Chapter 166 Realizing the Higher Meaning

Author: Ximen Yangzhou

Chapter 166 Realizing the Higher Meaning

Sun Ce stayed in Luling for a day and then returned to Nanchang to deploy the attack on Hefei.

With the lessons learned from the past, Sun Ce put aside his contempt this time, transported the siege equipment and food to the ship, and planned to be fully prepared before setting off for the expedition.

Sun Ce had thought that Long Xiang would surrender, so the reason why he continued to prepare supplies was because he was making two preparations.

If Long Xiang resists, the combat materials prepared at this time will be used in Hefei; if Hefei is captured without a bloody blow, Sun Ce plans to continue to advance north to Shouchun.

Having previously defeated Liu Xun, captured a large number of Yuan Shu's officials and generals, and captured Shouchun and the entire Jiujiang County, Sun Ce would have completely inherited Yuan Shu's population and territory.

By the end of December, supplies will be ready.

Sun Ce summoned Zhang Zhao again and planned to send him to Hefei to persuade him to surrender.

Zhang Zhao knew something was wrong when he heard the summons, so on the way to the meeting, he thought of an excuse.

When Sun Ce had just handed over the task, Zhang Zhao immediately declined.

"My lord, Zhao is of low ability and has failed to fulfill his trust. You might as well let Yu Gongcao go. If he can convince Hua Ziyu (Hua Xin), he can also convince Long Yunqi."

"Whether the surrender will be successful or not depends on the strength of the military. In fact, it has little to do with individuals. Zhong Xiang (Yu Fan) is not a debater. He can say that Dong Ziyu (Hua Xin) benefited from the defeat of Huang Zu.

It’s not that Zibu is not capable enough, so he doesn’t need to be humble.”

Sun Ce had a clear mirror in his mind. He knew Zhang Zhao's abilities and believed that the probability of being demoted was very high now, and he did not want to give this honor to others.

Zhang Zhao felt that it could not be done, but he could not go against Sun Ce's decision, so he changed the topic and said: "My lord has just arrived in Yuzhang and Luling, but the people in the county are not convinced. If Liu Biao leaves the army and goes to Huainan at this time, Liu Biao will

They will definitely collude with Haihun and the clan thieves in Poyang to cause chaos. Once they block the food route of the army, they will lose sight of one thing and lose the other."

"Zi Bu is right to remind you. In addition to brother Boyang (Sun Bi), we also need to keep a general here." Sun Ce stroking his beard muttered to himself.

Zhang Zhao was about to cry but had no tears. He said in his heart that I had laid all the groundwork just to ask Ying to stay. Don't get me wrong.

Just as the two were talking, Zhou Yu suddenly rushed in with a hurried expression.

Sun Ce had excellent hearing. He turned around and saw Zhou Yu. He was about to consult Zhou Yu, so he waved enthusiastically and said, "Gong Jin is here just in time. I have something to discuss with you."

"Lord, what's the matter?" Zhou Yu frowned.

Sun Ce said sternly: "Zi Bu reminded me just now that before sending troops to Huainan, a general should be left here to prevent Liu Biao from trespassing and harassing us, or colluding with Haihun and Poyang clan thieves to attack our large army grain ship. What suggestions do you have?"

Zhou Yu thought for a moment and replied: "What Zibu said is true. The Yuzhang was initially decided, but the people's support has not yet followed. General Boyang (Sun Bi) is unable to support himself. Before, he cooperated better with Taishi Ziyi, why not leave General Taishi?"

"Zi Yi (Tai Shi Ci) is brave and brave, and is a suitable candidate."

Sun Ce nodded in affirmation. Seeing Zhou Yu's expression was different, he frowned and asked, "What's the matter with Gong Jin?"

Zhou Yu hurriedly took out the letter from his arms and handed it to Sun Ce: "Zhongmou (Sun Quan) sent someone to deliver the letter, saying that Chen Deng colluded with Yan Baihu's remaining party and wanted to cross the river to attack Wu County."

"Um?"

Sun Ce hurriedly opened the letter, and after reading it, he rolled it up into a ball with anger, holding it in his hands.

"The uncles and nephews of the Chen family are really hateful. If you don't kill them, they won't satisfy my anger."

Zhou Yu cupped his fists and asked for the tassel: "My lord is about to go to Hefei. If you are worried about Chen Deng, I am willing to lead an army back to resist. When you take Hefei and Shouchun, you can attack the rear of Guangling. If you attack from the front and back, you will definitely capture Chen Deng."

Wu County is the foundation of the Sun family. Most of Sun Ce and the general's family members stayed in Wu. A fire in the backyard could not make him feel at ease.

At this time, Jiangdong's generals were eager to attack Hefei, and it was necessary for someone to step out to stop him. Unfortunately, Zhou Yu's mind was also in Hefei and he failed to understand Sun Ce's intention in time.

"Zibu, what do you think?"

Sun Ce did not object or refuse, but turned to Zhang Zhao to confirm that this signal was obviously abnormal.

It's like the leader wants to make a decision, but it's not convenient for him to do so. At this time, subordinates need to cooperate.

Zhou Yu didn't understand his intention, so Sun Ce continued to ask questions until someone cooperated.

Zhang Zhao was not as good as Zhou Yu in military strategy, but he was better than Zhou Yu in terms of sophistication. Facing Sun Ce's inquiry, he said unhurriedly: "The three new counties of Lujiang, Yuzhang, and Luling need to spend time and keep the garrison to stabilize them."

, if we divide our troops into two places to fight at this time, it will be detrimental to the army."

Zhou Yu heard the overtone and immediately retorted: "I heard Zibu's intention, do you want the lord to give up Hefei? If you don't go all out with the power of victory now, it will be much more difficult to fight next time. In addition, Hefei is the gateway to Huaihe, and the lord wants to

When competing in the Central Plains, Hefei must be taken, and it must be captured. Did Zibu forget Long Xiang's ridicule?"

Seeing that Sun Ce did not intervene, Zhang Zhao immediately emboldened himself and began to argue with his arguments.

"It's just a mere ridicule. How can Zhang Zhao abolish the official position for personal reasons? For me in Jiangdong, the safety of Wu County is far more important than Hefei. Previously, we fought against Liu Xun, defeated Huang Zu, surrendered to Yuzhang, and captured Luling. Which battle is not a gain?

Money, food, and countless people? Hefei is just a small isolated city, what can we get in the end? Maybe even the rewards for the soldiers are not enough."

"Hefei guards the Yangtze and Huaihe waterways and does not hold it in its own hands. How can we talk about competing in the Central Plains? It is just geographical location, not money, food, and population."

After hearing this, Zhang Zhao stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Haha, Gong Jin is wrong. Our ambition is to make achievements, the lord's ambition is to compete in the world, and ordinary soldiers aim to make money, food and women. No matter how important Hefei's geographical location is, it is of great benefit to ordinary soldiers.

What’s the attraction? Besides, the waterway into Huaihe is not the only way from Chaohu.”

"Oh? Is there a second way?" Sun Ce was aroused.

Seeing Zhou Yu frowning and not answering, Zhang Zhao continued his performance.

"My lord has been in Huainan for a long time. He should know that from the river to the Huaihe River, it is necessary to dig out the water, Feishui River?"

Sun Ce nodded slightly: "The Fei River comes from the same source. It is not difficult to dig an artificial canal at a nearby location. Zibu should talk about the second way."

"The second road is in Guangling."

Zhang Zhao sonorously gave the answer first, and then slowly explained: "Zhao is from Pengcheng, Xuzhou. He traveled all over Xuzhou when he was young. There is a Zhongdu River in the middle of Guangling County that originates from Sheyang, runs through the north and south, and finally flows into the Yangtze River from Jiangdu.

"

"Then what?"

Zhou Yu snorted disdainfully and asked playfully: "The Zhongdu River ends at Sheyang. There are still one or two hundred miles left. Can we carry the boat across?"

Zhang Zhao explained unhurriedly: "What Gong Jin doesn't know is that there is a river in the north of Sheyang that leads directly to the Huai River. Although it is nearly a hundred miles away from the Zhongdu River, the terrain is low-lying and the soil is soft, making it very convenient to dig.

, this waterway may not be weaker than the Hefei waterway.”

"I heard from Cao Cao that Yuan Shao is about to start a war. It would be unwise to use the strength of Jiangdong to fight against them. If I chase Chen Deng and occupy Guangling, then dig a canal to connect the Huai River, and go north to seize Qing, Xu will do it."

A smile appeared on Sun Ce's face.

"Bo Fu."

Zhou Yu wanted to persuade him again, but seeing Sun Ce's happy expression, he probably couldn't persuade him any more, and he stopped abruptly in the middle of his words.
Chapter completed!