Cao Thief

Chapter 720 Jingnan ([-])

When the spring breeze hits, everything recovers.

After a light rain last night, the air in the garden became extraordinarily fresh.

Jingnan is not a region short of rain, but the rain in spring is more frequent, which really corresponds to the poem "Sneak into the night with the wind, moisten things silently".There are still traces of rain on the courtyard wall, and the fragrance of peaches and apricots in the garden exudes a refreshing atmosphere.

Liu Bei was walking in the garden in an unlined garment.

This should have been an extremely pleasant morning, but the news that came last night made his heart feel inexplicably heavy.

Cao Peng, the general in charge of the Jingnan army!

I don't know when, Liu Bei regarded Cao Peng as a real opponent.

Although Cao Peng had the upper hand in most of the confrontations with Cao Peng before, but he had many scruples.But I have to admit that this Cao Peng did give him some headaches.This person was like a slippery fish in the water, he accidentally broke free, turned over and took a bite, biting Liu Bei painfully.Standing under an apricot tree, looking at the white apricot blossoms in full bloom, Liu Bei's thoughts have already flown beyond the sky...

The fiasco in Jiangling was definitely a huge blow to Liu Bei.

Not only did he lose his soldiers, but he also lost his wife and children, as well as his beloved general Zhao Yun.

Gan Yu, Mi Zhen...

The whereabouts of the two women who have been with him through thick and thin for more than ten years are now unknown.Mrs. Gan and Mrs. Mi came to him at his most difficult time.No matter how many trials and tribulations he has gone through, he has never given up.But now, even his son Adou Liu Chan is missing.This also made Liu Bei feel extremely heartbroken!To be a hero, one should have a ruthless heart regardless of trifles.But Xiongxiong is also a human being and has feelings... What's more, that's his wife, that's his own flesh and blood!
Say that Mrs. Gan and Mrs. Mi died in the rebellion?

Liu Bei didn't believe it...

However, Xiang Lang and others said that Zhao Yun had surrendered Cao Jun by begging for glory against the Lord, but Liu Bei did not believe it.

Those who escaped from Changbanpo told a lot about the situation that night.Zhao Yun entered and exited seven times in Changbanpo, killing Cao Jun and Cao General countless times.There are more than a dozen Cao Jun generals with names and surnames, including general Gao Lan and Cao Cao's favorite general Cao Peng.

Liu Bei had stayed under Yuan Shao's tent for a while, so he naturally knew how powerful Gao Lan was.

How can a person who has been killed in the enemy's army so blood flowed into rivers, who has entered and exited seven times and still does not give up looking for Liu Bei's wife and children, easily betray the Lord and ask for glory?

Moreover, it is said that including Xiang Lang, they were all captured by Cao Peng.

Then Liu Bei can roughly guess the reason for Zhao Yun's surrender: this is a deal.Zhao Yun used his surrender as a price in exchange for Xiang Lang and others' survival.

But why only Xiang Lang and others came back?

And Mrs. Gan, Mrs. Mi and Mi Zhu didn't come back?There was only one result, but Liu Bei didn't dare to think deeply.

Xiang Lang said that Mrs. Mi and Mrs. Gan died under Cao Peng's hands.

However, although Liu Bei, who had dealt with Cao Peng several times, could not say that he knew Cao Peng very well, he knew that Cao Peng would never do such a thing.Otherwise, Zhao Yun might be the first to rebel and kill Cao Peng for revenge.And Zhao Yun didn't respond, which meant that Cao Peng had nothing to do with this matter.If it's not Cao Peng, then there is only one truth.However, Liu Bei couldn't blame Xiang Lang and others.

Sighing, Liu Bei felt a little depressed.

After fighting for half my life, in the end...

He half-closed his eyes, and turned around for a long time to go back to the house.At this time, I suddenly heard a report from the small school, "The military division has come from Jiangxia, and I have something important to see the lord."

"welcome."

Liu Bei said hastily.

Zhuge Liang was in Jiangxia and had been in charge of liaison with Jiangdong.

Why come back suddenly now?
Liu Bei is a person who can adjust his emotions very well. He quickly put aside his full love for his children and began to think about Zhuge Liang's reason for coming.

After a while, Zhuge Liang came to the hall.

He was dressed in a light blue crane cloak, holding Yushan in his hand, and wearing a lun scarf on his head, looking ethereal and refined.

After meeting Liu Bei, Liu Bei asked, "Why did the military commander return to Changsha when he is not in Jiangxia? Could it be that something happened in Jiangdong?"

"Exactly!"

Zhuge Liang bowed slightly, and then replied: "Cao Cao suddenly ordered to stop gathering in Wulin.

The Jingzhou navy began to retreat three days ago, and is now gathering at Yunmengze... Moreover, news came from Jiangdong that Cao Cao sent eleven batches of envoys to Jiangdong.Among them are Xun Yan and Xun Xiuruo, most of whom are close to Jiangdong's important ministers, and they seem to intend to seek peace. "

Sue?

Since ancient times, the weak have always sought peace from the strong, and it has never been heard that the strong have sought peace from the weak.

Liu Bei shuddered Lingling, and quickly asked: "Is there any fraud?"

How can he be a kind person all his life as a soldier?From Zhuge Liang's words, Liu Bei immediately realized something, and his voice suddenly showed tension.

Zhuge Liang shook his head, "I'm afraid Cao Cao really wants to make peace with Sun Quan.

I also heard that Cao Cao brought music from Jiangling into his army and stationed himself in Linju.Its intention is clearly to gather troops to the west..."

Lian Wu destroys Liu!

Liu Bei said: "I just got the news last night that Cao Cao ordered Cao Peng to supervise the Jingnan army!

Before, I was still wondering why Cao Cao sent Cao Peng here... Now, after hearing what Kong Ming said, I understand a little bit.

The old man's move is clearly to appease Sun Quan, to attack Jingnan with all his strength, and to control the land of Jingchu.

Cao Peng was sent here just to deal with me... Hmph, Cao Cao must have underestimated Liu Bei, thinking that a mere Cao Peng would make me helpless? "

Zhuge Liang thought for a while, but said: "I don't think it is necessary for Cao Cao to swallow Jingnan.

Otherwise, with his strength, he could personally oversee the battle and sweep Jingnan, so why did Cao Peng come here.Cao Peng, the governor of the Jingnan military, is just a cover to contain the lord.What Cao Cao had to do was to sweep across Jiangxia to deter Jiangdong so that Sun Quan would not dare to send troops easily.

After he occupied Jiangxia and appeased Sun Quan, he could concentrate his forces and conquer Changsha.

But at that time, my lord will have no reinforcements, so I am afraid it will be difficult to resist Cao Cao's troops..."

"This one……"

When Liu Bei heard this, his heart skipped a beat.

The possibility that Zhuge Liang said is very great!
If Cao Cao was really allowed to capture Jiangxia, then whether Sun Quan would dare to send troops to help him is really a choice.

"Kong Ming, what should I do?"

Zhuge Liang thought for a while, then said in a deep voice, "We can't change the alliance between Wu and Cao.

However, the lord can't pin all his hopes on Sun Quan now, and needs to find another way out, just in case.Liang was going to Jiangdong immediately, lobbying Sun Quan, and tried his best to send troops to help him.At the same time, the lord still needs to try to get in touch with Liu Zhang. "

"Kong Ming, are you going to Jiangdong?"

When Liu Bei heard this, he immediately became anxious, quickly shook his head and said, "No, no, that's really too dangerous.

Now Jiangdong's attitude is not clear, if something happens, wouldn't it be a self-inflicted trap?This matter is absolutely impossible, I cannot allow it... If Sun Quan really refuses to send troops to help, then I will rely on this land in Jingnan to fight Cao Cao to the death.Kong Ming, if you go to Jiangdong, no, I will never agree. "

Zhuge Liang was quite moved.

He said seriously: "My lord, just listen to me.

Changsha and Wuling seem to be vast, but they are sparsely populated and lack of supplies, which is not enough to sustain them.Although the Wuxi barbarians follow the lord now, they cannot be trusted.The Wuxi barbarians were capricious, returning to the Han Dynasty many times, and rebelling many times.Now the lord has paid a lot of money to buy him, how do you know that when Cao Cao promises more benefits in the future, the Wuxi barbarians will turn against each other?Jingnan can only be settled temporarily, not enough to be the foundation.Now, although Cao Cao is wooing Jiangdong, he believes that Jiangdong also has a discerning person, how can he not see through the mystery?
The difference is only an external force.

Liang went to Jiangdong without any surprises.Even if Sun Quan cannot be allowed to send troops, he can return safely...

But the lord is in Changsha, so we need to be more careful.Cao Peng, the governor of the Jingnan military, must not take it lightly.This person is cunning and resourceful, and he knows people's hearts quite well, and his methods are very clever.Therefore, it is best for the lord not to easily conflict with him, and try to win over the Bo Luoyuan Jiangdong soldiers and horses, which can also share the pressure.

In addition, Liang remembered that when the lord was born, Youzhou Mu was now Liu Jiyu's father, Liu Yan.

This is also the friendship between teachers and students, why not send people to Chengdu to have more contacts with that Liu Zhang?Maybe there will be unexpected gains..."

Liu Bei was born during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and during the Youzhou Rebellion, Liu Yan conscripted troops.

Speaking of which, Liu Bei and Liu Yan really met each other, and they were praised by Liu Yan.It's just that Liu Bei left Youzhou to fight in all directions, and never contacted Liu Yan again.After the Yellow Turban Rebellion ended, Liu Yan was transferred from Youzhou because of his meritorious service, and became the shepherd of Yizhou.This teacher-student friendship is also broken.Now that Liu Yan has passed away, Liu Zhang and Liu Bei have not even met each other, let alone interacted with each other.

However, the two are both clansmen of the Han Dynasty, so they can also be related.

Zhuge Liang's meaning is very clear: If Changsha can be defended, it must be held fast!

However, if you can't keep it, go to Xichuan to evacuate.If possible, including Liu Zhang can also share Liu Bei's pressure.

Xichuan, the Land of Abundance, has strong soldiers and horses, and a large population.

If Liu Zhang sends troops to help, Cao Cao will definitely have concerns...

As a last resort, Changsha can even be donated.After all, although Liu Zhang is weak and fatuous, he has always been eyeing Jingzhou.

Liu Bei was still reluctant, but couldn't bear Zhuge Liang's persuasion, so he had to agree.

In the farewell poem, he took Zhuge Liang's hand and couldn't help but shed two lines of tears: "Kong Ming is going to Jiangdong, if things cannot be violated, come back early, don't make Bei wait too long.

Zhuge Liang took a deep breath and bowed, "My lord, don't worry about it, Liang will return as soon as possible."

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Sun Tzu's Art of War has a saying: go up to attack the enemy, then attack the enemy, and then attack the army again.

Two-way war has never been a simple matter, which involves all aspects of economy, diplomacy, and culture.There are many wars in history, not that the two sides summoned soldiers and horses, and then rushed to fight fiercely... It was a fight between hooligans, not a war between two countries.

War includes too many factors.

Generally speaking, if you can not fight, you should try not to fight.

Before the war, there will be various preparations, including recruiting soldiers and horses, training soldiers and horses, diplomatic liaison, raising food and supplies...

Cao Peng is very clear that the next thing is not that simple.

Cao Cao asked him to supervise the Jingnan military, but he mainly focused on containment.The main battlefield is not in the four counties of Jingnan, but in Jiangxia.In other words, Cao Peng will not have too many soldiers and horses to mobilize, and at the same time, he must take care of it and try to avoid conflicts with the soldiers and horses of Bo Luoyuan Jiangdong.

There are too many connections involved!
The relationship is complicated and difficult to explain clearly in words...

It is impossible for Cao Peng to attack without any scruples like he did in Liangzhou.This is also a test of Cao Cao for him, an all-round test.Therefore, when Cao Peng received the appointment, he was not in a hurry to set off, but stayed in Fancheng for three full days to contact people from all sides.

Among the various ministries, 4000 people were begged.

Adding 300 Mo sword soldiers and [-] flying camel soldiers, there are [-] people in total.

All armor and weapons have been replaced.At the same time, three hundred eight-ox crossbows and [-] Cao Gong arrows were dug out of Cao Cao's hands.There is no need for him to bother with food and supplies, as it is supplied by Jiangling.But the Cao Gongshi, the eight-ox crossbow, and the three-sword arrow with one gun are rare and powerful weapons.Especially Ba Niu Crossbow, since Wu Yin showed off his power, he immediately gained Cao Cao's attention.

This time when Xiahou Dun entered Nanjun, he brought a total of [-] eight-ox crossbows, all of which had just arrived.

Cao Peng wanted to get [-] of them from Cao Cao because he was talking all kinds of things, which can be said to be exhausting.Sometimes when I think about it, Cao Peng really thinks it’s a bit uneconomical... He provided the idea for this eight-ox crossbow, and his wife Huang Yueying created it all by himself. How did it suddenly become Cao Cao’s property?
Intellectual property rights, hell, there is no protection of intellectual property rights in this year, it is definitely a tragedy.

As for the [-] Cao Gong arrows, it also took a lot of effort.

In the end, Cao Cao couldn't bear Cao Peng's endless begging, so in a rage, he told him to set off immediately, and he was not allowed to stay in Fancheng any longer.

In this way, Cao Peng reluctantly left Fancheng, led his troops, and set off to Wuling mightily.

Along the way, traces of the mobilization of soldiers and horses can often be seen.

On the spacious road, there are traces of Cao Jun from time to time... The atmosphere of the imminent battle is very strong, which makes Cao Peng feel a little nervous.

When passing by Bian County, Cao Peng suddenly remembered something.

He asked Huang Zhong to lead the army to continue forward, but he himself led a hundred followers, accompanied by Zhang Song and Fazheng, to the county seat of Bian County.

"Hey, why don't you see County Magistrate Jiang?"

When the county magistrate rushed out to meet Cao Peng in a panic, Cao Peng unexpectedly discovered that it was not the Jiang Wan Jiang Gongyan he was familiar with, but a strange middle-aged man.

"The governor said, but Jiang Gongyan?"

"Exactly."

The new county magistrate is a stranger.

However, his name sounded familiar, Cai Yang.

This Cai Yang is not the Cai Yang under Cao Cao's tent, but Cai Yang, the magistrate of Zhijiang County who was mentioned by Wenpin before, and a member of the Cai clan.

Cai Yang hurriedly said: "Jiang Gongyan was dismissed from his official position at the beginning of the year because of his corruption of ink, and now he is being taken over by a humble official."

Jiang Wan, greedy for ink?
Cao Peng couldn't help but startled.

"Where is he now?"

"I'm still at home, but I heard that after a while, I'm going back to my hometown, Lingling."

Cao Peng thought for a while and immediately said, "Take me there."

Cai Yang didn't dare to neglect, and hurriedly led the way.Not long after, a group of people came to the gate of a simple house in the west of the city.Cai Yang just wanted to ask someone to knock on the door, but Cao Peng waved his hand to stop him.Cao Peng jumped off the liger, walked to the door, and tapped the knocker a few times.

After a while, I heard footsteps coming from the courtyard.

A clear voice said: "Who is knocking at the door?"

As he spoke, the door opened, and Jiang Wan appeared in front of Cao Peng in a blue robe.

When Jiang Wan saw clearly Cao Peng standing outside the door, he couldn't help but startled slightly, with a look of surprise on his face, "Young Master Cao? Why are you?"

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The pet dog I had kept for 13 years failed to pick up in one breath and died!
I feel a little sad...

(End of this chapter)