Uncle Emperor, I am really not Wolong Zhuge!

Chapter 113 The battle between Cao Si and Cao Si
In the Prince's Mansion, although it was late at night, the lights were still on.

Sima Yi was alone, sitting under the corridor, quietly looking at the stars, waiting for Cao Pi's return.

"Zhongda, you are still here so late at night!"

Cao Pi said in surprise when he saw Sima Yi sitting motionless in the corridor wearing gray cloth clothes.

At this moment, Sima Yi looked even darker and more sinister, making people unable to figure it out.

"Xuchang is in chaos and the situation is precarious. How can I sleep? Taking advantage of the moonlight, I am waiting for the prince here to have a chat."

Cao Pi looked back and looked up at the sky.

Dark clouds cover the sun, but where is the moonlight?
It can be seen that Zhongda's visit here is not to admire the moon, but to have other important matters!
"A few days ago, when Xuchang was in chaos, Zhongda once advised me to evacuate as soon as possible to ensure safety. I was angry at the time and disrespected my husband because of it. Now that I think about it, I really regret it and hope that my husband will not argue with the younger generation. "

When Ma Tengxin died and Ma Chao just sent troops, Sima Yi had already predicted that there would be a great chaos in Xuchang and suggested that Cao Pi flee from Xuchang in order to protect himself.

But at that time, Cao Pi had just followed Sima Yi's suggestion and went to Xun Lingjun's mansion to apply for a job and be responsible for the city defense of Xuchang. Therefore, he was angry with Sima Yi's capriciousness and scolded Sima Yi. He also ordered him to serve as a city guard and stood at the city gate for several days. Restrain the fleeing nobles.

But today, it seems that the situation in Xuchang has deteriorated sharply, becoming chaotic and precarious.Cao Pi also felt a little regretful. Maybe it was a wise move to listen to Sima Yi's words.

Sima Yi smiled slightly, and the lanterns hanging on both sides of the corridor emitted a dim light, which shone on his face, making it look as deep as the sea: "Your Majesty, you are too worried. I was also shocked by Zhuge Wende's plan at that time, and I panicked. , then all the princes would leave the city to avoid trouble. But today it seems that the prince’s decision at that time was actually the right one.”

Cao Pi was a little surprised. He didn't expect that Sima Yi, who had always been in a deep position in the city, could admit frankly that he was facing Zhuge Wende's plan. He panicked and said, "Where did Mr. Zhongda say that?"

Sima Yi was silent for a long time, then stood up slowly and walked slowly, with Cao Pi following closely behind.

"If the city of Xuchang is destroyed, the prince will definitely be in trouble, which is unwise. However, if the third son of Cao Zhi stays in front of the army, he can avoid this difficulty."

"But for Xuchang in recent days, we can't judge yet. The city will be destroyed. Once Xuchang successfully survives, the prince's contribution to defending the city will be great! He will be incomparable to many young masters in front of the prime minister."

Cao Pi listened, sometimes happy, sometimes scared, and asked in shock: "So in Zhongda's opinion, can Xuchang escape the disaster this time?"

Sima Yi sighed and shook his head slightly.

Cao Pi was shocked: "Sir, do you mean that Xuchang must die?"

Sima Yi shook his head again, and there was another period of silence.

After a long time, he finally said: "Whether Xuchang can be defended does not depend on you and me, nor on the prime minister, nor on Ma Chao and Liu Zhang..."

Cao Pi was confused again.

Sima Yi went on to say: "The Xiliang cavalry kills people like crazy. Ma Chao has been fighting for many years, and his murderous intention is even stronger. His father Ma Teng died in Xuchang, and he died at the hands of the prime minister. This is known to everyone in the world."

"If Xuchang is destroyed, it will definitely be a massacre, maybe a massacre of the city. Xuchang will disappear from now on!"

Sima Yi suddenly raised his head and looked toward the southwest, in the direction of Jingzhou.

"Everyone in the world is a pawn. He alone can be proud of the world!"

"If he has the virtue of a good life, Xuchang will not be destroyed, and the prime minister will retreat in time. If he wants to kill Xuchang, Ma Chao will come galloping at night. The prime minister's 56 troops are in trouble and cannot advance or retreat."

Cao Pi's face was as yellow as money paper, and he was so shocked that he couldn't speak for a long time.

Zhuge Wende's resourcefulness was unparalleled in the world, and he had long known that.But what I didn't expect was that it had reached such a terrifying level.

While strategizing, he was in charge of Xuchang's life and death thousands of miles away.Five great counselors, hundreds of thousands of soldiers and generals, were helpless and at their mercy.

Sima Yi turned around slightly, glanced at Cao Pi, and continued: "But you don't have to worry too much, Your Majesty. In my opinion, although Zhuge Wende is extremely vicious and ruthless, he is not a person who kills without justice and destroys the world." . I think in the battle of Jingzhou, the prime minister has almost lost the chance of winning at this moment. Sooner or later he will retreat. And Zhuge Wende does not want to kill them all. There is still some hope in Xuchang."

When Sima Yi said this, he raised his hands in congratulations, as if he was thanking Zhuge Wende, who was thousands of miles away, for showing mercy and letting the prime minister go.

Cao Pi had just calmed down at this moment, and asked curiously: "My father surrounded Fancheng with heavy troops and attacked Jingzhou. Why did Zhuge Wende repay his kindness with kindness instead of taking advantage of others' danger? At this moment, Jingzhou has taken the initiative, and it is precisely the counter-defense strategy. What a great opportunity to attack!"

Sima Yi thought hard, and finally shook his head: "Zhuge Wende's plan is uncertain, and I can't figure it out. Maybe it can be explained by the word 'benevolence'!"

"Benevolence?"

Cao Pi thought silently, could Zhuge Wende, who was vicious and cunning, be still a wise man with unparalleled benevolence and righteousness who cared about the world?
Sima Yi suddenly stopped, turned around, and stared at Cao Pi.

Cao Pi didn't know what he meant. He felt extremely uncomfortable under his sinister gaze. He smiled awkwardly and asked, "What does Zhongda mean by this?"

Sima Yi said coldly: "Don't have any illusions and think that Zhuge Wende is a kind and kind person! Don't forget all the vicious tricks he did!"

Cao Pi's body trembled slightly and he stood there, not knowing how to respond.

"Zhuge Wende is good at using small tricks to bring chaos to the world. A single move can affect the whole body. A mere horse can move 20 Xiliang cavalry. A poisonous insect can drag Sun Quan from Jiangdong into the battle."

"If the Prime Minister retreats and comes back soon, who knows that Zhuge Wende will not make another poisonous plan? Young Master, it is better to make a decision early to avoid disaster."

Sima Yi began to walk slowly along the corridor again.

But Cao Pi stood there, watching Sima Yi gradually go away, and finally disappeared.

His face was pale, his feet seemed to be nailed to the ground, and he could not take a step for a long time.

In the past, a letter from Jingzhou was delivered to his residence. With just a few words, he took the risk and never looked back.

"My younger brother Chong is very smart. It's because his father has imperial luck, which will be passed on to Chong sooner or later."

“It’s better to plan for it as soon as possible!”

The attached letter came with a ceramic jar containing poisonous insects. It came from the southern barbarian land and was the southern border insect poison in the hands of King Mulu!
That day, Cao Chong claimed the elephant, stole the show, and finally inspired the last fear in Cao Pi's heart.

While everyone was watching Cao Chong's method of weighing elephants attentively, Cao Pi took advantage of others' unpreparedness and put the poisonous insect prepared in advance on Cao Chong's body and bit Cao Chong.

However, although the insect poison is poisonous, it can also numb the wound and temporarily not feel the pain. Instead, it takes advantage of the person's unpreparedness and penetrates deep into the internal organs, ultimately rendering him hopeless.

In order to clear away the suspicion, Cao Pi once again directed and acted by himself, and put the remaining Gu insects into the back garden of Cao Zhi's mansion.He also staged a bitter trick, killing himself with a sword in front of Cao Cao, hoping to follow his younger brother Cao Chong away.

It was precisely because of this incident that Cao Cao finally gave up the pursuit, released Cao Zhi, and no longer doubted Cao Pi.

but……

My father went on an expedition to Jingzhou and fought with Zhuge Wende!

Will Zhuge Pifu reveal this secret to his father?
If my father returns to the army and doubts my words again, the evidence is conclusive and there is no way to argue with him!
Cao Pi's eyes were suddenly filled with fear!

In the dark night, the city gates of Xuchang were wide open.

A chain of thirteen cavalry, sent out from Xun Lingjun's mansion, like an arrow from a string, galloped away from Xuchang and headed towards Jingzhou.

……

Jingzhou, fifty miles north of Fancheng, in Cao Ying's military advisor's tent.

Cao Cao sat in the middle, and five military advisors stood on both sides, discussing countermeasures.

Cao Cao first spoke: "When Gu Chu used troops, he had already made plans. Ma Teng was banned in Xuchang, which would ensure peace in Xiliang and no military troubles. Liu Zhang was weak, and at the end of last year, Gu Gu pretended to In the name of the Emperor, he has just been rewarded. Liu Zhang has no ambitions and is content with the status quo, and will not send troops to invade the country. I only need one year of peace in the rear to concentrate on pacifying Jingzhou, taking advantage of the situation, and conquering the country. Koto!"

"As long as Liu Bei and Sun Quan are given the title, return to Xuchang, use Ma Teng as bait to lure the horses to the capital, and kill two horses, then Xiliang can be defeated! As for Zhang Lu in Hanzhong and Liu Zhang in Yizhou, they are both mediocre and incompetent people. We need to send a general with 20 troops, and we can calm down in a few months!"

Cao Cao paused, let out a long sigh, and continued:
"It's a pity that fate is not as good as fate. I left Xuchang and Ma Teng died suddenly. The news spread like wildfire, and even broke into Xiliang. Ma Chao was like a crazy butcher, raising troops south and heading straight for Xuchang. I didn't expect it. And I wanted to fight quickly, but I encountered Zhao Yun's stubborn obstruction in Fancheng, and I couldn't get over it!"

"I asked Xun Wenruo for advice from thousands of miles away, and Wenruo made plans for me: Xuchang spread rumors that I had sent troops back to Wancheng to defend Ma Chao. In order to prevent Ma Chao from going south. I quickly used my troops to break through Fancheng and fight a big enemy. Victory. If Ma Chao listens to the rumors and returns to Xiliang, I will continue to pursue the victory and capture Jingzhou. If Ma Chao is unmoved, then I can give up on the good news and retreat to Wancheng with the momentum of victory to resist Ma Chao."

"But everything backfired!"

Cao Cao punched the table angrily, causing the table to shake and the tea cup to fall to the ground.

"Ma Chao was not afraid of me. When he heard the news that I was returning to the army, instead of looking back, he was extremely excited. He seemed to intend to fight me! As for Fancheng, they marched in seven directions, but got nothing. They raised troops again, and again Defeated at the hands of the Southern Barbarians!"

"Now whether we are advancing or retreating, please express your opinions, speak freely, and come up with a charter."

When Cao Cao said this, he stopped suddenly and sat there quietly, his eyes passing over the faces of the five counselors one by one.

"Prime Minister..."

"Now the morale of the army is low and there will be no fighting spirit. If we want to fight again, I am afraid it will be detrimental to the army!" Chen Qun bowed and saluted, and said first.

"Despite this, the last time Jiang Gan entered Fancheng, he had already discovered the weaknesses of Meng Huo's army. It would be a pity if we did not take advantage of this opportunity to attack again and sharpen our troops. I'm afraid that when our troops retreat, we will have to retreat. Suffering from invasion by southern barbarian soldiers."

Zhong Yao stroked his beard and said with a frown.

Cao Cao waved his arm and directly killed Zhong Yao's suggestion in the hall: "It's hard to tell whether what Jiang Gan suggested is true or false. What if it was Zhuge Wende's trick to lure the enemy? Will all 56 of our troops be lost? Fancheng? Regardless of whether he is true or false, I will not attack him, even Zhuge Lifu can't stand me."

Xun You pondered for a long time, hesitated again and again, and finally said: "If the Prime Minister does not advance, he should retreat to Wancheng immediately to defend Ma Chao. Delaying here now will waste money and food, and it will be of no use to the army. But if we retreat, we will lose face. I When we raised 56 troops, they pretended to be one million, and swept through Jingxiang with great momentum. However, when we first arrived in Fancheng, we couldn't gain an inch of land. It would be too embarrassing to lose like this..."

Xun You saw that there were no outsiders in the big tent, so he dared to speak freely and not hide it in his heart.

Cao Cao heard this and thought it was right.He was already confused at this moment and had long lost his fighting spirit.However, due to shame and the inability to take the initiative to admit the defeat of the Battle of Jingzhou, he was hesitant and unable to make up his mind to withdraw.

"The military is a major event for the country. It is the place of life and death, the way to survival. How can we put the country and the country in danger for the sake of vain face?"

"Furthermore, hesitation is the most harmful factor in using troops. Disasters among the three armies are born out of suspicion! The Prime Minister believed Jiang Gan's words and used the Rocket Army and Dizi Army as his trump card to fight Meng Huo's Southern Barbarian Army again and destroy them in one battle! Or! If you don’t believe what Jiang Qian said, it’s not a bad idea to retreat quickly and defend Ma Chao. Let the prime minister choose between the two. But if you hesitate where you are, I’m afraid disaster is not far away!”

Jia Xu has always been tactful and non-confrontational. Even in such a critical battle situation, he was calm and conversant.But today, he suddenly went out of his normal way and spoke in an extremely dignified and solemn manner, which made the four great counselors and Cao Cao change their expressions.

But everyone is nodding in their hearts to agree with Jia Xu's point of view: What Wen He said is all good advice!

"Report!"

"Xun Lingjun reports urgently!"

"There is chaos in Xuchang, I hope the Prime Minister will make a decision soon!"

Cao Cao read Xun Lingjun's letter and his expression suddenly changed.

"Report!"

"Xuchang is in chaos, and restrictions are uncertain. The nobles are rushing out of the city to avoid the disaster."

……

"Report!"

……

"Urgent report!"

……

Thirteen consecutive rides, Pegasus reports, all come from Xun Lingjun’s personal letters!
Cao Cao was frightened, and all five counselors changed their colors!
With Xun Lingjun's stability and resourcefulness, if the situation hadn't been extremely urgent, he would never have been so anxious!
The country is in danger, things are at stake!
Moreover, the generals and the families of the five great counselors are all in Xuchang. Once Xuchang falls, even if the people are safe, I am afraid that none of the relatives of these important ministers will survive, and they will all be beheaded by Ma Chao to avenge their father!

Unconsciously, it was the end of another day, lights were lit outside the big tent, and smoke was introduced into the tent from time to time, causing everyone to cough.

Cao Cao hesitated, stood up, and walked out of the tent without saying a word.

The five counselors did not dare to say anything, but they also came out one after another and followed behind.

Outside the big tent, there were rows of torches, shining like daylight.Soldiers patrolling back and forth passed by from time to time.

But everyone lacks the morale and spirit they had at the Wancheng swearing-in meeting.All of them looked like defeated quails, with their heads drooping and their heads hanging down.

At night, the cold wind blows, chilling my bones.

Cao Cao wrapped himself in his cloak and was about to turn around and go back to his tent when suddenly a person holding a parcel ran past him in a hurry.

"Stop! Yuan Rang, why are you so panicked?"

Cao Cao took a closer look and saw that it was General Xiahou Dun.

"Prime Minister..."

Xiahou Dun was only focused on walking and did not notice that in the smoke and dust, Cao Cao took the lead, followed closely by the five counselors.

Cao Cao looked at Xiahou Dun and asked in a deep voice: "What happened?"

Xiahou Dun's face was full of panic. He subconsciously wanted to hide the package in his hand behind his back, but he knew that it would not help. As long as he calmed down, he said frankly: "At dusk, I met Yang Xiu. He said The prime minister is discussing the withdrawal of the troops with the five advisers in the tent. The order to withdraw the troops will be given tomorrow at the latest. In order to avoid panic, it is better to pack your bags early and make preparations."

Cao Cao feigned anger and shouted: "Why don't others do the same, but you are the only one who is eager to retreat and pack your bags? You still dare to quibble here!"

Xiahou Dun was frightened and kowtowed repeatedly, with blood dripping from his forehead: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister. All the other generals are aware of this matter and have already dealt with it. The last general was busy with military matters and had no time, so he delayed it until now. …”

"Shuzi, if you dare to mess with our military morale, bring me Yang Xiu!"

Cao Cao was furious and furious, and immediately ordered his guards to go to the camp to capture Yang Xiu.

Not long after, Yang Xiu was tied up with ropes by a group of swordsmen and axe-hands, and was escorted in front of him. Cao Zhi followed behind him, panting.

"Straight!"

"How dare you take my will lightly and confuse the morale of the army!"

Cao Cao pointed at Yang Xiu and shouted angrily.

Yang Xiu became hasty. Although he had a clever mind and an invincible eloquence, when the knife actually pressed against his neck, he was still frightened to the point of confusion and remained silent for a while.

"Father, please have mercy!"

Cao Zhi had already smelled a strong murderous intention, his heart sank, and he begged helplessly.

But Cao Cao remained unmoved at all, staring at Yang Xiu with a pale face.

"Uncles, please save him..."

Cao Zhi turned to look at the generals and the five great counselors.

But everyone fell into silence at this moment, unaware.

Because everyone knows that Yang Xiunai is Cao Zhi's confidant and the one who advises.

Since the death of Cao Chong, Cao Zhi has been the chief competitor of the crown prince Cao Pi!
At this moment, Cao Pi is in charge of Xuchang's city defense affairs. The safety of all the generals' relatives, relatives, and family members is in Cao Pi's hands!

"No need to say more, push out the gate and kill it!"

"Here!"

The swordsman shouted, pushed Yang Xiu out of the camp gate, and killed him immediately!

Cao Cao suddenly turned around and stood on the chariot shaft, looking down at the generals and all the counselors.

"Yang Xiu messed up the morale of our army, and his intentions are worthy of death. You and others are also guilty of making noise without knowing his intentions!"

"But the law does not punish everyone, it only punishes the leader! Now that Yang Xiu has been executed, you will accept the crime and perform meritorious service for the time being!"

The generals hurriedly knelt down and thanked the Prime Minister for not killing him. They hated Yang Xiu so much in their hearts that they also gradually lost favor with Cao Zhi who was standing next to him.

What's more, it is believed that Yang Xiuxian's incident was due to Cao Zhi's careful arrangements and instructions.

"Yang Xiu is making a big publicity about my withdrawal tomorrow. I'm afraid Zhao Yun and Menghuo's soldiers in Fancheng have already heard about it. If I stay here for a long time, I will be framed by them!"

"Wait for the generals and return to camp immediately. Watch the three armies, immediately break out of the stronghold and retreat to Wancheng temporarily!"

"Here!"

The generals took orders and retreated.

Cao Cao first forgave the sins of the generals and then ordered to retreat. All the generals thought that the prime minister's retreat was because he was bewitched by Yang Xiu and could not do it.

The five counselors looked at each other, secretly admiring the Prime Minister's plan, and there was no trace at all!

(End of this chapter)