Han family achievements

Chapter 249
Huangfu Jianchang and Cheng Yu left Jiujiang County and entered Yuzhou and Xiangxian County.

This is Dong Zhuo's territory. After several years of management, it is no longer what it used to be.

"Ten coins each!"

While passing by a small bridge, soldiers blocked the road and collected money with basins in their hands.

Huangfu Jianchang threw out a bunch without hesitation, and after it fell, there was a tinkling sound.

Then he swaggered across the bridge with seven or eight men who looked like servants, and crossed the bridge with great arrogance.

Cheng Yu also dressed up as a powerful servant, imitating the posture of the powerful servant behind him, looking like he was bullying others and ready to fight at any time.

"Which company does this belong to? They gave me more than 70 yuan more, right?"

"I've never seen him before, but he's so generous. He's probably a playboy, someone who doesn't take money as money..."

"It seems that he came from Zhuyi. Is he from a wealthy family there?"

"I don't know. If you are so arrogant, you probably have a backer. Let's not mess with him."

A group of soldiers guarding the bridge to collect taxes murmured and watched Huangfu Jianchang and his group walk away.

After turning an intersection, Cheng Yu turned around and said with a cold face: "Second Young Master, Dong Zhuo collects taxes in such a clever name. It seems that he can't help it anymore."

Huangfu Jianchang disagreed and said: "Didn't Sir, you said before that Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shu are inseparable? Once Yuan Shu is defeated, Dong Zhuo will be next. Why would Dong Zhuo just sit back and wait for death?"

Cheng Yu thought about the complicated situation in the south and said with some worry: "Second Young Master, Dong Zhuo is not only imposing extortionate taxes, but also building fortresses and checkpoints everywhere. It is obvious that he wants to sit back and watch the world. This person is not Yuan Shu. He knows how to hide his power and bide his time, and seek good luck and avoid things. Fierce, he is the most powerful enemy of the imperial court!"

Huangfu Jian glanced at him, chuckled, and said: "Sir, don't worry too much. We have been prepared. The court has been slow for nearly four years, and it is not the time for His Majesty to ascend the throne. Although the court has no money, it is really going to start a fight." , a mere Dong Zhuo will be destroyed without a backhand!"

Cheng Yu shook his head, took a step forward, and said solemnly: "Second Young Master, the northern states seem to be gradually stabilizing, but it will take at least ten years to completely stabilize and eliminate the rebellion. Once the court is in turmoil, the rebellion in the northern states will inevitably It surges again! That situation is the most terrifying!"

Huangfu Jian said: "Sir, you are overthinking. The imperial court will not allow the northern states to continue to be in chaos."

Cheng Yu was startled, looked at Huangfu Jianchang, and immediately remembered his identity, and said: "Second Young Master, what is the plan in the court?"

Huangfu Jianchang knew that he was slipping away, so he pretended to cough a few times and said: "Not really, it was my second father who sent me a letter, saying that the imperial court was further promoting the separation of military and political affairs, and that state shepherds, county guards, and county magistrates would not be allowed to The military commanders and captains are under the direct control of the imperial court, and the civilian officials only control the public order."

Cheng Yu sensed the smell and knew that the secrets of the imperial court were involved. Huangfu Jianzhang could not say more and said thoughtfully: "This is a way to consolidate the foundation. However, the imperial court cannot be in a hurry and must proceed slowly to avoid another incident."

Not only are these people unwilling to deprive the military power from the hands of state pastors, county guards, and county magistrates, but also involve the complex network of local gentry and the current serious banditry. Every step must be done carefully and not carelessly.

Huangfu Jian did not like these things, so he changed the subject and said, "Sir, the marriage between Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shu has become a reality. What should we do?"

Cheng Yu followed Huangfu Jianchang and saw a soldier from a distance, forcing some young men to rush on. He sighed softly: "Dong Zhuo forced young men to join the army and built fortresses everywhere. I don't know how many years have passed. How many people died every year?”

Huangfu Jian waited for the group of soldiers to leave before continuing on his way and said, "Sir?"

Cheng Yu shook his head and said: "Now the court wants to delay time. What the Second Young Master has to do is to find out their movements and strength in order to wait for Master Wang."

Huangfu Jianchang naturally didn't want to wait any longer. A dangerous look flashed in his eyes and he said, "The most important thing to Dong Zhuo is Jia Xu. Let's find a way to catch him?"

Cheng Yu's heart moved and he said: "If the second master has the means, it would be a good idea to secretly cut off Dong Zhuo's wings."

"Go to Xiang County first." Huangfu Jianchang already had a plan in mind.

On the other side, Zuo Li also knew that Huangfu Jianchang had met Tian Feng first and had no choice but to go north to Runan.

In Runan, Cao Cao, the powerful general, is now in charge of the affairs in Runan.

What Cao Cao did most in Runan was suppressing bandits.

Suppressing bandits can not only get money and food, but also use bandits as soldiers. It can be said that it can be said that it kills multiple birds with one stone.

At this moment, Cao Cao was leading his troops to attack the Gebei bandits outside Chengfu.

The so-called "Gebei Thieves" are also a branch of the Yellow Turban Army. Because they are entrenched near Gebei, they are called Gebei Thieves.

When the Gebei bandits were at their peak, they claimed to have 50 troops, but in fact they had more than [-] troops, spanning Runan, Liang, Pei and other places.

As the imperial power gradually penetrated into Runan, especially Gongsun Zan, who was stationed in Runan and attacked the Yellow Turban Army everywhere, the Gebei thieves kept a "low profile" for a while.

But they also attacked various places from time to time, plundering money, food, young people, and women, causing a headache for Runan and nearby counties.

After Cao Cao arrived in Runan, he formulated a detailed plan to suppress bandits. According to the plan, he began to clear out bandits in Runan County from north to south.

The Gebei thief was his first and key target.

On this day, the Gebei bandits were besieged by Cao Cao in a valley twenty miles outside the city.

It is close to Pei State, Dong Zhuo's territory, and Qiao County in the north is not far away.

Cao Cao rode on his horse, stroking his beard, and laughed with Guo Jia beside him: "Feng Xiao, if you force this Gebei bandit to surrender, I will get at least five thousand young men!"

Cao Cao was transferred to Runan, and most of the Forbidden Army returned to the Forbidden Army camp, with only 5000 people brought over.

He was well aware of the situation he would face next, so he wanted to force the Gebei bandit to surrender in order to increase the number of troops.

Guo Jia drank, shook his head and said: "General, we must fight quickly."

Cao Cao paused while stroking his beard and said with a puzzled look on his face: "Fengxiao, what does this mean?"

Cao Ren, Le Jin, Cao Hong and others behind them were also confused and looked at Guo Jia's profile.

In the past, it was Guo Jia who advocated forced surrender in order to gain youth, money and food, and expand his strength.

Guo Jia smiled slightly and said: "Runan is not as good as Qingzhou. Compared with these bandits, doesn't the general care about those people from aristocratic families?"

Cao Cao looked at Guo Jia, his heart moved, and a strange color flashed through his narrow eyes.

Qingzhou was completely ruined by the Yellow Turban Army, and all the nobles had long since fled.

But the situation in Runan was different. Many aristocratic families, large and small, gathered together to build their own barriers, gathering tens of thousands of clan members to resist the rebels.

"kill!"

After a moment, Cao Cao waved his hand and said in a deep voice: "If you refuse to surrender, you will be killed without mercy!"

"As ordered!"

Cao Ren, Yue Jin, Cao Hong and others raised their hands and rushed out, leading the cavalry behind them like arrows from the string.

The Gebei thieves were no match for Cao Cao. In less than an hour, they surrendered and died, and none of them could escape.

"go!"

Cao Cao turned his horse's head and said, "Go back, I want to visit those aristocratic families."

Runan and Yingchuan can be said to be the most talented place in the Han Dynasty. Although Runan has experienced many wars, its impact on the aristocratic families is not as serious as other places.

"General!"

Before Cao Cao could take a few steps, a flying horse came galloping towards him.

The reconnaissance rider landed in front of him, knelt on one knee, and said loudly: "General, there is news from Qiao County, saying that Dong Zhuo did not force Guo Si to attack Qiao County, and the Xu family and other aristocratic families sent people to ask for help."

Cao Cao reined in his horse fiercely and stared at the scout, his face dark and gloomy.Qiao County is at the junction of Runan, Yingchuan, and Peiguo. In theory, it is Dong Zhuo's territory, but in fact it is controlled by various aristocratic families in Qiao County.

The geographical location of Qiao County is very special. It occupies Qiao County and is a bridgehead from south to north and west!
Cao Cao was keenly aware of the specialness of this place, and he quickly began to make calculations in his mind.

Guo Jia followed up, drank wine, and said: "General, this place is not easy to get."

Cao Cao looked at him, his eyes burning, and said, "What if I want to take it?"

Guo Jia paused with the wine bottle in his hand and thought carefully.

Dong Zhuo sent troops to attack Qiao County, which was obviously intentional and premeditated, and he also had a bigger plot!
With Cao Cao's current military strength, there is no way he can compete with Dong Zhuo.

Moreover, the court is not yet ready to take action against Dong Zhuo. Once Cao Cao crosses the border to support Qiao County, it may cause unpredictable consequences!

Cao Cao's narrow eyes were as firm as iron, and his beard seemed to have solidified, and he said: "Fengxiao, this place must not fall into Dong Zhuo's hands!"

Guo Jia looked at Cao Cao and slowly brought the wine bottle to his mouth.

How could he not know that Qiao County cannot fall into Dong Zhuo's hands, but by taking this place, Cao Cao gained an advantage over Dong Zhuo, enough to overlook the entire Yuzhou!

"Quick fight."

Guo Jia did not drink, but put down the flask. With an unprecedented seriousness, he said in a deep voice: "General, you must be quick!"

When Cao Cao saw Guo Jia's agreement, he felt determined and asked, "What's the plan for Feng Xiao?"

Guo Jia looked in the direction of Qiao County and said: "Three things. First, immediately send a letter to the Grand Sima Mansion and the imperial court, asking the imperial court to put pressure on Dong Zhuo from Yanzhou so that he cannot act rashly. Second, keep in good contact with the Qiao County family. , we must obey the general’s orders at that time! Thirdly, and most importantly, we must prepare enough food and grass!”

Cao Cao understood instantly and said: "How long do you think Fengxiao will fight?"

Guo Jia took a sip of wine this time and said: "It's hard to say, it depends on the development of the situation in the south. If Yuan Shu can hold on, Dong Zhuo will probably not dare to mess around. If Yuan Shu is wiped out, Dong Zhuo will make a desperate move."

Cao Cao frowned and thought in his mind.

He didn't care about the development of the situation in the south or that Dong Zhuo would go crazy, but he was worried about the court's reaction.

Once he seizes Qiao County, it will inevitably trigger a chain reaction.

The court does not want Dong Zhuo to openly rebel yet. Once Dong Zhuo is angered and rebels, it will completely break the court's planned plan.

But the position of Qiao County is too important, and we must not just give it to Dong Zhuo!

Dong Zhuo's narrow eyes narrowed, his thoughts were like lightning, and he made repeated calculations. His expression suddenly calmed down, and he galloped away, saying: "Okay! Xiahou Dun, Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Le Jin!"

"The general is here!" Four people followed closely behind on horseback.

Cao Cao ran into the wind and said, "Order your troops and prepare food and grass. We will rush to Qiao County overnight!"

"Yes!" the four of them responded in unison.

Guo Jia didn't move, just drank by himself, and whispered secretly: "The situation is undergoing great changes..."

Cao Cao suddenly sends troops to Qiao County, which will inevitably arouse Dong Zhuo's vigilance. Once Dong Zhuo takes action, it will definitely affect the entire southern situation!
The situation in the south will change in a way that no one can see clearly or expect!
Cao Cao rallied his army all night, levied grain and grass, and then rushed on the road late at night, trying his best to cover his eyes and ears, marching quickly towards Qiao County.

At this time, Qiao County was already facing the most urgent situation.

"Zhongkang!"

On the top of the city, a middle-aged man said anxiously to a tall man: "We've run out of arrows, what should we do?"

The most important weapon for defending a city is probably the arrow.

Zhongkang, the name of Xu Zhu.

Xu Zhuguo's face was full of flesh, and his eyes were like copper. Hearing this, he said in a deep voice: "Find all the stones and logs in the city. If not, demolish the house!"

The middle-aged man was startled and said: "Zhongkang, are you going to do this? How can you live in it if it is demolished?"

Xu Zhu sneered and said: "When Guo Si breaks the city, we won't even have a coffin to sleep in!"

The middle-aged man suddenly did not dare to speak, so he had to follow Xu Zhu's order and look around for something to defend the city against the enemy.

"Kill!"

At this time, Guo Bang, who was under the city tower, commanded the army and attacked again.

Qiao County is not a big city. The walls are not high and the city is not thick. Facing an attack by thousands of people, it feels like it is crumbling in an instant.

However, the aristocratic family headed by the Xu family was young and strong and fought hard to defend the city without any fear. Even though they had no training, they were still brave enough to defend the city without fear of death.

Arrows are raining down from the city, and people can only throw stones and wood from the top of the city. They are at a natural disadvantage.

Xu Zhu was so powerful that he could throw rocks, big or small, into the air with his sword, and he killed countless people.

Guo Si's soldiers still rushed to the top of the city, becoming even more critical.

Seeing this, Xu Zhu took a long piece of wood and pushed it sideways with a roar.

An unknown number of Guo Si's soldiers who rushed up were knocked down and pushed away.

"Zhong Kang, this is not a solution..." Someone shouted behind Xu Zhu while slashing.

Xu Chu looked solemn and said: "Hang on, there are more than 1 people in our city, it is not difficult to defend the city!"

The person behind him became anxious and said: "There are no arrows and no armor. And Dong Zhuo will send troops over at any time. When will it be over?"

Xu Zhu waved the long wood and said louder and louder: "General Cao has replied and said that he is on the way. Let's hold on and we will definitely be able to hold on!"

The middle-aged man rushed over and said with a wry smile: "We sent out countless letters for help, but everyone said they were coming, but no one came! Then Cao Cao came over. Can his 5000 men defeat Dong Zhuo's tens of thousands of troops?"

Xu Zhu's eyes widened and he said: "He is a powerful general and an imperial envoy. He is not an ordinary person!"

Others didn't quite believe it. Seeing that Guo Si was getting more and more anxious to attack the city, they could only defend the city for the time being.

Guo Si was supervising the battle below, shouting and pacing back and forth, anxiety written on his face.

He attacked a small Qiao County for more than ten days and lost countless people.

How can he explain this if it continues like this?

For two full hours, the small Qiao County was still as stable as Mount Tai.

Guo Si gritted his teeth in hatred, but he had to withdraw his troops.

After dark, Xu Zhu patrolled the city, his expression as frozen as iron, and his eyes were all looking towards the south - the direction of Runan.

The only one who can save Qiao County now is Cao Cao of Runan.

If Cao Cao refuses to send troops, it will be a matter of time before Qiao County is defeated.

Xu Zhu and his clan fled east and west. They wanted to go to Yanzhou, but unexpectedly, they were trapped in Qiao County.

Now, it is the time of life and death for their Xu clan!
"Cao Cao..." Xu Zhu's eyes widened, full of hope.

(End of this chapter)