Three Kingdoms: Heir of Wolong, my father-in-law is Guan Gong

Although he did not support Cao Rui's southern expedition, Sima Yi also knew that Cao Rui's decision would not be easily changed.

Compared with Cao Pi, Cao Rui was far better than Cao Pi in controlling power and more like Cao Cao.

In order to prevent Cao Rui from repeating the same mistakes, Sima Yi had to organize the aristocratic families of the pseudo-Wei as much as possible to compete with Liu Han south of the Yellow River.

If he loses this battle, no one will be able to stop Liu Han!
The entire north will be under the rule of the new Han Dynasty.

However, Cao Wei's system was the Nine-Rank System, a selection system that favored aristocratic families.

If Cao Wei lost, the aristocratic families in Hebei would have to accept Liu Han's selection system.

This is absolutely unacceptable to the vested interests in Hebei.

Sima Yi must organize this force to avoid chaos before the battle.

The old evaluation of Yuan Shao as having “too many soldiers but not well-organized” can now also be used to evaluate Cao Wei.

In addition to Cao Rui's direct troops, the private soldiers of those aristocratic families almost all have family interests.

If the benefits are not great, they will not rush to die.

This is extremely unfavorable for the decisive battle between the large armies!
Cao Wei's movements also alarmed Zhuge Qiao at Baimazin.

After carefully confirming the intelligence, Zhuge Qiao couldn't help but laugh, "I'm actually going to lead the army in person."

"Cao Rui was young and successful, but he was not corrupted by money and beauty, and his fighting spirit was still so strong."

"I just don't know how much better Cao Rui is than Yuan Shao of the past."

Beside Zhuge Qiao, the experienced Jiang Wei seemed less immature and more steady than when he was in Longyou in the past.

Thirty and standing.

Jiang Wei is thirty years old now.

"In the Battle of Guandu, Yuan Shao led a million soldiers from Hebei and marched south to fight Cao Cao. He was eventually defeated by Cao Cao because of the Wuchao Fire."

"Now Cao Rui has also raised 500,000 troops from Hebei and is heading south to fight us. Will Bo Song also burn the grain?"

Jiang Wei's eyes were burning, and his tone was filled with undisguised excitement.

Zhuge Qiao tapped the map on the table gently and smiled slowly: "Brother, food is very precious."

"If I burn Cao Rui's food supplies in order to defeat him, where can I get food supplies to feed the captives?"

"We can't follow Cao Cao's example and kill Yuan Shao's surrendered soldiers at Guandu, right?"

"If you want to defeat Cao Rui, you don't need to burn the grain."

“There’s a saying: If you’re poor, you should strike with precision; if you’re rich, you should use firepower to cover everything.”

"When the power of the machine reaches a certain level, there is no need to use too many fancy moves."

in the past.

When his forces were weak, Zhuge Qiao would use tactics of infiltration. At that time, the attack power was too weak, and precise strikes were required to influence the situation of the battle.

just now.

As his power grew stronger, Zhuge Qiao had chariots, catapults, crossbows, oil bombs and other mechanical armaments in Baima City, and a large number of warships equipped with catapults in Baimajin.

The entire White Horse City has countless military reserves!

This is no longer a gap that can be made up by numbers!
After confirming the information that Cao Rui would lead the army in person, Zhuge Qiao sent people to Xiangyang to invite Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Fa Zheng, who were recuperating in Xuchang City, to Baima City.

King against king, against general.

Since Cao Rui was going to lead the army himself, Zhuge Qiao naturally had to put up a good front.

More than ten days later, Liu Bei led everyone from Xuchang City to Baima City.

Seeing the White Horse City, which was not yet completed but the main city wall was completed, Liu Bei could not help but marvel: "In less than half a year, Bosong, you have even built a city."

"If it is fully completed, it will be no less than building a Jiangling City on the north bank of the Yellow River!"

Guan Yu, the supervisor and designer of Jiangling City, rode his horse around Baima City and carefully observed the main defense construction of Baima City.

After returning, Guan Yu's face was filled with joy, and his beard stood up: "Not bad! The construction speed is much faster than when I supervised the construction of Jiangling City."

"It's a pity that Cao Rui went on the expedition too early. If it was half a year later, even if a million troops came to Baima City, they would still return empty-handed!"

Zhang Fei had no interest in the city, and called out, "Bosong, my brother said that although the emperor will lead the army in person this time, the deployment of the troops will be up to you, Bosong."

"I don't have any other requests. If you let me be the vanguard, I will win the first place!"

Zhuge Qiao smiled and said, "The task of charging into battle should be given to the young generals who want to make achievements."

Zhang Fei glared at him: "Bosong, are you saying that I am too old to lift a sword?"

"Let alone Lian Po, who was still able to eat and fight at the age of seventy, and Huang Hansheng, who was seventy, was able to kill Xiahou Yuan. How can I not charge into battle even though I am not even seventy yet?"

"Are you underestimating me? You don't even call me father-in-law?"

Zhuge Qiao's scalp felt tingling.

He is already in his sixties, but he still likes to charge into battle.

Guan Yu gently patted Zhang Fei on the shoulder: "Yide, don't bully the younger generation. In the army, you must follow your military rank. Bosong is now a general!"

Zhang Fei glared again: "Second brother, Bosong is your son-in-law, and also my son-in-law."

Guan Yu exerted a little force on his palm and narrowed his eyes: "No private relationships are allowed in the army. You have to call them by their military titles."

"Second brother, I understand. When it comes to military rank, you should put less effort into it!" Zhang Fei was immediately discouraged.

Guan Yu saw that Zhang Fei stopped yelling, so he stroked his beard and said, "Bosong, just follow your plan, and don't worry about us old generals."

Zhang Fei glared: "Second brother, didn't you just say that you should address military titles? You should call Bo Song the general now!"

Guan Yu's action of stroking his beautiful beard suddenly paused.

Seeing this, Liu Bei laughed and said, "Yunchang Yide, you are getting more and more unruly as you get older. Don't make things difficult for the younger generation."

Talking and laughing.

Everyone came to the general's mansion temporarily set up in Baima City.

The generals who had received the news early arrived one after another.

Except for Ma Chao and Zhao Yun who stayed in Luoyang, generals such as Wu Yi, Wu Ban, Huang Quan, Wei Yan, Chen Dao, Liu Feng, Guan Ping, Guan Xing, Zhang Bao, Fu Rong, Zong Yu, Fu Kuang, Deng Zhi, Wang Ping, Ma Zhong, Zhang Yi and Jiang Wei were all there.

It is worth mentioning that Chen Dao no longer guards Liu Bei, but leads the Bai Li soldiers to officially join the army and participate in the war.

Liu Bei also took good care of Chen Dao, the commander of his personal troops whose fame and position were often inferior to Zhao Yun.

Liu Chan had his own personal guards and did not need Chen Dao to protect him.

Liu Bei will eventually grow old, and if Chen Dao remains just a commander of his personal soldiers, he will neither achieve any merit nor be granted a title of nobility.

Therefore.

Liu Bei transferred Chen Dao to Zhuge Qiao's command, giving Chen Dao the opportunity to make meritorious service.

"Meet the Great General!"

The uniform military salutes and loud voices were the highest respect for Liu Bei.

Although Liu Bei was no longer the emperor, most of the generals were promoted by Liu Bei, and their respect for Liu Bei was from the bottom of their hearts. Looking at the generals who were so imposing, Liu Bei was also moved. He helped the generals up and asked them to comfort them one by one.

"I never thought that I would be able to fight Cao Wei to the death in my lifetime."

"If I win this battle, I will have the chance to return to Zhuo County."

Liu Bei's ambition is the ambition of all the generals.

All the generals shouted in unison: "We will live up to the great general's high expectations!"

After reviewing the generals, Liu Bei gave the main position to Zhuge Qiao: "Although my flag was used in this battle, all military arrangements are under the responsibility of the general."

"You must not disobey the general's orders just because I am here."

"Military law is unforgiving. I don't want you to be punished for violating military law."

All the generals were awe-inspiring.

Now that Liu Bei has said this, who would dare to disobey Zhuge Qiao's military orders?
Wei Yan stepped out and said, "General, Zhang He, Cao Rui's vanguard, has his camp less than thirty miles away from Baima City."

"I would like to lead an army to defeat Zhang He first and dampen his fighting spirit!"

Wang Ping also requested a fight: "I robbed Zhang He's camp before, which frightened him. If I go again now, Zhang He will surely be frightened. I am willing to lead the army to defeat Zhang He and show the might of the Han army!"

Seeing Wang Ping arguing for credit, Wei Yan argued, "General Wang, it was just a raid, which is not a great feat. Zhang He is a veteran of Cao Wei and has fought in many battles. You should not compete with me for credit."

Wang Ping said indifferently: "I am a low-ranking general, and it is time for me to make merit and be promoted. Please let the general take the credit."

"The rear general also said that just raiding the camp is not a great feat. If I defeat Zhang He head-on, then my ability will be revealed."

Wei Yan looked at Wang Ping with a hint of surprise in his eyes: "General Wang, I don't remember you being so eloquent."

Wang Ping smiled calmly: "General Hou, people will change."

"When you and I were at Jieting, we trusted each other with our lives."

"Now I want to fight Zhang He, how about you give way to me, General?"

Wei Yan laughed: "General Wang, you brought up the old matter again just to grab this vanguard. If I don't let you go, wouldn't it make me look narrow-minded?"

When Zhuge Qiao saw Wei Yan and Wang Ping fighting and then giving in, he issued an order: "The two generals, please do not argue."

"If it was another general who came, I would not want to pay attention to him; but since it is Zhang He who came, I have no choice but to give him a great gift."

"Wei Yan, Wang Ping, listen to my orders!"

Hearing the command, Wei Yan and Wang Ping were both startled and stepped forward to obey.

Zhuge Qiao ordered, "You two should each lead your troops to challenge Zhang He's camp."

"We must win this battle and we must not lose!"

"If you dampen the morale of our army, you will be punished by military law!"

Originally we were competing for credit, but now we have to go together.

Wei Yan and Wang Ping looked at each other and stepped forward to receive the order.

"I will follow the general's orders!"

After the two generals left, Zhang Fei could no longer suppress his impatience: "Uncle," As if thinking of Guan Yu's words, Zhang Fei changed the subject: "General, why don't you let me fight Zhang He? I have experience in fighting Zhang He!"

Zhuge Qiao shook his head gently: "General Zhang, please be patient. Zhang He was defeated by you. Even if you win, it won't add much to your style."

"Zhang He is only the vanguard. Cao Rui's army is still in the rear. Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu, Cao Zhang, Sima Yi and other generals are all leading their troops here."

"With General Zhang's ability, at least Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu, and Cao Zhang must all come together before you can take action."

Zhang Fei was flattered by Zhuge Qiao and immediately felt happy: "I like what you said, General. Let Wei Yan and Wang Ping deal with Zhang He, a defeated general."

As he spoke, Zhang Fei winked at Guan Yu. Even Liu Bei could hardly bear to see his smug look.

After issuing a series of defensive orders, Zhuge Qiao asked all the generals to disperse.

Fa Zheng remained silent throughout the entire process of issuing military orders. He only spoke slowly after all the generals had left: "General, how confident are you that Cao Rui can hold on to Baima City during this southern expedition?"

"Defend?" Zhuge Qiao chuckled, "Why should we defend?"

Fa Zheng was slightly stunned.

After carefully examining Zhuge Qiao's expression, Fa Zheng's tone was a little more surprised: "General, you built Baima City here, isn't it to defend against the offensive of the pseudo-Wei in order to have a chance to strike back?"

Liu Bei also looked at Zhuge Qiao.

Before coming, Liu Bei had discussed with Fa Zheng the response plan for Cao Rui's southern expedition.

The final conclusion was to rely on Baima City to defend against Cao Rui's first wave of attacks, then seek an opportunity to burn Cao Rui's food supplies, and pursue him when Cao Rui withdrew his troops.

Replicate the strategic situation of Cao Cao defeating Yuan Shao in the past.

Just looking at Zhuge Qiao's current performance, it seems to be different from what Liu Bei and Fa Zheng initially expected.

Zhuge Qiao shook his head slightly: "I built Baima City here so that after defeating Cao Rui, I can let the surrendered soldiers cultivate the land around Baima City."

"This way, we can reduce food consumption and allow these surrendered soldiers to be self-sufficient."

"These surrendered soldiers also have families. The surrendered soldiers cultivate the land to survive, and their families live in the city to survive as well."

"In a few years, White Horse City will become a prosperous place."

Zhuge Qiao's light words shocked Liu Bei and Fa Zheng. Even the impatient Zhang Fei opened his eyes wide, and Guan Yu's right hand, which was stroking his beautiful beard, paused.

Good guy!
Before the battle even started, Zhuge Qiao was already considering setting up farming for the surrendered soldiers.

Does this mean that he regarded Cao Rui's so-called "500,000-man army" as nothing?
"General, your idea is really ahead of its time." Fa Zheng couldn't help but twitch his lips: "Aren't you worried that we can't repel Cao Rui?"

Zhuge Qiao asked someone to bring a sand table tripod, and the troop deployment of Baima City and the expected troop deployment of Cao Rui were all reproduced in the sand table tripod.

"Mr. Xiaozhi, how about we play a game of deduce together?" Zhuge Qiao stretched out his hand in a gesture of invitation.

Fa Zheng's eyes lit up: "I underestimated the general. The two armies haven't even started fighting yet, and the general has already discovered Cao Rui's troop deployment to this extent!"

"How did you get such detailed information?"

In the sand table.

Flags representing Cao Rui and his generals were distributed throughout Ye County.

From Zhang He in the front to Cao Zhang, Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu, Sima Yi and others in the back, all are extremely clear.

Guan Yu also opened his eyes at this moment: "Bosong, do you have an accomplice in the Pseudo-Wei?"

Such detailed information on troop deployment would be impossible to obtain with just scouts and spies without an insider.

Zhuge Qiao nodded and said without hiding anything: "The deployment of the troops was sent back by Zhuge Ke and Zhuge Rong respectively."

"In order to ensure the accuracy of the intelligence, I asked Ju Fu to go to Ye County in advance to inquire and verify the intelligence."

"In addition, there are about a hundred channels including knights-errant, farmers, officials who admire Han, etc."

"It eventually became the current troop deployment map."

Guan Yu couldn't help but wipe his forehead: "Although Zhuge Ke and Zhuge Rong are your brothers, they are not your brothers for long after all. It is reasonable for you to have doubts."

"However, more than a hundred channels is a bit too much." (End of this chapter)