Prancing Horse Xiliang

Chapter 259
"Wenhe, there is one more thing you need to do!"

Luo Zheng suddenly thought of something, and said: "The general lacks talents under his rule. This is not the way to go. Send some smart people to the Central Plains and Jingyang to search for talents, and find a way to get more scholars!"

Jia Xu cupped his hands and said, "I obey!"

Xun Yu frowned and said, "But, my lord's reputation, that, I'm afraid no one would want to come to Liangzhou."

Zhong Yao and Shi Tao felt the same way, neither of them came to Liangzhou voluntarily.

Although it has now been cast under Luo Zheng's account, it still feels a little uncomfortable to think of that experience.

Luo Zheng said in a dark voice: "This is not a problem. Regardless of the height of the general, as long as there is an elder with a skill, even if he is a groom who is good at raising horses, a craftsman who plays bamboo, even if he is a bandit, anyone who has a bit of ability will be given to him." General Ben. No matter what method is used, even if it is a sneak attack and kidnapping, as long as you can get someone here, it is a great achievement."

"This……"

Xun Yu suddenly felt a big headache, and was extremely speechless to the lord's robbery.

Originally, the reputation was bad enough, but if it continued like this, it would probably become so bad that it could no longer be saved.

Zhong Yao, Shi Tao, Wu Yi, Mi Zhu and the others also looked at each other. They could be regarded as sympathetic to each other. They were all captured by Luo Zheng and brought to Liangzhou. They felt the pain of their own skin, and they hated this kind of banditry even more.

It's just that everyone is a smart person, so they were all sensible and didn't open their mouths to refute.

Jia Xu caressed his beard and said, "My lord, don't worry, I will definitely take care of this matter."

Xun Yu glanced at Jia Xu and shook his head helplessly.

This guy Jia Xu is usually quiet, although he is very strategic, especially good at military strategy, and his resourcefulness is not inferior to his own, but he is extremely vicious in his bones, even darker than the lord, and he is definitely worse than the lord in doing this kind of thing Be good at it.

My lord handed this matter over to Jia Xu, but I don't know what troubles will be caused.

Luo Zheng knew Xun Yu's worries, and said with a smile: "If you don't have to worry about Wen, the general's reputation is already stinky. Even if you lower your figure to make friends with those gentry families, they may not appreciate it. Instead, they will humiliate their status. In this case, It’s better to just grab it. After inviting people to Liangzhou, this general will slowly express his sincerity.”

Xun Yu sighed straight away, always felt that this method was not upright and not the right way.

Zhong Yao, Shi Tao and the others also shook their heads, somewhat disapprovingly.

Wu Jun, Sun Jian's official residence.

Xi Ping hurried into the inner hall, cupped his hands to Sun Jian and said, "Master!"

Sun Jian got up and sat down with Xi Ping himself, and said, "Zhicai came just in time. Cao Cao's envoy came here just now and wanted to form an alliance with this general to attack Yuan Shu. I don't know how Zhicai thinks about this?"

"Of course it's good!"

Without even thinking about it, Xi Ping said: "Didn't I discuss it with my lord a long time ago? Yuan Shu is powerful, and it is imperative for our army to form an alliance with Cao Cao. When Cao Cao first entered Yanzhou, he sent someone to send a letter! "

Sun Jian sighed: "That's the truth, but because of Yuan Shu's power, he has to be cautious!"

Xi Ping said calmly: "Your Majesty, don't worry. Guo Jia and Ping, the counselors under Cao Cao's tent, are old friends. They often exchange letters. It can also be seen that Cao Cao's plans are not small. Looking at his usual behavior, this person is also a hero, and he will never sit back and let Yuan Shu get bigger."

Sun Jian asked in surprise, "How resourceful is Guo Jia?"

Xi Ping Su Rong said: "It is by no means inferior. This man is especially good at military strategy. He has far-reaching plans and careful thinking. He is the only one I have ever seen in my life. This man is cast under Cao Cao's account. He is definitely a great enemy of the Lord." !"

Sun Jian said disapprovingly, "Is Zhicai self-effacing?"

Xi Ping said seriously: "I am definitely not self-effacing, let alone half a lie."

Only then did Sun Jian move his face and said, "Can such a great talent be used by me?"

Xi Ping shook his head and said: "My lord, don't think about it, unless Cao Cao is dead, there is absolutely no such possibility."

Not without regret, Sun Jian said: "It seems that this Guo Jia is the same as Zhicai, both are loyal people. Such a talent, but I can't use it for me. It's a pity, it's a pity!"

Xi Ping said a few words modestly, and said: "At present, Cao Cao occupies Yanzhou. If he wants to expand abroad, he can only go east to Xuzhou, or go south to Yuzhou. Although Xuzhou Mu Taoqian is very old, he is very popular with Xuzhou scholars and people. It is urgent and difficult to plan. Moreover, as far as the geography of the Central Plains is concerned, if Cao Cao wants to use troops, he can only use Yuan Shu first. Since Cao Cao entered Yanzhou, he spent more than a year to win the hearts of the people, save money, food and soldiers, and the hearts of the people in Yanzhou It has been completely stabilized. If there is no accident, Cao Cao will definitely attack Yuan Shu next year, otherwise, if Yuan Shu is allowed to pacify Yangzhou, it will be difficult for Cao Cao to think about it."

Sun Jian's eyes narrowed, and he said, "Zhicai's words are serious?"

Xi Pingdao: "Nine times out of ten, Cao Cao wants to attack Yuan Shu, this is also the master's opportunity, otherwise our army will be in trouble. Cao Cao must also be able to see this clearly, if the master loses, Yuan Shu will be defeated In the six counties of Yangzhou, even if Cao Cao has great abilities at that time, it will be difficult to make up for the huge gap in strength. How can he be an opponent of Yuan Shu. I heard that there are many resourceful people like Guo Jia in Cao Cao's account. If he does not form an alliance with the lord, And it would be too stupid to let Yuan Shu sit on the throne."

Sun Jian was very cheerful when he heard it, nodded again and again and said, "What Zhicai said is very true."

Xi Ping said again: "However, our army is small and weak, so we must not break the head. It was used by Cao Cao. Even if we want to attack Yuan Shu together, we have to wait for Cao Cao to send troops to divert the main force of the tumor. Take advantage of the situation and send troops. If Cao Cao just wants to use my lord to lure away Yuan Shu's army, then my lord will submit to Yuan Shu and see if Cao Cao dares to delay!"

Sun Jian thought deeply and said: "Good, just follow Zhicai's words, and the specific details will be discussed by Zhicai and Cao Cao's envoy."

Xi Ping cupped his hands and said, "I obey!"

Puyang, Cao Cao's official residence.

"Master, Mr. Cheng Yu is back!"

Cao Cao was convening a civil and military discussion, and some soldiers rushed in.

"Oh, Zhongde is back?"

Cao Cao immediately lifted his spirits and said, "Please!"

The soldiers left as ordered, and after a while, Cheng Yufeng hurried in.

"Lord!"

Although Cheng Yu was in good spirits, he couldn't hide his tiredness.

Cao Cao quickly ordered someone to give him a seat, and then asked, "How was Zhongde's trip to Jiangdong?"

Cheng Yu replied: "The general direction of the alliance has been agreed with Sun Jian, but..."

Cao Cao asked, "Just how?"

Cheng Yu said: "It's just that Sun Jian wanted our army to send troops first on the grounds that the people were weak, and then he was willing to send troops to attack Yuan Shu's side. Otherwise, he would rather surrender to Yuan Shu than join our army in attacking Yuan Shu. It still needs to be decided by the lord!"

"Is there such a thing?"

Cao Cao's eyes froze immediately, and he frowned and remained silent.

Guo Jia said: "This must be a conspiracy to play peace."

Cao Cao was surprised and said, "How can you see that?"

Guo Jia remained silent and looked at Cheng Yu.

Cheng Yu smiled wryly and said: "Feng Xiao is right, this is indeed Xi Ping's idea. And judging from it, that guy is definitely not trying to blackmail the lord. If our army doesn't send troops first to contain the main force of Yuan Shu's army, Sun Jian really will May submit to Yuan Shu."

Cao Cao murmured, "Sun Jian has few troops and the people are weak, but he has only ten thousand troops. It is reasonable for him not to want to fight Yuan Shu to the death. However, this fellow is also quite ambitious. I don't believe that he will serve Yuan Shu all his life!"

Guo Jia sighed: "My lord, Sun Jian has seen that our army wants to take action against Yuan Shu, and it is imperative, so he has no fear, sits on the ground and raises the price, not afraid that the lord will not compromise."

Cao Cao said sternly: "It's really possible, and I think it's out of Xiping's scheme again."

Guo Jia nodded and said: "Ninety-nine is not far from ten, but if Sun Jian wants the lord to take the lead, so that he can sit back and enjoy the success, then he has made a wrong calculation. Before Yuan Shu was afraid that Sun Jian would be the prefect of Lujiang. Yuan Shu. Your lord can order people to go to various places in Yuzhou to spread rumors, saying that Sun Jian has the heart to learn from Yuzhang. If you are willing to send troops first and lead the battle for our army, at least you will send troops at the same time as our army to reduce the pressure on our army."

Cao Cao nodded and said, "For kindness, follow the plan of Chunxiao."

Guo Jia said again: "I heard that Li Jue's army is very short of food and grass recently, my lord, why don't you lure Li Jue to send troops south to Yingchuan and plunder Yingchuan and Nanyang and other places, so Yuan Shu must mobilize a large army to repel Xiliang's rebellious army. The pressure on the military will be much less.”

Cao Cao said, "This plan is very clever. Who can go to Luoyang to persuade Li Jue to send troops?"

Cheng Yu cupped his hands and said, "I wish to go!"

Cao Cao frowned and said, "Zhongde just came back from Jiangdong, and the boat and the car are exhausted, how can he travel further?"

Cheng Yu said: "The pain of traveling and horses is nothing, just rest for a day."

Cao Cao looked around at the counselors in the hall, except for Chen Gong, Guo Jia and a few others, Cheng Yu was the only one who could take on this position.However, Chen Gong is involved in government affairs, and Guo Jia is also involved in military affairs, neither can stay away.

It seemed that Cheng Yu had to make another trip.

Cao Cao sighed: "Forget it, Zhong De can rest for a few days before going to Luoyang, he can't be exhausted."

Cheng Yu said with emotion: "My lord, don't worry, it will be fine in the next year."

Guo Jia said again: "My lord, Nanyang originally belonged to Jingzhou, but it has been occupied by Yuan Shu since the first year of Chuping. Although Liu Biao never sent troops to Nanyang, there is no reason for Yuan Shu to keep occupying Nanyang. He must have the intention of recovering it. Do people say it?"

Cao Cao pondered for a while, and said, "For kindness, follow the plan of filial piety."

After a pause, he said to Cheng Yu: "Just trouble Zhong De to make a trip to Xiangyang!"

Cheng Yu cupped his hands and said, "I obey."

After a long winter, the earth finally began to warm up.

The warm wind blew away the chill and turned the fields green. The princes are hurrying to prepare for spring plowing.

Qiao County, Yuan Shu's official residence.

"Lord!"

Jin Shang quickly walked into the inner hall, and bowed his hands to Yuan Shu to salute.

Yuan Shu waved his hand and said, "Yuanxiu is exempt from the ceremony, how is the situation?"

Jin Shangning said: "The situation is not good, my lord. Recently, there are discussions in Jiujiang, Lujiang, Runan and other places, saying that Sun Jian intends to take Yuzhang. After careful investigation, it was found that the rumors first came from Jiangdong. passed it on."

Yuan Shu's eyes were fixed, and he asked, "What does Yuan Xiu think?"

Jin Shang pondered for a moment, then said: "It's hard to say, even if Sun Jian had the ambition to win the chapter, he wouldn't make it known to the world. It is very likely that someone is deliberately spreading rumors about this matter, but he doesn't know what it is."

Yuan Shu was not stupid either. Hearing this, he nodded and said, "What Yuan Xiu said is very true, and I think so too."

Jin Shang said again: "But having said that, Sun Jian's fellow has been ungrateful to his lord since he went to Wu County. He is really ungrateful. He not only took the opportunity to capture Kuaiji County, but also secretly sent troops with Liu Biao to force the lord to retreat from Jurong. If you want to support your troops, you may not have the intention to attack Yuzhang, so you have to defend yourself. I thought that the lord could order an army to station in Jurong. If Sun Jian really wanted to attack Yuzhang, he would take advantage of the situation and go south from Jurong to enter Wu. county."

Yuan Shu's eyes lit up, he nodded repeatedly and said, "Good, just follow Yuan Xiu's plan."

Wu County, Sun Jian's official residence.

Xi Ping hurried into the inner hall, bowed his hands to Bu Jianlue, "My lord!"

"Zhicai will be free soon!"

Sun Jian raised his hands and asked Xi Ping to sit down on one side, then said solemnly: "The situation is not good. A few days ago, there was news from Jiangnan that Jiujiang, Lujiang, Runan and other places, for some reason, are spreading rumors. , are talking about this general's intention to attack Yuzhang, and Yuan Shu has sent Lei Bo to lead an army of [-] troops to Jurong!"

"Is there such a thing?"

Xi Ping's eyes froze suddenly, and his face changed slightly.

Sun Jian nodded and said, "The news is absolutely true, there will be no falsehoods!"

Xi Ping hit Jie said: "Hey, this must be what Cao Cao did."

Sun Jian was puzzled and said, "How do you know that someone agreed to form an alliance with him, why are you still playing such tricks?"

Xi Ping said: "My lord, I don't know. I expected that Cao Cao would definitely attack Yuan Shu, so I asked Cao Cao to send troops to attack Yuan Shu first, so that our army can enjoy the rewards. Cao Cao is retaliation. Cao Cao wants to drag our army into the water!"

Sun Jian's face became serious, and he said, "Zhicai continued."

Xi Pingdao: "Cao Cao ordered people to spread rumors. No matter what, Yuan Shu will take precautions against our army. If my lord wants to take advantage of Cao Cao's attack on Yuan Shu to send troops to attack Danyang, I'm afraid it will be impossible. In this way, the only way is to echo Cao Cao from the north to the south, and at the same time raise Bing, Cao Cao's purpose is nothing more than this, if Ruo Ping is right, it must be Guo Jia's plan!"

Only then did Sun Jian understand, and he sighed, "Cao Aman really has a lot of talents under his command!"

Xi Ping thought for a while, then said: "This is the end of the matter, and if we resort to tricks again, it will be obvious that our army has no sincerity to form an alliance. Moreover, since Cao Cao is pressing him with this, it means that the first soldiers will be around the beginning of spring. My lord can quickly gather troops and horses. , First join forces with Cao Cao to defeat Yuan Shu."

Sun Jian was also a resolute person, and immediately said decisively: "For goodness, one must follow the opinion of talents."

In 194 AD, in February of the second year of Jian'an.

Just as Yuan Shu was defending against Sun Jian, he prepared his troops and prepared to go south to Jiangdong to capture Yuzhang. Cao Cao, Yanzhou Mu, brazenly sent troops to Yuzhou.

At the same time, Sun Jian, the prefect of Wujun, raised troops one after another. He personally led [-] troops out of Qu'a to attack Jurong, and ordered his general Cheng Pu to lead [-] troops out of Yuhang to attack Yuqian, and together with Cao Cao defeated Yuan Shu.

Yuan Shu was furious when he heard the news, and immediately postponed going south to Jiangdong, and led his army north to Suiyang to meet the attack.

He then ordered General Qiao Rui to lead an army of [-] troops south to Danyang, where he and Lei Bo each united the troops to meet Sun Jian's two armies.

However, at this time, the Nanyang prefect sent urgent documents in eight hundred miles.

Li Jue, who ruled under Sili, led the army out of Xuanyuanguan and went south, entered Nanyang and plundered, and then the prefect of Yingchuan's [-]-mile emergency document was also sent to the army, saying that the Xiliang army had entered Yingchuan. My lord, quickly condemn the reinforcements.

Yuan Shu was so angry that he almost vomited blood, so he quickly mobilized [-] soldiers and ordered generals Chen Ji and Li Feng to unite their troops to Nanyang and Yingchuan to repel the Xiliang rebels.

However, not long after, bad news came from Nanyang again.

Jingzhou Mu Liu Biao condemned the general Huang Zu to lead an army of [-], went out of Fancheng to the north, captured the important town of Xinye, and wanted to recover Nanyang.

It can be said that Yuan Shu was enemies on all sides, and he was furious like thunder, cursing Cao Aman as nothing. In order to prevent Nanyang from making mistakes, he hastily mobilized ten thousand soldiers from Runan and sent them to General Chen Ji to resist the chaos in Xiliang Army and Liu Biao's army.

The land of the Central Plains is full of smoke, and the riverside is not calm.

At the beginning of February, Gongsun Zan, the governor of Youzhou, once again called up an army of [-] and marched south to Jizhou.

Yuan Shao, the governor of Jizhou, personally welcomed the army to the north to meet the enemy, and the two armies fought again at Jieqiao.

After less than a year of peace, Hebei, Central Plains, and Jingyang are once again fighting, and all the princes of the world are actively expanding their territory. Only Xuzhou, Yizhou, and Liangzhou are relatively peaceful.

(End of this chapter)