Han family achievements

Chapter 327 The Split Coalition

The next day, everyone had breakfast and had a small meeting. Then, under the leadership of Yuan Shao, the army set off, entered Runan County, and headed straight for Runyin.

The total number of soldiers and horses from all walks of life was close to 15, and they were scattered in various places. Therefore, the scene was very grand, and the flag spread for countless miles.

Similarly, after the integration of the various armies, the soldiers and horses from all walks of life had names and surnames. Those who refused to be 'combined' were the only ones left.

And these Eighteen Routes, intentionally or unintentionally, were divided into many factions, which can be seen from the marching route.

With Yuan Shao as the leader, there were the largest number of princes gathered around, as many as ten, following him on the left and right.

However, Cao Cao, Sun Ce, Zhuge Xuan, Liu Yao and others approached 'unintentionally'.

The exception is Liu Bei. He is neither close to Yuan Shao nor deliberately staying away from Cao Cao. There is no one following him. The dignified Xuzhou Shepherd looks quite lonely.

Guo Jia was drinking wine on horseback and following Cao Cao. He smiled and said: "The army moves very slowly, but it is understandable for such a huge army and it is not a unified army."

Cao Cao looked up and said, "We haven't reached Ruyin yet."

Le Jin stepped forward on his horse and whispered: "General, there are always strange people wandering around our army recently, and they want to sneak in."

Cao Cao's narrow eyes flashed with disdain and said: "Yuan Benchu's people are probably worried that I have falsely reported my troops."

Guo Jia smiled and shook his head.

Yuan Shao was right to suspect that Cao Cao had indeed hidden his troops.

Le Jin said: "Do you want to kill?"

Cao Cao turned his head and looked at the lonely Liu Bei not far away, and said: "Don't worry about it. Fengxiao, do you think I should win over Ambassador Liu?"

Guo Jia's eyes darkened and he said with a smile: "General, this Commander Liu has been defeated many times, why do you pay so much attention to him?"

Cao Cao's eyes flashed with a strange light and said: "Fengxiao, you are wrong. This Liu Shijun is known for his 'benevolence and righteousness'. He seems not to be good at fighting, but he has a tenacious character and fights after defeats. He is not arrogant in victory or defeat in defeat. Don’t be discouraged, people like this will become great in the future!”

Guo Jia drank in silence and said thoughtfully: "If the general forms an alliance with Liu Shijun, I'm afraid it will split the coalition and be detrimental to the fight against Dong."

Cao Cao's face twitched slightly, he nodded slightly and said, "What do you think of Sun Ce?"

Guo Jia looked back and saw that not far away, Sun Ce was leading soldiers and horses, not far but not close, like a guard, following the left side of Cao Cao's army.

"A young hero who cannot be underestimated,"

Guo Jia looked over it again and again, then turned around and said, "If a sharp sword is unparalleled and unstoppable when unsheathed. It has a clear purpose and can bend and stretch, it may accomplish great things."

Cao Cao looked up at the sky and sighed: "What Feng Xiao said is true. This Sun Ce is much better than I was when I was young."

When he was young, Cao Cao was a willful knight-errant, greedy for fame and lust, and could be said to be a complete playboy from aristocratic families.

In his early years, Cao Cao followed many famous generals to fight everywhere, but he had no military merits, so he kept hanging out at the bottom.It wasn't until six years ago that with the help of his family, he became a captain. At that time, he was 34 years old. At this time, he was already on his deathbed.

What's more, he is now forty, and Wei Qing, whom he admires, has already become famous all over the world, has made unparalleled military exploits, and is looked up to by hundreds of millions of people.

In a few years, Wei Qing will die of illness.

Guo Jia naturally felt the urgency in Cao Cao's heart, and mused: "General, if we fight against Dong, we may make great achievements for the general in front of the world and become famous all over the world."

Cao Cao laughed, calmed down his emotions, and said loudly: "As long as the rebellious traitors are destroyed, don't lose the merits and reputation. Even if I, Cao Cao, die here, what regrets will there be?"

Guo Jia, Le Jin, and Xia Houdun were all inspired when they heard this and did not doubt Cao Cao's words.

"Hurry up and fight!"

Suddenly, a messenger galloped past and shouted loudly: "General Hou sent an order, Dong Zhuo's ambush was discovered in the front, all armies are on alert!"

The messengers rushed around, delivering orders everywhere.

All the soldiers and horses rushed to Dong Zhuo, quickly gathered together, and approached Yuan Shao, but Cao Cao remained motionless, as if he hadn't heard him.

Guo Jia was drinking wine, suddenly stopped his hand, stared at Cao Cao's back, and said with a smile: "It's really strange to find Dong Zhuo's ambush here."

When Cao Cao heard this, he looked at the flags that were flapping everywhere and said calmly: "The army has just moved, and the grass and trees are all soldiers. Yuan Benchu ​​is nothing more than this."

Xiahou Dun listened to what the two said and stepped forward: "General, military advisor, is this a lie?"

Guo Jia drank wine leisurely and said casually: "It is probably the general behind the scenes who deliberately faked it in order to annex other soldiers and horses. Don't take it seriously."

Cao Cao's expression moved slightly, he looked in the direction of Yuan Shao's camp and snorted coldly.

Le Jin was on the other side and said, "General, do we want to show off?"

"No need,"

Cao Cao maintained his original speed and said in an indifferent tone: "Let's see Yuan Benchu's methods!"

Guo Jia rode the horse and shook his head silently in his heart.

This was supposed to be a vigorous 'War against Dong'. From the beginning, people's hearts were divided and their motives were not pure. This happened just after the troops were sent out.

He could clearly foresee that this kind of battle against Dong would definitely be full of twists and turns, and... it might not have the results they expected.

Suddenly, Guo Jia turned around and found that Sun Ce's soldiers and horses had not moved.

Cao Cao seemed to sense something, turned around at the same time, and said with a strange look on his face: "This Sun Ce..."

Guo Jia thought for a while and said to Cao Cao: "General, you have thought about it. Do you want to recommend Sun Ce to attack the throne?"

It stands to reason that Sun Jian is dead. As the eldest son, it is natural for Sun Ce to inherit the title of Marquis of Wucheng. However, for some reason, the imperial court has not responded. It has suppressed all the various recommendation memorials and the palace's decree has been delayed.

Cao Cao observed for a while but saw no one from Sun Ce coming over. He touched his beard and said, "This person may be of great use!"

He had clearly felt that Sun Ce had a strong desire to seize the title. This 'desire' could undoubtedly be exploited by Cao Cao.

Guo Jia looked towards the direction of Yuan Shao's camp again and saw that there was no chaos at all. He couldn't help but wonder: Could it not be the handiwork of the general?

Based on his inference, this so-called Dong Zhuo ambush should have been secretly arranged by Cao Cao. The purpose was to make Yuan Shao feel the crisis, force him to speed up his march, restrain his thoughts, and fight Dong Zhuo as soon as possible.

But judging from Yuan Shao's reaction, it may also be Yuan Shao's deliberate method to annex other small princes.

"General,"

Guo Jia drank the wine and said with a smile: "Pioneer has chosen Liu Shijun?"

Cao Cao was startled, and suddenly turned his head to look in the direction of Liu Bei. He saw that Liu Bei's soldiers and horses had joined Yuan Shao. He frowned and said: "Originally, but it seems that Liu Xuande and Yuan Benchu ​​had some other conspiracy, and I can't do it." I know." "It's still to delay the march."

Guo Jia pulled the horse's rope, maintaining the speed and distance from Cao Cao, and said: "If the vanguard is in the hands of the general, the speed can be controlled."

Cao Cao shook his head and said, "It's not that simple. Moreover, I heard from Liu Xuande that Lu Bu has already arrived at Xiang County."

Guo Jia was not surprised and said: "So, Dong Zhuo has more than [-] troops and horses available. Huang Zhong of Yanzhou has retreated to Shanyang County. This battle is destined to be difficult to fight."

Cao Cao's expression suddenly turned cold. He stared at Yuan Shao's center and said coldly: "Whether we fight or not, Yuan Shao is not up to him!"

Guo Jia knew that Cao Cao had a plan in mind, so when he saw that Cao Cao didn't tell him, he didn't ask and drank leisurely.

In front, Zhang He led his army to pursue Dong Zhuo's ambush, but the ambush came and went even faster, disappearing into the mountains and forests like a whirlwind.

Zhang He chased for a while, fearing that there would be more ambushes, so he had to withdraw.

Yuan Shao was sitting in charge of the central army. He was unhurried and showed no fear. Instead, he was eager to try, as if he was going to fight.

On the other hand, Liu Bei, Liu Yao, Zhuge Xuan and others looked nervous and were a little overwhelmed by the sudden ambush.

Yuan Shao saw Zhang He coming back from afar, and laughed loudly and said: "It's just an ambush, why do you need to care? Send my order, and the army will continue to move forward."

Liu Bei was startled and quickly raised his hand and said: "General, if Dong Zhuo's ambush troops appear here, there must be something to hide. Please be careful."

Others followed the advice, hoping to investigate carefully and not move forward for the time being.

Yuan Shao suddenly stood up, put his hands behind his back, and said loudly: "Gentlemen, can Dong Zhuo really have an ambush here to ambush my army of more than [-] people? It's just to interfere with our marching speed. You don't need to worry about it. There is really an ambush. I, Yuan Benchu, am willing to be there to ensure that all of you are safe!"

Yuan Shao clasped his hands behind his back, spoke forcefully and domineeringly, and spoke sincerely and vigorously. The people around him who were listening were all excited and raised their hands one after another, saying: "The general behind the scenes is mighty!"

At this time, Zhang He rushed over and said: "General Qi, the general has driven away the traitors, and the front is safe."

Yuan Shao smiled with satisfaction, sat down, and said in a deep voice: "Continue marching."

After listening to Zhang He's words, people from all walks of life felt more at ease and whispered to each other for a while. Zhuge Xuan raised his hand and said: "We are willing to follow you, general, to fight against the enemy together!"

Yuan Shao's eyes flashed with a smile, and he waved his hand and said, "Just follow me."

The army moved slowly, and Liu Bei, Liu Yao, Zhuge Xuan and others naturally joined forces with Yuan Shao.

Only Cao Cao and Sun Ce, who were not far behind, followed slowly and looked lonely.

Yuan Shao looked back and sneered in his heart, but he didn't care.

When Liu Bei, Liu Yao and others saw that Cao Cao refused to come up, they wanted to send someone to persuade him, but Zhuge Xuan stopped him, so they had to sigh secretly.

As the troops joined forces, Yuan Shao's march became faster and faster, even going on non-stop day and night, as if he was eager to fight Dong Zhuo.

This move made other parties in the coalition complain incessantly, and also made Cao Cao somewhat doubt whether his and Guo Jia's judgment was correct.

A few days later, they rushed to Ruyin. Because they were traveling in a hurry, various princes asked Yuan Shao to rest for a while, and Yuan Shao naturally agreed.

On this day, Cao Cao came out of Yuan Shao's official office angrily, looking very ugly.

In the open space outside the city, Cao Cao stared at the roasted sheep in front of him and said bitterly: "Yuan Shao, you should be killed!"

Guo Jia leaned on a stone and shook his head: "It's not strange."

Xiahou Dun stood on the side, equally angry, and said: "Yuan Shao did not send troops to Qiao County, but instead divided his troops to occupy Runan Prefecture. This is obviously to annex us!"

Runan was previously under Cao Cao's occupation. Now Yuan Shao occupied Runan under the banner of "consolidating the foundation". He had many conflicts with the guards assigned by Cao Cao, and even fought against each other.

For the sake of the 'overall situation', Cao Cao could only tolerate it and witnessed Yuan Shao annexing his foundation. He negotiated with Yuan Shao many times, but was easily dismissed by Yuan Shao.

Cao Cao was extremely angry in his heart. He also thought that Liu Bei, Liu Yao, Zang Hong, Zhuge Xuan and others only followed Yuan Shao. He became even more angry and said, "Feng Xiao, is there any other way?"

Guo Jia took a sip of wine, looked in the direction of Qiao County, and said calmly: "We don't need to think of a way, Dong Zhuo will stand up for us."

Cao Cao was startled, his heart pounding, and he said, "You mean, Dong Zhuo will take the initiative to send troops?"

Guo Jia shook his head, nodded again, and said: "If you go north from Zhongli County and attack from the north and the south, Dong Zhuo will definitely not be able to take care of both ends, and it will be easy to defeat him. Yuan Shao will definitely take a detour through Ruyin to capture Runan. From Qiao County to Xiang County, it's a long way from Qiao County to Xiang County. The road is difficult and dangerous, and there are passes everywhere. As long as it takes two months, winter will definitely come!"

Cao Cao had an epiphany and said, "You mean, Dong Zhuo will send troops to provoke and delay?"

Guo Jia sat up and analyzed seriously: "Yuan Shao and Dong Zhuo's procrastination are different. Yuan Shao wants to continue to grow, accumulate strength, and confront the imperial court after destroying Dong. Dong Zhuo's procrastination is to drag the war into In winter, at that time, the coalition forces were short of clothing and food, and they would definitely be divided internally..."

Cao Cao understood, took a deep breath, and said, "Then we can't let them delay!"

Then, he stood up and strode away.

Xiahou Dun and Le Jin followed closely, as if they were still talking about something.

Guo Jia brought the wine bottle to his mouth, and just as he was about to drink, he suddenly coughed violently.

His face turned red, tears flowed from his eyes, and he kept vomiting out the wine he originally drank.

The soldiers around him were startled when they saw it, and they quickly ran over and said, "Strategist, strategist?"

Guo Jia coughed for a while, then stopped, wiped his mouth, felt the discomfort in his abdomen and the dull pain in his chest, smiled and waved his hands, saying: "I choked on my drink, it's nothing. Oh, this wine is too much." Come on, go look for me and find some good wine for me."

Guo Jia's status in the army was aloof, and anyone who saw him had to be polite. The soldiers responded and hurried to find a drink.

Guo Jia waited for them to leave, then frowned and spread out his palms, which showed traces of blood.

My heart suddenly felt heavy, and I couldn't help but raise my head and look at the place where Cao Cao had disappeared.

"It seems that we need to find a doctor to take a look." Guo Jia whispered to himself, his expression not relaxed at all.

On the other side, Cao Cao summoned a few soldiers and whispered a few instructions. Then he saw these soldiers responding, riding horses, and galloping away.

Then, Cao Cao's narrow eyes flashed with a vicious look, and he snorted coldly, saying: "It is imperative to destroy Dong, and no one can stop it!"

As he said that, he took out a gold medal from his arms, with the words "I am here in person" engraved on it.

Cao Cao watched for a long time and heard the footsteps. He calmly put it into his arms and said: "Dezu, go and invite Liu Shijun and Sun Ce. I want to entertain them."

Yang Xiu was not surprised that Cao Cao heard his footsteps, but instead said: "General, there is news from Luoyang that Yizhou Shepherd Liu Yan has died of illness."

Cao Cao frowned subconsciously, and then said calmly: "I understand."

(End of this chapter)