Gou writes entries in the Three Kingdoms

Will Liu Xuan's army go south or west?
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes slightly and looked at Zhuge Liang, but he was guessing what Zhuge Liang meant by his words.

The flags placed on the map, except for the [-] Yangzhou elites that Zhuge Liang said Liu announced to place on the plains, the descriptions of the other legions were no different from the actual battlefield conditions.

Obviously, Liu Xuan has also been paying attention to the battle between him and Yuan Shang.

At this time, Liu Xuan sent Zhuge Liang to see him and asked him in front of him,

Do you want Liu Xuan's troops to attack Yuan Shang or Cao Cao?

The meaning of this is self-evident.

"So what if we go west? So what if we go south?"

Zhuge Liang looked directly at Cao Cao without fear and said,
"Going south, Duke Cao will not only face Yuan Shang's nearly 20 troops who have entered Yanzhou, but also face our soldiers who have rested for a year in Yangzhou."

"By the way, the minimum configuration for our soldiers in Yangzhou is full-body alloy steel armor, plus alloy steel weapons. As for the other iron pagodas, the elites trapped in the camp are not large in number, but one is worth ten, which is no exaggeration."

If other people boasted like this, Cao Cao would definitely be dismissive.

But Zhuge Liang was talking about Liu Xuan's troops, so it was really no exaggeration.

During the battle of Xuchang, he witnessed with his own eyes a single regiment of [-] Tiger Battalions entering Xuchang, blocking the tens of thousands of defenders in the city.

Have you ever seen the huge impact of the Iron Buddha when it charges into battle? One is worth ten?If Cao Cao had such cavalry, he would dare to say that one could equal a hundred.

Cao Cao did not refute Zhuge Liang, but said,
"If we go west, I am afraid that Yuan Shang's troops in Jizhou will not be able to stop the attack of King Huaiyang."

Zhuge Liang nodded and said: "Yes, if these 20 troops go west to attack Yecheng, my lord, King Huaiyang, will also lead [-] troops into Yanzhou and cooperate with Duke Cao to wipe out Yuan Shang's troops and horses in Yanzhou. In this way, Jizhou can If it is determined, Youzhou can also be determined.”

Cao Cao said: "It seems that with King Huaiyang's plan, my Yanzhou and Qingzhou cannot be saved, right?"

"Gong Cao cannot save Yanzhou and Qingzhou."

Zhuge Liang said: "Yuan Shang is aggressive and is determined to conquer Yanzhou and Qingzhou. Even if my lord does not take action, the outcome between Cao Gong and Yuan Shang will definitely be a lose-lose situation. By then, I, Yangzhou, will send out a large army all the way north, and we can also unify the Central Plains. "

"In this case, why did Mr. Zhuge go to Yanzhou to surrender to me?"

"Because compared to Yuan Shang, who has no bottom line in killing his father and brother, my lord is more willing to work with a hero like Cao Gong. Although it is more cost-effective to wait until you are both injured to send troops, my lord is not easy to fight. If Cao Gong joins Huaiyang Under the king's command, the King of Huaiyang can conquer the Central Plains in one battle and retain enough combat power to destroy Liu Bei's rebellion."

Zhuge Liang's words were extremely candid. He told Cao Cao all of Liu Xuan's strategic plans and let him choose.

He knew that Cao Cao was a smart man and he was also aware of current affairs.

Putting these facts in front of you, there is no need for any conspiracy. If Cao Cao still doesn't know how to choose, it can only be said that he has been a prince for so many years in vain.

Cao Cao was silent for a long time after listening to Zhuge Liang's words.

Xun Yu, Cheng Yu and others around him did not dare to express their opinions.

"Mr. Zhuge, this matter is serious and I need to discuss it with my subordinate Wenwu."

Seeing the drama, Zhuge Liang saluted and said, "That's natural. I'll wait in the outer hall, Mr. Cao, please excuse me."

After Zhuge Liang went out, Cao Cao looked around the hall and saw that everyone was silent, so he asked Xun Yu,

"Wen Ruo, you are the most comprehensive person here. What do you think of what Zhuge Liang said?"

Xun Yu lowered his eyebrows and thought for a moment, then said slowly,
"Lord, the facts presented by Zhuge Liang are all things that cannot be disputed. At present, the war situation in the entire Central Plains is not good for us."

"Moreover, the deployment Fengxiao made before he fell into coma was mainly aimed at Yuan Shang's army. If Liu Xuan didn't intervene, we could follow the plan and continue to compete with Yuan Shang. However, Liu Xuan suddenly intervened and took out 10 yuan. With the size of the people, our army no longer has any surplus troops to deal with Liu Xuan."

Cao Cao sighed quietly,
"It's not that Fengxiao failed to deploy Liu Xuan's army, but that it was unable to deploy. You are right. Our army no longer has any surplus troops to deal with Liu Xuan. It is difficult for a clever woman to cook without rice, let alone such a big thing as arranging troops. .”

"Forget it, I know what you guys mean. In the current situation, even if we fight to the death to resist Liu Xuan, it doesn't make any sense. We just give Yuan Shang an advantage."

"You are all great talents. Following me, Cao Cao, has not allowed you to realize your ambitions. I believe you can show off your talents at the King of Huaiyang. Go and call Zhuge Liang in."

Zhuge Liang didn't wait long outside the hall before he was called in by Cao Cao's personal guards.

"Mr. Zhuge, as you said, our army has no chance of winning the current battle. Rather than letting my brothers follow me and Cao Cao to destroy me, it is better for them to follow King Huaiyang to create new achievements. Go and tell King Huaiyang that Cao Cao has 12 Soldiers and horses, I am willing to listen to King Huaiyang's dispatch. I hope King Huaiyang can keep his promise and treat him with his heart."

Zhuge Liang was overjoyed when he heard this, but then he said,
"Listen to Duke Cao, wouldn't Duke Cao serve the King of Huaiyang together with the soldiers?"

Cao Cao shook his head, "I won't go. When the brothers are settled, I should disarm and return to the fields. Besides, if I lead 10,000+ soldiers and horses to serve the King of Huaiyang, should the brothers listen to me or Huaiyang?" What about King Yang? Since you have decided to give up resistance, you should give up completely so as not to make it difficult for King Huaiyang."

Zhuge Liang smiled heartily: "Mr. Cao is now looking down on my lord. In fact, what King Huaiyang wants is that as long as Mr. Cao is willing to surrender to King Huaiyang and join forces with our army, there is no need to make any other changes. Besides, After unifying the Central Plains, who else is more suitable than Duke Cao to govern Yanzhou and Qingzhou?"

"Does King Huaiyang really mean this?" Cao Cao straightened up from his couch and asked Zhuge Liang in surprise,

"Let me continue to command Yanzhou's troops and horses, and govern Yanzhou and Qingzhou after the war. Isn't he afraid that I will rebel again?"

"It seems that Duke Cao still doesn't know my lord well enough." Zhuge Liang smiled, "It's better than this. Anyway, you and I still have many handover matters to discuss in the future. Why don't Duke Cao and I go to Yangzhou to meet with the King of Huaiyang?" After the interview, Duke Cao will know what King Huaiyang wants."

Cao Cao thought for a moment and relaxed, "Well, I just want to know more about what King Huaiyang is like and whether he is worthy of the service of my brothers. It doesn't matter if I go with you to Yangzhou."

Cao Cao had made up his mind, and the civil servants and generals under his command immediately relaxed.

One thought of hell, one thought of heaven.

Originally, they were overwhelmed by Yuan Shang's army invading Yanzhou, and they had been resisting desperately.

Although he has surrendered to Liu Xuan now, he is no longer in danger of being destroyed.

And from what Zhuge Liang said, it seems that the conditions given by Liu Xuan are still very generous, and all military pay and treatment remain the same.

Zhuge Liang and Cao Cao rushed back to Yangzhou.

Liu Xuan received the news in advance and was overjoyed. He led his civil and military officers to greet Cao Cao outside Jianye City, which was regarded as giving Cao Cao enough courtesy.Cao Cao knew what was going on. When he saw Liu Xuan's welcoming team from a distance, he got off his horse and quickly came to Liu Xuan to salute.
"Cao Cao has just surrendered his troops. How could He De bother the King of Huaiyang to personally greet him?"

Liu Xuan smiled and supported Cao Cao.
"Haha, Mr. Cao must not try to defeat Liu Xuan. Outside Shouchun City, you and I jointly attacked Yuan Shu, and we were considered allies. Being enemies with Mr. Cao was really a last resort. Now the two families can become one. One, this is a great blessing. Come, Mr. Cao and I will go into the city to talk."

Liu Xuan gave Cao Cao enough face, making Cao Cao, who originally came to ask for surrender, feel like Liu Xuan's honored guest.

For a time, Cao Cao's impression of Liu Xuan changed greatly. At least in terms of his behavior, Liu Xuan's approach made people feel very comfortable.

Liu Xuan and Cao Cao talked for a long time in Jianye and settled some matters after Cao Cao surrendered.

Liu Xuan also had a very good impression of Cao Cao, for no other reason.
Cao Cao, who had put aside the burden of hostility, was still free and open-minded.

When he originally met Cao Cao, Liu Xuan secretly activated his scannable voice and set the scan target to Cao Cao.

For such a big matter, Liu Xuan naturally wanted to be on the safe side.

But after a conversation, Liu Xuan knew that his worries were completely unnecessary.

During the conversation with Cao Cao, Notepad didn't even get a hint that it had scanned his heart.

This shows that Cao Cao was completely sincere in his conversation with Liu Xuan, and there was no duplicity.

Obtaining this result made Liu Xuan even more delighted.

"Gong Cao, the matter of surrender has been decided. Yuan Shang's army is still raging in Yanzhou. I want the troops and horses in Yanzhou to be still commanded by Duke Cao. I will ask the Guangling Weapons Workshop to immediately transport [-] sets of alloy steel armor to Puyang , and at the same time sent [-] troops from Xuzhou, together with Yanzhou soldiers and horses, to launch a counterattack against Yuan Shang's army."

"In addition, military advisor Zhuge Kongming immediately went to Pingyuan and led [-] Yangzhou soldiers from Pingyuan towards Yecheng. He must destroy Yuan Shang's army in Jizhou."

After hearing Liu Xuan's deployment, Cao Cao's originally cold mind became warm again.

"Fifty thousand sets of alloy steel armor?" Cao Cao said in disbelief, "But the kind of steel armor worn by the armored battalions of Yuan Shang's army?"

Liu Xuan smiled lightly and said, "Those are just defective products. What I give you is an improved version, which is enough to crush Yuan Shang's armored battalion."

Speaking of excitement, Liu Xuan rolled his eyes and said, "Let's go, Mr. Cao, come with me to Guangling and see with your own eyes the weapons and equipment in my workshop."

Liu Xuan took Cao Cao on the steam train from Jianye to the port on the south bank of the river.
Cao Cao sat on the steam train and looked at the prosperous Yangzhou along the railway.

The cities along the way have been repaired and look brand new.

There is no sense of dilapidation like other war-torn areas.Along the railway line are various well-planned farmlands, factories, mines, residential areas, etc.

People were walking through farmland and factories, their faces filled with hopeful happiness.

After arriving at the ferry, everyone changed the ferry and headed to Guangling. Along the way, the entire river was shuttled by various merchant ships, and there were also tall and powerful warships patrolling.

Cao Cao had long heard that Liu Xuan's Guangling navy was invincible in the world and completely defeated the Jiangdong Sun family's proud navy. After seeing these steam-powered warships, he no longer had any doubts about this matter.

No wonder Liu Xuan was so confident that he directly sent [-] sets of alloy steel armor to Cao Jun who had just surrendered.

With such a prosperous rear base, even if Cao Cao really surrendered and rebelled, he would never be able to cause any trouble.

After visiting Guangling, Cao Cao did not make any further stops. He took the train transporting armor directly from Guangling to Huaiyin, and then returned to Yanzhou from Yuzhou with supplies.

The autumn of 204 AD.

Cao Cao led his troops to surrender to Liu Xuan. Liu Xuan used Cao Cao's Yanzhou troops and horses as the main force, and cooperated with 20 elite troops from Xuzhou to join forces with Cao Cao, totaling [-] troops.

Among the 20 horses, [-] Xuzhou soldiers were all elite with full-body alloy steel armor. The [-] sets of alloy steel armor that Cao Cao brought from Guangling were also equipped in the most elite legion.

A total of [-] heavily armed elite troops gathered in Yanzhou to launch a counterattack against Yuan Shang's troops.

When the battle started, Yuan Shang, who was kept in the dark, still used the old method, relying on the nearly [-] armored battalion as the vanguard, intending to cut through Cao Jun's main formation.

Unexpectedly, when he rushed to the front of the formation, he discovered that Cao Cao's [-] soldiers and horses were all wearing silver armor and silver helmets. The quality of the armor was even better than that of the Iron Armor Battalion.

One hundred thousand versus twenty thousand, again, it's better to be prepared than to be prepared.

Yuan Shang's [-] armored battalion was surrounded by [-] Cao troops. When they fought their way out of the siege, only [-]% of their strength was left to fight.

Only then did Yuan Shang discover that Liu Xuan had joined forces with Cao Cao at some point.

After careful questioning, I found out that Cao Cao had surrendered to Liu Xuan, and now he had to face Liu Xuan's army.

Thinking of the various weapons and equipment of Liu Xuanjun that he had seen in the Guangling weapons workshop, Yuan Shang suddenly felt despair.

He originally only fought against Cao Cao, but he was dragged down for so long. Now he is facing Liu Xuan who has integrated Cao Cao's troops. How can he fight this battle?
The morale of the coach was depleted, and the combat effectiveness of the soldiers below plummeted. On every battlefield in Yanzhou, Yuan Shang's army was at a complete disadvantage.

Seeing that the situation was not good, Yuan Shang gathered his troops with curses and hurriedly withdrew from Yanzhou from Baima, preparing to return to Jizhou to defend.

However, Cao Cao's old troops in Yanzhou were beaten by Yuan Shang's army before, and now they finally have a chance to fight back, giving Yuan Shang no chance to retreat safely.

Troops from all directions continued to gather, following Yuan Shang's troops all the way past Baima and into Jizhou.

Yuan Shang had to organize his troops and horses in the Liyang area, set up defenses along the river, and at the same time sent people back to Yecheng to move troops.

Unfortunately, the people who returned to Yecheng to move troops did not even enter Yecheng, so they rushed back to Liyang in panic and brought Yuan Shang news that made him even more desperate.

Liu Xuan did not know when he gathered [-] soldiers and horses in the plain. Taking advantage of Yanzhou's counterattack, he reached the foot of Yecheng within five days.

Under the siege battle of [-] troops led by Zhuge Liang, the defenders of Yecheng only lasted for two days before Zhuge Liang designed to break open the city gate and Yecheng fell.

Zhuge Liang left more than 1 troops to garrison Yecheng, and led [-] soldiers south from Yecheng, preparing to outflank Yuan Shang's retreating army from the rear.

Within a few days, the offensive and defensive situation changed. Yuan Shang was still dreaming of unifying the Central Plains a few days ago. In the blink of an eye, there was no place for Yuan Shang in the entire Hebei. (End of chapter)