Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 433 The Seventh Army Goes South

Xuchang, Imperial Palace.

In the spacious hall, the red curtains and lacquerware that previously symbolized the virtue of fire have been replaced by officials and replaced by the yellow color that symbolizes the virtue of earth.

The Eastern Han Dynasty advocated the virtue of fire and used the Five Elements theory of fire to generate earth. Cao Wei was abdicated by the Eastern Han Dynasty, so he was a Tude.

In fact, during the period when Cao Cao became emperor, there were many auspicious events in various places, but Huanglong was the busiest during this period. It appeared in Qiaojun, Cao Cao's hometown, and then appeared in Xuanwu Pond in Yecheng, thus demonstrating the rationality of Cao Cao's replacement of the Han Dynasty.

However, what is interesting is that in history, whether it was Cao Wei, Shu Han, or Soochow, any monarch in the three kingdoms who ascended the throne always declared that the Yellow Dragon was haunting their land.

For example, when Liu Bei ascended the throne, there was a saying that "the Yellow Dragon saw the Chishui River in Wuyang and left in nine days." The inscription on which he proclaimed himself emperor is called "Huanglong Manna Stele"

Or when Sun Quan proclaimed himself emperor, in order to show that Huanglong appeared in his family, he directly used Huanglong as his reign name.

As for why none of the three families could leave Huanglong, it was actually related to a prophecy circulated in the late Han Dynasty.

In the fifth year of Xiping in the Eastern Han Dynasty, Huanglong appeared in Qiaojun. As an astronomer, Taishi ordered Shan Yangze to say: "There will be a king in his country, and he will be seen again in less than fifty years. Heavenly events are constant, and this is what they should be."

Each of the three families has an old man from the Han Dynasty, who knows a lot about Shan Yang's prophecies, so the three families work for the legitimacy of their own regime. Even the Shu Han people who do not inherit Tu De must still claim to have seen the Yellow Dragon.

Hearing this, Cao Cao sighed and said, "I am already old. It is beyond my ability to gather and destroy thieves in twenty years. I need to wait for the encouragement of my descendants."

Under such ideological constraints, Cao Cao restrained his suspicious and violent character and tried his best to show his kindness to the world.

Jia Xu lowered his eyes and said: "We, the Wei Dynasty, control seven out of ten places in the world, do little corvee and pay little tax, collect and treat the refugees, and defend according to danger. Twenty years later, when the Wei Dynasty rises and the thieves decline, at that time If we send troops to quell it, the whole world will be at the mercy of my great Wei!"

Jia Xu held up his hands and smiled, praising: "When China regains its vitality, the problem of water thieves will be eliminated."

If you had listened to Jia Xu's suggestion at that time, you would have cared for Jianghan and conquered Bashu. He doesn't have to fight in person, the world will be unified within a few years, and Liu Bei will have nothing to do. Instead, he rushed into the army and failed.

Cao Cao stopped, looked at the picture of Luoyang Palace on the silk, and said: "The palace is so magnificent, but the world is not peaceful, so why is there so much construction?"

As the curtains swayed slightly, Cao Cao looked happy and walked with his hands behind his back.

The attendant held the drawing of Luoyang Palace and slowly retreated.

After Cao Cao ascended the throne, he changed Luoyang to Luoyang and made Luoyang the capital. He also ordered Sun Quan to be responsible for repairing the Luoyang palace in preparation for his future visit.

For this reason, this is why Huo Jun and Jiang Ji claimed that Huanglong appeared in Chaohu when they planned Liu Bei to become emperor. It's not that they don't understand the relationship between the two virtues of earth and fire, but they want to echo the beginning and end of Huanglong's appearance in Qiaojun.

"Twenty years?"

Seeing Jia Xu's answer, Cao Cao held his belt and sighed: "Thinking about it now, I regret not accepting Qing's plan to defeat Wu. In the past, when I went to Jiangling, Liu Zhang obeyed and Liu Cong surrendered. Countless soldiers and people in Jianghan were looking forward to it. I regret that I was so angry that I underestimated the enemy and rushed the naval forces, only to be defeated by Huo Jun."

"promise!"

Now he actually took over the Central Plains from Liu Xie. In order to prove that the Wei Dynasty was no worse than the Han Dynasty, Cao Cao gradually implemented benevolent policies, tried to restore China's production, and pinned the hope of pacifying the world on future generations.

Cao Cao said he had no regrets about the defeat of Jianghan, which is probably true.

Looking at the figure of the attendant, Cao Cao sighed slightly and said to his left and right: "Although the palace is magnificent, it is good, but no princes need power. Wei inherited the Han and should stop the Han's policies that harmed the people. The most important thing now is to recuperate and restore China. The household registration will later pacify the water thieves in the south."

"Your Majesty, here are the drawings of the Luoyang Palace. I wonder if they need to be modified?" the attendant asked, holding the scarf.

Cao Cao stroked his beard and thought for a moment, then said: "The world is not at peace and the people are suffering a lot. If the palace is built in a big way and the corvee labor is heavy, it will be detrimental to our country's recovery. Now let Wu Hou put simplicity first and not be too extravagant."

"The Marquis of Wu said that in the past Xiao He managed the palace of the Han Dynasty and said that it was not magnificent enough to enhance the prestige of the country. Now when the king builds the palace, he should follow Xiao He's words at that time." The attendant replied.

Although Cao Cao massacred the city and abused the people, he also understood the importance of the people. If there are no people, there will be no soldiers; if there are no people, there will be no officials.

"Your Majesty is kind!"

In the twelfth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao pacified the Northern Calculation. Until the 23rd year of Jian'an today, although wars often broke out during this period, the north was generally at peace for about ten years. Although ten years is not enough time for a generation, without the ravages of war, the population in the north is on the rise.

Now if Cao Wei can work hard for another twenty years, he will not use swords and soldiers to conquer the south, or he will rest lightly. By then, for Southern Han, the gap between it and Cao Wei will become wider and wider.

Although the Southern Han Dynasty had the rice-wheat rotation method proposed by Huo Jun, its effect was only to ensure sufficient grain for the Northern Expedition in the short term and to enrich the country's strength. But from a population perspective, taking twenty years as a generation, in the long run, the national power of the Southern Han Dynasty will still be inferior to that of the Northern Wei Dynasty.

Even from the perspective of population alone, the population increase of the Southern Han Dynasty will be less than that of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Failure to fight for a long time will be beneficial to the Northern Wei Dynasty and detrimental to the Southern Han Dynasty. Especially under long-term separatist rule, the Southern Han Dynasty would often develop the mentality of separatist rule and self-preservation, instead of thinking about striving for the Northern Expedition and reviving the Han Dynasty.

"The prince is benevolent and virtuous, and he will definitely carry on your majesty's legacy." Jia Xu said.

"Prince~"

Before Cao Cao finished speaking, he saw Sima Yi approaching in a hurry, with an anxious look on his face.

"Chen Yi pays homage to Your Majesty. We have urgent military information to report!"

"Why are you so panicked?" Cao Cao asked with his hands behind his hands. "Your Majesty, General Cheqi reported that the rift between Meng Da and Liu Feng was known to Liu Bei, and Liu Bei wanted to order Yang Ang to replace Meng Da. Meng Dayan's matter is urgent and troops need to be raised as soon as possible to respond. General Cheqi was informed , determined not to wait for Yan Xing’s troops and send troops into Fangling in advance.”

Sima Yi reported the battle report of the battle and said worriedly: "Liu Meng entered Shangyong, and Shen Yi surrendered; but Guan Yu fell ill, so Jiangling reduced his troops. The three counties were shaken, and Guan Yu died ill. Is there any reason for Jiangling to reduce his troops?"

Saying that, Sima Yi added: "Yi Yang came to report that the traitor Wen Pin, the prefect of Jiangxia, mobilized his troops and wanted to take a boat into the Han River. Judging from the current situation, our army moved westward, but the traitor signaled Located in Hankou, such a strange move may be a deception by the enemy."

"In Yi's opinion, we need to send a messenger south quickly to prevent Cao's chariot and cavalry from entering easily. We also ask General Yan to quickly go south to meet Cao's chariot and cavalry!"

Cao Cao first browsed the military reports from Yiyang, looking thoughtful.

Suddenly, Cao Cao suddenly came to his senses and said: "Wenpin is in charge of Jiangxia, and Liu Bei is responsible for his duties in the north. He will not control the troops in the Han River. When the troops enter the Han River, they must come for Xiangfan!"

"Hanshui, Xiangfan?"

Sima Yi quickly ran through it in his mind, widened his eyes, and said in shock: "Could it be that the water thieves wanted to overthrow Cao's chariot and cavalry division, and then let Wenpin seize Deng Sai's boat?"

Where the rivers of Xiangfan converge, not only the Han River flows through Xiangfan, but also the Feishui River (today's Tangbai River) in the northeast of Xiangfan. The Juishui River passes through Wancheng, Juoyang, and Xinye, and merges with various tributaries to flow into the Han River at Dengsai. This river is where Cao Cao destroyed the Three Sages with one shot.

Dengsai is located in Yukou, a satellite city outside Xiangyang City. Whether under the rule of Liu Biao or when Cao Ren ruled Jing, Deng Sai was often used to build naval boats and garrison naval boats.

Now that Xiangfan was empty, Wenpin took the opportunity to head north from the Han River. His biggest target might be Deng Sai's Wei navy. Once Dengsai's boat is burned or Dengsai's navy is severely damaged, Cao Wei will lose the right to control water.

The purpose of seizing water control rights must be to occupy the Han River and thus isolate the two cities of Xiangfan.

Cao Cao's face became serious. If they calculated based on the worst-case scenario, the situation in Xiangfan might be in danger.

Jia Xu pondered, stroking his beard, and said: "Your Majesty, by the time the letter arrives, I am afraid that Cao's chariots and cavalry have already entered the mausoleum. If this is a trick by Meng Da to surrender, I am sorry to be bold, but the warriors of Jing and Xiang may be afraid There is always a danger of overthrowing the enemy."

After saying that, Jia Xu sighed and said: "When using troops on the ground, avoid cutting off the retreat. The Zhushui River Valley is narrow and easy to be blocked and ambushed. It is difficult to retreat without any loss!"

Cao Cao was agitated and secretly scolded Cao Ren for being stupid and not listening to his orders.

In order to worry about him being ambushed, Yan Xing was specially sent to support him. As a result, he was bewitched by Meng Da, abandoned his own teachings, and marched alone, which was really painful and helpless.

"Cao Ren's troops may be in danger now. Do you have any advice?" Cao Cao asked.

"Support Xiangfan!"

Sima Yi said decisively: "It is difficult for Cao's chariots and cavalry to rescue him now, so we should worry about the two cities of Xiangfan. If the two cities of Xiangfan are there, the four counties of Jingxiang can be protected; if the four counties of Jingxiang are there, then Henan will have no worries."

Jia Xu nodded in agreement and said: "Your Majesty needs to select generals to go out to support Cao's cavalry. If Meng Da's surrender is true, the army will be stationed in Jingxiang as a deterrent; if Meng Da's surrender is false, the army can guard Jingxiang. , for the purpose of driving back the enemy invaders."

"Choose a general to fight?"

Cao Cao paced with his hands behind his back and said, "The only person who can command a large army in our country today is the general of the four directions!"

After pondering for a long time, Cao Cao ordered: "Send the order and order the former general Yu Jin to go out as commander in chief to lead the five armies to go south, join Yan Xing's two armies, and command the seven soldiers and horses to guard the border and repel the enemy for me."

"Your Majesty, the former general is in charge of the Seventh Army. How will he and Cao Chaiqi be managed?" Jia Xu asked.

Cao Cao glanced at Jia Xu and asked, "What do you think Wen He is?"

Jia Xu lowered his eyes and said: "Your Majesty, the former general is very powerful. He has commanded the army for more than thirty years. He is both wise and brave. He has always obeyed your majesty. At this important time, I may entrust the former general with important responsibilities."

"Where are Cao's chariots and cavalry?" Cao Cao asked.

Jia Xu looked unmoved and said: "Cao's chariot, cavalry, civility and military skills are both excellent. His extravagance cannot be restrained, and frugality does not compromise propriety. In terms of bravery and military prowess, few generals in the army can match him."

After thinking about the choice of general for a long time, Cao Cao said: "Cao Chai and Cavalry are important officers and have been in charge of Xiangfan for a long time. We can order him to be the leader and the former general to be the auxiliary. Even so, I order Cao Chai and Cavalry to command the overall situation and the former general to fight against the enemy."

"promise!"

Even if Cao Cao became emperor, he could not change his suspicion. He still trusted his generals and had many concerns about senior generals such as Jin and Zhu Ling.

If it weren't for Cao Ren's light army going deep and Jia Xu's strange advice, I guess Cao Cao would still be reluctant to let Yu Jin take charge of the combat affairs of the Seventh Army.

Then, Cao Cao ordered: "Order Manchong to send troops to Jiangxia. Cao Xiu joins the army to support him, and let him bluff, thinking that he will besiege Wei and rescue Zhao, and force Wenpin's troops to retreat."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Jia Xu, Sima Yi and others praised.

"Han Ji·Zhang Zhao Huang Ganwen Biography": "At that time, Guan Yu challenged Cao Ren at Mankou, and the emperor ordered Xu Ren to enter the Han River and attack Deng Sai. Xu Ren led thousands of elite soldiers, sneaked into the Han River, and burned the boat at Jiokou."

(End of this chapter)