Uncle Emperor, I am really not Wolong Zhuge!

Chapter 122 Zhuge Liang: My brother and I will hunt in the Central Plains!

Fancheng.

Zhao Yun led Wenpin, Wei Yan, Kuai Yue and other generals to receive the grain, grass and defense equipment sent by Xiangyang.

Since Cao Cao retreated, the pressure on Fancheng was completely eliminated, and the soldiers finally breathed a sigh of relief and could rest and regain their strength.

The clans in Jingzhou, after having a wine exchange with Zhuge Liang, moved their core businesses from Nanjun and Zhangling to Xiangyang in order to eliminate the gap with Zhuge Liang. The Pang, Huang, Kuai and other clans even donated money. Liu Bei sent a large amount of food and military supplies to show his sincerity.

Therefore, the grain, grass, and weapons obtained by Fancheng today did not use Xiangyang's grain depot at all. They were all designed by Zhuge Ming. Zhuge Liang hosted a banquet for the clansmen and received them in exchange for a few words.

"With these provisions and weapons, we can defend Fancheng for at least another half year!"

Wenpin looked at the grain that was continuously being delivered to the granary, as well as the groups of mules, horses, cattle and sheep, as well as the mountains of weapons and artillery, and nodded with this smile on his face.

"Hmph! If Cao Cao comes again this time, we will feel more confident. Even if there are really millions of soldiers, we will not panic at all."

Wei Yan recalled the hardships of defending the city in the past, which strengthened his confidence in defending Fancheng.

The most important thing is that there is Zhao Yun, the backbone boss, and the 20 barbarian soldiers of the Southern Barbarian King to help out.

"It's difficult... I think it's really difficult..."

Contrary to the confidence of other generals, Zhao Yun suddenly shook his head with a sad expression and sighed.

"Zilong, what do you mean by difficulty?"

Kuai Yue was puzzled that since Xiangyang took command a month ago, he had never seen Zhao Yun worried.Even before the troops of the Nanman King arrived and Fancheng was in danger and about to run out of ammunition and food, Zhao Yun did not waver at all. The reason why Fancheng was able to hold on was precisely because of Zhao Yun's extraordinary perseverance.

Wenpin raised his head and glanced at the cloudless blue sky, and said with a smile: "Is Zilong worried that the weather will suddenly change and heavy rain will come, and our military rations will have nowhere to put it? Or is he afraid that these defense weapons will not be deployed? Use it, Cao Cao doesn’t dare to invade my Fancheng again?”

Zhao Yun frowned and said nothing, turning his head to look to the southwest.

There, from time to time, bursts of laughter and noise from the Nanman soldiers' camp could be heard, as well as the roars of elephants, ligers, and wolves.

"Have the grain, fodder, cattle and horses allocated to the Southern Barbarian King been delivered?"

Zhao Yun asked calmly.

"Everything was in accordance with Zilong's instructions. As soon as Xiangyang's support arrived, it was sent to his camp as soon as possible. The Nanman King personally received and checked it, and there was no mistake."

As Kuai Yue spoke, he took out a piece of information from his arms detailing the amount of food and grass sent to the Nanman King's camp.

Zhao Yun did not take it, but waved his hand and said, "I can rest assured that you are doing your job. The Southern Barbarian King has come all the way to help us defeat the enemy. Even if we are a little short of money, we must not treat them badly."

"Food, grass and weapons will be distributed to them first, and the rest will be distributed to the military subordinates."

Kuai Yue hurriedly nodded in agreement.

"Zilong, why are you always so gloomy? Could it be that the food and grass from Xiangyang have arrived, and it still can't make you smile?"

Wei Yan was the most curious. Seeing Zhao Yun's face always covered with a layer of sadness when he spoke, he asked immediately.

At this moment, a war horse came through the dust and neighed.

The man on the horse saw Zhao Yun and others in the distance. He hurriedly pulled the reins and galloped over. When he got in front of Zhao Yun, he rolled his saddle and dismounted.

It's from Iraq.

"Zilong, something big happened!"

Yi Ji looked nervous, wiped the sweat from his forehead and gasped.

"What happened?"

Zhao Yun remained calm, his two eyes under his thick eyebrows exuded a special gaze, and he stared at Yi Ji closely and asked.

"Ma Chao's troops suddenly retreated back to Xiliang before they could fight with Cao Cao!"

Yi Ji took out the scout's military report from his sleeve, handed it to Zhao Yun and said.

"Hey! This Ma Chao is such a loser! 20 Xiliang cavalry took advantage of the momentum to go south, shocking the world! How come he was so far behind in such an instant?"

When Wei Yan heard the news of Ma Chao's retreat, he pointed angrily in the direction of Xiliang and cursed angrily.

Wenpin's expression also changed, and he said in deep thought: "Originally we were counting on Ma Chao to buy us more time. If he and the Cao thieves fought in a losing battle, we in Fancheng could even take the initiative and get a share of the pie. But now it has become Given this situation, Fancheng will probably encounter Cao Cao's thieves and soldiers again soon. It is better to arrange the city defense and weapons as soon as possible to be prepared."

Zhao Yun nodded and handed the scout's military report to Yi Ji: "Send this news to Xiangyang quickly and let the lord and military advisor know. Make plans in advance. If you have any instructions for Fancheng, please convey them as soon as possible. .”

Yi Ji reached out to take the military report, nodded in agreement, and turned around to make arrangements.

……

In the Xiangyang Military Advisor's Mansion.

"Military advisor, since half a month ago, the Pang Huang family and Mr. Shui Jing came to Xiangyang to pay homage to the military advisor and say goodbye, the clans from Jingxiang have gathered in Xiangyang. The west city of Xiangyang has regained its former prosperity. Today, Xiangyang's economy is much better than in the past. During the heyday of Liu Jingsheng’s administration, it was even worse!”

Ma Liang, who is in charge of people's livelihood, agriculture and economy, walked in cheerfully. In the courtyard, he saw Zhuge Ming holding a showerhead and watering each flower tree leisurely and seriously. He came behind him and whispered, but between words , unable to conceal his inner excitement.

"This is all the credit of Kong Ming and you, what does it have to do with me? If you hadn't arranged it properly and given them the necessary support and appropriate benefits, so that they could get their business on the right track in Xiangyang in the shortest time, how could they have done it? Are you willing to give up your money and blood like this?"

Zhuge Ming smiled slightly, raised the showerhead above his head, and the water poured down like a drizzle, dripping on every flower leaf and petal.

"Although the clan in Jingxiang has a rich heritage and many celebrities, it is more about business operations. Businessmen value profits and have no permanent friends, only permanent interests. Never believe in their loyalty to you. Just believe that they can Get more from you.”

Ma Liang nodded, thinking carefully about Mr. Military Advisor's words, he realized that although they were simple, they seemed to contain profound principles and ways of doing things.

"Why should I take credit for anything? I didn't expect my brother to praise me behind my back!"

Accompanied by a burst of laughter, Zhuge Liang shook his feather fan, lifted up his robe and stepped into the courtyard door, approaching.

"Kong Ming, what makes you feel so good?"

Ma Liang turned around, saw a letter in Zhuge Liang's hand, and asked curiously.

"Isn't it the happiest thing for my brother to praise me? As for the other things, maybe you will know after reading it!"

Zhuge Liang smiled faintly and handed the letter in his hand to Ma Liang.Ma Liang looked sideways at Zhuge Liang, not knowing what he was selling. He reached out to take the letter, sandwiched the envelope between the index finger and middle finger of his right hand, and read it carefully.

"Ma Chao has retreated!"

Ma Liang exclaimed, shaking his fingers and almost dropping the letter to the ground.

Zhuge Liang nodded and turned to Zhuge Ming, who was watering the flowers: "Everything was as the military brother said. Ma Chao was really happy. He had just passed Chang'an and before arriving in Luoyang, he heard the news that Cao Cao had returned to station his army in Wancheng. Went back to Xiliang."

Ma Liang praised him, packed up the letter, and handed it back to Zhuge Liang: "Everything is as planned by Zhuge's military advisor."

Zhuge Ming put down the kettle, patted the dust on his hands, turned around and came to the stone table under the big willow tree, sat down gently and said:

"Cao Cao was only blocked in Jingzhou, not defeated. The 10,000+ soldiers and horses he lost were just like breaking grass and mustard, and would not hurt his bones at all."

Ma Liang said: "But the combat power of the Xiliang cavalry is said to be second only to the Southern Barbarian soldiers and horses. Doesn't Ma Chao even have the courage to fight against Cao's thieves?"

Zhuge Liang smiled slightly, poured a glass of water from the teapot on the table and handed it to Zhuge Ming: "Brother once said that there are many factions in Xiliang soldiers. If Ma Teng is not dead, everything will be fine. After Ma Teng's death, although Ma Chao is brave, He is still young and may not be able to convince others. The generals under Han Sui's command may not listen to his orders. They are called 20 elite cavalry, but they are actually disloyal and difficult to maintain for a long time. And what is the Cao thief best at? Ji Changke Do you still remember the Battle of Guandu and the Wuchao Incident?"

Ma Liang's color changed, and he asked in shock, "Could it be that Cao Cao ordered people to cut off his food routes and force Ma Chao to retreat?"

During the Battle of Guandu, Yuan Shao's troops were several times larger than Cao Cao's, but Cao Cao used a sinister plan to completely burn down Yuan Shao's grain storage facility, Wuchao Granary. As a result, Yuan Shao was left without troops. Liang was defeated and lost. From then on, he went downhill and could no longer compete with Cao Cao.

Zhuge Ming took Kong Ming's water cup, took a sip, and placed the cup on the table.

"The world is changing and the clouds are turbulent. Ma Chao went south to attack Xudu, but he saw that Cao Cao and I were in a stalemate in Fancheng, unable to advance or retreat. He wanted to reap the benefits of others. If he captures Xudu and cuts off Cao's retreat, he can directly inherit Half of Cao Cao’s foundation will be used to conquer the Central Plains.”

"But when Xun Yu released the false news that Cao Cao had returned to the army, he immediately panicked and fell into hesitation, causing the good opportunity to be missed and falling into passivity. This gave Cao Cao time to return to the army."

Ma Liang shook his head: "I didn't expect that Ma Chao's 20 cavalry did not dare to fight Cao Cao. Compared with the Nanman King who took the initiative to attack in Fancheng and was not afraid of Cao Cao's thieves, it is really different!"

Zhuge Ming smiled: "Ma Chao must be unwilling to go back this time. I predict that he will launch another army to invade the Central Plains soon!"

Zhuge Liang laughed loudly, pointed to Xiliang in the distance and said: "I think if Ma Chao can't solve Xiliang's internal problems, he may never be able to compete with the world and hunt the Central Plains. However, although Han Sui's troops have many troops, the so-called The eight mighty generals are just mediocre people, and they may not be able to defeat Ma Chao."

"But then again. The unification of Xiliang and the return of Ma Chao are not a bad thing for me in Jingzhou. At least it will make Cao Cao have a serious enemy behind him and not dare to go out to the south easily."

Ma Liang suddenly remembered something, frowned slightly, looked at Zhuge Ming and Zhuge Liang and asked, "Now that Ma Chao has suddenly retreated, will Cao Cao raise another army to invade Jingzhou and attack Fancheng?"

But then he was relieved.

"Fortunately, a few days ago, I had arranged to transport the grain, rice and ordnance donated by the Jingzhou clan to Fancheng. Even if the Cao thieves come back, it will not be difficult for Fancheng to hold on for another three or two months. At least they will not run out of ammunition and food. ."

Zhuge Ming did not speak. He raised his head and looked to the southeast, as if waiting for something.

Zhuge Liang smiled and said: "Brother is waiting for Cao Cao to send troops to Hefei. Will brother and Zhou Yu hunt for the Central Plains?"

……

Jiangdong, inside Poyang Lake Water Village.

In the lobby of the water village, all the generals were wearing heavy armor and equipped with swords, standing on both sides.

The Grand Governor Zhou Yu was wearing silver armor, with a red robe sweeping the floor, a white helmet on the table, and two sword eyebrows flying across his temples, looking very heroic.

What he was holding in his hand at this moment was the urgent letter sent by Lu Su from Chaisang.

"Ma Chao has retreated!"

Zhou Yu only read a few words, then threw the letter on the ground and said angrily.

Lu Meng hurriedly stepped forward, bent down to pick it up, looked at it carefully, and then handed it to Ling Tong, Gan Ning, Cheng Pu and others to circulate it for a closer look.

"It is inevitable that Ma Chao will lose to Cao Cao. But Ma Chao would be too cowardly to retreat without a fight, which is not in line with the style of Xiliang soldiers and horses."

Lu Meng folded the letter, put it in front of Zhou Yu, and said with a smile.

Zhou Yu sneered: "Ma Chao is just a brave man, how can he be Cao Cao's opponent? He has an army of 20, and he doesn't dare to directly fight with Cao Cao's army several times his own. He just wants to speculate, but he lacks it. Such speculative courage and audacity. I think his subordinates would also be angry and divided because of such a dull leader!"

Gan Ning laughed and stepped forward and said: "The Governor is really good at predicting events. I heard that the reason why Ma Chao withdrew his army was because of friction with the eight powerful generals under Han Sui's command, and the grain and fodder that Han Sui escorted were burned down. , even he himself was seriously injured. Ma Chao could not supply military rations, so he had to retreat to ensure safety."

Lu Meng took a step forward, bowed and saluted, and said with a stern face: "Grand Governor. Ma Chao retreats. How can Cao Cao be content with being lonely? I'm afraid he will raise an army to go south again and fight again."

Ling Tong nodded, frowned slightly and said, "Ever since Cao Cao returned to Wancheng in defeat, he has been at Zeng Bing. But all of this seems to be an illusion."

"According to our scout reports, many soldiers and horses secretly left Wancheng after turning around in Wancheng. Instead, they went east along the road and secretly gathered in the direction of Hefei!"

The faces of the generals changed drastically.

Could it be that Cao Cao also wants to attack in the east and in the west and transfer the battlefield to Hefei?

"Grand Governor, over there in Hefei, close to Chaisang, our lord's safety must not be underestimated!"

Huang Gai, Han Dang, Cheng Pu and other three veterans stood up and said in unison.

Zhou Yu nodded slowly, frowned, and lowered his head in thought.

The last time we tried our best to attack Fancheng, we still couldn't succeed. Is there any reason to divide our troops to Hefei again?

Cao Cao is well versed in the art of war, so naturally he would not do such a ridiculous thing...

Is it...

Cao Cao has changed his strategy and no longer intends to attack Jingzhou. Instead, he will transfer all his military forces to the eastern front. Will he start from Hefei and invade Jiangdong?

Zhou Yu suddenly shouted: "What a vicious thief! He lured me and Jingzhou's soldiers back here, but secretly moved to plot Hefei!"

The crowd will be shocked.

Lu Meng stepped forward, his face was pale, and he said nervously: "If it is true as the Grand Governor said, Lord Chaisang does not have many soldiers and horses, and I am afraid it will be difficult to defend against the enemy. We still need the Grand Governor to dispatch him in time!"

""

(End of this chapter)