Cao Thief

Chapter 211
Since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, private salt has been rampant.

The salt was abandoned, so that the entire Huainan had to rely on the private supply of salt from the East China Sea.Hailing County, from the original official salt distribution center, has become a desolate town.The population has plummeted and it is dilapidated.However, Hailing's folk customs are aggressive, and it used to be an important source of troops for Guangling.Today, Hailing still has a barracks with about [-] soldiers stationed there, responsible for guarding the eastern gate of Guangling County.

"You mean, Hailing is a barracks?"

"To be precise, it should be a military town."

After all, Cao Peng's time in Guangling was very short, so he didn't know much about Guangling's situation.

He knew that Hailing was a county seat, and he also knew that Hailing had a population of 3000.But he doesn't know, Hailing is still a military town?
"Back then, there were two ways to transfer from Yandu to Guanyan, one was Haixi, and the other was Hailing.

Haixi is transferred to Huaibei to supply Xuzhou; Hailing is transferred to Huainan, and almost the entire Guangling County, as well as the northeastern part of Jiangxi, all need to pass through Hailing County.Therefore, as early as the Han Dynasty, Hailing had a barracks.Moreover, Hailing's soldiers and horses are all from Danyang, they are brave and fierce, and extremely aggressive.From the reign of Hanwu to the end of Yongping, these Hailing soldiers were the guardians of Huainan Salt Road..."

"There is such a thing!"

Cao Peng couldn't help sighing.

I thought that Chen Deng just let him stay in Hailing and gave him a job, but I didn't expect...

"Therefore, Hailing does not have a chief, nor does it have a prime minister. Hailing lieutenant, is equivalent to taking care of three positions, and is in charge of military affairs at the same time. It is an extremely important role. Among the officials and officials in Guangling, only this Lingwei is special. Although the salary is only three hundred stones, and the rank is not too high, but it is a position of real power. The son's appointment as Hailing Wei is equivalent to controlling the three counties in the east of Guangling."

"Zishan, the Hailing soldiers shouldn't be that easy to deal with."

Kan Ze interrupted suddenly and questioned Bu Zhi.

Think about it too, why would such an important position be entrusted to Cao Peng?

Guangling, is there no one there?
Bu Zhi nodded, "The Hailing soldiers are indeed arrogant and do not obey discipline. Since the imperial court abolished Yandu and abandoned Hailing, the Hailing soldiers are almost self-sufficient and have not received half of the food and salary. The name of the Hailing soldier is Wang Xu, He is an unruly person. The Guangling prefect had tried to regroup the Hailing soldiers before, but they were all driven away by Wang Xu and others. Chen Yuanlong is a prominent family in Guangling, and he was also helpless against these Hailing soldiers. Today he is the son of Hailing. It's because I've lost patience with Hailing's soldiers, so I'm going to take a look at your son's methods."

That is, a test?

Cao Peng raised his eyebrows: Are you ruthless?
"I'm afraid it's not that simple."

Kan Ze pondered for a moment, then sat down on the embankment.

The river water slapped the embankment, splashing water, wet Kan Ze's legs.

Cao Peng also sat down, "Brother Kan means..."

"I heard that Duke Cao has withdrawn his troops?"

"what?"

"Because of Liu Biao and Yuan Shao, Duke Cao's attack on Zhang Xiu did not seem to be particularly smooth, so he temporarily returned to Xudu.

Li Jue in Guanzhong was killed, which solved the troubles in the west for Duke Cao.

As for Zhang embroidery in the south, I am afraid that it will not be achieved overnight.In my opinion, Duke Cao may have attacked Wancheng three times, so he may not use troops against Wancheng again.If Duke Cao uses troops, then Zhang and Liu will be one; if Duke Cao does not use troops, Zhang and Liu will definitely turn against each other.At that time, Cao Gong will not need to spend a single soldier, and Wancheng will be at his fingertips.This is similar to He Gongmiao's cutting down the mountain, Cao Gong won Wancheng, I am afraid that it will be sooner or later, so there is no need to worry about it. "

Kan Ze's words made Bu Zhi fall into deep thought.

"Derun means..."

"Next, Mr. Cao will deal with Lu Bu."

After Kan Ze finished speaking, he sighed, "Even if Lu Bu is dealt with, Yuan Shao is still eyeing him.

Even if Duke Cao defeats Yuan Shao, the situation in Jiangdong may be dusted.At that time, I am afraid that it will not be easy to raise troops. "

It turned out that this guy still had the idea of ​​fighting back to Jiangdong in his heart.

Cao Peng's heart skipped a beat, as if he had realized something.

"Duke Cao sent troops to Xuzhou, and Chen Yuanlong would definitely send troops to help.

But Chen Yuanlong, if he had no other choice, would never break up with Lu Bu easily.Therefore, the troops under his command may not be able to attack. Most likely, he will find someone to replace him.If Mr. Cao's battle goes well, Chen Yuanlong will definitely make a big move immediately; but if the battle goes wrong, he is likely to sit idly by.When the time comes, I am afraid that the young master will charge forward for him.

If Duke Cao wins, he will be able to help in the battle, and the young master is just his pawn; if Duke Cao is defeated, he can easily shirk his responsibility and say that the young master made the decision without authorization.Therefore, he made the young master Hailing Wei, and he was invincible. "

Cao Peng gasped in his heart.

What Kan Ze said is very likely to happen.

Deng Ji is now sitting firmly in Haixi. Once Cao Cao and Lu Bu confront each other, Haixi will definitely send troops to act as a prime minister.

At the same time, as Deng Ji's brother-in-law, it is naturally impossible to stand by and watch.At least Hailing is still in the hands of Guangling. When he joins forces with Deng Ji, no matter whether he wins or loses, Chen Deng will be invincible as Kan Ze said.

This is also in line with Chen Deng's style.

When Liu Bei was in Xuzhou, he attached himself to Liu Bei; when Lu Bu got Xuzhou, he attached himself to Lu Bu.

From Chen Deng's point of view, it seems that there is nothing wrong with Chen Deng's actions, and everything is for the sake of the family.

But in this way, it is tantamount to pushing Cao Peng to the front.

Cao Peng didn't remember very clearly. During the battle of Xuzhou, did Chen Deng send troops from Guangling?
But now it seems that this guy knows how to protect himself.With Cao Peng as a pawn, he can be his Guangling prefect in peace.

No wonder, he refused to let himself go.

Thinking about it, Cao Peng is gone, where did he find such a good replacement for the dead?
Thinking of this, Cao Peng's fondness for Chen Deng disappeared immediately: This bastard has a good idea!
However, no matter how much he resented Chen Deng in his heart, he would never turn down the post of Hailing Wei.

After pondering for a moment, he said softly: "In this way, we must control the Hailing soldiers as soon as possible. I don't want a group of mobs under my command when the battle starts. Since Chen Yuanlong has made a move, then I will follow it. Fortune and misfortune Relying on each other, there is only one thought."

"good!"

Kan Ze nodded in agreement.

After thinking for a while, Bu Zhi asked, "Derun, when do you think Mr. Cao will use troops against Xuzhou?"

"In my opinion, October at the latest."

Bu Zhi looked at Cao Peng.

Cao Peng immediately understood what Bu Zhi meant.

Could it be that Bu Zhi couldn't think of the time for Cao Cao to use his troops?Of course not... If he didn't even have this ability, he wouldn't be able to become the prime minister of Soochow in the future.He used this method to remind Cao Peng: It's already May, son, you don't have much time!
As a virtuous person, the metropolis pays attention to the art of speaking.

Like Mi Heng's arrogance, like Tian Feng's outspokenness... It is estimated that no one may be able to bear it.

As a superior, it is true that you must be good at listening, but if you are offended by your subordinates again and again, you may not feel comfortable.At least Cao Peng feels very comfortable now.Bu Zhi pretended to ask, but gave him a clear suggestion: Be sure to train elite soldiers as soon as possible, otherwise there will be trouble.

It seems that tomorrow I have to go to Hailing for a walk!
In Cao Peng's heart, he secretly made a decision...

--------------------------

Back at the hut, Gan Ning and Xia Houlan were also drunk.

"Mr. Zishan, please send a letter to Haixi overnight.

Tell my brother-in-law, from now on, you must be ready for battle.But it's best not to be too ostentatious, so as not to be perceived by others. "

Bu Zhi nodded in agreement, and returned to the wing with Kan Ze.

As soon as the two left, Cao Peng realized that there were still four drunks lying in front of him.

Gently patting his forehead, Cao Peng smiled helplessly.

"Xiaoluan, Xiaohuan, come over with those pillows."

"understood!"

Bu Luan and Guo Huan replied.

Taking advantage of this time, Cao Peng stepped forward and dragged Wang Mai aside, and then saw Bu Luan coming over with a blushing face, holding a set of mattresses.

"It's here."

Cao Peng pointed to the corridor and said.

He didn't want to carry four drunks back to the house, not to mention that these four drunks seemed to be taller, stronger and heavier than him...

Bu Luan and Guo Huan laid out the quilt, and Cao Peng dragged Wang Mai onto the quilt, then turned around and dragged Hao Zhao over.

On the other side, Guo Huan cleaned up the messy cups and plates on the table, while Bu Luan and Huang Yueying took advantage of this time to bring over two sets of quilts.

"Cousin is true, why don't you say hello?"

While making the bed, Bu Luan pouted and muttered to Bu Zhi.

"Mr. Zishan has something important to do, Xiaoluan shouldn't blame him anymore."

While talking, Cao Peng dragged Xia Houlan over and lay down side by side with Wang Mai Hao Zhao.Then he glanced at Gan Ning again, Cao Peng shook his head again and again.

This product seems to be the strongest!

Taking a deep breath, Cao Peng carried Gan Ning over again, and the four of them lay down on one side, and covered them with a thin blanket.

Standing on the porch with the breeze blowing from the river, I feel very comfortable.

Cao Peng took the towel from Huang Yueying's hand and wiped the sweat off his face, "Xiaoluan, Xiaohuan, after packing up, go to bed early."

"Yes!"

Bu Luan and Guo Huan readily agreed.

"Smelly Fu, where did you learn this flirtatious skill?"

As soon as the two little maids left, Cao Peng was grabbed by Huang Yueying's ears on the back.However, Huang Yueying didn't use any force, and what she said was more of a kind of coquettishness.Cao Peng pretended to be in pain, hey hey hey, he leaned over and hugged Huang Yueying in his arms.

As the setting sun shone, Huang Yueying's cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

Under the thin spring shirt, the body is tight, and the skin can still feel the heat through the clothes...

"Ah, I didn't see anything."

Just when Cao Peng couldn't help but want to kiss Huang Yueying, he suddenly heard a soft call.The two quickly separated. Cao Peng followed the voice and saw Bu Luan's face was flushed, and he covered his eyes with his hands.

Huang Yueying thumped Cao Peng lightly, and tried to calm down her voice, "Xiao Luan, what's the matter?"

"No, it's all right... I just want to ask my lord if I need to prepare hangover soup."

Hangover soup?
Cao Peng was taken aback, and immediately said: "No need, Xiaoluan, go and rest."

"Ah."

Bu Luan responded with a sound like a mosquito, turned around and ran all the way, disappearing without a trace.

However, being interrupted by her like this, Cao Peng and Huang Yueying felt a little unnatural... Holding hands, they walked to the embankment to enjoy the beauty of the sunset over the long river.

"Afu!"

"Ok?"

"Are you worried?"

"What's on your mind?"

"I can feel that you seem to be preoccupied."

Cao Peng was silent for a moment, then breathed out a turbid breath and said, "Actually, it's nothing to worry about. But just now Derun and Zishan analyzed it with me, and talked about why Chen Deng appointed me as Hailing Captain... Brother Kan said , Cao Gong is likely to use troops at the end of the year."

"Use soldiers?"

Huang Yueying was startled, but immediately understood.

Cao Cao, we are going to use troops against Lu Bu!

She thought for a while, and said softly: "Does Mr. Cao want to form an army with Xuzhou?"

"Ok!"

"...Actually, there is nothing strange about this. When I was in Jiangxia, I once heard my father say: Duke Cao must attack Lu Bu first if he wants to conquer the north. Lu Bu has the appearance of a tiger. He is capricious and cannot be trusted. If If Lu Bu is not destroyed, the north will be hard to calm."

Cao Peng nodded, "Why don't I know? It's just..."

"Just what?"

"I have been favored."

Huang Yueying was stunned for a moment, and looked at Cao Peng suspiciously, not knowing where he started with "being favored by others".

Cao Peng sat down on the embankment of the river, looked at the river rushing eastward, and said after a long silence: "Hao Zhao, and the two hundred elite soldiers under his command are all thanks to Marquis Wen. When my brother was in Haixi, it can be said that The situation is dire. We have no soldiers and no generals, and we still have to face threats from salt lords and pirates. Without the two hundred elite soldiers from Marquis Wen, even if we can gain a firm foothold in Haixi, we will have to pay a huge price, and..."

Cao Peng looked at Huang Yueying, "When a man is alive, there should be a clear distinction between grievances and grievances.

I have received the favor of Marquis Wen, but it is not my wish to go to war with him... So, I am a little distressed and don't know what to do. "

Cao Peng would definitely not tell Huang Yueying about the beauty in Wenhou's mansion in Xiapi.

That can be regarded as a secret between him and Diao Chan.What he was worried about was not only grievances, but also Hao Zhao's attitude.Anyway, Hao Zhao is from Bingzhou, and he has a fellowship with Lu Bu.Besides, his [-] elite soldiers are powerful, if he can't show his attitude, it will definitely bring huge troubles to Cao Peng.Cao Peng wants to use Hao Zhao, but he has some faint worries.

Huang Yueying was silent!

"I've known Bodao not long ago, and I think he shouldn't be that repetitive person."

"Oh?"

"I can see that you value Hao Zhao very much. Since you value it, then you must trust him... Either you don't use him, or kill him, and take the two hundred elite soldiers into your hands. You are so worried about gains and losses. , in the end, it can only add trouble to myself.”

What Huang Yueying said made Cao Peng look at her with admiration.

In the history books, there are not many records about Huang Yueying.

But it can be seen that Zhuge Liang I had no family entanglements, and Huang Yueying's methods can be seen.Being able to say such decisive words made Cao Peng secretly nod.What is your personality like?Cao Peng himself was very clear in his heart.

Yueying, it really is my good wife.

"As for Marquis Lu Wen... he owes you a kindness, and he should repay it.

But a man must not only distinguish between grievances and grievances, but also know the severity.Since you are serving under Duke Cao, you shouldn't place so much emphasis on personal grievances.You said that Mr. Cao has great ambitions!The north will be unified sooner or later. If Lu Bu cannot be destroyed sooner, the people will be in deep water and fire.Wouldn't that be worse?If you want to repay your kindness, you can choose other methods.Righteousness is righteousness, personal feelings belong to personal feelings... If you can't distinguish between public and private, how can you build meritorious deeds?Ah Fu, I think you should be more decisive. "

After hearing this, Cao Peng couldn't help nodding his head again and again.

"I got Yueying, so I will be worry-free from now on!"

He hugged Huang Yueying's slender waist and sat side by side on the river embankment.

The river is surging, and the setting sun is like fire.

Under the reflection of the setting sun, the shadows of the two gradually merged into one, without any gap...

--------------------------

The next day, Cao Peng took Ganning Buzhi and Xiahoulan, and 50 elite soldiers, to Hailing County.

From Dongling Pavilion to Hailing County, the distance is not too far.After about half a day, they came to the gate of the barracks outside Hailing County.

The area of ​​the camp is not large, about three to five mu of land.

On a big fiery red banner, there are four big characters of "Hailing Elite Soldiers".But under the sun, it hangs down weakly, looking lifeless.

However, the military tents in the camp are well arranged.

From the outside, although it looks a bit dilapidated, you can still feel the meaning of fighting hidden in it.

Back then, this Hailing elite soldier had protected the entire salt road in Huainan from being disturbed.Decades of fighting and fighting, its background still exists.

Gan Ning couldn't help but praised: "This general is quite capable."

Bu Zhi said: "Then Wang Xu can be regarded as a general. After Hailing was abolished, he insisted on bringing five hundred elite soldiers and did not rely on the state government's food and salary to survive until now. Look at the whole Guangling County, there are water thieves everywhere. Bandits. But this most remote Hailing is safe and sound."

"What do they do for a living?"

"My son, what do you say?"

Cao Peng couldn't help laughing when he heard this.

Last night, he checked the information of Hailing County.

On the surface, Hailing County is peaceful.But in fact, this elite Hailing army is the largest bandit group in Hailing County.

Think about it, there is no food, no supplies.

Relying on a small county town with only 3000 people, how can these five hundred elite soldiers survive?
People often say that you rely on mountains to eat mountains, and rely on water to eat water.A soldier gets paid, but a thief who doesn't get paid.This is justified, and it seems that it is not a miracle.At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, especially after the Yellow Turban Uprising, it was extremely normal for officials and bandits to unite.Raising the banner is the official army, and lowering the banner is the thief.The government is equally aware of such things, but most of the time, they are helpless.

Vaguely, there is a very familiar feeling.

How similar are the Hailing elite soldiers in front of them to the Yiyang soldiers they met in Nine Girls City?
But I don't know if the Hailing elite soldiers can be compared with the Yiyang soldiers.But no matter what, this team, I want to decide!

It is not easy to find a veteran soldier.

Cao Peng glanced at Gan Ning, then smiled and said, "Brother Gan, I want to be in the central army, but I don't have a vanguard to lead the way."

Gan Ning heard this, and laughed loudly: "Young Master, if you want to find a pioneer, what's the difficulty? Gan Ning is not talented, and would like to lead ten people to open the way for you!"

(End of this chapter)