Ji Han Liu Zhang

Among the various states of the Han Dynasty, Bingzhou had the most complete and solid situation.

According to Liu Zhang's personal understanding, Bingzhou is located in the eastern part of the Loess Plateau, with a rugged terrain that is easy to defend but difficult to attack. In addition, the special geographical conditions around it have created an excellent strategic position for Bingzhou.

To the east of Bingzhou, the Taihang Mountains serve as a barrier, and to the west, the Yellow River serves as a belt. To the north, the Great Desert and Yinshan Mountains serve as external shields, while Gouzhu and Yanmen serve as internal dangers. To the south, Shouyang, Dizhu, Xicheng, and Wangwu Mountains stand side by side along the river, and to the south, Mengjin and Tongguan are both gateways to Bingzhou.

"If you want to conquer the world, you must first take Bingzhou." Liu Zhang glanced at the map of the Thirteen States of the Han Dynasty spread out in front of him. Although this map was not very accurate and had many errors, it was already very good considering the current surveying technology.

Moreover, Liu Zhang had an extremely accurate map in his mind, which was later drawn by satellite scanning and high-tech.

At that moment, Liu Zhang was looking at the map of the Han Dynasty just to learn something about the current mapping technology. After all, thousands of years have passed and the world has changed dramatically. The landscape at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty is different from that of later generations, so the two must be verified.

Xun You accompanied Liu Zhang to watch the review. When he heard Liu Zhang's words, he said, "Your Excellency is right. If we want to conquer the world and kill Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, we should first conquer Bingzhou."

After finishing his outline-like speech, Xun You pointed out the situation at the location of Bingzhou on the map: "The land of Bingzhou, as mentioned in Zuo Zhuan, is called the mountains and rivers inside and outside."

"The area is surrounded by Taihang Mountains on the left and Lüliang Mountains on the right. It is a very steep place, easy to defend but difficult to attack. It is also surrounded by the Yellow River, so it is a natural barrier."

As Liu Zhang's chief clerk, in order to respond to Liu Zhang's inquiries at any time and anywhere, and also to do what a chief clerk who is in charge of confidential matters should do, Xun You, after his daily paperwork, often stayed up all night long, studying military books, researching geography, and keeping the situation of the world in his mind.

Now, when talking about Bingzhou, he slowly said: "Therefore, Bingzhou is an important place in the world. Moreover, this place is high and overlooks three sides. Hebei, Henan, and Guanzhong are all below it."

"If we can take over Bingzhou, we will be able to dominate the country from a high position, and our situation will be even more advantageous. Nothing will be impossible."

"Your words agree with mine." Liu Zhang nodded. He and Xun You shared the same opinion on Bingzhou. To seize Bingzhou would mean gaining the upper hand in the battle for hegemony over the world.

"However, during the reigns of Emperors Huan and Ling, the government was in a state of disarray and turmoil abounded." Xun You stroked his beard and sighed. He said, "As a result, the land of Bingzhou, from Linfen to the north, was mostly inhabited by Xiongnu, Qiang and Hu tribes, and the court was unable to control them, so that the land of the Han Dynasty was tainted with the smell of mutton."

"Among them, Wuyuan, Dingxiang, Yanmen, Shuofang and other counties were particularly troubled. The Xiongnu were rampant in these counties and were treated as if they were on the grassland. The Taiyuan County, which was slightly inland, also had Xiongnu gatherings."

"Southern Xiongnu." Liu Zhang mentioned the name of a Xiongnu tribe living in Taiyuan County. The migration of Xiongnu, Xianbei, Wuhuan and other Qiang and Hu peoples can be traced back to the founding of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

In the 24th year of Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty, there was an internal strife among the Xiongnu, and they were divided into Southern Xiongnu and Northern Xiongnu. The Southern Xiongnu surrendered to the Han Dynasty, and joined forces with the Xianbei and Wuhuan tribes to defeat the Northern Xiongnu. The Northern Xiongnu fled west to Europe, while the Southern Xiongnu were taken in by the Han Dynasty and treated as dogs, and moved to the border counties.

However, when the Eastern Han Dynasty was founded, there was still a wise ruler in power, brave generals and wise counselors in the court, and the Xiongnu, Wuhuan and other Qiang and Hu tribes that migrated inland could not cause any trouble or stir up any storm.

But after the opening of the Eastern Han Emperor's Kindergarten, foreign relatives, eunuchs, and aristocratic families appeared on the scene one after another, fighting back and forth in the court. The national power of the Eastern Han Dynasty began to spiral downward, and the situation in the world gradually deteriorated.

As a result, the Southern Xiongnu, Wuhuan and other Qiang and Hu tribes, who were originally taken in as dogs by the Han Dynasty, began to run around like mad dogs without their hoods, hoping to dominate one side and seek the status of princes.

"It is the Southern Xiongnu." Xun You confirmed, and said, "In the past, the former Chanyu of the Southern Xiongnu, Yufuluo, took advantage of the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the death of Emperor Ling, and invaded Taiyuan, Henei and other places with the Baibo bandits in Hedong. The imperial court was unable to conquer them, which led to the Qiang and Hu becoming more and more arrogant."

"Fortunately, Cao Cao conquered it." Liu Zhang paid tribute to Cao Mengde. When Yu Furuo joined forces with the Baibo bandits to run around everywhere, it was Cao Cao who defeated the Southern Xiongnu in Neihuang, making Yu Furuo realize that the strength of the Southern Xiongnu was not enough to stir up the world, so he restrained the Xiongnu's minions.

"Yufuluo has passed away. I heard that the current Khan of Southern Xiongnu is Yufuluo's brother Huochuquan?" Liu Zhang inquired. Although he knew that in history, Huochuquan was the successor of Yufuluo to the throne, but the current history was messed up by him. Who knows if the new Khan will be Huochuquan?
"It is Huochuquan." Xun You nodded and introduced him to Liu Zhang: "After Huochuquan inherited the position of Chanyu, he always eyed Jinyang and wanted to take over Taiyuan County and do something. He is very ambitious."

"Huhuchuquan." Liu Zhang murmured the name. Huhuchuquan was not well-known. Like his brother Yu Furuo, he was just a nobody in the chaos at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

However, Yufuluo's grandson, that is, Huochuquan's great-nephew, was an extraordinary person. He was Liu Yuan, the Emperor Guangwen of the Han Dynasty who restored the Han Dynasty for the third time.

"A Hun man, under the banner of reviving the Han Dynasty..." Liu Zhang was somewhat speechless. Liu Yuan was really outrageous. It showed that the glory of the Han Dynasty was so great that even Liu Yuan, a Hun, yearned for it.

"Taiyuan County." Liu Zhang added, "Taiyuan County is the heart of Bingzhou, and it cannot be taken by the Xiongnu... I intend to send a letter to the Black Mountain Army, and jointly attack Huochuquan to drive the Southern Xiongnu out of Taiyuan County."

"The Yuan family is eyeing Shangdang covetously. It may not be easy for you to take Taiyuan." Xun You smiled faintly.

"It is indeed not an easy task." Liu Zhang was not annoyed by Xun You's words. He also knew that it would not be an easy task for him to go north along the Fen River to seize Taiyuan County when Yuan Shao controlled the Shangdang Highlands.

"It's just to give Yuan Shao something to do and pull the war out of Hedong. Otherwise, if we just sit and wait for Yuan Shao to attack Hedong, we will be somewhat controlled by others."

According to Liu Zhang's temperament, he has never been used to waiting for others to attack, but prefers to take the initiative. Under the current circumstances, if Yuan Shao comes to compete with him, the battle line must be Hedong. But if he waits for Yuan Shao to fight for Hedong, it is better to fight with Yuan Shao for Taiyuan County first to reduce the pressure on Hedong.

At the same time, Liu Zhang also had some plans for Jinyang, the capital of Bingzhou, in the Taiyuan County area. Jinyang is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Not only is it located in the center of the Taiyuan Basin, but even the Jinshui River and the Fenshui River converge here. It can be said to be "a strategic point that controls the four borders and the capital of the five originals."

Relying on mountain roads, river channels and many passes formed by the impact of rivers, Jinyang can quickly reach various parts of the Central Plains. It can be said to be an important transportation hub for Bingzhou and its surrounding areas.

During the Wei, Jin and Southern and Northern Dynasties, although the nominal capital of the northern regime might be Yecheng or Luoyang, Jinyang was the actual capital. It was often the seat of the northern regime's hegemony and remotely controlled the capitals such as Yecheng and Luoyang.

Xun You smiled and nodded, saying, "The Art of War says that a good warrior controls others rather than being controlled by others. You are indeed good at this and can be called a master of strategy."

"Gongda, when did you become like Zheng Du?" Liu Zhang asked in surprise. He rarely heard such flattering words from Xun You.

"It is because I admire your wisdom and strategy." Xun You said seriously.

After saying this, Liu Zhang and Xun You looked at each other and smiled.

After the laughter, Xun You said seriously: "Cao Cao is now on an expedition to the east to attack Liu Bei who is stationed in Peicheng, and Xudu is empty, but Yuan Shao sits and does nothing about it. He does not take the world seriously, but is worried about his young son's illness. This is what is called womanly kindness."

"Even if Yuan Shao is like this, as you said, our army can take the opportunity to spy on Taiyuan. Even if we can't take Taiyuan, we can still mobilize troops outside to give Hedong and Guanzhong a chance to rest in peace."

"But have you decided on the candidate for the expedition to Taiyuan?" "Of course I have." Liu Zhang nodded.

……

Shangdang County.

As the governor of Hedong appointed by the court, Gao Gan went to Hedong to take up the post, but was defeated by Ma Chao and had to retreat back to Shangdang, and was unable to control Hedong County.

However, there are gains and losses. He did not get the high-ranking officials of Hedong County, but with the help of Sui Gu, he captured Henei County in one fell swoop, which made up for the regret of losing Hedong.

At the same time, the capture of Henei earned Gao Gan the praise of his uncle Yuan Shao, and he was even awarded the position of Governor of Bingzhou from Yuan Shao.

"Governor." Gao Gan was very happy at this moment. The governor's salary was 600 dan, not as much as the 2,000 dan of the county governor, but he had great power and the right to supervise the county governor.

However, as Gao Gan was Yuan Shao's nephew, his supervisory power over the governors of Bingzhou counties was not so light. His authority was like that of a governor of a province, but the title did not match his power.

"How can a nephew repay the kindness of his uncle?" Gao Gan was moved as he expressed his gratitude to Yuan Shao.

Guo Yuan stepped forward tactfully and said, "Congratulations, envoy, on taking up the post of Governor of Bingzhou."

"Congratulations, congratulations." Gao Gan laughed happily. In the previous document reporting the capture of Henei County, he added several contributions of siege and capture of cities to Guo Yuan. Now Guo Yuan has been promoted to the position of governor of Henei and received an official salary of two thousand stones.

Guo Yuan was delighted, and he said flatteringly: "It is really thanks to the support of the envoy, otherwise how could Guo Yuan have the opportunity to serve as the governor of Henei and guard this area."

"From now on, I will follow your lead." Guo Yuan showed his loyalty, almost shouting, "There is no two suns in the sky, and you are the only sun in my heart!"

"You and I are brothers, there's no need to be so polite." Gao Gan patted Guo Yuan on the shoulder, and the two looked at each other, revealing an expression of understanding.

Then the senior official ordered his attendants that he and Guo Yuan would hold a banquet tonight and drink until they were drunk to celebrate their promotion, salary increase, and the joy of controlling great power.

That night, Gao Gan and Guo Yuan got drunk, and it was not until noon of the next day that Gao Gan woke up from his drunken stupor.

"Bring some wine. I want to drink ten more cups." Gao Gan, who had just woken up, shouted. He was still immersed in the banquet and had not fully sobered up.

After a long while, Gao Gan finally sobered up a little. With the help of his servants, he washed up. The dazed look of hangover disappeared and he looked much more energetic.

"Is there anything important?" Gao Gan stepped into the office and asked the clerks.

Gao Gan's question was just a daily inquiry. He believed that when Gongsun Zan was defeated and his uncle Yuan Shao was in power in Hebei, no prince dared to offend Yuan Shao or touch the tiger's whiskers in Hebei.

Even Liu Zhang of Guanzhong, who had competed with him for supremacy in Hedong last year, was now busy building the city, looking worried and afraid of an attack by Yuan's army.

However, what Gao Gan did not expect today was that a clerk came forward and reported to him, "Sir, there seems to be some unusual movement in Hedong?"

"Unusual movement, is Hedong building a new city?" Gao Gan didn't take it seriously. He thought that Fa Zheng and Jia Kui of Hedong were building a new city or repairing the defenses of an existing city.

"My Lord, it's not repairing the city, but there are signs of sending troops?" The secretary said, "Recently, many scouts from the Shu army have gone to Taiyuan County, with three or four groups of scouts a day, but I don't know what their intention is."

"Taiyuan County." Gao Gan was stunned at first, then his face changed and he said, "I am the governor of Bingzhou, and Taiyuan County is under my jurisdiction. The Shu army dared to spy on me. They simply don't take me seriously."

Gao Gan was filled with rage. The resentment over the robbery in Hebei last year had not yet been resolved, and now there was a new fire in his heart. He hated the Shu army even more.

"Send a letter to Yecheng, asking for troops to help."

Plain County.

Yuan Tan, the governor of Qingzhou, was originally the governor of Qingzhou appointed by Yuan Shao. However, Cao Cao was afraid of Yuan Shao, so in order to show his goodwill to Yuan Shao, he forged an imperial edict to appoint Yuan Tan as the governor of Qingzhou.

At first, when Yuan Tan first arrived in Qingzhou, his territory was no more than Pingyuan County. So, Yuan Tan drove northwards to expel Tian Kai, the Qingzhou governor appointed by Gongsun Zan, and attacked Kong Rong of Beihai County in the east. Both times he won great victories, and in one fell swoop he occupied Qingzhou and displayed his military power on the sea.

Although Yuan Tan had taken over the entire Qingzhou, he still looked unhappy. Qingzhou was nothing to him. After all, he was Yuan Shao's eldest son, and what he would own in the future would be the whole world.

However, although he was the eldest son, Yuan Tan knew that his father Yuan Shao had always loved his younger brother Yuan Shang and wanted to make Yuan Shang his heir.

This can be seen from the fact that Yuan Shao adopted him as a son to his deceased brother Yuan Ji, sent him to Qingzhou as governor, and kept Yuan Shang by his side.

After all, since the death of the First Emperor, Fusu was executed by Zhao Gao and Hu Hai because he was away from home and had no access to information. Since then, few monarchs would send their heirs to fight abroad.

"A Shang, are you worthy of the position of heir to the throne?" Yuan Tan said to himself in the mansion with an unhappy look on his face.

Before he could finish his words, a messenger came from outside with a message. Yuan Tan called the messenger in and asked, "What's the matter?"

"My lord, Liu Bei, the Left General and Governor of Yuzhou, was defeated by Cao Cao. Now he has arrived at the border of Qingzhou and wants to join the general." The messenger reported.

'Liu Bei.' When Yuan Tan heard this name, he showed joy on his face: "This is my sponsor! Quick, prepare the horses, I want to go out of the city to welcome him."

When Liu Bei was the governor of Yuzhou, he had recommended Yuan Tan as a talented person. Therefore, although the two had never met, they had a special relationship. At the same time, Yuan Tan thought that if he could recruit Liu Bei as an aid, his chances of competing for the throne would be much greater. (End of this chapter)