45. Divide troops and ask for orders before battle
"I never thought that one day I would end up like Dong Zhuo... things are really unpredictable."
Dots of snowflakes are once again floating in the sky. The white snow echoes with the brown-black soil exposed after harvesting, making each other more distinct. Standing on the high city wall and looking around, there is nothing but
In the gray sky and the depressed colors on the ground, only the white flying in the sky is left, a beautiful but cold white.
"Probably because in the past, even if we didn't have much strength, we could still keep Bingzhou busy. If we grow up, even if we don't choose Bingzhou as a breakthrough point at the first time, it will be difficult for the opponent to feel at ease."
"Shu Yong, I haven't heard your new music for a long time recently, and I haven't heard your singing for a long time. I remember that in the past, you could write a masterpiece that wowed us every month...
…”
"I have been busy since the allied army crusaded against Dong's thieves. I really don't have time to think about those leisurely things. I just hope that after this battle is over, I can rest for a while and indulge in the mountains and rivers. This is what I want
Where is the life you want?”
"If you don't finish this battle, I will give you a sum of money to go back to Runan countryside. Your daughter will be born soon."
"No, no, why do I suddenly feel a chill in my back after hearing what you said? There is good wine to drink here, and a group of interesting people to accompany me to pass the time. I am not short of food, and I am not afraid of military disasters. I can also get it regularly.
The salary is very good, really very good."
"Well, who makes you my uncle? Your uncle is younger than me..."
He is also quite troubled by his uncle Yuan Shao. He is a commoner like him, but unlike Yuan Shao who has the opportunity to adopt another branch of the clan, his uncle is not so lucky.
Even because of the family's request, he had to enter the Hongdu Gate opened by the late emperor Liu Hong.
After learning those poems, songs, calligraphy and paintings in school, it can be said that if the world situation had not changed so drastically, perhaps the future of that clan uncle would be to become a lucky minister, and then rely on the various resources provided by the Yuan family.
In the end, it became a tool that Yuan could throw away at any time to stabilize his family's position in the court.
Speaking of which, although this man is nominally Yuan Shao's clan uncle, he is two years younger than Yuan Shao. He was Yuan Shao's childhood playmate and one of the people in the Yuan clan who supported Yuan Shao, even if he spoke lightly.
But
However, he also actively used the contacts he had accumulated over the years to actively work for Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao stayed in Luoyang for a long time in the name of "mourning" and angered the eunuchs in power. His uncle was also one of the people who were around at that time.
So when great changes occurred in Luoyang, this clan uncle naturally followed Yuan Shao's footsteps and came to Bohai. Even if he didn't have much ability to fight enemies and strategize, he was more than enough to play a role as a housekeeper for Yuan Shao, looking after his home and nursing home.
.And because he was good at singing and melody and had a strict mouth, Yuan Shao was willing to take him around and talk about his grievances from time to time.
And at this critical moment when he was about to face Gongsun Zan, Yuan Shao naturally brought him out again to enjoy the scenery and talk among himself in the snowy night.
"Shu Yong said, 'Qin lost its deer, and the whole world chased it away.' The current Han Dynasty is so similar to the Qin Dynasty. When the eunuchs are in power, the people of the world are not at peace, so the wise people of the world rise up to attack it. Even if there is one
The two may be nostalgic for their country, and they
Or maybe someone with ulterior motives is trying hard to maintain this building that is about to collapse, but some things cannot be maintained after all. Who do you think this world will belong to in the future? What role will our Yuan family play in this chaotic situation?
"
"Isn't the answer in your heart? Why do you look confused? This is not like you, Ben Chu."
"I just feel a little excited. I think that although I, the Yuan family, have four generations and three princes, we are always wary and cautious, fearing that we will offend those emperors, relatives and eunuchs who are all powerful in the world. No matter which one can take advantage of our hard work,
The achievements of several generations were destroyed in an instant. But now there is such an opportunity in front of me. We can get rid of the insecurity of walking on thin ice and not knowing whether the sky will fall when we sleep. I also
You can control your own destiny...!"
"...That's why Yuan Hao said that you are a little impatient... But in fact, he and your other subordinates are not like this. Maybe they can face this huge temptation before them and still remain calm.
There are only saints in Mount Tai."
"So it turns out that Shuyong is the most special one around me. Only you can always look at all this with a bystander's attitude. Only you can pour cold water on me when I am impulsive.
I'm calming down."
"Oh... My lord, what you said will trouble me very much. If this word spreads, maybe Tian Yuanhao or even Xu Ziyuan, Guo Gongze will come to me to nag me every time he meets Yuan Tu. This is not a way to write a good song.
What a gifted environment.”
"I will definitely succeed! I represent the trend of the development of the times, the direction of Chinese civilization, and the most fundamental interests of the vast number of people! How can Gongsun Zan stop this rolling torrent! Therefore, I, Yuan Benchu,
Must win!"
"Yes, that's the momentum. This is the Yuan Benchu that I have always supported and trusted!"
The night is getting deeper. The snow gradually wraps the earth in clean white...
"You said Yuan Shao divided his forces? When did this news happen? Has it been confirmed? Who is the leader of the other army?"
Probably because this news was beyond Gongsun Zan's previous expectations, when he heard the news, the series of questions that overwhelmed Yan Gang, who reported the news to him, made him feel dizzy.
He panted several times, took deep breaths several times, and then put his hand on his chest to seem to calm down for several seconds...until Gongsun Zan frowned slightly, the corners of his eyebrows twitched slightly, and a miserable green light emitted from under his eyebrows...Okay, finally
One item was the result of someone's imagination, and Yan Gang began to answer Gongsun Zan's questions one by one.
"The news came two days ago. Because Yuan Shao has recently strengthened the blockade on the other side of the Qinghe River, it is difficult for our people to pass the news over, especially two days ago I heard that Yuan Shao's scouts were attacked by unknown forces.
,
The loss was not small, but they couldn't catch the person who did it. They just found a few local powerful men who were quite resistant to Yuan Shaojun. In the end, they could only get rid of it hastily, but this also made Yuan Shaojun, who was already a little panicked, change his mind.
You have to be more cautious.”
"He still dares to divide his troops despite being cautious. Maybe he is confident. He must be underestimating me, Gongsun Zan."
"This...could it be that this is some kind of conspiracy set up by the other party, and they are just waiting for you, my lord, to take the bait?"
"Well...this does need to be considered. By the way, has there been any other news from Sesaku?"
"Yes, this time Yuan Shao sent out about 50,000 soldiers, commanded by general Yan Liang. Tian Feng was the commander of the army, and Yuan Shao's uncle Yuan Xiu was the supervisor. The more famous figures under his command include generals Yang Qin, Wang Gang,
The destination of Li Wan, Tian Dan and others is unknown, but it is said that they are heading north, so they probably either succeed or go to Nanpi."
"It shouldn't be Nanpi. Nanpi is only a few dozen miles away from Dongguang, and it can be reached in half a day on horseback. Moreover, Yuan Jun has few horses, and there is no place to set up an ambush around Nanpi. He only needs 5,000 light cavalry, and it takes less than three days.
Then Yuan's army has no place to die. Fortunately, it is a critical place. If it is captured, it can cut off our army's retreat. However, Unit Chang's 3,000 troops are not many, but they are enough.
Hold on, if I succeed, I will have enough food and grass for two years. Most of the powerful families in the city are now attached to me. Even if they have different aspirations, they will not do anything that may endanger the family when the situation is still unclear.
Stupid thing. But... what exactly is Yuan Shao's intention? Could it be that he really wants to deceive me, or is it a two-pronged attack? Weird, weird..."
Seeing that Gongsun Zan was deep in thought, Yan Gang did not continue to disturb him, but turned back and left.
After all, for the current situation, even if Gongsun Zan knew Yuan Shao's plan, there would only be a few choices he could make. So what Gongsun Zan needs now is not other people's advice, but his own decision.
.
Of course, this is probably because the counselors around Gongsun Zan are really in bad shape.
In fact, Gongsun Zan did not need to think for too long. The only choice for him had actually been before him for a long time.
After all, he had already made a plan to give Yuan Shao a fatal blow with all his strength a long time ago. If it weren't for the fact that Yuan Shao had withdrawn many troops from Wei County to give him a solid force, this would somewhat offset the advantage of the cavalry on the battlefield.
, coupled with the tax revenue obtained from Hejian and Bohai, made Gongsun Zan, who had already made up his mind, hesitate again.
Maybe I can manage the two captured counties first, and then compete with them when there are more soldiers and more food and pay?
However, Yuan Shao's actions let Gongsun Zan know that his thoughts were still too naive.
Although Yuan Shao's effortless actions encountered considerable resistance in Qingzhou, Yuan Shao still had enough appeal in Jizhou, his base, especially in Bohai, where he launched his troops, even if he did not need to incite those who
The powerful people once again stood up to launch a rebellion. As long as they revealed some true or false information to Gongsun Zan, they would make the other party suspicious. The dissatisfaction aroused after several wrong actions gave Gongsun Zan, who was in the wrong, no reason to continue taking action.
After all, it is not an obvious rebellion like Hedong. Unfounded charges are enough to make anyone infinitely angry at any time.
Gongsun Zan is not the Ninja Turtle Gou Jian or the Tokugawa Ieyasu across the sea. He has believed in "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" during many years of foreign campaigns. He cannot stand such torture. It can be said that even if he knows that what is in front of him is Yuan Shao's trap
He would still choose to jump into the trap without hesitation.
What's more, Gongsun Zan believes that with the tens of thousands of elite soldiers in his hands, even if Yuan Shao can perform tricks, it will be useless with the few soldiers and horses he has now. After all, in the face of absolute power, wisdom is still on the sidelines.
Just stand.
Besides, Gongsun Zan is not stupid. How could he dare to fight Yuan Shao if he doesn't have a few trump cards in his hand?
"Gongsun Zan is finally willing to come out, so it's time to start the next step of the plan."
The news of Gongsun Zan's army's departure naturally cannot be concealed from those who have been investigating it with all their strength. After all, the last raid was enough to make people remember it. If they still turn a deaf ear to his powerful raiding ability despite such losses, then this person will really
It's hopeless. Instead of thinking about those big dreams of spring and autumn, it's better to wash your neck and think about something good to eat and drink.
"Please, my lord, send me, Wen Chou, as a vanguard to attack the young Gongsun. I will definitely let the young Gongsun know that I, the man from Jizhou, am not someone to be trifled with!"
Yan Liang was sent out as the commander of the detachment, so the most famous generals under Yuan Shao now are Wen Chou and Chun Yuqiong. The former is a native of Jizhou, and has been widely recognized for his meritorious service and bravery for many years in the army.
Although the family is not as prominent as Yan Liang, it still has quite a lot of power and connections in Jizhou. Warriors are born to obey the strong, and Wen Chou, who is highly skilled in martial arts and has outstanding military exploits, naturally became the backbone of the Jizhou army, especially the Jizhou soldiers who returned from Xiliang
.
It can also be said that the "Four Court Pillars of Hebei" represented by Yan Liang are the powerful faction in Yuan Shao's army.
As for the latter, they belong to the dignitaries who came from other places to follow Yuan Shao. After all, someone who can be one of the eight lieutenants of Shangxiyuan also has considerable connections inside and outside the court. In fact, he originated from Shandong An
The Chunyu family of Qiu has always passed down poetry and calligraphy to the family.
Not only did Chunyu Qiong produce many famous literati, but he also had connections with the imperial power through in-laws. Not only was Chun Yuqiong himself born in Yingchuan, he had a close relationship with the Yuan family who was born in Runan, but he also had colleagues with Yuan Shao. Naturally,
Became Yuan Shao's confidant general.
The civil servants were divided into various factions due to geographical reasons, interests and other reasons, and they "manipulated" each other. Although most military people had simple ideas, they were inevitably involved in the game of interests between the families behind them. Secondly, there were also people like Chun Yuqiong.
Coming from the capital itself, they are very familiar with and good at such things. Over time, the army has become a smoky place.
Of course, there is also a relationship deliberately created by Yuan Shao in order to balance the forces of all parties under his command.
However, at this critical moment that determines the fate of Yuan Jun, if he can obtain enough dazzling military exploits in this battle, it will obviously improve his status in the army more than those piecemeal exploits in ordinary times. Therefore, no matter it is
Both sides were gearing up for this battle, and the hot-tempered Wen Chou was the first to step out of the crowd to challenge Yuan Shao.
With Wen Chou's opening words, several other well-known generals under Yuan Shao also came out to ask for battle. Although Gongsun Zan's army was strong, it was not strong enough to dissuade those generals from competing for merit. Besides, fighting on the battlefield is a general's duty.
Regarding the matter of having his head pinned to his belt, if he was afraid of danger, it would be better for his subordinates to hug their wives and huddle on the kang.
However, in the face of the heated scene, Yuan Shao kept a calm expression, as if he didn't care about the scene in front of him.
Even among Yuan Shao's main advisers, except for a few newcomers who seemed to be hesitant to speak, the remaining few also had the same attitude of "Look at your nose and your heart, let him be strong and let him be strong.
Fushan Gang" attitude, completely ignoring the fiery eyes of the generals who were winking at them hoping to get all kinds of support.
Compared with the brains of civil servants, which are full of brains that can be used for throwing, the number of muscles in the brains of warriors is obviously more, so even if Yuan Shao's expression at this time is "weird" enough, a group of big people
The generals, big and small, with some reputation were still quarreling for a long time over the position of vanguard officer, which made Yuan Shao, who had always been "acting cool", couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
It wasn't until everyone became quiet again that Yuan Shao stood up.
And his gaze also went beyond the generals who were vying for the vanguard general's seal just now, and turned to the group of people in the rear who were quite unfamiliar to him.
It was only at this time that those who were belatedly realized that there seemed to be a lot of people present at today's combat meeting. Some middle-level generals and colonels who usually have lower ranks and would only show up when they have made meritorious services and received awards also appeared.
Got here.
Compared to Yuan Shaolai, these military generals are no strangers to those people. Most of them are even elites in their troops, and they are the subordinates they rely on. After all, at their level, except for rare occasions,
Although they stay on the front line of the battlefield most of the time, they are not involved in the fighting at the forefront because they need to control
Combat rhythm and judgment of battlefield trends. In this era when communications are scarce and intelligence collection methods are primitive, the decisions they make are often more targeted than the commanders in the rear, and the impact is often more direct. Therefore, the real charge is in the first place.
Those on the front line are often middle-level generals who are not very famous but must have real abilities.
They are like the tentacles of the frontline generals, carrying out every will of the generals into the battle.
However, what did Yuan Shao do when he called these people here?
This was the question that crossed every general's mind after seeing this group of "newcomers" at the combat meeting.
But soon, the question was solved by Yuan Shao himself.
"Everyone, you are all the heroes of Jizhou, warriors who have fought for me in all directions. Now our army is about to have a decisive battle with the treacherous old thief Gongsun. You have all seen and heard just now. All the generals in our army are rushing to the front. I don't know.
What do you think?"
The middle-level generals who came here today were also confused, because Yuan Shao had not revealed any information to them before. In fact, in their eyes, it was already a great honor for them to be able to come to this place. If they could do it again,
If Yuan Shao offered him a small glass of wine to encourage his troops, and if he could personally encourage them and promise a reward, then there would be no problem even if they were allowed to attack Gongsun's army on the other side of the river.
But Yuan Shao didn't play according to the plan they thought. This question made the scene feel cold again. Except for a few people who showed thoughtful expressions, everyone else looked a little confused.
Or a helpless expression.
In this atmosphere...
"I am Bohai Shangyu, and I am currently serving as a military lord under your lord. Although my abilities may not be as good as those of the other generals, I am still willing to share my worries and do my best!"
A young but firm voice suddenly sounded in the hall. (To be continued.)