Chapter 439: Zhang Liao and Xu Huang

In the plan formulated by Zhou Yu in advance, Yuan Shu would not pursue it for the time being after fleeing to Runan. Because he still had a certain strength, Yang Feng, Han Xian and Hu Cai's men retreated quickly in the battle in Shouchun. They had more than 20,000 people in total. Zhang Yan had more than 30,000 people in Runan, and they were all in the strong Black Mountain soldiers. Qiao Rui, Li Feng, Liang Gang, and Le Jue, each had thousands of people. Before Yuan Shu's energy was exhausted, Zhou Yu did not want to fight with him. In addition, Zhou Yu did not want to expose his strength too early and aroused the suspicion of all princes, which would be more than worth the loss.

From the information sent back from Jingwuwei, two people deeply attracted Zhou Yu, namely Lu Bu's general Xu Huang and Zhang Liao.

The reputation of Zhang Liao of Yanmen was already famous all over the world as soon as the Guandong Alliance Army attacked Hulao Pass. At that time, Lu Bu killed several powerful generals of the coalition forces in succession, and was arrogant. Zhou Yu's subordinate Wang Yue challenged him. Wang Yue's swordsmanship was the best in the world. Lu Bu was arrogant, but he was defeated by Wang Yue with the help of the kickstick. The iron halberd that Wang Yue used was located left with a long and deep mark on Lu Bu's face. Just when everyone thought that Lu Bu's life was unsuccessful, Zhang Liao slapped his horse and blocked Wang Yue and rescued Lu Bu. Since then, Zhang Liao of Yanmen has become famous.

Zhou Yu knew that Zhang Liao was a rare general in history. After Lu Bu was killed by Cao Cao, he joined Cao Cao's camp and grew up to become a famous general. He once led 800 warriors to defeat Sun Quan's 100,000 troops in Xiaoyaojin, a suburb of Hefei, and almost captured Sun Quan alive, creating one of the few famous battles during the Three Kingdoms period. In this battle, Zhang Liao was so powerful that he was famous all over the world. The children of Wu cried continuously, and his mother said, "Zhang Liao is here." The children dared not cry anymore. Zhang Liao served as the former general, General of the East and Marquis of Jinyang. Later generations called him, Le Jin, Yu Jin, Zhang He and Xu Huang together as the "five good generals" of Cao Wei.

At this time, among these "five good generals", Le Jin and Yu Jin were already Cao Cao's subordinates, Zhang He was still under Yuan Shaomi, and the remaining Zhang Liao and Xu Huang were both in Lu Bu's army and became Lu Bu's right-hand man, brave and resourceful, and made many contributions to Lu Bu.

Zhou Yu, who is familiar with history, also knows very well. Xu Huang, whose courtesy name is Gongming, was from Yang in Hedong. He was originally a cavalry commander under Yang Feng's tent. When Yang Feng surrendered to Dong Zhuo, Xu Huang was favored by Lu Bu and became his subordinate.

In history, Xu Huang and Yu Jin were both generals who could command the army. Xu Huang made many achievements under Cao Cao and participated in several major battles such as Guandu, Chibi, Guanzhong, and Hanzhong. In the Battle of Fancheng, Xu Huang defeated Guan Yu as Cao Ren's reinforcements. Because of his strict military discipline in this battle, Cao Cao praised him for his "style of Zhou Yafu". After Cao Pi became emperor, Xu Huang was appointed as the right general. He died of illness during the reign of Emperor Ming of Wei and was posthumously named Zhuanghou.

According to Zhou Yu's inference, Lu Bu's wolfish ambition will not live under Liu Bei, and will sooner or later attack Liu Bei, and Cao Cao will not sit idly by Lu Bu in Xuzhou. The wounds left by the betrayal of the counties in Yanzhou in Cao Cao's heart should not have healed.

Strategically speaking, Cao Cao wanted to compete with Yuan Shao and himself. As a very important strategic position, Cao Cao must definitely take it into his pocket. Historically, when Cao Cao and Yuan Shao fought decisively in Guandu, Xuzhou, as a relatively stable rear, allowed Cao Cao to fight against Yuan Shao with peace of mind. Otherwise, a surprise soldier would emerge from Xuzhou and arrive in Xu County within a few days. After taking Cao Cao's nest, Cao's army would be in chaos.

If Cao Cao defeated Lu Bu and Xuzhou, he would definitely get Zhang Liao and Xu Huang. With the help of these two people, Cao Cao would be like a tiger. Zhou Yu also knew that in history, Zhang Liao's army was in Hefei, firmly blocking the Jiangdong army's way north to the Central Plains. Sun Quan led heavy troops to attack several times, but all returned fruitlessly. Xu Huang defeated Guan Yu in Fancheng, which led to Guan Yu's defeat in Maicheng later.

Zhou Yu always likes counselors and generals the most. Such two outstanding generals are in Xiaopei, who is not too far away. Why doesn’t he be moved? It would be better to take advantage of his great victory and his morale is strong. When Lu Bu is newly defeated, he lives in Xiaopei and rests. He can send troops from Shouchun to attack Lu Bu.

Zhou Yu told Jia Xu about his thoughts. Jia Xu did not express his objection. He closed his eyes slightly and said in a pondering manner: "There is no fixed water, and the soldiers are inconsistent. You must adapt to the situation when fighting. Shouchun has already fallen, and our army is full of morale and the losses are not great. You can take advantage of the situation to expand the victory. Lu Bu is a lonely wolf in Mobei and is notorious. Liu Bei has no choice but to take in him. If our army attacks Lu Bu, Liu Bei will probably not really rescue him. In this battle, the lord will win."

Zhou Yu smiled and said, "Wenhe knows Liu Bei's heart. I immediately arranged for the people of Jingwuwei to release rumors in Xiapi City, all saying that Lu Bu has the intention to annex Xuzhou. No matter how broad Liu Bei's mind is, he may be more afraid of Lu Bu."

Jia Xu nodded and smiled sly: "The lord can also use the banner of eliminating Dong Zhuo's remnants, and send an envoy to Liu Bei, promising to never occupy Xuzhou's territory in this battle. If Liu Bei rescues Lu Bu, it will be a conspiracy with Dong Zhuo's remnants, which is contrary to his identity as a royal relative. If the lord takes the right to take over, it will be fine if he occupies several county towns."

Two days later, Zhou Yu left Cheng Pu to lead the Yuzhou camp to station in Shouchun, personally led the army eastward, entered Xuzhou, and raised the banner of attacking Lu Bu.

The purpose of Zhou Yu's battle is not to destroy Lu Bu. In the future, he still needs Lu Bu to restrain Cao Cao. Zhou Yu's goal is only two people - Zhang Liao and Xu Huang.

Lu Bu never expected that he had just breathed in Xiaopei and the troops had not yet been fully rested. Zhou Yu's army was like a divine weapon descending from the sky. He let the county town along the way go and killed directly to Xiaopei's city, surrounding the small city.

When Zhou Yu was mentioned, Lu Bu was shocked and angry. What was shocked was that he had been injured by the hands of Zhou Yu's general Wang Yue. The scar on his face always reminded Lu Bu that he must be calm and not be arrogant when fighting in the battle. What was angry was that Zhou Yu was too bullying and occupied Yangzhou. He was not satisfied with such a large territory as Jiaozhou. He actually used the excuse of attacking him to break into Xuzhou. Do you really regard the heroes in the world as nothing?

Among the flags, Lu Bu stepped onto the city tower at the east gate with his sword. Xiaopei City is not big. Standing on it, you can see the situation on the south and north sides from afar. What caught Lu Bu's eyes was the camps that lasted for several miles, arranged in an orderly manner. Teams of patrol soldiers kept wandering inside and outside the camp. Further away, there were scouts scattered looking at the surrounding situation, with horses on their crotch and bows on their backs. From a distance, they were all strong and clever men.

I know what happens next, and listen to the next chapter to explain it.
Chapter completed!