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

Chapter 378 Seeing Through
Hongze Lake, Ganning Water Army Camp.

"General, Yuan Jun has established a water stronghold in the north of Hongze Lake!"

Gan Ning was training his navy when a scout suddenly came to report, which made Gan Ning frown.

"Where exactly is it?"

Although Zhuge Liang had long expected that Yuan Jun would definitely fight with the Chu navy at Hongze Lake, he did not expect that this day would come so quickly.

The scout replied: "The specific location of Yuan Jun's water stronghold is located at the intersection of Chengzi Lake and Hongze Lake, which is only more than twenty miles away from Suiling!"

Gan Ning hurriedly got the map and quickly found the location of Yuan Jun's water stronghold, and then his face darkened.

Chengzi Lake is located in the northeast of Hongze Lake, which can be regarded as the true north. It is not small in area and is connected to Hongze Lake. Surabaya River just flows into the intersection of Hongze Lake and Chengzi Lake.

The area of ​​Hongze Lake in this era was far smaller than that of later generations.

During the Song Dynasty, the Yellow River broke through Yangwu and divided into two branches, the north and the south, at Liangshan Bo. The south branch merged with the Sishui River and flowed south into the Huaihe River. This was the beginning of the Yellow River's diversion. Since the Yellow River is located at a high altitude, it flows backwards into the Huaihe River. When the Yellow River and the Huaihe River merge, the flow rate increases and the water level rises. It connects nearby large and small lakes, swamps and depressions to form Hongze Lake, a large-scale lake in later generations.

The Xuzhou army is stationed in Suiling. Even if it cannot stop Yuan Shao's navy, the news will definitely spread soon.

"The general is in trouble. A certain scout under his command heard the news that the Zhao navy and the Xuzhou army in Suiling had close contacts. The Yuan army even transported grain and grass to the Xuzhou army in the city. I am afraid that the Xuzhou army has defected to Yuan Shao."

Gan Ning was silent for a long time, then uttered two words: "Explore again!"

Zhou Jin's face was as heavy as water, and he said: "This is a serious matter, so we should not make any assumptions, but we must also be on guard. Xingba has sent scouts widely to monitor Yuan Jun's water stronghold, and at the same time be on guard against the Xuzhou Army in Suiling."

Although Zhou Jin's official position is not as good as that of Gan Ning, he is the first to follow Zhou Qi and is related to the late Xi Zhicai. He can be regarded as half of the Lujiang Zhou family. He always has a heavy army. Commanded the Huaihe Navy.

Gan Ning also said: "This is exactly what I'm worried about!"

Yuan Jun's water stronghold is located in the north of Chengzi Lake. It not only ensures a sufficient buffer zone with the Chu army's water stronghold, but also lies between Suiling and Lingxian. It can well protect the Xuzhou army while monitoring Xuzhou's water stronghold. Yuan Jun's food and grass.

Gan Ning looked at the scout and continued to ask: "Did the Xuzhou Army stop Yuan Jun's navy when it was moving south?"

Zhou Jin also realized the seriousness of the matter and frowned: "Could it be that Liu Xuande has two intentions?"

But now, this news came from Gan Ning's scouts, so things are a little unusual.

Although Gan Ning was arrogant, he also knew that Zhou Jin's position in Chu State was unshakable, so when he came to see Zhou Jin, his attitude was quite respectful.

Due to the expansion of Hongze Lake, Chengzi Lake at that time was already located in the northwest of Hongze Lake.

Gan Ning shook his head and said: "The Xuzhou Army in Suiling did not make any move. They just sat back and watched Yuan Shao's navy enter Hongze Lake. This information came from my scouts."

The scout shook his head and said, "I have never heard of any movements by the Xuzhou Army!"

After listening to Gan Ning's words, Zhou Jin was also shocked and asked hurriedly: "But the news coming from the direction of Suiling?"

Moreover, Yuan Jun's water stronghold is close to the north, and Yuan Jun's huge army can go to support the water stronghold at any time. This can also maintain a strong deterrent to Chu's naval forces, making Gan Ning dare not act rashly.

Logically speaking, if Yuan Shao's navy warships want to enter Chengzi Lake, they must first enter Hongze Lake through Si River, and in the process they must pass by Suiling.

The most important thing is that this place is very close to Ling County and Huaiyin. It is a strategic location that can be attacked, retreated and defended.

The reason why Gan Ning's face was somber was because he sensed that something was not quite right.

After watching the scouts leave, Gan Ning did not dare to neglect and hurried to meet Zhou Jin.

"General, does he know that Yuan Shao's navy has set up camp in the north of Chengzi Lake?"

At this moment, Gan Ning's general Su Fei came in a hurry, and the news he brought made both Gan Ning and Zhou Jin change their minds.

"General, I accidentally overheard the news when I was training the navy. Yuan Benchu ​​had led his army to retreat from Suiling. Before leaving, he invited Liu Xuande to come out of the city for a talk. We have no way of knowing what they discussed between them!"

Just as Su Fei finished reporting the news, Ding Feng also came in a hurry.

Zhou Jin asked hurriedly: "Do you know where Yuan Benchu ​​went after he evacuated Suiling?"

Ding Fengdao: "The general knew that the matter was serious, so after learning that Yuan Benchu ​​retreated due to illness, he hurriedly sent people to investigate and found that Yuan Jun was heading towards Huaiyin!"

Gan Ning looked ugly and said: "It seems that Liu Xuande has really defected to Yuan Benchu, otherwise why would Yuan Benchu ​​withdraw his troops from Suiling without any reason?"

Whether it was Yuan Shao's sudden withdrawal, or the private meeting between Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, or the Xuzhou army sitting back and watching Yuan Jun's navy enter Hongze Lake safely, or even Yuan Jun's navy giving Xuzhou army food, grass and baggage.

All of the above indicate that Liu Bei has defected to Yuan Shao.

If this is true, then the situation in Guangling County is somewhat dangerous.

You must know that the reinforcements led by Shi Huan and He Qi have not yet arrived at Suiling. Although Guangling County has more than 20,000 troops, they have to divide their troops to garrison Huaiyin, Hongze Lake Water Village, and Xutai.

As a result, the defensive power of the Guangling County garrison, which is already stretched thin, will inevitably be greatly reduced.

On the other hand, Yuan's army was already outnumbered. If Xuzhou's army really defected to Yuan Shao, the consequences would be disastrous.

"boom!"

Gan Ning stood up and yelled: "Liu Bei is so mean, I'm going to cut off their food supplies!"

Since Liu Bei led his army to Suiling, he has relied on the Chu army for food and grass supplies. However, Zhuge Liang did not give Liu Bei too much food and grass at once. Instead, he asked Gan Ning to transport food into Suiling every day, ensuring that the city would only have it available for two or three days. Just as much food as you need.

It's not that Zhuge Liang was guarding against Liu Bei.

But Zhuge Liang believed that Suiling was not a place that could be defended for a long time. Once Yuan Shao made up his mind to conquer Suiling, the city would definitely not be able to be defended.

Rather than having the food and grass captured by Yuan's army after the city is broken, it is better to hoard less food and grass in the city.

Since Suiling is backed by Hongze Lake, there is no need to worry about Suiling's food route being cut off by Yuan's army when Chu's navy has the upper hand.

Ding Feng also believed that Liu Bei had most likely defected to Yuan Shao, and added: "Liu Bei has betrayed the alliance before. Seeing that Yuan Shao is powerful now, and Mr. Zhuge does not allow them to cross the Huaihe River, he must have a grudge, and he may have defected to Yuan Shao." ”

"Liu Bei still has tens of thousands of soldiers and horses under his command, and he also occupies important places like Suiling. We must be on guard!"

Su Fei also said: "It must be Yuan Shao's private meeting with Liu Bei, and he offered conditions that were enough to impress him!"

Listening to the generals' remarks, Zhou Jin also thought so. However, before confirming the authenticity of the matter, Zhou Jin still maintained a cautious attitude and immediately said to Gan Ning: "Xingba must not quarrel with the Xuzhou Army first, and the food and grass transportation will be temporarily suspended. If Liu Bei sends people When I asked, I was told that Yuan Jun’s navy was watching closely, and we needed to divide our troops to take precautions, so we stopped transporting food for two days.”

"With the food stored in Suiling City, we can hold on for two or three days."

"I will go to Xutai City in person and report this matter to Mr. Zhuge!"

Although Zhou Jin may not be as talented as Gan Ning, after following Zhou Qi for so many years, he has great trust in his lord's ability to recognize people.

Since Zhou Qi was able to promote Zhuge Liang out of the ordinary and valued him so much, in Zhou Jin's eyes, Zhuge Liang must have real talent and learning.

To sit in Zhou Jin's current position, you don't actually need to have any amazing talents. As long as you are calm and steady and can obey the orders, you are actually very good.

Faced with such a major event, although Zhou Jin also believed that Liu Bei had secretly taken refuge with Yuan Shao, he did not dare to make the decision privately. Instead, he planned to report the matter to Zhuge Liang first.

It is precisely because of Zhou Jin's calm character that Zhou Qi can safely leave the Huaihe Navy to the other party's command.

Now, he also has two lieutenants, Jiang Qin and Ding Feng, under his command. Jiang Qin is now able to stand alone, and his overall ability is not inferior to Zhou Jin's.

Although Ding Feng is young, he is beginning to make a name for himself. When he grows up, he will become Zhou Jin's right-hand man.

With the iron triangle of Zhou Jin, Jiang Qin, and Ding Feng, Zhou Qi was very confident about the Huaihe Navy.

Gan Ning saw Zhou Jin's cautious attitude. Although he thought the other party lacked decision-making, he didn't say anything more and acted as ordered.

Just after Gan Ning stopped transporting grain to Suiling, Taishi Ci came to report to Liu Bei and fully informed him that he had not received grain from the Chu army.

While Liu Bei was confused, Chen Gong suddenly realized it, and then lost his voice and said: "Ming Gong, I'm afraid we have fallen into Yuan Benchu's alienation plan!"

Liu Bei asked hurriedly: "Sir, what do you mean by this?"

Chen Gong immediately said: "Ming Gong, don't you think it's a little strange that Yuan Jun has been showing goodwill to us in recent days?"

Zhang Fei said nonchalantly: "In order to win over my brother, it is reasonable for them to show their good will."

Chen Gongdao: "This matter is naturally reasonable for Ming Gong and Yuan Jun. However, if the news reaches the Chu army, the other party may think that Ming Gong has secretly taken refuge with Yuan Benchu."

Liu Bei thought for a moment and thought about Yuan Shao's actions during this period, and his expression changed slightly.

If it were Zhuge Jin who went to meet Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei would have wanted to seek refuge with Yuan Shao. Even if his eldest son was a hostage in Xiangyang, Liu Bei would not be too worried.

It wasn't that Liu Bei was cold-blooded and didn't care about Adou's life or death, but he knew that with Zhou Qi's character, he would definitely not vent his anger on Adou just because he took refuge with Yuan Shao.

Although Adou's life may be difficult, with Zhao Yun there, at least his life is safe.

However, the words Zhuge Jin brought back had completely dispelled Liu Bei's intention of seeking refuge with Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao couldn't even tolerate Han Fu who gave up Jizhou, let alone himself?

If the Chu army really misunderstands that it has taken refuge with Yuan Shao, then the Xuzhou army, which now relies on Chu for food and grass, will soon be in crisis.

As for the little food and grass sent by Yuan Shao, the quantity was too small to have much effect.

Liu Bei also realized the seriousness of the matter and hurriedly asked: "Sir, do you have any countermeasures?"

Chen Gong frowned and said: "In order to protect Xuzhou soldiers, Ming Gong secretly signed an armistice agreement with Yuan Benchu ​​and let Yuan Jun's navy enter Hongze Lake. This is a bit unreasonable."

"If the Chu army really believes that Duke Ming has defected to Yuan Benchu, this matter will be really difficult to handle."

"For the current plan, we can only do our best to obey fate. On the one hand, we sent people to Gan Ning to urge for food and ask for the reason for the shortage; on the other hand, we sent Zhuge Jin to Xutai again."

"I only hope that Zhuge Kongming can see through Yuan Benchu's alienation plan!"

The reason why this matter was difficult to handle could be traced back to Liu Bei's own selfish motives. In order to protect Xuzhou soldiers, he not only promised Yuan Shao not to become an enemy of Yuan Jun, but even secretly released Yuan Jun's navy into Hongze Lake.

Not only that, Liu Bei also accepted the money and food donated by Yuan Jun.

With these actions alone, if the Chu generals insisted that the Xuzhou army had defected to Yuan Shao, Liu Bei would be unable to defend himself.

The reason why Liu Bei and others did not realize this before was because the authorities were confused.

They were already resentful of the Chu State for not allowing the Xuzhou Army to march south to the Huaihe River, and they were eager to have a truce with the Yuan Army, so they made a series of seemingly unbelievable moves.

In fact, from the perspective of Liu Bei and others, there is nothing wrong with them doing this.

Call the stage.

When Zhuge Liang saw Zhou Jin and learned about a series of things that happened in the past two days, he couldn't help but frown.

Zhou Jin said in a deep voice: "If Liu Bei really takes refuge with Yuan Shao, sir, you must make plans in advance!"

Zhuge Liang did not answer, but asked: "General, did you ask Gan Xingba to cut off the supply of food and grass to the Xuzhou Army?"

Zhou Jin nodded and said: "If Liu Bei really defected to Yuan Shao, if he transports grain and grass to Suiling at this time, he will undoubtedly be siding with the enemy."

"But after all, I didn't get the order from sir, so I just asked Gan Xingba to find an excuse to temporarily cut off the Xuzhou army's food and grass, and I didn't really break up with them."

Zhuge Liang breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this.

He said to Zhou Jin: "If what I predict is true, Liu Xuande will soon send someone to urge for food. The general immediately sent an order to Gan Xingba and ordered him to continue transporting food to Suiling."

Zhou Jin asked with astonishment on his face: "Why is that so?"

Zhuge Liang gently shook his feather fan and said calmly: "If Liu Xuande really wanted to join Yuan Benchu, he would not do it so openly. Instead, he would temporarily hide his thoughts. The key is to stab us in the back and inflict heavy damage on the Chu army. To get the maximum benefit.”

Zhou Jin asked back: "Then what is the explanation for Yuan Jun's transportation of food to the Xuzhou Army and Liu Bei's letting Yuan Jun's navy enter Hongze Lake?"

Zhuge Liang smiled and said: "The more blatantly the Xuzhou army contacts Yuan's army, the more it proves that it is impossible for them to surrender to Yuan Benchu. This should be done to protect themselves, and by the way, it will put pressure on the Chu State and force us to let them cross the Huaihe River."

"It's just that they didn't expect that Yuan Benchu ​​would take advantage of his plan and directly use the strategy of alienation."

"If my prediction is correct, after Gan Xingba cuts off his food and grass, the civil and military forces of Xuzhou will be able to react quickly. It won't be long before an envoy from Xuzhou arrives in Xutai!"

(End of this chapter)