Cao Thief

Chapter 697 Tiger Riding (12)

In October of the 12th year of Jian'an, Cao Cao returned to Xudu.

On the day of Liu Biaotou's seventh funeral ceremony, Cao Cao ordered Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, and Sizhou to levy 20 corvees and quickly assembled in Yingchuan and Runan counties.At the same time, he also ordered General Wei Xiahoudun, Henan Yinxiahouyuan, Yingchuan prefect Zhong Yao, Liangjun prefect Shi Huan, Chenjun prefect Luqian, and Chenliu prefect Sima Lang to lead their troops to Nanyang County, and stationed in Nanyang County Zhiwancheng.

On the same day, Cao Cao ordered Mao Jie to be the prefect of Runan County to replace Li Tong.

Jia Xu was dismissed from the post of governor of Yuzhou and replaced by Manchong, governor of Yanzhou. At the same time, he ordered that Nanyang soldiers and horses should gather in Xinye and approach Deng County.

The destruction of Zhangling represents the opening of the eastern portal of Nanjun.

Cao Zhen led [-] soldiers to garrison Baishui Township, eyeing Xiangyang.

On the second day of Liu Biaotou's seventh mourning ceremony, Cao Cao ordered Cao Chun, the governor of tiger and leopard cavalry, to lead his troops to Nanyang, dismiss Cao Peng from his post as prefect of Nanyang County, and Cao Chun replaced him.Immediately, Cao Cao's second military order was issued, ordering Cao Peng to be the deputy governor of the tiger and leopard cavalry, and temporarily lead the tiger and leopard cavalry...

As soon as this order was issued, countless people were shocked.

Everyone knows that tiger and leopard cavalry are Cao Cao's personal soldiers.Although the number is not too many, they are indeed Cao Cao's subordinates, the elite among the elite.

Since the eighth year of Jian'an, although Cao Chun has been the governor of the tiger and leopard cavalry, in fact, he has not been in charge of the tiger and leopard cavalry.

Under the rule of Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, there will be one deputy governor, three generals of Huqi Lang, and three generals of Leopard Qi Lang, all under the jurisdiction of the deputy governor.In other words, it is the deputy governor, not Cao Chun, who is in charge of the tiger and leopard cavalry.Previously, Cao Zhen was the deputy governor of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. Later, Cao Zhen was transferred from the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, and the post of deputy governor was pending.During the conquest of Youzhou, the tiger and leopard cavalry were temporarily under the control of Cao Zhang.After the Battle of White Wolf Mountain, Cao Zhang became the general of Beizhong and the lieutenant of Hu Karasuma, so he resigned from the post of deputy governor of the tiger and leopard cavalry. Cao Cao has not yet been appointed.

This time, Cao Cao made Cao Peng the deputy governor of tiger and leopard riders. In the eyes of ordinary people, it seemed that he loved Cao Peng very much.

But many people felt another meaning of Cao Cao: Prime Minister Cao was restraining Cao Peng.

Deputy Governor of Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, Prefect of Nanyang County?

It's hard to say which one is better.But in terms of authority, one is the princes of one side, the prefect of Shangjun, in charge of military and political affairs, and has great power; what about the other?It's just Cao Cao's forbidden army, personal followers... In terms of power alone, it seems that Cao Peng's authority has been weakened, but in terms of status, it has been improved.At least, his salary has increased from rank two thousand stones to real two thousand stones.Between the two, there is a difference of fifty hu in monthly salary.On the surface, the difference is not that big, but the meaning they represent is very different.

If it goes up to two thousand stones, it will be ten thousand stones.

If it is explained according to the military rank of later generations, Cao Peng is really two thousand stones, similar to a colonel.

If you advance further, you will enter the rank of general and belong to the core members.How did Cao Cao think about it?No one can guess.

It is said that on the night of Liu Biao's first seven days, Cao Cao called Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, Guo Jia and other confidants to discuss for a whole night.What exactly are we discussing?No one knows.But on the second day, such an order was issued, and the meaning was naturally extraordinary.

However, this incident has no impact on Cao Peng for the time being.

Cao Peng is still in Xiangyang, still bargaining with the Jingxiang family.In Nanyang County, with the promulgation of Cao Cao's order, many changes have also taken place.First of all, Lu Yu was requisitioned and ordered to return to Xudu. He served as the subordinate of Dong Cao in the prime minister's mansion and was responsible for preparing an organization for Xiyuan Newspaper.Its institutional setting completely refers to the form of Nanyang Truth Daily.When Lu Yu left Nanyang County, he even took away all the members of Nanyang Truth.Cao Cao's move was already expected by everyone, including Lu Yu himself.

It is absolutely impossible for such an institution responsible for the mouthpiece to be limited to one region.

The benefits of public opinion will make Cao Cao pay attention to it sooner or later... Cao Peng and Lu Yu had an in-depth conversation at the beginning of the establishment of Nanyang Truth.

According to Cao Peng: The battle of Youzhou is over, when you, Yizi family, return to Xudu.

At that time, the capital you obtained must be astonishing and will be reused by Cao Cao.Now it seems that it is true.Cao Cao's conquest of Lu Yu also meant that Lu Yu had formally entered the core of the Cao Group from a low-level staff member, which was naturally extraordinary.

As Cao Cao issued a call-up order, the situation suddenly became tense.

Xu Zhou, the governor of Xuzhou, ordered Zhou Cang, the school lieutenant of Jinghai in Dongling Island, to lead the newly established navy to march against the river and move closer to Hefei.

Lu Meng, head of Dantu, tried to stop Cao Jun's navy, but was defeated by Zhou Cang at Dantu's mouth.It's not that Lu Meng is no better than Zhou Cang, but that Zhou Cang was backed by Guangling, and with the help of Guangling prefect Xu Xuan, he forcibly broke through Dantu's mouth.And Lu Meng's troops were insufficient, so it was naturally difficult to stop him.

The Zhoucang navy approached Huainan County, which also caused chaos in Jiangdong.

Sun Quan quickly ordered He Qi to be the prefect of Lujiang, responsible for resisting Cao Jun's navy.At the same time, Xu Sheng and Zhou Tai were ordered to lead the Jiangdong navy to attack Luo County, Wuling County, occupy Bo Luoyuan, and threaten Dongting.Jingzhou was in turmoil. Although Liu Xian, the prefect of Wuling, asked Xiangyang for help, he could not quench his thirst.He himself was not a good fighter, and Xu Sheng and Zhou Tai were brave and good at water warfare. The Wuling navy suffered a disastrous defeat. Liu Xian could only watch the Jiangdong navy stationed in Luoyuan, but he was powerless to stop it.Fortunately, at this time, Jingzhou surrendered.

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Facing Cao Jun's aggressive posture, coupled with Cao Peng's unremitting efforts in Xiangyang, Cai Mao finally couldn't hold on.

The Kuai brothers stated that Jingxiang Nine Commanderies belonged to the Han Dynasty.Now that Liu Jingzhou has passed away, he should belong to the imperial court.However, he proposed that Jingzhou must be ruled by Jingzhou people, so as to ensure the interests of the Jingxiang family and not be violated.For this reason, after thinking for a long time, Cao Peng recommended Wang Wei as the prefect of Nanjun and Wenpin as the prefect of Nanyang.Bao Cai Mao was appointed as the commander of the Jingzhou navy, but Cao Peng did not recommend Zhang Yun for the position of the deputy commander of the navy, but Du Ji as the deputy commander of the navy.This arrangement was approved by Kuai Yue.

As for Xudu, Cao Peng didn't need to worry about it.

He has received the news that he will be resigned as the prefect of Nanyang County.Although Cao Cao ordered Cao Chun to take over Nanyang County, it was obvious that it was just a transition.Sooner or later, Cao Chun will be in charge of the center, and it is absolutely impossible to stay in Nanyang.Even, when Cao Cao entered Jingzhou, it was the time when Cao Chun dismissed the prefect of Nanyang.Wenpin's prestige and talent are enough to serve as the prefect of Nanyang County, and Cao Cao can tell the difference if he wants to come.

After Cao Peng promised two important positions, Wang Wei and Wenpin were completely at ease.

Immediately, Cai Mao was satisfied with the position of the commander-in-chief of the navy.As for Zhang Yun, he has always been Cai Mao's deputy in history.Now, although he didn't get the post of deputy governor, he got Cao Peng's promise that he would definitely get the post of prefect, and everyone was happy.

On the fourth day after Liu Biao's first seven days, Mrs. Cai ordered Liu Cong to worship Cao Peng as his teacher in the prefecture, which can be regarded as an end to a worry.

Although Cao Peng said that he was no longer the prefect of Nanyang County, the title of deputy governor of tiger and leopard cavalry seemed to be no less inferior than that post of prefect.

On the fifth day, Liu Cong officially succeeded to the throne in Xiangyang and took over Jingzhou.

On the same day, Liu Cong, in his capacity as the shepherd of Jingzhou, presented a letter of surrender to Xu Du, and ordered people to withdraw from Xinye, Chaoyang, and Deng counties, and assemble in Shandu, and General Wei Xiahou Dun sent someone to take over.At the same time, Liu Cong sent people to Jiangxia and Changsha to persuade Liu Qi and Liu Pan to stop resisting.

So far, Cao Peng's mission has been successfully completed.

He can finally let go of his mind and start to deal with Liu Bei in Fancheng.

But on the day Liu Cong announced his surrender to Cao Cao, Liu Bei suddenly led his troops to attack and captured Liqiu...

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Cao Peng dared not underestimate Liu Bei.

Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang!

When these two people are added together, it is definitely a combination that no one dares to underestimate.In fact, after Liu Biao's first seven days, Cao Peng has been trying to make Xiangyang surrender as soon as possible.Because he knew very well that Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang would never give up their ambitions for Jingzhou.They will definitely move, and they will be very fast... However, when Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang really acted, Cao Peng was surprised.

Capture Liqiu?

This Liqiu is only thirty miles away from Xiangyang, and it arrives at night.

But Liu Bei's occupation of Liqiu seemed completely meaningless.Could it be that he is going to storm Xiangyang?

"Not too possible!"

Lu Mao showed a thoughtful look, and said softly: "Liu Biao passed away, although Xiangyang was in chaos, it was heavily guarded.

Wang Wei and Wenpin are both good at fighting. If they attack Xiangyang by force, let alone whether Liu Bei has enough troops, even if they capture Xiangyang, what can they do? "

Lu Hao's consideration is very reasonable.

Now the three counties of Xinye, Chaoyang, and Dengxian have withdrawn, and the northern door of Xiangyang is wide open.

Not to mention that Zhang Ling was broken, Cao Zhen was stationed in Baishui Township, and it was only a day or two away from Xiangyang, so he could launch an attack at any time...

What if Liu Bei occupied Xiangyang?
He didn't get the support of all the Jingxiang family, how could he occupy Jingzhou?

There is no danger to defend Xiangyang City. Once there is a confrontation, it is impossible to defend Xiangyang with Liu Bei's troops.

He occupied Liqiu, naturally he had other motives.

But the problem is that Liu Bei ordered Lu Ji to occupy Liqiu and threaten Xiangyang at any time.It's like a fly, not threatening but disgusting.If Li Qiu cannot be recaptured, there is always a threat.

"Young Master Cong, how to arrange?"

"I heard people say that Mr. Cong has ordered Wang Wei to lead his troops to recapture Li Qiu.

Young Master, why don't you send someone to Baishui Township and ask General Cao Zhen to send reinforcements quickly to relieve Liqiu's danger?However, Liu Bei will not only have this move, he must have a second move.I'm worried that Liu Bei's capture of Liqiu was because of Xiangzhuang's sword dance, aiming at Peigong, there is no other plan..."

Cao Peng nodded lightly, "I think so too.

It's just that the prime minister has not arrived, and there are still doubts in Jingzhou.If I ask for soldiers and horses at this time, I'm afraid they will have other ideas.

No, although Liqiu is very close to Xiangyang, but it is only ringworm of the scales.

The most urgent task is to keep an eye on Liu Bei.I actually think that Liu Bei is very likely to evacuate Fancheng, and he wants to escape. "

run away?
This is very likely.

In fact, Lu Hao also thought of this possibility, but he was still not sure.

"In this case, you go to see Wen Zhongye immediately to see if you can borrow troops from him.

I'm going to ask Mrs. Cai and Mr. Cong... After you call on Wen Zhongye, you will have to work hard again, and ask Mr. Ziruan Yidu to closely monitor the movement of Fancheng.Once there is any movement in Fancheng, let me know immediately.By the way, let someone go to Deng County again and ask to see Uncle Yuan Rang.Just say, I need soldiers and horses, and ask him to give me support... The best thing is to let the prefect Cao send me the tiger and leopard cavalry. "

"Here!"

Lu Mao agreed, turned around and left immediately.

Cao Peng ordered Kou to be sealed in the post station, and the soldiers and horses should be assembled first.

After Kou Feng returned to Cao Peng, it was temporarily impossible to arrange it.When Huang Zhong was on his way to Jiangling, Cao Peng asked Kou Feng to serve under him for the time being.

Xiahou Dun has already marched into Chaoyang, but has not crossed Mount Atou yet.

The reason is that Cao Cao has not yet arrived in Nanyang County... Cao Cao must take the lead in entering Xiangyang.So far, everyone believes that the battle of Jingzhou is over and there is nothing to worry about.It is also a kind of respect for Cao Cao to be the first to enter Xiangyang...

Cao Peng was helpless about this.

After he let Lu Mao leave, he rushed to the state capital immediately.

After meeting with Mrs. Cai and Liu Cong, he suggested that Liu Bei should be careful not to escape.

However, looking at Mrs. Cai's intentions, it seems that she doesn't care about Liu Bei's life or death.What she values ​​more now is what arrangement Cao Cao will give her mother and son.As for Liu Bei, who cares about his life?Even if Liu Bei occupied Liqiu, it would be fine for Xiangyang.

How many troops does Xiangyang have?
How many soldiers and horses does Liu Bei have in his hands?
This is not counting the troops north of Atou Mountain and Cao Jun stationed in Baishui Township...

What to fear?

The most urgent thing is to arrange your own future first, other things are not important.

Therefore, Mrs. Cai and Cao Peng just dealt with it, and then turned the topic to the future of her mother and child.According to Mrs. Cai's thinking, it would be best if she could stay in Xiangyang.If you cannot live in Xiangyang, it is best to go to Xingyang, which is said to be very good.

She even asked Cao Peng about the business routes in the Western Regions, presumably for future planning.

But after all, she still didn't take what Cao Peng said to heart.As for Cao Peng's request to borrow troops from her, Mrs. Cai also hesitated.After thinking about it for a long time, I agreed to say that we would draw [-] soldiers from Shandu for Cao Peng's use... Nima, Shandu?

Shandu is at least two days away from Xiangyang.

Moreover, what is the use of you giving me three thousand soldiers and horses?
You are stationed in Xiangyang with tens of thousands of soldiers and horses.Even if it's not difficult to second me 3000 people from Xiangyang... Mrs. Cai clearly refused, or she was still a little wary.She was worried that once Cao Peng gained military power, accidents would happen.This is definitely not what Mrs. Cai wants to see.

Cao Peng was very helpless and left from the state capital.

On the way back to the station, Cao Peng was thinking about Liu Bei's actions.

His capture of Liqiu was definitely a cover-up.Its real purpose is probably to escape.As for the use of Xiangyang in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it is unlikely to happen.Liu Bei and Cai have already torn their faces.By way of excuse at this time, it is clear that he is throwing himself into a trap and seeking his own death.

But the question is, where will he flee?

Cao Peng couldn't help feeling puzzled...

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it is said that Liu Bei withdrew to Jiangxia.

But Lu Mao thought that Liu Bei might steal Jiangling.

reason?

very simple!
The food and supplies in Jiangling can supply [-] soldiers and horses for three years.Only by occupying Jiangling can Liu Bei have the confidence to seek more benefits.

Is it Jiangxia or Jiangling?

Cao Peng couldn't make up his mind for a while...

Back at the station, Cao Peng felt a little tired, so he was going to lie down and rest for a while.

But just when he was about to change clothes and rest, he saw Kou Feng rushing over excitedly, "My lord, reinforcements from outside the city have arrived, please see you, lord."

(End of this chapter)