Section 10 Night Talk

The army camped in Pingleguang, and removing the weeds on the brigade field would make an excellent flat land. Of course, no matter how large the brigade is, it would not be able to overcome Cao Chong's army. You should know that in addition to the 25,000 troops, there were tens of thousands of civilians and more than ten thousand officials and slaves, so the camp was built very large, stretching for ten miles, and it took it from the edge of Luoyang City, and surrounded the brigade field in the middle.

Cao Chong's big tent was tied on the high military observation platform.

The observation platform was ten feet square, with a high and flat terrain. It seemed more than enough to lay a large tent. Two hundred tiger soldiers and one thousand iron armored soldiers surrounded the high platform with iron barrels. Twenty tiger soldiers and twenty female guards guarded the platform, facing the tent with their backs, and looked vigilantly at the camps all over the four sides. At first glance, piles of bonfires were lit in the camp, decorating the optimism in a few miles, like the starry sky.

Cao Chong lit a bonfire in front of the tent, and more than a dozen generals sat around the bonfire, chatting without a word. In the afternoon, an unexpected hunting harvested more than a dozen hares and two wild dogs, and some unfamous game, which happened to be the delicacy they said. Now they have been peeled and roasted on the fire. Drops of oil fell into the fire, and the flames rose high, and there were endless noises.

No drinking is allowed when marching, but fortunately there is tea in Cao Chong's tent.

Under the command of Sun Shangxiang and Xiaoshuang, the female guards handed the steaming cups of fragrant tea to everyone. Zhang Liao and Cao Chong had little contact. Seeing that Sun Shangxiang personally served him tea, they felt a little flattered. Then, just as the tea cup was about to get up to greet him, Cao Chong waved his hand and said, "General, don't be too polite. If you really feel sorry, she will tolerate it when she pesters you to ask the cavalry technique in the future."

Zhang Liao was a little shocked. Although he had always known that Cao Chong's wife and concubine had no rules, he appeared in front of his subordinates like this, and Sun Shangxiang was still dressed as a general, so he was still a little uncomfortable. Now that he heard Cao Chong say this, it seems that Sun Shangxiang's tea is not good to drink and he has to pay the price in the future. He couldn't help but hesitate for a moment. After looking at the others, seeing Fa Zheng, Pang Tong and others, he still smiled and raised his glass to drink it all.

"General, tea should be tasted slowly, not as good as drinking wine." When Zhang He saw it, he cut off a piece of rabbit meat with a dagger and sent it to Zhang Liao's hand. He joked, then picked up the cup and took a sip, and set a demonstration.

"Hahaha..." Cao Chong laughed, pointed his greasy finger at Zhang He, and said to Zhang Liao: "General, don't listen to him. Drink whatever you want. This kind of tea is to remove greasy. There is no need to pay attention to it, just be happy."

Zhang Liao was a little embarrassed by Zhang He's words. When Cao Chong said this, he saw Cao Chong holding a knife in one hand and holding an ear cup in the other hand and drinking it all. His mouth was full of bright greasy. He then felt relieved, smiled relievedly, raised Xiaoshuang's cup that had just been filled with just now, signaled to Cao Chong, tilted his head to drink, and said, "The general is right, so he can drink it happily."

When everyone heard this, they laughed out loud. More than a dozen people were drinking tea while cutting the roasted meat and chatting and laughing. They quickly narrowed the distance between them. Under Cao Chong's inspiration, the young generals asked Zhang Liao and Zhang He for advice on how to use troops. The two were a little humble at first, but later they saw that everyone was enthusiastic, and their sons were all in front of them, so they let go and told these young people about some classic battle examples.

The young generals were so conscious that they finished eating meat and drinking tea. They were reluctant to leave and surrounded the bonfire for a long time. Seeing that the sky was already dark, Zhang He signaled Zhang Liao, who was talking so consciously, and stood up to say goodbye to Cao Chong.

The generals dispersed, and the staff also stepped down to rest. Cao Chong left Jia Xu and sent someone to serve some fragrant tea again. Then he said seriously: "Mr. Wenhe, the army has set off. Although it will take another month to arrive in Guanzhong, I think I am still prepared. I will ask the teacher for advice on how to pacify Guanzhong first, so I am very prepared."

Jia Xu remained silent, looked at the bonfire that was about to be extinguished, and said thoughtfully: "It's going to snow in Guanzhong, right?"

Cao Chong was stunned for a moment, looked around, and looked at Jia Xu with some confusion. Xiaoshuang, who was adding tea next to him, glanced at Cao Chong and said softly: "Sir, it is reasonable. It is already early September, and it is mid-October to arrive in Guanzhong. It is logical that it should snow. Sir, will the people of Xiliang come to rob them again before it snows?"

Jia Xu glanced at Xiao Shuang who seemed to be nothing, and his surprised expression flashed.

Cao Chong suddenly realized: "Sir, before our army arrives in Guanzhong, there may be a battle in Guanzhong?"

Jia Xu nodded: "Han Sui's strategy is outstanding. He only occupied one county in Jincheng. The population of Jincheng was too small. At its peak, it was only 4,000 households. It did not produce grains and was only suitable for grazing. In the past, he often had to provide assistance within the city. Now that he had fought for decades, he was always at the end of his life and could not continue. When the heavy snow was snowing, his life would be very sad. The Qiang people were his foundation, so he dared not rob the Qiang people of things, and he would have to help them a little if necessary. The directions that can be plundered are Wuwei, and the east is Longxi and Hanyang. But now Ma Chao is in Wudu, Han Sui will not plunder in these two counties, so as not to cause misunderstandings with Ma Chao."

Cao Chong stopped the teacup in his hand, pondered for a while, and his jaw agreed. Han Sui would not take the initiative to conflict with Ma Chao under normal circumstances. Therefore, even if he wanted to grab the two counties in Longxi and Hanyang, he could only stop at the right time. Moreover, although the population of these two counties was slightly more than that of Jincheng, it was limited, which would inevitably not meet Han Sui's needs. In addition to going north to grab Wuwei, he could only lead his troops eastward, seeking far away, to Anding, north, and even to Fufeng to grab the snatch. The people of Xiliang were mainly cavalry,

Come and go like the wind. When it comes to grab things, I am afraid that they will be extremely excited. The road of a thousand miles is only three or five days for them. The official documents that he is about to enter Guanzhong have been sent to the hands of Zhong Yao, the captain of the Sili school, and Xiahou Yuan, the general of the guard. They thought reinforcements were coming, and they might relax their vigilance, thinking that Han Sui would not dare to rob, and Han Sui might have a time difference and get a vote before he arrives at Guanzhong. If this is the case, the mess he faces in Guanzhong may be a mess.

In other words, if Xiahou Yuan wanted to win a battle before he arrived in Guanzhong, he might lead his army to attack and fight against Han Sui who was at the end of the road. In this case, he would be very likely to be defeated. Even if he was undefeated, if he lost too much, his manpower would be tight. Once he arrived in Guanzhong, he might have to make a request to increase his troops to the Prime Minister's Office.

This is obviously not what the Prime Minister's Mansion wants to see, and of course it is not what he wants to happen.

But it is entirely possible.

Xiahou Yuan has been commanding troops for many years, and his biggest feature is his fast marching speed. There is a proverb in the army: "Xiahou Yuan, a military captain, is 500 in three days and 1,000 in six days." This shows his characteristics. You should know that he is not commanding cavalry, but infantry. If he marches at this speed, he can catch others off guard. If he is not used well, he must attack with tired soldiers and coexist with the risks.

He has fought for so many years and is now a general in charge. He has only been in the industry for five or six years, but he is a general of chariots and cavalry. It is hard to guarantee that he will not feel any knots in his heart. What makes Cao Chong even more worried is that three of Cao Pi's four friends are now in Guanzhong and have military power, especially Sima Yi, who is right next to Xiahou Yuan. If they have a bad role in it, even if Xiahou Yuan is calm, it is hard to guarantee that no one will rush to him, especially when Han Sui may take the initiative to invade him.

Once a person becomes jealous, even the most rational person will make mistakes.

In an instant, Cao Chong thought about the possible situation in Guanzhong, and couldn't help but feel a chill. He thought for a while and said with a smile: "I will write a letter tomorrow, let Shuquan take the lead, please help the generals in the leadership defend Fufeng, inform Wuwei, and the Zhangye counties to be careful, sir, what do you think?"

"What the general said," Jia Xu smiled slightly, bowed and said, "In this way, Han Sui could not plunder, so he could only attack Longxi and Hanyang."

Cao Chong looked at Jia Xu who was smiling and secretly praised that this great strategist was indeed a big advantage. With a slight reminder, he not only avoided the embarrassing situation when he arrived in Guanzhong, but also forced Han Sui and Ma Chao to have a dispute. It was indeed a trick to kill two birds with one stone.

"Sir, what strategy should I do when I go to Guanzhong?" Cao Chong solved the most urgent matter and brought the topic back to the general policy. Jia Xu smiled and said, "Since the general wants to completely pacify Xiliang, he must have reviewed the war in Xiliang over the past few decades. After analyzing success or failure, I don't have to ramble anymore. I am a native of Xiliang, so I will talk about Xiliang from the perspective of Xiliang people. I hope the general will not be surprised."

Cao Chong smiled slightly and nodded: "Sir, just say it bluntly."

Jia Xu looked at Cao Chong's face, and saw that his face was calm and gentle, without any perfunctory, then said: "The people of Xiliang want to rob Guanzhong, and they think about making progress to the Central Plains every day. It is not that the people of Xiliang are greedy in nature, nor is it that those important officials say that the Han people of Xiliang are descendants of prisoners. The Qiang people of Xiliang like to get something for nothing in their own life. They are born evil people who are robbers. They are bitter and cold in Xiliang. If they don't rob, they will not be able to survive. In order to survive, they have to do so. They have to put moral preaching aside first."

When Jia Xu said this, he stopped and looked straight into Cao Chong's eyes. Cao Chong did not pay attention to him, but just looked at the bonfire and pondered. He had some understanding of the survival status of these ethnic minorities. He did not have much moral disgust with Jia Xu's statement that "robbery is reasonable" that sounded a bit unreasonable. On the contrary, he felt that Jia Xu was really talking about the point. Without solving the survival problems of the people of Xiliang, Xiliang would not be able to truly pacify. Even if they sent heavy troops to station, they would probably choose to rebel between death and rebellion, even if they could only live one more day.

Just as he was thinking about it, he suddenly felt that Jia Xu was looking at him, and quickly raised his head and smiled: "Sir, what I said is very true. This is the problem I am considering. I wonder what solution can I solve?"

This time it was Jia Xu's turn to be surprised. He had met many people. When talking about the war in Xiliang, most of them were accusing the people of Xiliang. They either wanted to kill all the people of Xiliang, or they sneered and did not regard the people of Xiliang as Han people. Even Duan Bing, who came out of Xiliang, had such an attitude, so he mercilessly killed the Qiang people. Even the moderate faction who tended to recruit people, looked down on the people of Xiliang in his heart. The famous general Zhang Huan was a person of Xiliang. After he made contributions, he would be rewarded. He would rather exchange this opportunity for moving his family to Huayin County, Hongnong County, and from then on, he left the place of Xiliang.

An important official like Cao Chong who did not discriminate against the people of Xiliang, and was a noble relative who was successful in his youth, was one of the more extraordinary things that Jia Xu saw. This made Jia Xu start to reexamine the young man in front of him. He felt that there were too many mysteries that he did not understand. He even began to gradually believe in the famous saying Cao Chong that Zhou Buyi reposted seven years ago.

Perhaps, he is sincere.

"Therefore, the problem of Xiliang is not only a military issue, but more about how to make the people of Xiliang survive." Jia Xu let go of Cao Chong's eyes, twisted his beard and said slowly: "After the general arrived in Guanzhong, there were 70,000 or 80,000 elite troops in his hands, which was enough to prevent Xiliang from entering Guanzhong. If Xiliang people felt that they could live better with the general, at least they would not have to worry about eating a bite of food every day, I think it would be impossible to completely pacify Xiliang."

He thought about it and said, "It's just that time may be longer. Guanzhong has declined. If you want to support so many people, you have to take into account Xiliang. It's really difficult. It's probably impossible to achieve results in the short term."

Cao Chong agreed. After thinking for a long time, he drank the cold tea in his hand and smiled at Jia Xu with a bright cup: "Mr. I have pointed out the direction for me with one word, and I am grateful. I hope that Mr. will be able to speak as well as tonight in the future, so that I can avoid detours and make fewer mistakes in pacifying Xiliang."

Jia Xu hurriedly bowed and returned the gift: "Xu should be like this."

Cao Chong stood up and stretched: "It's late at night and I have to hurry tomorrow. I'd better take a break earlier. I'll think about the questions my husband said, and then ask him for advice."

He turned around and said to Sun Shangxiang, "It was cold late at night, so I asked someone to send the white tiger skin that Ziwen sent to the teacher to protect the cold." He thought for a while and said, "There is also the tiger bone wine, so I can take two bottles to send it."

Jia Xu quickly refused: "General, no, the white tiger skin and tiger bone wine were given to you by General Zhenbei. How can I mess up?"

Cao Chong smiled and held Jia Xu's arm and said, "Sir, I have a strong body and I don't need these for a while. I saw that my husband had a slight inconvenience in his legs and feet when he walked. I thought that he couldn't eat Ye Han at night, so using some tiger bone wine is the right medicine. This is the result of the Prime Minister himself, so he might as well give it a try."

Jia Xu looked at Cao Chong's smiling face, pure eyes as clear as a pool of clear water, and said nothing more. He took two steps back and lowered his head to bow deeply: "So, Xu thanked the general."

Cao Chong smiled and asked someone to take the white tiger skin and tiger bone wine and get off the stage with Jia Xu. Cao Chong watched Jia Xu disappear into the night, then turned his head, held the railing and looked at the endless bonfires below, and looked like they were like bonfires in the sky. Listening to the sound of striking fighting in the distance, he suddenly felt a sense of comfort and aura.

This is probably the feeling of being a soldier on the battlefield.

"Husband, you're too expensive this time." Sun Shangxiang took the cloak and put it on Cao Chong's body: "Don't just beg for others to catch a cold, you should be careful."

Cao Chong smiled, turned his hand and grabbed Sun Shangxiang's hand, turned his head and smiled at Xiaoshuang, "Xiaoshuang, you reminded me very well today. I really didn't think of what it means to say snow. Thank you for reminding me that his legs and feet are not very good, and this white tiger skin and tiger bone wine are just right."

Xiaoshuang pursed her lips and smiled quietly: "My husband is too busy with things. I haven't seen Mr. Jia often look at the sky these two days, nor did he notice that he frowned when he got on and off the horse. I have nothing to think about, I can only pay attention to these small things."

Cao Chong smiled, looking at Xiao Shuang with confidence on his face, he happily opened his arms, took the two beauties into his arms, held their shoulders, smelled the fragrance on his head, closed his eyes comfortably, looked up to the sky, and his heart was as happy as if it was about to fly. It took him a long time to return to the world.

"Have the Ma family and son made arrangements?" He remembered something.

"According to my husband's instructions, everything was arranged, and I took good food and drinks to take care of it." Xiaoshuang nodded and said, "General Ma was in poor health. I have taken care of the doctor to check it out for him. He said that he had been in prison for too long and the sun was rare, so his muscles and bones were weak."

"That's calcium deficiency." Cao Chong blurted out, "From tomorrow, give him more bone soup, so he can't die on the road. If that's the case, my thoughts over the past few years will be wasted."

"I understand." Xiaoshuang nodded, then raised his head to look at Cao Chong in confusion: "What is calcium deficiency?"

"Uh..." Cao Chong was stunned, "This question is quite complicated. Otherwise, let's go into the tent and get into the quilt and talk about it slowly?"

"I just knew you didn't have any good intentions?" Sun Shangxiang chuckled softly, pinching Cao Chong's ribs gently, looking like he knew you were not a good person. Cao Chong hugged her hard: "Come with me, I happen to have something to ask you."

"What's the matter?" Sun Shangxiang asked with some guilt.

"I found that there was a strange face in your female guard. I wonder how Captain Sun should explain it?"

"Uh..." Sun Shangxiang pinched her nose: "This problem is also very complicated. Otherwise, let's talk about it first. The night wind outside is quite cold."

"It's so good." Cao Chong and Xiao Shuang laughed in unison.

Xiahou Yuan stood upright on the seven-meter-high city dock in Mei County with his hands on his back, looking into the distance. The boundless loess continued to extend to the horizon. The winding Qishan and Taiyishan seemed unwilling to let him see too far. They circled like a giant dragon in the horizon, blocking his sharp gaze like a goshawk hovering in the sky.

He had been standing here for a long time. The messenger sent by Xu Huang had been kneeling there, holding an emergency military newspaper in his hand. The general did not speak, and he did not dare to get up, and he didn't even dare to raise his head. He just gritted his teeth and endured the numbness from his knees. Although there were hundreds of people standing on the city wall, it was quiet and there was no sound at all.

"Han Sui is here, there is any movement on Ma Chao." Xiahou Yuan turned his head, took Xu Huang's message from the commander, opened it and glanced at it, handed it to Sima Yi behind him, glanced at him and asked.

"Report to Master, there is no news from General Zhu. However, as usual, he will at least be a little moved. Maybe he hasn't arrived in Chen Cang yet." Sima Yi responded carefully, and inadvertently glanced at Guo Huai standing beside Xiahou Yuan.

"With Zhu Wenbo in Chencang and Xu Gongming in Jieting, there should be no problem." Xiahou Yuan smiled and waved his hand easily: "It's not the first time they have come. I didn't come to test it in late autumn and early winter. What time has it been cheap? Don't be too nervous, let Wu Jizhong and the others return to the original defense zone, don't move lightly."

Sima Yi did not agree immediately, but thought about it for a moment, and then reminded softly: "General, Han Sui and Ma Chao come every year, but this year is no more than in previous years. Han Sui incited Li Kan, Yang Qiu and others to raise up 50,000 troops. His subordinates were worried... Although General Xu is good at fighting, he has only four or five thousand men under his command, and he is mainly infantrymen. He is afraid that he may not be able to stop these gangs of thieves by fighting one or ten."

Xiahou Yuan smiled, a little disdainful. He turned around and looked at Sima Yi, then looked at Guo Huai, and suddenly said, "Zhongda, Boji, tell me, this time Han Sui summoned 50,000 troops to attack Jieting. Could it be that he really wanted to attack Guanzhong in one fell swoop? Or was he really crazy and could not live his life. He was desperately going to rob him?"

Guo Huai's eyes moved without saying a word, raised his fist to block his mouth, and coughed twice. Sima Yi did not speak immediately, looking at Guo Huai just coughed, but he didn't say anything. The atmosphere was a little dull, and Xiahou Yuan kept looking at him again, so he laughed and said, "Maybe Han Sui learned that General Cheqi and Cavalry had already advanced to Guanzhong, and he had fewer opportunities in the future, so he wanted to try it out while General Cheqi and Cavalry had not arrived. However, even if General Cheqi and Cavalry did not come and had the general there, Guanzhong was still as stable as an iron barrel, so he would not get any cheaper."

He patted the battlements and continued, "This Wansuiwu is tall and strong. Even if Han Sui can break the streets, he will not be able to capture this Wansuiwu. At worst, he can plunder it in the four fields and return home in a disappointment. Guanzhong is now sparsely populated, and even if he takes away all the food rations from each family, it will be nothing to do. Maybe it is not even worth the consumption of their back and forth."

"You're right." Xiahou Yuan smiled and said, "I'm afraid when Dong Zhuo built this Wansuiwu, he didn't expect that he could not take over thirty years and maintain peace in the world, but I took advantage of it."

Sima Yi smiled and said nothing.

Xiahou Yuan continued: "Han Sui's such a big disturbance this time is probably not the usual every year. He may feel that we have been in a stalemate for five years. Now that the General of the Cheqi Cavalry is coming, we will breathe a sigh of relief and relax our vigilance. What he wants is this short month, breaking Guanzhong in one fell swoop, and plundering us, and at the same time, causing us some trouble."

He paused, and suddenly curled his lips and smiled: "Zhongda, don't think that it's useless to plunder around him. Although he can't do much food, the impact is extremely bad. I also have four or five elite soldiers in my hands. Even if I can't go to Jincheng because of the lack of food and grass, if I can't even protect Guanzhong, I have to wait for the general of the chariot to clean up the mess. Wouldn't it be a joke?"

ps: I have been mailing the release of these two days, so I’m sorry that the book review area cannot be managed in time. If it needs to be refined, it will take two days to do it.
Chapter completed!