At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 239 The first confrontation, plotting against each other

Zhou Qi frowned slightly after listening to Liu Bei's words, with a thoughtful look on his face.

Upon seeing this, Liu Bei hurriedly asked: "But what's wrong?"

Zhou Qi looked at Liu Bei and asked, "This information is important military information. Where did Duke Xuande get it?"

Liu Bei said: "Of course, my scouts learned about it from Sergeant Yuan's mouth by luck."

He seemed to have guessed Zhou Qi's scruples, and continued to repeat Zhang Fei's words, saying: "General, don't doubt it. Yuan Shao vomited blood and passed out in front of the two armies. This matter must not be hidden. It is reasonable for Yuan Jun to be in chaos. .”

Zhou Qi asked back: "If Duke Xuande changed places and vomited blood and fell into coma in front of the two armies, would his officers and soldiers be in such chaos?"

Before Liu Bei could answer, Zhang Fei had already said: "How can the army be in chaos when you, Yun Chang, and Zilong are here?"

Zhou Qi smiled slightly, just looked at Liu Bei and stopped talking.

When it comes to understanding Yuan Shao, no one here can compare to Zhou Qi.

Whether it was gaining insight into Yuan Shao's life from historical materials or having a close relationship with Yuan Shao in Luoyang, it was an experience that no one else had ever had.

It was precisely because of his understanding of Yuan Shao that Zhou Qi knew that this prince who unified Hebei was far from being as unworthy as historically evaluated.

In fact, history often shows winners and losers.

Just like Zhuge Liang's repeated Northern Expeditions ended in failure, Jiang Wei's nine expeditions to the Central Plains following his legacy also failed. Therefore, there are many people who criticize both.

But Qi, as Yuan Shao's former friend and now his enemy, naturally understands Yuan Shao better.

Yuan Shao was able to grow from a concubine to become the most dazzling presence of the Yuan family in Runan, and even gained the support of most of the Yuan family's disciples and former officials. It was not just his family background.

In terms of origin, a concubine had little status in this era. Yuan Shu, the legitimate son, had a much higher status than Yuan Shao.

Many times, the identity of a concubine will even become a constraint on his development.

The larger the family, the more obvious the distinction between direct descendants and concubines.

Even so, is it a fluke that Yuan Shao can still achieve his current achievements?
Yuan Shao did have the bad habit of being arrogant when he got his ambitions, but weren't Cao Cao and Liu Bei the same?
In adversity, people can often burst out with incredible potential, but in good times, they tend to lose themselves.

Many times, even Zhou Qi feels a little carried away.

This does not mean that Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Liu Bei and Zhou Qi are not good. It can only be said that everyone has bad nature, which is difficult to avoid.

Zhou Qi looked at Liu Bei and said sternly: "With Gu's understanding of Yuan Benzhu, he is definitely not someone who can make him vomit blood with just a few words."

"I secretly believe that this matter is quite strange. Mr. Xuande, please proceed with caution."

There are also some things Zhou Qi didn't say clearly.

Yuan Shao's political ability, as well as the civil servants and generals under his command, were far stronger than Liu Bei.

Even if Liu Bei encounters this kind of thing, with Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun here, the army will not be in such chaos, let alone Yuan Shao?
What's more, Yuan Shao also brought his son and nephew with him on this expedition.

Not to mention that nothing might have happened to Yuan Shao. Even if something happened to Yuan Shao, there would still be someone in charge of the overall situation.

What was heard above was discussed by senior generals. Zhou Qi did not believe that it was leaked so easily.

Of course, Zhou Qi's guess was based on his understanding of Yuan Shao, his recognition of Yuan Shao's talents, and his fear of his subordinates' civil and martial arts.

If Yuan Shu was in Yuan Shao's current situation, Zhou Qi might not have any doubts at all and directly lead his troops to kill him.

Zhou Qi's words were like a basin of cold water, extinguishing all Liu Bei's enthusiasm.

Seeing Zhang Fei and others still showing disapproval on their faces, Liu Bei looked at everyone and told them not to say anything.

Liu Bei pondered for a long time, and finally said: "Having said that, if Yuan Benchu ​​is really unconscious and we just sit back and watch, wouldn't we miss a huge opportunity?"

"The general is worried that Yuan Jun is cheating. We might as well wait until tomorrow to see if Yuan Jun will launch an attack on Tan County."

"If he attacks the city, it means Yuan Shao is fine."

"If they don't attack the city, it means the intelligence is not false and Yuan Jun can make a move."

Zhou Qi nodded slightly and said, "Let's wait and see what Yuan Jun's movements will be tomorrow. It won't be too late to make a decision."

"With a night's rest, my soldiers can regain their strength. Even if something unexpected happens at that time, they can still respond from the side."

After watching Liu Bei leave, Zhou Qi turned to Zhou Ji and Zhuge Liang and asked, "What do you two think about this matter?"

Zhou Ji was cautious by nature, and he hesitated for a while before saying: "From a child's perspective, what my father said is true. We should follow the plan and defend the city. When Yuan's army runs out of food and grass, we can defeat it in one battle. There is no need to rush."

Zhou Qi nodded slightly, and then focused on Zhuge Liang, with a look in his eyes.

Zhuge Liang pondered for a longer time, but Zhou Qi did not urge him, but just waited quietly.

I don't know how long it took before Zhuge Liang said: "There is a saying in the art of war: know yourself and the enemy, and you can fight a hundred battles without danger."

"I don't know much about Yuan Benchu ​​and his subordinates' talents, character, and the degree of importance they receive, so I dare not make a rash assessment."

Zhou Qi's eyes lit up when he heard this.

Zhuge Liang's move seemed too cautious, but it was actually the best answer.

As mentioned before, Zhou Qi will definitely have different coping methods when encountering different opponents in this situation.

The reason for this is because the opponents have different personalities and abilities.

What Zhou Ji said was an upright strategy to retreat from the enemy. No matter whether Yuan Shao really fainted or not, there would be nothing wrong in following this method.

Zhuge Liang thought more.

Without knowing much about Yuan Shao and his subordinates, it was difficult for him to analyze the real results based on the fragments of information he heard today.

If you talk at length just to express yourself, you will fall into the trap of inferiority.

The reason why Zhuge Liang did not defend the city with an upright division like Zhou Ji and waited until Yuan's army ran out of food and supplies to retreat automatically was because he did not bother to do so.

If Zhuge Liang had spoken first, he might have said this.

Since Zhou Ji has already said it, it is meaningless for Zhuge Liang to pick up on others' wisdom.

What's more, what Zhou Qi asked was not the strategy to retreat from the enemy, but his views on today's events. Zhou Ji's answer was a bit tricky.

Zhou Qi stepped forward and patted Zhuge Liang on the shoulder, and said with admiration: "To have such views and character at such a young age is really extraordinary."

Zhuge Liang did not lose himself because of the general's praise. Instead, he said sternly: "What Liu Shijun said today, I will infer whether Yuan Benchu ​​is really unconscious from the actions of Yuan Jun tomorrow, and I think it is inappropriate."

Zhou Qi's expression moved slightly and asked: "Why do you say this?"

Zhuge Liang said with a serious face: "If I were a counselor or general under Yuan Benchu, when Yuan Benchu ​​was unconscious, not only would I not stand still, but I would let Yuan's army violently attack the city tomorrow."

Zhou Qi asked: "Why is this so?"

Zhuge Liang continued: "Yesterday, Yuan Benzhu vomited blood and fell into a coma in full view of the public. Rumors spread among the army, creating chaos."

"If you sit back with an army of 30 and stand still, it will definitely make everyone think that Yuan Benchu ​​is really up to something."

"This will not only cause Sergeant Yuan's soldiers to become more confused, but will also expose the weaknesses of our army."

"On the contrary, if we lead an army to attack Tan County tomorrow, it will not only stabilize Yuan Jun's morale, but also make us doubtful and dare not take the initiative to attack Yuan Jun."

When Zhou Qi heard this, he pondered for a long time, and then said: "Your words are not unreasonable. Don't think too much today, and just watch Yuan Jun's movements tomorrow."

Not long after dawn the next day, the earth-shattering sound of war drums had already reached the city. Countless Yuan troops attacked Tan County from all directions.

The generals in Yuan Jun's camp all went into battle, and the continuous offensive continued from morning to night.

If Zhou Qi had not led reinforcements to Tan County, and with the help of the people of Tan County, Tan County would have been unable to defend it.

It was not until night fell that Yuan Jun slowly retreated.

Liu Bei dragged his tired body to Zhou Qi and said with a wry smile: "Thanks to the general for blocking us yesterday, otherwise if I had led troops to rob the camp last night, I would have fallen into the ambush set by Yuan Shao."

Zhang Fei also shrugged his head and looked unhappy.

At this time, Zhou Qi frowned, with deep doubts in his eyes.

Liu Bei noticed something strange about Zhou Qi and asked, "What's wrong with the general?"

Zhou Qi did not answer but asked: "Does Duke Xuande feel that Yuan Jun's siege today is too fierce?"

Only then did Liu Bei come back to his senses, then nodded and said, "That's true."

"The 30 Yuan army almost took turns attacking the city today, with no breaks at all. Even before the general arrived at Tan County, the Yuan army's offensive had never been so fierce."

Zhou Qi asked: "Does Duke Xuande think that if Yuan Jun maintains this fierce offensive, how many days can it last?"

Liu Bei pondered for a long time, and then said: "Such an offensive will be very heavy in terms of intensity and losses. If Yuan Jun continues this kind of offensive to attack the city, it can only last for three days at most."

"If we haven't conquered the city in three days, it will surely decline!"

The so-called siege warfare does not mean sending out all the soldiers and attacking the city with all their might.

If this were to happen, those siege teams that would attack the city for months or even years would probably be exhausted to death.

Obviously, Yuan Jun's behavior today was a bit abnormal.

Liu Bei still didn't react, but Xi Zhicai, who was standing next to him, looked slightly moved, and then asked: "The general felt that Yuan Shao might really be unconscious, and his subordinate Wenwu deliberately violently attacked him in order to avoid exposing his weaknesses. Siege the city?"

Liu Bei also reacted, his eyes widening.

But not long after, Liu Bei immediately shook his head and said: "Today, two battles ago, I saw with my own eyes Yuan Benchu ​​standing on the commander's platform, directing Yuan's army to attack the city."

Zhou Qi asked: "The distance is so far, and the other party is wearing armor and a helmet. Can you be sure that it is him?"

Liu Bei was speechless.

Zhou Qi continued: "What's more, even if you can see the opponent's face clearly, Yuan Shao has 30 soldiers and horses under his command, as well as countless grain transporters. It shouldn't be difficult to find someone who looks exactly like Yuan Benchu. ?”

"Let this person wear armor, who can tell the truth from the fake?"

Zhang Fei's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he said: "What the general means is that the military information detected yesterday is correct. Yuan Jun was worried that we would launch a surprise attack, so he deliberately bluffed and created a fake Yuan Shao to fool him." People?" Zhou Qi frowned and said, "I have this idea, but I'm not sure."

The reason why Zhou Qi felt so embarrassed was that Yuan Shao was not like Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, and Yuan Shu. He had countless advisers under his command. Xun You, Ju Sue, Feng Ji, Shen Pei, etc. were all not easy to deal with.

There are countless other children from aristocratic families who are extremely resourceful.

If you don't act carefully and make the slightest mistake, you may fall into someone else's trap and lose everything.

Seeing the tangled expression on Zhou Qi's face, he finally said, "Yuan Benchu ​​is not a trivial matter. Although the master has some guesses, it is difficult to be sure after all."

"Now that the enemy is strong and we are weak, the safest way is to hold on to the city and exhaust Yuan's army's food and fodder."

"In my opinion, since it is not certain whether Yuan Shao is really unconscious, we should focus on defense."

"What's more, I see that all units of Yuan's army are attacking the city in an orderly manner today. Even if Yuan Shao is really unconscious, he cannot be underestimated."

"Yuan Jun can afford the loss, but we can't."

After Zhou Qi heard this, he let out a long breath, and then said: "Zhicai's words are reasonable. Although it may take a long time to hold the city and defend it, and the losses will inevitably be heavy, it is the safest way."

"In my opinion, no matter what Yuan Shao's plans are, whether he is really unconscious or not, we should ignore it and just guard Tan County with peace of mind."

Zhou Qi made this determination not only because of Xi Zhicai's words, but also because he remembered his own experience of attacking Dianjiang.

If Zhao Wei and others were not eager for quick success, but held on to the city, Zhou Qi might have no choice but to withdraw his troops in the end.

It was precisely because Zhao Wei and others thought they saw a chance of victory and took the initiative to leave the city to rob the camp that they suffered such a defeat. In the end, they not only lost their troops but also lost dangerous cities such as Dianjiang.

Zhou Qi does not think that he and his advisers have all the plans and are invincible in the world.

It is true that the weak can defeat the strong by taking risks.

But even if you succeed countless times, as long as you fail once, you may be in danger.

When the two armies are fighting, they should still use upright troops. Only when they are in a deadlock and have no choice but to take risks will they think of taking risks.

When Liu Bei heard this, he also felt that it was reasonable. He was about to agree, but Zhang Fei said dissatisfiedly: "Since it has been concluded that Yuan Shaoguo is really unconscious, and now Yuan's army is leaderless, why is the general still so timid?"

Zhou Qi shook his head and said: "The words of the three generals are wrong. I just speculated that Yuan Benchu ​​might be unconscious, but it might also be a strategy set by him to lure the enemy. The truth is really hard to figure out, so I don't recommend taking risks." .”

Zhang Fei said: "If Yuan Shao is really unconscious and so timid, wouldn't he miss the opportunity to defeat the enemy?"

"If you are worried that this is Yuan Shao's strategy to lure the enemy, you might as well let me lead three thousand soldiers and horses out of the city to rob the camp, while my brother and the general lead the troops to camp in the rear and wait and see what happens."

"If it is really Yuan Shao's plan, my brother and the general do not need rescue. Even if all three thousand soldiers and horses under his command are lost, what does it matter?"

"If the robbery of the camp can be successful, my brother and the general will lead a large army to help, and they will be able to defeat Yuan's army in one battle!"

Zhou Qi couldn't help but frown slightly when he heard this.

Judging from Zhang Fei's indifferent attitude towards the lives of three thousand soldiers, Zhou Qi couldn't help but sigh in his heart. The history books were indeed written correctly. Zhang Fei respected the scholars but did not care about the soldiers.

This was also the common mentality of powerful people in the late Han Dynasty.

When Guan Yu heard this, he frowned slightly and shouted: "Three thousand soldiers and horses, is it child's play? If they are all destroyed, how many more orphans and widows will there be?"

Guan Yu reprimanded Zhang Fei not because he disapproved of Zhang Fei's method of robbing the camp.

It's because Guan Yu's personality is completely different from Zhang Fei's.

Zhang Fei respected the scholars but did not care about them. Guan Yu did the opposite, being arrogant but not bullying his subordinates.

Because of this character, Guan Yu suffered a great loss in history, and many people criticized him for this, thinking that Guan Yu was too arrogant.

Even compared to Guan Yu's arrogance, many people prefer Zhang Fei's true temperament.

However, these are only issues based on God’s visual observation.

The fact is that if ordinary people came to the late Han Dynasty, it would be better for them to defect to Guan Yu instead of Zhang Fei.

Guan Yu was able to sympathize with his soldiers and truly regarded them as his brothers, but Zhang Fei regarded them as tools for making achievements and did not even regard others as human beings.

Guan Yu is proud because he has an arrogant character and his own integrity, and he disdains to cling to those scholars who have no real ability or are flattering.

Guan Yu naturally respects the truly capable and noble scholars from the bottom of his heart.

Guan Yu himself likes to read "Spring and Autumn", not because it is arty, but because it is a family inheritance.

His grandfather often used the "Book of Changes" and "Spring and Autumn" to teach Guan Yu's father Guan Yi. As a filial person, Guan Yi also used the "Spring and Autumn" to train Guan Yu.

Guan Yu has been exposed to it since he was a child, and he is familiar with the subtle meaning of it, so he has this meaning engraved in his bones.

Zhang Fei is different.

He was born into a powerful local, his family was very wealthy, and he had many servants in the fields, but he could not join the noble family after all.

Countless powerful men in the late Han Dynasty hoped to take their family further, and Zhang Fei was no exception.

It is precisely for this reason that even though Zhang Fei is brave enough to be immeasurable, he is still a bit arty, likes calligraphy and painting, and has great respect for scholars.

Deep down, Zhang Fei also wanted to become a scholar.

People like Zhang Fei because unconsciously, there is a wild beast in everyone's heart.

Many times, everyone can only suppress the beast.

But when you see a hero like Zhang Fei who can unleash wild beasts, you can't help but feel fond of him, and even deliberately ignore his violence and mistakes.

Zhang Fei is like this, and Li Kui is like this.

On the contrary, Guan Yu is similar to a noble and moral person.

Ordinary people cannot do this, so they naturally lack a sense of empathy, and may even feel that Guan Yu is too pretentious and aloof.

Therefore, Guan Yu's failures will continue to be magnified, and his achievements will be downplayed.

To be fair, how many people can truly be proud of their superiors without bullying their inferiors?
The vast majority of people flatter those above and bully those below.

Even if you are well-educated and don't bully others, you will at least feel that you are superior to others from the bottom of your heart.

Guan Yu scolded Zhang Fei, naturally because of the other party's attitude of not caring about the lives of three thousand soldiers. This concept ran counter to Guan Yu's cognition.

Liu Bei's face also darkened and he shouted: "Don't talk nonsense, Yide!"

If such words were spread, they would definitely lose the hearts of the people.

What's more, three thousand troops and horses are not a small number for Liu Bei.

You know, he had worked hard in Qingzhou for so many years, and before coming to Xuzhou, he had only a thousand people under his command.

Being scolded by his two brothers, Zhang Fei shrank his neck and did not dare to say any more.

After Liu Bei pondered for a moment, he was still unwilling to give up this opportunity. Then he looked at Zhou Qi and said sternly: "Although the words of Yide are inappropriate, they are not without merit."

"I want to send 800 cavalry out of the city to rob the camp, and lead the rest of the troops to support them. If the soldiers and horses in the rob camp are lost, they can also go to the rescue. I wonder what the general thinks?"

When Zhou Qi heard this, he smiled bitterly and said, "But the three days have not come yet, so I can't break my promise and send troops out of the city."

Liu Bei only sent 800 men to rob the camp, and he actually agreed with Zhang Fei's suggestion.

Liu Bei couldn't afford to lose 3000 men, but Liu Bei wouldn't be hurt by 800 men.

If he could use the lives of 800 people to win the possibility of defeating Yuan's army, Liu Bei thought it was very worthwhile.

Although Zhou Qi understood this point, he did not criticize it. He even felt that this was the temperament and mind that a hero in troubled times should have.

Liu Bei smiled and said: "It doesn't matter. The general can help defend the city. I will lead Xuzhou soldiers and horses out of the city to rob the camp."

It is night, the moon is dark and the wind is high.

Zhang Fei led [-] Xuzhou soldiers, each with their own rank and horses bound in hooves, and quietly reached the vicinity of Yuan Jun's camp, but did not rush out to rob the camp early.

Zhang Fei seems to be reckless, but in fact he is rough and subtle. He has followed Liu Bei for many years and has a very keen sense of war.

He did not rob the camp at night for two reasons.

First, the early hours of the morning are when people are the sleepiest and most unprepared.

Secondly, Zhou Qi's worries also made Zhang Fei feel a little guilty, so he planned to be on the safe side first.

By hiding not far from the camp like this, we can secretly observe the movements of Yuan Jun's camp. If the opponent is really prepared, he can also let his [-] soldiers consume hundreds of thousands of Yuan Jun's energy.

In this way, even if the robbery of the camp failed in the end and Yuan's army was consumed for most of the night, it would not be a loss.

The darkness before dawn arrived quietly, and Sergeant Yuan, who was still patrolling around the camp, all found a place to rest.

Zhang Fei saw the opportunity and ordered his [-] cavalrymen to push back the antlers, and then led everyone to rush into the camp.

"Zhang Yide from Yan is here, Yuan Shao comes quickly to die!"

Zhang Fei led eight hundred cavalry into the camp and roared like thunder, which made many people's eardrums buzz.

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Fei led his people into Yuan Jun's camp as if they were in a deserted area, and then set fire everywhere.

The other direction of Yuan Junyingzhai.

Yuan Shao sat firmly on the throne, listening to his subordinates' report, with a look of disappointment on his face.

He started planning after his quarrel with Zhou Qi, and with the advice of Xun You, Ju Shou and others, he thought he could pretend to be unconscious and deceive the soldiers and horses in the city to come to rob the camp in large numbers.

I never thought that Zhou Qi was as stable as an old dog.

Yuan Shao laid such a heavy bait, and finally only caught Zhang Fei and [-] cavalry.

"Your Majesty, do you need to close the net now?"

Zhang He, who was fully armed, looked at the disappointed Yuan Shao and asked.

(End of this chapter)