers and horses to stand on."

"If there is no food and grass, the 20 soldiers and horses will gradually disperse, and they will not be able to gain a foothold in Bingzhou. They can only continue to suppress the rebellion, attack and fight, and plunder food and grass. However, such an annexation of the major clans will cause chaos in the territory, and the clans will surrender to us. I dare not accept it either.”

"Now, it is best to reconcile with the second son, collect his food and grass, and then stabilize the people in the territory, wait for the food to be hoarded, and then we can raise the army first."

"Reconciliation? He occupied Youzhou and refused to give it to me. It was already a great concession for me not to send troops to attack. Now I see the 20 soldiers and horses left by my father short of food, and divide the troops with me? Such a brother, why should I Reconcile with him!?"

Yuan Shang was full of displeasure, got up and walked a few steps to Guo Tu, stared at him and said angrily.

It seemed that he really couldn't figure out why Yuan Xi would act like this, ignoring his father's foundation. The 20 soldiers and horses were the last thing he brought from Jizhou.

If these sergeants starved to death, wouldn't it damage the entire Yuan family's interests in the future.

Losing is also losing together, "Don't you understand the reason why your lips are dead and your teeth are cold?"

"Young master, because of this, we should solve the current difficulties first, and when Youzhou is in trouble in the future, we will go to rescue, so that we can take back Youzhou."

"Bingzhou has 20 soldiers and horses, and there are many rugged and mountainous roads. The northern land is easy to graze. Cao Cao will not choose to go to Bingzhou first, and he must go to Youzhou."

"We can rescue Youzhou and take the city."

Guo Tu's face was serious and earnest, and after he finished speaking, he made a show of flirting with Xin Pi and Feng Ji. In Bingzhou, feed the people’s livelihood, otherwise they would have to sell gold and silver every year in exchange for grain, and they would be under the control of others after all.”

"We emptied Jizhou and left. I didn't expect Xu Zhen to have the ability to resettle the people. This person is awe-inspiring. We should follow Xu Zhen's example and become a seller and trade for food. Now that the second son has this If you want, you might as well agree to him."

"Exchange [-] soldiers and horses for [-] shi of grain, and settle down first to wait for the autumn harvest. There may be changes after the autumn harvest, and then make plans."

"That's right!" Brothers Xin Pi and Xin Ping immediately agreed, "Your Majesty, I also think it should be exchanged to stabilize the morale of the army."

"Furthermore, the young master and the second son are brothers to begin with, and there will be a day when there will be an end to the hatred. Maybe if you take a step back, he will know that he was wrong, and instead come to welcome you back to Youzhou. At that time, brothers fought over breath."

"you……"

Yuan Shang bowed his head a little irritatedly, but he also understood that now he was under the eaves and had to bow his head. Without food, he could only be controlled by others. There was no way, even his own brother, now he had to humbly beg him for food.

Looting will only backfire.

"Ugh!"

Yuan Shang is not stupid either. When his subordinates and martial arts have the same mind, he also understands that everyone's opinions cannot be violated.

"Okay! That being the case, I'll listen to you all. I agree to exchange food with Yuan Xi, but what about Jizhou?"

"Don't worry, young master. Xu Zhen is raising the people. It is impossible to mobilize the people at this time. He is also a strong outsider and a middle-aged man in Jizhou. In fact, he has no food storage. It will take at least two years for him to recover. Even with Cao Cao's help, he will need a long time to settle down." It’s been a long time.” Guo Tu was very confident about this, and immediately talked eloquently, “Xu Zhen was born in Baiding, and there was no gentry to help him. De, people who don't have a reputation, are so roughly elected, it is absolutely impossible for every county to be peaceful."

This is extremely reasonable. When it comes to what Yuan Shang is most worried about, it seems that his father left Jizhou for his son's sake. He emptied Jizhou, which he worked so hard to manage. There are still millions of refugees.

These millions, definitely a million mouths to eat, thank God.

"I'll reply right away." Yuan Shang nodded immediately, finally feeling relieved.

"The young master is magnificent."

Guo Tu and the others breathed a sigh of relief, looked at each other, and their minds became peaceful, as long as they don't fight.

Giving [-] soldiers and horses is nothing, as long as there is enough food, the remaining army can live frugally until the next time the princes outside the customs trade to send food, and then harvest the food cultivated by the people in autumn.

Bingzhou's policy of garrisoning fields is different from Jizhou's. Xu Zhen promotes military garrison, but encourages the people to work hard on the land, rewards those who are capable of farming, and returns the land to the people, so the people are more active in farming.

But Bingzhou is different. They came with the people. After they came to Bingzhou, they had no time to govern the people. Blood simply cannot support 20 soldiers and horses.

Now, these [-] soldiers and horses are sent to Youzhou in exchange for life-saving food.

……

Three days later.

Inside the Sword Shield Camp in Zhongshan County.

Xu Zhen had already personally led the [-] horses to station outside Wuji County, Zhongshan County, and came back from the expedition camp outside the checkpoint. Xu Zhen and Dian Wei dismounted and returned to the camp, walking on the open road.

[You complete the investigation of the military situation, self-discipline value +150]

"Your Majesty!"

Just as Xu Zhen collected the self-discipline points, he heard Su Wei's voice, and when he raised his eyes, he saw Huang Xu standing in front of him, panting, but his handsome face was full of smiles.

"Today's investigation, we caught a rider. Although he didn't have a letter, he got the news. After a few days, Yuan Xi will deliver grain and grass to Bingzhou, and Yuan Shang will give Yuan Xi [-] soldiers and horses. Brothers As a transaction, it will definitely be carried out in the near future, because Bingzhou has already started to lack food."

Xu Zhen paused, and immediately became happy, "Haha! Fifty thousand stones! Awei!!"

"Hey," Dian Wei curled his lips, he knew that Junhou must have taken a fancy to his food.

"Quick, quick! Go out with the whole army, lay in ambush along the way, and bring back all the fifty thousand shi of grain!"

"All, pull all back! Don't hesitate, send troops immediately! Gallop in the starry night, don't stay, walk less during the day, march at night! Secretly rush to the mountains and forests to ambush, and guard where you must pass!"

Dian Wei was helplessly stunned for a moment, then nodded abruptly, "Hey! Got it."

"The armored cavalry attacked from the front, the crossbow cavalry outflanked, the sword and shield battalion entered the forest, Ni's Qinghu battalion and Zilong's white robe were as close to the battlefield as possible. After seeing the soldiers and horses, let them go for a while, and then besieged and looted. just go."

"So many soldiers and horses?"

Dian Wei immediately became paralyzed. You are really not a good person. Just grab a piece of food and burn it if you can’t take it away. Anyway, we don’t lack food now. Roughly calculated, 6 or [-] people touched five soldiers and horses. Arranged in various places in advance, just to grab Yuan Xi's [-] grains.

"It's not as simple as [-] shi of grain!" Xu Zhen stared, "For us, it's just [-] shi of grain, but for Yuan Shang, it's life-saving food."

"Once it is destroyed, his Bingzhou will be even more chaotic. How to arrange 20 soldiers and horses?"

"Hey! Got it! I'm going right away!" Dian Wei suddenly grinned.

That night, more than 6 soldiers and horses were dispatched at the same time. They slowly came out from the checkpoint in Zhongshan, and the cavalry crossed the plain to ambush in the mountains and forests in Youzhou.

Each cavalry and sword and shield soldier brought three days of dry food, pot helmets and dried meat, enough for three days to go on the road.

After waiting for four days, when he was tired and hungry, he saw Yuan Xi's grain cart coming from a distance. Gao Shun sent their army's carts and horses through the mountains and forests. When counting, he suddenly came out with a sword and shield and forcibly killed the rear army.

Suddenly raised fire and attacked, killing one by surprise, and when leading the front army, when he was about to turn around to rescue, he killed another group of crossbow cavalry not far away, quickly approached and shot arrows.

Under the fluttering arrows, Youzhou soldiers fell in pieces.

The Bingzhou soldiers and horses who came to meet them saw this scene in the distance, and immediately withdrew without looking back.

It was a mess for a while, and the leading general was Guo Tu's lieutenant, Chen Zhen. His eyes were wide open at this time, and he was so dazed by the situation that he didn't know how to make a decision.

To save or not to save?These are Xu Zhen's troops?Why did he mobilize so many soldiers?is it necessary?This is not a decisive battle... It's just a night attack on food and grass.

He has so much military pay and food to reward pensions?Or are the soldiers and horses under his command willing to work for him without money?too terrifying.

(End of this chapter)