Silver Fox of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 372 Several joys and sorrows

August of the 24th year of Jian'an was a painful time for Sun Quan.

Since June, troops were sent out to attack Jingzhou, and most of Jingzhou's territory was obtained in the blink of an eye, but in just two months, the situation took a turn for the worse.

Lu Meng and Sun Jiao died in battle one after another, and a large number of Jiangdong soldiers were either killed or captured, causing heavy losses.

This battle almost exhausted more than [-]% of Jiangdong's national power.

In addition to the loss of soldiers and horses, the heavy burden of corvee and the rising rebellion in the rear are also destroying the Sun family's regime, causing Jiangdong's people to betray him, and the people of the family have abandoned him.

On November [-]th, after Sun Quan fled to Chaisang, he didn't dare to stay, so he hurriedly changed to a speedboat and headed straight for Ruxukou.

Because Chaisang didn't have many troops to defend, and the Jiangxia navy would go south by boat to continue the pursuit. Chaisang would definitely not be able to defend, so he could only flee all the way to a place where he still had some troops.

At the same time, Jiang Xia's navy did pursue all the way, but they did not go deep into Ruxukou, but went along the river to Wankou, and then went north from Wanshui to Wanxian.

Su Fei and Chen Sheng, two unlucky people, were sent by Huang She, who didn't know the truth, to help his "ally" Sun Quan in June, and they are still trapped in the city.

Fortunately, they prepared sufficient supplies before they set off, and Sun Quan and Cao Cao put the main force in Nanyang, and there were only a small number of Sun Quan and Cao troops besieging Wankou, because there was a city defense, so there was nothing wrong.

Now that Jingzhou was restored to peace, Shen Chen wanted to stabilize the situation first and take a short rest before attacking Wu, so he first sent Huang She to lead Jiang Xia's navy to bring them back.

By next spring, they can officially go down the river and go straight to the east of the river.

However, even though the Jiangxia navy had no intention of attacking Wu right now, when he heard that the Jiangxia navy had picked up Su Fei and Chen Sheng in Wan County, and tens of thousands of troops were in the Zongyang area, Sun Quan was still as frightened as a bird. Fleeing in panic, he ran back to Jianye.

In mid-November, after hiding in Jianye for several days, Sun Quan was in panic in the mansion every day, until he heard that Jiang Xia's navy had withdrawn from Xiling, returned to Xunyang, and did not capture Chaisang, he was relieved in one breath.

But what followed, besides the pressure of Jiang Xia's navy currently stationed in Xunyang, was also countless internal pressures. The news of the rebellion from all sides was gathered to him, making Sun Quan almost out of breath.

In Wuhou's mansion, Sun Quan, who was only 38 years old this year, was sitting on the porch. His face was very old at this time, and his temples were faintly gray, as if he had aged ten years overnight.

Zhang Zhao, Zhuge Jin, Gu Yong, Kan Ze, Sun Shao, Yan Tian, ​​Lu Xun, Shi Yi, Lu Ji and others were also sitting at the side, all of them were depressed and looked sad.

This battle not only lost Jiangdong's young and strong, comparable to Zhao Guo in the Battle of Changping, but also lost many outstanding generals.

Lu Meng, Sun Jiao, Sun Huan, Cheng Pu, Song Qian, Quan Zong, and Zhu Cai were killed, Xu Sheng, Ding Feng, and Jiang Qin were captured, and only a few escaped, including Pan Zhang, Zhu Ran, Zhu Huan, and Lu Fan Back, on the army side, even less than one in ten.

Now in the entire Jiangdong, every family is suffering from the pain of zombies, and every room is crying.Either close the door and die, or lose the family and die.Compared with the plague crossing the border, it is even worse.

Outside the residence of Marquis Wu, many people gathered, Jiangdong Qianshou cried and asked outside the door, where is my son?

The sound of mourning shook the city.

After a long silence, Sun Quan said in a hoarse voice, "What should I do alone?"

Zhang Zhao sighed and said, "The Marquis of Wu should immediately write to Cao Cao, requesting his surrender."

"Submit to Cao Cao?"

Sun Quan was silent for a moment, and seeing everyone nodded slightly, he sighed, "Gu knows what to do."

Zhang Zhao said again: "Although Liu Bei has won now, it is still a miserable victory. For example, in the battle of Changping, Qin won, and it was very difficult. It is said that the people in the Jingyi area of ​​Bashu are in dire straits, and civil strife continues. Appease the people, stick to Ruxukou, wait for the recovery of vitality, and don't use weapons rashly for at least ten years."

"Ugh"

Sun Quan lamented: "But now Shanyue's rebellion continues, and even the people of Wujun and Danyang in the rear have started uprisings. Is the sky going to die alone?"

Zhang Zhao then said, "Don't worry about Marquis Wu. The rebellion of the county residents is just a trivial matter. It's enough to calm down. Shanyue doesn't need to pay attention to it. Our people will evacuate to the south of Yishan Mountain. We only need to guard some passes. Shanyue people overturned." Don't worry about any storms."

"That's all."

Sun Quan agreed to everything. He actually knew that all of this was in the interests of the Jiangdong family, so he could only let Zhang Zhao decide.

The Jiangdong family is dissatisfied with the Liu Bei Group's policy of suppressing the family and seizing the family's land and population, so it will definitely not choose to move closer to the Liu Bei Group.

Even if there are a few class betrayers among them, it is absolutely impossible to have a class that betrays the class.

Therefore, most Jiangdong families are inclined to Sun Quan's surrender to Cao Cao.

In this way, they can continue to enjoy the privileged treatment of the aristocratic family, and they don't have to worry that the court will strip their population, land and political status.

As the main representative of the Jiangdong family under Sun Quan, Zhang Zhao has the same interests even though he is not from the Jiangdong family.

Therefore, submitting to Cao Cao, dealing with civil unrest, and recuperating are all in line with their interests.

Only by stabilizing the interior and recuperating and developing, can they reorganize their troops and horses to resist the attack of the Liu Bei Group and at the same time welcome the arrival of the king of the Cao Wei Group.

At present, Sun Quan followed Zhang Zhao's suggestion and gathered the only [-] soldiers left in Jiangdong at Ruxukou, and ordered He Qi and Lu Fan to lead thousands of people back to Danyang Wujun to deal with the civil unrest in the rear.

September and October were also sad months for Cao Cao.

First Yu Jin was captured, then Guo Jia died of illness, and then Xiahou Dun was beheaded. If you count Cao Hong who lost in June, this year Cao Cao lost too many veterans and advisers who relied on him.

In November, Cao Cao left Zhong Yao and Xia Houyuan behind, and returned to Guandong by himself. He ordered the court of Chendu to be moved to the north again, to the north of the Yellow River, Chaoge County in the ancient Shang Dynasty.

But at this time, the entire Cao Wei Group was already turbulent and turbulent.People all over the world who cherish the Han Dynasty think that the revival of the Han Dynasty is in sight.Rebellions, rebellions, and invasions continued, and many people from various aristocratic families rose up.

Fortunately, Cao Cao killed a large number of veteran officials of the Han Dynasty several times at the beginning. The last time was during the Jiping Rebellion last year. He used the excuse of "those who do not fight the fire are not helping the chaos, and those who fight the fire are real thieves." Kill them all, and the rest are basically Wei Guo officials.

Therefore, although the world in the north is turbulent, the main source of turmoil lies in some local families who are loyal to the Han Dynasty and the rebellious people who cannot survive the rebellion. In front of Cao Wei's loyal ministers, he helped Cao Cao put down rebellions in various places.

Moreover, even the aristocratic families who are loyal to the Han Dynasty are pitifully few. Under Cao Cao’s management for many years, the entire north is full of Wei officials. The Cao Wei Group has actually controlled the court and the place. There is no need to use him to attract people's hearts.

It's just that when the battles on both fronts failed, and the internal disputes of the Cao Wei Group continued, Cao Cao dragged his sick body back to Yecheng to fight the fire and stabilize people's hearts.

Although the current situation is not very good for Cao Cao, it has not yet reached the point of complete collapse. It is just that there are fires in many places in the backyard, and he has to worry about Shen Chen's troops on the southern battlefield, so he has to do so.

At this moment, Cao Cao's complexion was sallow in Yecheng Wei Wang's mansion. In just one month, he lost more than ten catties, and his shape was like dead wood. He was no longer as vigorous as before.

In the hall, Cao Pi carefully knelt aside, and Fang Yu, Chen Qun, Dong Zhao, Sima Yi, Jiang Ji, Liu Ye, Hua Xin, Mao Jie, Cui Yan, Chang Lin, Xu Yi, He Kui, Zhang Ji, Du Ji, Du Xi, Wei Ji and other officials of Cao Wei sat down one after another.

They all accepted the official positions of the Wei state, not the official positions of the big Han, so they were served by Wei Lu instead of Han Lu. They sat upright, looked up at Cao Cao above, and waited for Cao Cao to give orders.

Now the Cao Wei Group is not feeling well. It seems that Shen Chen just captured and killed Xiahou, causing Cao Cao to lose more than [-] people, but not counting other losses.

For example, Zhao Yan's troops were abandoned by them, and more than 1 people were trapped in Xiangyang. Finally, they were besieged by Shen Chen.

Also, before Cao Hong was submerged in water, more than [-] people were killed and injured, and the general Cao Hong was defeated.

In the battle of Hu County, Cao Jun also lost nearly 4 people.

All together, from the beginning of this year to the end of this year, the Cao Wei Group has lost nearly 15 troops. The senior generals include Xia Houdun, Cao Hong, and Yu Jin. The counselors lost Guo Jia and Zhao Yan. There are countless other generals and the Cao Wei Group. Gloomy.

Now Cao Cao only feels a pain in his head. His whole body is in a state of drowsiness, feeling like he is going to die, and his headache is about to split. die.

He put his hands on the table, closed his eyes, and rubbed his forehead constantly. He had already taken the medicine, but it didn't work.The hall was silent, full of depression and dead silence.

After a long time, Cao Cao coughed violently a few times, spit out bloody phlegm into the basin next to him, then raised his head with slightly cloudy eyes and scanned the officials below, all the officials below lowered their heads for fear of him Will suddenly get angry and want to kill so and so.

"How about the civil unrest?"

To everyone's surprise, Cao Cao didn't get angry, but asked.

Cao Pi replied tremblingly: "It has subsided. Zheng Hun, Gao Qian, Shi Jian and others have reported to the police, and they will return to Yecheng soon."

"Ah."

Cao Cao looked around the crowd and said: "A little civil disturbance is nothing to worry about. The only one who has a serious problem is Liu Beier. But although he won a new victory, it was a disastrous victory. Not only did he lose troops and generals, but the foundation in the rear was unstable, and he probably would not go north. Just relax."

"Wei Wang Shengming."

Everyone shouted and clapped their hands together, like insects responding to the sound.

Of course they know that Cao Cao is a peace of mind, but Cao Cao is actually right.

Although the Liu Bei Group killed, wounded and captured more than [-] Sun-Cao coalition forces on the two fronts of Guanzhong and Jingzhou, but if they killed [-] enemies, their self-injury would be at least [-].

Shen Chen's army in Nanyang also suffered a lot of battle losses, 20 troops, and now there are only [-] to [-] left.Liu Bei was victorious in Guanzhong, but he had suffered repeated defeats in Liangzhou before, and also lost a lot of troops.

The ratio of battle losses between the two sides may be that the Liu Bei Group lost 7 people, the Cao Cao Group lost 15, and the Sun Quan Group lost 13.

Because Sun Quan actually sent about 15 troops, and more than [-] troops from the Jingnan family participated in it.In addition, [-] to [-] broken soldiers fled back to Jiangdong afterwards, so Sun Quan lost a little less than Cao Cao.

But that's not how it works out.

Sun Quan's national military strength may be only about 20, with a discount of 13. His headquarters is almost completely lost, and most of the rest are Jiangdong gentry tribes. It can be said that Sun Quan is about to become a polished commander.

The war potential of the Cao Wei Group can reach 40, there are many county soldiers in various places, and there are still tens of thousands of soldiers and horses in the north, so even if they lose 15, it can only be said to be a serious injury, unlike Sun Quan, who is completely hollowed out The foundation, no longer fighting power.

Therefore, the current Cao Wei Group is a bit miserable, but it is still much stronger than Sun Quan.And now Cao Cao has mobilized the northern soldiers and horses to the south, as long as they survive next year, there is still no need to worry about the risk of the north being invaded.

After Cao Cao made up his mind, he continued, "I heard that Wuhuan, Xianbei in the north, rebelled again. How did Yan Rou and Tian Yu deal with it?"

Cao Pi replied: "It has been repulsed."

"Ah."

Cao Cao said in a deep voice: "Liu Bei is not dead, so I feel uneasy. Now that Xiliang is his possession, in a few years, Guanzhong may also be lost. Let Zhong Yao move Zuo Fengyi's people to Hedong. Where is Du Ji? "

Shang Shu Du Ji came out and said, "The minister is here."

"You have been the prefect of Hedong for many years, and this time you will continue to return to Hedong to manage people's livelihood, stabilize the rear, and provide food and grass for Chang'an."

"only."

"Where is Wei Ke?"

"The minister is here."

"Go to Guanzhong and assist Xiangguo."

"only."

"Where is Du Xi?"

"The minister is here."

"You are Jing Zhaoyin, in charge of people's livelihood and the transfer of grain and grass in the east of the river."

"only."

"Where is Zhang Ji?"

.

Cao Cao appointed several people to go to Guanzhong in one go.

He planned to abandon Youfufeng and parts of Zuofengyi to the west of Guanzhong, use Chang'an as the front line of defense, and take Hedong as the rear grain and grass base to resist Liu Bei's troops in Nanyang and Hanzhong.

In this way, because the tens of thousands of square kilometers in the Youfufeng area has long been deserted, the Liu Bei Group and the Cao Wei Group have formed a section of uninhabited land similar to the Huainan area. If Liu Bei wants to attack Chang'an, he has to travel hundreds of kilometers from Hanzhong. To the city of Chang'an.

The same is true for the direction of Wuguan. Although there are no obstacles along the way, because there are no people, they cannot get food locally, so they have to transport food from the rear. As a result, the logistical pressure of the Liu Bei Group's attack on Guanzhong is extremely huge, and it is difficult to break through Chang'an.

In this way, he can deploy only a few soldiers and horses in Chang'an to resist the attack of the Liu Bei Group.The main defensive direction is placed in the Henan area, thereby reducing the consumption of national power and the bloated troops of the Cao Wei Group.

After arranging a series of appointments, mobilization of soldiers and horses, and internal affairs in the rear, Cao Cao felt a little tired, so he said: "That's it for today, everyone go your own way."

"only."

Everyone led the order to retreat.

Cao Cao watched everyone leave and only Cao Pi was left in the hall. He felt chest tightness and coughed violently, causing blood to overflow from the corner of his mouth.

"Father."

Cao Pi was shocked and hurried forward and said, "Father."

"It's okay."

Cao Cao waved his hand, glanced at Cao Pi and said, "I probably won't live long, this country will be given to you, don't let my father down."

Cao Pi knelt down on the ground and said in a deep voice, "Father, don't worry, my son will never let the Great Wei Jiangshan be taken advantage of by Liu Bei."

"Ah."

Cao Cao nodded.

At this time, Xu Chu came in from outside and said, "Report, King Wei, Sun Quan wrote a letter saying that he is willing to join us."

"Ha ha."

Cao Cao smiled, turned his head to look at Cao Pi, and said, "Sun Quan lost all his elite in this battle, Jiangdong is in danger, and now he can only belong to the widow."

Cao Pi hurriedly said: "We are focusing on defense now, so we don't have the strength to take care of Jiangdong. My father might as well refuse."

"Do not."

Cao Cao shook his head: "Why do you refuse? You have to make a big fanfare and tell the people of the world that Sun Quan will join you. This will not only stabilize the hearts of the army and the people, but also make Liu Bei a little afraid."

"But."

Cao Pi hesitated and said, "We don't have any extra troops to assist Sun Quan now."

"Help him with what to do."

Cao Cao sneered and said, "We just need to let people know that Sun Quan belongs to us. As for whether he dies or not, it has nothing to do with me."

After finishing speaking, Cao Cao got up slowly, walked to the hall with his hands behind his back, and looked at the bleak winter wind outside.

The cold winter has arrived in November, and at some point in Yecheng in the north, it began to snow a little.

The rustling snowflakes were flying, bringing a bit of bone-chilling chill to the earth.

Cao Cao raised his head and looked into the distance.

He must spread the news of Sun Quan's attachment.

Because this will make people in the world think that the Cao Wei Group is still so powerful, and another prince has joined.

But he didn't have any extra troops to save Sun Quan.

Therefore, whether Sun Quan died or not has nothing to do with him. He just needs to let the news spread throughout the world in a short period of time to stabilize people's hearts.

This means that Sun Quan can only ask for more blessings.

Cao Cao will provide all support except sending troops. Even when the Liu Bei Group attacks Sun Quan, he hopes that Sun Quan can support him a little longer so that he can recover as soon as possible.

"Little Sun Quan."

Cao Cao looked at the south with deep eyes, and murmured softly: "Since you started this battle, then you should bear it. Although Jiangdong was destroyed, I can recover my vitality. If your descendants can escape back to the north one day, Letting your descendants inherit your title will not be in vain for you to prevent this disaster for the widow."

As he spoke, he gently flicked his sleeves, and walked slowly back to the back house.

The world is in turmoil.

Some are happy and some are sad.

Cao Cao couldn't take care of himself, so he could only sacrifice Sun Quan in exchange for his time to recuperate.

And Liu Beijun in Guanzhong also quickly returned to Hanzhong after winning the victory in Hu County, so that all the corvee men returned to the place and began to enter the state of spring plowing next year.

Although Liu Bei fought very hard in this battle.

But in the end it was a win.

In terms of war potential, as long as Jingzhou and Yizhou can recover as soon as possible, at least within a few years, he can even be on par with Cao Wei.

This is the year when Cao Cao and Sun Quan wailed, and it was also the year when the Liu Bei Group was in high spirits.

The general trend of the world has also changed because of this.

　Today is just one chapter. In the afternoon, I will go back to my hometown village to hang greens to worship ancestors. Tomorrow, I will go back to the county to code words. It mainly depends on the time when I come back tomorrow. I come back two chapters early and one chapter late.From the day after tomorrow, return to normal.We updated 24 words last month, with an average of 8000 words per day. The performance is still good, and we will strive to make persistent efforts, because the book has entered the middle and second half, and soon it will be the Southern and Northern Dynasties, with 24 words per month. I hope to finish it before August this year. There are still 8 months to go, and I will strive to open a new book in the second half of the year.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)