Chapter 362: Twenty thousand vanguards head straight to Jiangdong
Upon hearing this, Cao Zhi lowered his head and whispered:

"I am young and of low moral character, and I have previously followed my father to the Guanxi Campaign."

"Even if it is too exhausting to work the troops, the planning will be useless."

"I think those petty enemies won't be able to gain any influence."

"Success or failure, prosperity or adversity, is a matter of the moment."

"If you insist on going with the army, you will bring disgrace upon yourself."

Cao Zhi's voice became hoarse when he said this.

Seeing this, Yang Xiu quickly stopped him from speaking.

Then he looked towards the north again and said:

"Don't worry, Zijian. Duke Wei is about to unify Jiangnan."

"As the eldest son, Cao Zihuan indulged in sensual pleasures."

"Although Cao Ziwen is skilled in archery and horsemanship, he is brave but not wise!"

"If Zijian can achieve great things in front of the Prime Minister."

"After a hundred years of being prime minister, it is unknown whether the Cao family's foundation will be inherited by Zijian!"

After they finished speaking, the two men's eyes met, each with their own plans in their minds, and undercurrents were surging.

After January, the autumn wind becomes chilly.

The lights in Hefei City, Jiujiang County, Huainan were bright.

The darkness of night could not conceal the lofty ambitions that permeated the city.

Cao Cao and many of his brave generals gathered here to discuss the plan of the southern expedition.

The atmosphere on the field was solemn at this time, but undercurrents were surging.

"Everyone!" Cao Cao was sitting in the main seat at this time.

The tone was leisurely but could not conceal its sharpness.

"According to news from scouts at the front line..."

His finger pointed to Jiangdong on the map.

With a gleam of contempt in his eyes, he said:

"That Sun Quan brat heard that my 200,000-man army was heading south."

"They hurriedly turned around on the other side, intending to bypass our main force."

"At this moment." Cao Cao's voice became heavier.

"All of his 100,000-strong army has crossed the natural barrier of the Yangtze River."

"Go north along the Ruxu River, and you will reach Ruxukou, south of Chaohu Lake."

As he spoke, a sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"The enemy is within reach. I have decided to march south. How can I sit back and watch?"

"If I don't respond, how will the world view me, Cao Cao?"

"I thought that after the battle of Jingzhou, I was afraid of that Jiangdong kid and didn't dare to cross the river to the south!"

"Who is willing to lead the troops and break their spirit?"

This self-mockery is accompanied by a determination that should not be underestimated.

However, most of the generals in the room had experienced the glorious battle of Jingzhou two years ago.

At this time, everyone had a smile on their face and most of them looked relaxed.

Now Cao's army is fighting in the south and the north, not only in the north but also in the Central Plains.

He also pacified Hanzhong in Guanxi, and now his momentum is at its peak.

On the other hand, Sun Quan's side in Jiangdong suffered a heavy loss in the battle of Jiangxia last year.

Now his naval commander Zhou Yu died with secret hatred.

Everyone thought that Sun Quan should learn a lesson from all the disadvantages.

But who could have predicted that this guy, after suffering such a crushing defeat, would dare to make a comeback?

And it is precisely the opponent's momentum of fighting again and again after repeated defeats.

Inspired the heroes present.

At this time, everyone couldn't help but step forward and volunteer.

"Sun Quan is such a rebellious kid! I am willing to share your worries!"

"My lord, Le Jin begs to go to war!"

"I am willing to share the Lord's worries. Li Dian is willing to be the vanguard!"

At this moment, earnest requests to fight emerged like a tide.

It demonstrates the desire and excitement for victory of Cao Ying’s generals.

Just when the public was excited.

A clear and firm voice pierces through the noise and stands out.

"My lord!" Cao Hong stepped forward resolutely and stood in front of the generals.

"General Cao Hong is willing to lead 20,000 naval forces!"

"Be the vanguard of our army and attack Ruxukou directly!"

"Take advantage of Sun Quan's unstable foothold."

"Set up a net over Chaohu Lake to dampen their fighting spirit!"

As soon as he finished speaking, all the generals fell silent.

Even if everyone is a powerful general, they still need to judge the situation.

As a general of Cao Cao's clan, Cao Hong's status was second only to the Xiahou brothers and Cao Ren, so his words should not be ignored.

Thinking of this, the other generals from other families also stopped talking.

Give Cao Hong the respect he deserves.

Sima De was standing in the row of civil servants at this time.

He also looked in surprise at the Cao family's big shot who suddenly spoke out.

There was a hint of worry in his eyes and he shook his head slightly.

After the Battle of Jiangxia, Zhou Yu died.

But the Jiangdong navy that he carefully cultivated was by no means an easy opponent.

It is doubtful whether Cao Hong, as the vanguard, can gain the upper hand in the water battle.

It is more likely that they will fall into a confrontation, facing each other across the lake.

Although Cao Hong has now stepped forward to carry the banner.

It was partly to avenge the humiliation of being captured by Ma Chao in the previous battle in Guanzhong.

But Sima De knew very well that this old man was not famous for naval battles.

When it comes to water combat, Cao Hong is better than Gan Ning and Wen Pin.

Even Cai Mao and Zhang Yun were inferior to him.

Sima De had a clear understanding of these people's abilities.

But at the moment, even Xun You, Cheng Yu and other old masters did not stand up to stop it.

If he rashly objects, it might just backfire and damage the harmony.

Therefore, since the time was not right, he could not directly dissuade others.

He just looked silently at his father-in-law who was sitting in the main seat.

At this time, Cao Cao was also looking at Cao Hong who took the initiative to step forward.

With a satisfied smile on his face, he said:

"Haha, Zi Lian already has such lofty ambitions."

"As the commander, how can I refuse?"

"Just as you said, lead 20,000 naval forces down the Fei River!"

"Give that Sun Quan brat a warning!"

After saying that, he stood up readily.

To be on the safe side, Cao Cao once again turned his attention to Li Dian who was beside him.

"Mancheng, you will be the deputy general and go with Zilian!"

Upon hearing the order, Li Dian immediately stepped forward and said, "Yes, sir!"

And war is not only about attacking, but also about defending.

Cao Cao pondered for a moment and looked at Xiahou Dun.

"Yuan Rang, you will lead 30,000 troops to stay in Hefei."

"With you here, I won't have to worry about the future."

Upon hearing this, Xiahou Dun responded with a firm face:

"As you command, I will protect Hefei and ensure the stability of the rear!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao felt relieved and smiled.

"Hahaha, Yuan Rang, don't worry too much."

"Sun Quan has no ability to threaten my army of 200,000."

After the laughter died down, Cao Cao gave the order in a deep voice:

"Pass my order. The entire army will set out on time at noon."

"The goal is to head straight to Jiangdong and capture Sun Quan alive!"

After that, the room was silent.

All that remained was the atmosphere of determination and war, quietly spreading in the night.

At noon, the sun is as golden as gold.

Cao Cao decisively ordered the army to set off.

Then he pretended to leave the table, walking calmly, and was about to leave the seat.

Upon seeing this, the civil and military officials knew that the military discussion was over, so they bowed and respectfully saw the prime minister off.

However, the twists and turns of fate often lie in unexpected situations.

When Cao Cao reached the threshold of the county government gate, he suddenly stopped.

The whole audience suddenly fell silent, all eyes focused on him.

He was seen touching his forehead with his hand, seemingly casual but full of deep meaning.

He said to Cao Pi, Cao Zhang and Cao Zhi who were standing in battle array: "I almost forgot."

"You will all accompany your father in this battle!"

"Ziwen, you have been through many battles, so you don't need to say much."

"As for Zihuan and Zijian, as my sons, how could you not experience the baptism of war?"

"Without having fought on the battlefield, how can one inherit..."

The subject suddenly changed and Cao Cao stopped talking.

Leaving behind an unfinished mystery, his figure faded out of the hall and waved away everyone with one hand.

(End of this chapter)

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