At the end of the fifth year of Yanxing, the news of Bafu's great victory in Qingxu was gratifying, but people in the world did not think that the overall situation was settled. After all, in the same year, Yuan Shao also captured Yijing and occupied Yan and Liao in the north.
, almost unified Hebei, and Wuhuan, Xianbei thought it was helpful, and it seemed as if when he and Guangwu were established. If the country is to be unified, it is still unknown who will win.
But in May of the sixth year of Yanxing, after the Liangzhou rebels surrendered to the imperial court, the situation suddenly became clear. Now that there was no need to worry about the war in Western Xinjiang, the imperial court could mobilize the troops of Merger, Si, Yan, Yu, Qingxu, and others.
The crowd amounted to more than 300,000. Its momentum was so majestic that in the past two hundred years, it was probably only comparable to the situation when Xin Mang raised his troops in Kunyang. Most of these sergeants were veterans who had been fighting for many years and were familiar with military affairs. They were not temporarily recruited by Wang Mang.
The new soldiers of Hebei are comparable. Therefore, although Hebei is rich and Youyan is brave, everyone at the time said that no one can be worthy of it, and hundreds of officials also thought that the unification of Jiuzhou would be a matter of time.
But since May, Chen Chong has been feeling uneasy.
"Spring and Autumn" says: The major affairs of the country lie in sacrifice and military affairs. Now we have to mobilize an army of 300,000, which is a major event that determines the destiny of the country. We must not be cautious. Chen Chong discussed with Zhao Qi, who returned, that Jizhou now has
With 200,000 troops, the new Youzhou can be raised, and tens of thousands more can be raised. However, considering the food, fodder, and garrisons in various places, the number of troops Yuan Jun can use for field battles should be around 170,000.
Although it is more than half of the Han army, the war is not as easy as it looks on paper. We still need to consider the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, our strengths and weaknesses, and make the most of the situation and move according to the shape. The momentum of the 300,000-strong army is certainly terrifying, but it also has its own disadvantages.
The disadvantage is that the army is too long, and it is inconvenient to convey orders, making it difficult for the commander to respond accordingly. Moreover, the three armies are integrated and it is difficult to adjust morale. Once the attack is unfavorable, it is easy for the army to lose morale.
Yuan Shao has been running Hebei for seven years and is quite popular. If he continues to rely on the danger of the city and delays it through the autumn and winter, the situation mentioned in the preface will appear. If he can wait for the opportunity at this time, he may not be able to surprise and win again.
The tragic situation of Pengcheng's collapse [1]. By then, it is difficult to describe what the world's situation will be like.
Unless he knows the enemy's situation well, Chen Chong always expects the enemy to be lenient. Therefore, during these days, Chen Chong has been thinking of a sure-win strategy. He thought, since victory cannot be guaranteed on the battlefield, why not start from outside the battlefield? No matter what
What's the matter? Our side occupies the imperial court's righteousness, and Yuan Shao is a rebel and a prominent family in Runan. Although he occupies the land in Hebei, it is probably difficult to win the loyalty of the county commander, and there must be angry people. In this case, before sending troops, you can
Starting from here, provoking people's hearts and seeking the inner world, you may be able to gain unexpected results.
However, Chen Chong was undecided about whom to contact. In the past two years, the DPRK also had many informants in Hebei, but most of them were observing the mobilization of soldiers, horses, food and grass in the Yuan Shao shogunate, but did not know much about the personnel relations in the government. Chen Chong went to inquire about this matter.
Zhao Qi, Zhao Qi was also in a dilemma. He said: "I am also on guard in Ye. Those who Yuan Shao arranged to meet with me are all his close associates, not close relatives. I asked you who can meet me."
In other words, it’s like asking questions in a blind way.”
But Chen Chong didn't gain anything. He immediately remembered that there was also a person in his house who not only served in the Yuan Shao shogunate, but also served as the prefect of Wei County, so he must know the details.
So one evening, he rode Qingkui and went to visit Dong Zhao alone.
Dong Zhao did not expect Chen Chong's visit. Because during these days, Dong Cheng had already contacted Lu Bu and formed an alliance with Liu Yanyin, and his plan to secretly eliminate the national traitors was making great progress. Therefore, Dong Cheng frequently sent letters.
Ask him about the situation between the DPRK and China, the plans of the Overlord’s expedition to the east, and his plans for the subsequent uprising and seizing power.
These are all major matters that require repeated consultation. Even though Dong Zhao is extremely intelligent, he can't help but feel that he has been thinking very hard these days. Therefore, when he learned that Chen Chong was knocking at the door to ask for an audience, he was greatly frightened. In confusion, he thought that a conspiracy had been planned.
Fortunately, he immediately thought that if the conspiracy was exposed, Chen Chong should send troops to capture Dong Cheng first, instead of himself. Dong Zhao felt relieved, put on a light robe, and went to the gate to greet Chen Chong.
Chen Chong saw that Dong Zhao looked tired and did not guess the real reason. After all, the government had recently dispatched food, soldiers and horses from various states, which had consumed a lot of money. Cao Zhong had repeatedly calculated the expenses no less than three times. As the chief administrator of Cao Zhong, Dong Zhao looked tired.
Of course, Chen Chong opened his mouth and said a few words of concern.
After following Dong Zhao into the hall, Chen Chong casually looked around Dong Zhao's residence. Only then did he realize that Dong Zhuo's living expenses were very simple. He only lived in a courtyard. In the courtyard, there was only a Cangtou who fed horses and an entourage, and a servant woman who cooked food and washed clothes.
.There is also the leftover meal that Dong Zhao just ate in the hall. It only contains some radish and dried vegetables. It can be said to be extremely simple.
Chen Chong had always advocated diligence and frugality, and he couldn't help but feel emotional when he saw this situation. He thought that although Dong Zhao was unkind and unkind, he was indeed an upright official. If he was not promoted for a long time, he would inevitably be criticized. Perhaps he could be promoted to the court in the future.
Wei, as Zhang Tang, controls his father Yan and his ilk, suppressing lawlessness, which is also a good story.
Seeing Chen Chong's wandering eyes, Dong Zhao felt quite uneasy, but his expression remained humble and respectful. He first said in a low voice: "I am humble and humble. I didn't know that the dragon head was coming from far away, so I was unprepared. I hope the dragon head is there." Then he asked: "I wonder why Dragon Head came here? Is there something wrong with the calculation?"
Chen Chong waved his hand and said, "Don't be nervous, Gongren. I'm here today, not to rule China, but to serve Hebei." He pondered slightly, and told Dong Zhao his concerns about the Hebei campaign, and said with emotion: "The military is the most important weapon of the country.
, don't move lightly. And the Yuan family is the country's great enemy, occupying Hebei, relying on Rong and Di, so it cannot be easily defeated. "The Art of War" says, "The invincible lies with oneself, but the victorious lies with the enemy." It is also said that if you know yourself and the enemy, you will be victorious in a hundred battles.
.Although I know my friends, I don’t know the enemy’s situation. This is not a preparation for using troops, so I’m here to ask your opinion.”
Dong Zhao was shocked when he heard this. Unexpectedly, Chen Chong had the idea of not fighting. This was not good news for him. However, he remained silent and asked slowly: "Does the dragon head want to talk to me about the customs of Hebei?"
Chen Chong smiled and said yes.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!
In order to strengthen Chen Chong's belief in sending troops, Dong Zhao made up his mind to tell everything he knew. Moreover, he knew that Chen Chong was cautious and would send informants to verify everything he discussed, so he did not make any false claims and introduced everyone in Yuan Shao's mansion to him in detail.
The Yuan Shao shogunate can be divided into three factions. One faction is composed of Yuan Cong who have been friends with each other since they were in court. Although He Yong, Wu Fu, and Zhou Ao were mostly killed by Dong Zhuo, there are also Guo Tu, Xun Chen, Xu You, Feng Ji, and Chun Yu. Qiong and others have always been with him, and they are Yuan Shao's most trusted people.
The other faction is that after Yuan Shao took control of Jizhou, he personally selected and promoted celebrities from Hebei, such as Jushou, Tian Feng, Shenpei, Zhu Ling, Zhang He, Zhen Yao, Yan Liang and others. They were all commanders of Jizhou and were quite popular among the counties. It has influence, can calm Yuan Shao's people, and is quite capable, which is the cornerstone for Yuan Shao to gain a foothold in Jizhou.
The rest are the opportunistic ministers who chose to join the shogunate because they felt that Han Zuo was about to die and a new dynasty was about to rise. They also admired Yuan Shao's reputation and feared the power of the Yuan family, such as Chen Yu, Zhu Han, Yin Kui, Gongsun Du, and Qu. Yi and others, and Dong Zhao himself is also included in this list.
Chen Chong was very familiar with Yuan Shao's Yuan Cong, and knew that although they were of low character, they would not easily abandon Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao was also very grateful to the Jizhou clan and would not be able to shake him. I am afraid that only the last group could be dealt with. He made up his mind and asked Dong Zhao in detail what these people's likes and conduct were like, what kind of courtesy Yuan Shao treated them, and whether they were kind or not.
At the end of the conversation, Chen Chong had fewer questions, and instead talked with Dong Zhao about various matters in the Sili Mansion, and asked him what suggestions he had for the New Deal. Dong Zhao thought for a moment and said slowly: "As Long Shou said before, soldiers are the greatest weapon of the country. , cannot be taught privately, otherwise the chaos will be unstoppable. I am afraid that Longshou has already laid the foundation, but the current injustice in Hebei is not a good opportunity for the New Deal."
When Chen Chong saw that he saw what he was thinking, he couldn't help but nodded and said with a smile: "Gongren does have great wisdom. Let's leave it to Hebei. I can take charge of this matter as Gongren's envoy." Dong Zhao even said that he did not dare, and the two of them exchanged a few polite words. , Chen Chong stood up and said goodbye.
Dong Zhao sent Chen Chong a hundred steps out of the door. After seeing him riding away, he breathed a long sigh of relief. Even though he thought highly of himself, in front of Chen Chong, Dong Zhao did not dare to relax even a little. He had to think about everything. As soon as Chen Chong left, he immediately broke out in a cold sweat and stood there for a long time before Dong Zhao slowly walked home.
It was already dark at this time. Dong Zhao lit a lamp in the study, spread out the yellow silk on the table, dipped his pen in ink, and began to think about how to reply to Dong Cheng's letter. He had recently contacted Lu Bu and he had made a request and hoped that After the uprising, he was able to be appointed as Sili Xiaowei and in charge of the third assistant. This made Dong Cheng quite embarrassed. He had promised Liu Yan before that after the incident was completed, he would give this position to Liu Fan. If he gave it to Lu Bu, how would he interact with Liu Yan? How to explain?
Dong Zhao then wrote in his reply that he could explain the matter to Lü Bu and then grant him the post of Taiwei and the land of Bingzhou. Lü Bu's temperament was uncertain and he was delighted when he heard this. It must be allowed. In addition to agreeing to Lu Bu, he must also make friends with Han Sui and others...
While writing, Dong Zhao suddenly thought of Chen Chong. What was he doing at this moment? When he parted from him just now, his face was calm, and he had made up his mind to march to the east. But how would he plan? Dong Zhao was a little unsure.
The strategies are all based on the premise that the Bafu soldiers will leave Hebei and confront Yuan Shao for a long time, leaving Guanzhong empty, and then they can make a profit. But if Yuan Shao is really vulnerable, then these strategies are just a dream.
It will inevitably face the outcome of failure.
Thinking of this, Dong Zhao put down his pen and ink, tapped the case with his fingers, thought slowly and carefully, and considered Chen Chong's possible strategy from the words of tonight's conversation.
Could it be that he planned to recruit some people to surrender first and then weaken Yuan Shao's military strength? Dong Zhao thought, but he knew Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao was broad on the outside and narrow on the inside. He didn't trust people. Few people could lead the army independently, even if a few generals had their own
The number of troops is only ten thousand, and I'm afraid it won't be able to change the situation of the war.
Dong Zhao thought for a few moments, but couldn't figure out Yuan Shao's flaw. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart, Yuan Shao is indeed a difficult opponent for Bafu, no wonder Chen Chong was so hesitant to send troops.
Since he couldn't get an answer, Dong Zhao returned to the case, put on a broad robe, and continued to write a reply.
[1] Tragedy in Pengcheng: In April of the second year of the Han Dynasty (205 BC), Liu Bang took advantage of Xiang Yu's stalemate in Chengyang and led an army of five princes totaling about 560,000 people. He divided his troops into three groups to attack Pengcheng, the capital of Chu, and successfully captured it.
At this time, Liu Bang thought that Xiang Yu had lost ground and would be defeated. Unexpectedly, Xiang Yu left his generals to attack Qi, and led 30,000 elite cavalry to gallop south. Lu Xiaqiu first defeated Fan Kuai and other troops, and then encircled him from Huling to Xiaoxian.
Blitz. Xiang Yu's army arrived at Xiao at night, and took advantage of dawn to counterattack the Han army from west to east. They began to attack in the morning and started a battle with the Han army. They defeated the Han army at noon. Facing the sudden attack of Xiang Yu's army, the Han army was at a loss.
They were trampled on and made chaos, and were massacred by Xiang Yu's army, killing more than 100,000 people. The Battle of Pengcheng was the biggest defeat in Liu Bang's life.