Heavy rain poured down, covering the sky and the earth in mist.
After Yuan Shao led his troops to retreat, Cao Cao only pursued them for a few miles and then withdrew his troops back to the camp. Outside Cao's camp, corpses were almost piled up into hills.
The battle just now was indeed a bit dangerous.
If Yuan Shao hadn't suddenly withdrawn his troops, Cao Cao would have suffered heavy losses this time.
But even so, Cao Cao also lost nearly a thousand people. Yuan Shao may have lost more, but he could afford the loss, but Cao Cao did not have the capital. Yuan Shao stationed more than 200,000 troops in Liyang, and there was a steady stream of troops.
Drive across the river. The sergeant dies in battle, and then the troops can be replenished.
Where is Cao ***?
He dominates Yuzhou, surrounding Yanzhou and Xuzhou, which seems to be similar to Yuan Shao's territory, but there is indeed a huge gap in strength.
The areas occupied by Cao Cao had experienced frequent wars since the Yellow Turbans.
I won’t talk about Yanzhou and Xuzhou...but it is just a Sizhou. After Dong Zhuo came to Beijing, wars broke out frequently, which also caused the population to drop sharply.
Take Guanzhong as an example.
In the past, there was a saying that those who conquered the eight hundred miles of Qinchuan would conquer the world.
However, Li Jue and Guo Si ravaged Guanzhong for several years, making the people of Guanzhong miserable. In many places, ten houses were empty, and the population of 10% was reduced by at least 40%. Not to mention Yanzhou, when Cao Cao and Lu Bu had a great battle, Yanzhou was
The losses were heavy; Qingzhou was once the place where the remnants of the Yellow Turbans were most rampant. If Cao Cao had not gathered the millions of Yellow Turban thieves, Qingzhou would still not be able to recover.
Xuzhou?
Not to mention that!
Since the first year of Xingping, the war in Xuzhou has never stopped.
If it weren't for Haixi's farming, Xuzhou at this time would have been filled with refugees, and it would have been miserable.
The situation in Yuzhou is relatively better, but it is not optimistic. Although Cao *** covers a large area, in fact, his situation is not very good.
Yuan Shao's Hebei was different.
Jizhou is known for its abundance of money and food. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, there were not many wars.
Although the Black Mountain bandit Zhang Yan gathered a large number of refugees, the overall foundation was a hundred times better than that of Cao Cao. Youzhou and Bingzhou are bitter cold places and are known for their elite soldiers. After the battle between Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan, the two places have gradually
It has become calmer and there are no major disasters.
Beiqingzhou in the hands of Yuan Tan is also the most populous area in Qingzhou.
Therefore, Yuan Shao can afford to pay, but Cao Cao is somewhat stretched. At the same time, there are not many enemies around Yuan Shao, but Cao Cao is faced with a situation where he is surrounded by enemies on all sides. He also has hundreds of thousands of troops in his hands, but
The troops are too dispersed, so they cannot afford to lose troops.
After Yuan Shao retreated, Cao Cao ordered his men to rest and reorganize the camp.
"Who can relieve my worries?"
Mr. Cao stood outside the big tent, looking at the rain curtain, and couldn't help but ask doubtfully.
From the mouths of Yuan Jun's prisoners, he already understood the general situation. Yuan Shao originally planned to attack Cao Jun at night. But for some unknown reason, the camp at the rear suddenly caught fire, which made Yuan Shao worried about ambushing and being attacked from a flank, so he rushed in a hurry
retreat.
The question is, who set fire to Yuan Jun’s camp?
Mr. Cao looked at Xun You, only to see Xun You shake his head and reveal a wry smile.
Thinking about it, Xun You was Sikong Jijiu and stayed in the camp. He did not have the power to mobilize troops, so naturally he could not send troops to attack Yuan Shao's camp. The generals who stayed in Jishui camp were all at that time
Facing the enemy, Le Jin and Shi Huan were beaten to the point where they were unable to fight back. Xu Chu went to rescue Le Jin, but it was unlikely that he would attack Yuan Shao's camp. The remaining generals, including Cao Chun, Dian Wei and others, were by his side.
Besides these people, who else could there be?
"Have you ever sent someone to investigate?"
"We have sent people...but so far, there is no news."
Mr. Cao couldn't help but take a breath of cold air, turned back to the tent and sat down.
"Gongda, if we keep fighting like this, I'm afraid we're going to be in trouble."
Xun You stepped forward, poured a glass of wine for Mr. Cao, and then motioned for Cao Bin to go out.
Cao Bin was very smart and quickly walked out of the tent, taking on the responsibility of guarding the people under his command.
"Fengxiao and Wenhe have rushed to Guandu, and Boning has also led troops to Hulao to replace Yuan Rang... My lord, the current situation requires persistence."
"Easier said than done."
Mr. Cao sighed and said softly: "I didn't know that, but the problem is that the soldiers are a little tired."
"No matter how tired you are, you must persevere."
"Um!"
As if to cheer himself up, Mr. Cao nodded vigorously.
I thought that with my long-term plan, I should be able to stop Yuan Shao.
Unexpectedly, Puyang lost a game first. Although he later recaptured Puyang, his strength was completely exposed. It is estimated that Yuan Shao saw this problem, so he sought a decisive battle with him regardless of the consequences. Once, twice, three times...
…How long can it last?
"How about asking Zi Lian to come over?"
Cao Hong is now guarding Yingchuan. Although Zhang Xiu surrendered, he is still a little worried. What if he and Liu Biao collude again and Liu Biao sends troops to attack... Of course, Liu Biao doesn't have the courage. But the problem is, everything can happen.
What if. Now that Yuan Shao has the upper hand, there is no guarantee that Liu Biao will not take action. What if, if Liu Biao sends troops and Zhang Xiu is not able to hold on, Cao Hong will be Xu Du's western barrier.
"Lord, you must not do this."
Xun You quickly dissuaded him, "Cao is guarding Yingchuan, so Zhang Xiu doesn't dare to act rashly.
If Cao Duhu is withdrawn, I'm afraid Zhang Xiu will have second thoughts. Now that my lord's troops have spread out, it's best not to act rashly at this time."
"Oh, I'm just talking."
At this moment, the sound of hurried footsteps came from outside the big tent.
Dian Wei came in wetly, picked up the tent curtain, bowed and saluted Mr. Cao, "My lord, the camp has been restored. If Yuan Shao dares to come again, I will definitely take his head."
It can be seen that Dian Wei is also holding back his anger.
Although he killed three generals of the Yuan Army, anyone who had been besieged by more than a dozen people for a long time would be extremely annoyed. Even if he killed a few people, it would not be enough to relieve the bad breath in his chest. More importantly, he
My precious son Noriman was injured, which only added fuel to the fire.
Mr. Cao smiled and waved his hand, indicating to Dian Wei that there was no need to be polite.
"Is it okay to be virtuous?"
"Well... the incompetence of dogs is really embarrassing.
The injury caused by Wen Chou is not serious...but after this battle is over, General Mo must train him hard to prevent him from being embarrassed in the future."
Mr. Cao couldn't help but laugh.
"Jun Ming, it's not shameful for Yuan De to lose to Wen Chou. Why should you embarrass him..."
As he was talking, he heard Cao Bin shouting loudly outside the tent: "My lord, please report back after spying on the horse."
"oh?"
Mr. Cao quickly stood up and walked over quickly.
"There is a group of people approaching the camp. There are about a thousand people, mixed on foot and horse. My brother has led people to greet them. Please make a decision, my lord."
The word "decision" here is to remind Mr. Cao to be on guard.
Mr. Cao frowned and looked at Xun You in confusion.
Without waiting for his instructions, Dian Wei said angrily: "Yuan Shao still dares to come to die? My lord, I will go over here and I will definitely not leave any of the thieves behind."
"slow!"
Mr. Cao quickly called Dian Wei.
If some righteous man comes to defect, Dian Wei's fiery temper will be over, and a fight may break out.
Maybe the fire in Yuan Shao's camp was set by someone else... Anyway, it's better not to let Dian Wei go out, this guy is too lethal.
"Send the order, the three armies are on alert."
As Cao Cao was talking, he returned to the military tent, took off his sword, and said to Xun You and Dian Wei, "Let's go over and have a look."
Dian Wei did not dare to go against Cao Cao's wishes. Although he felt uncomfortable, he still obeyed the order. He hurriedly sang the song "Hu Ben" and followed Cao Cao in the heavy rain to walk outside the camp gate. Before they could reach the
At the gate, I saw a fast horse galloping from outside the gate...
Immediately the scout ran and shouted excitedly.
"Lord, great joy, great joy!"
Mr. Cao was startled and stopped.
The scout rolled his saddle and dismounted his horse about ten meters away from Cao Cao. He almost rolled over and ran over with a look of great excitement on his face.
"My lord, it's a great joy."
Xun You asked: "Where does joy come from?"
"Cao Zhonghou, Cao Zhonghou is here."
"Which Cao Zhonghou?" Xun You asked in astonishment.
On the contrary, Mr. Cao came to his senses and asked, "Are you talking about Cao Peng, the lieutenant of the Northern Army?"
"Exactly."
"What nonsense? He's not recovering in Puyang, so what's he doing here?" Mr. Cao scolded angrily, but anyone could hear it. He was so happy that he was so happy. Anyway, Cao Peng came to Yanjin at this time.
, indicating that Cao Peng cares about Cao *** and is loyal.
Xun You couldn't help but laugh, but he couldn't help but ask: "What does Cao Zhonghou's coming have to do with this 'big happy event'?"
Yes, Cao Peng came right here!
I brought more than a thousand people with me, but to be honest, it wasn't of much use.
The scout panted and said: "General Zidan went to meet the enemy just now, but he was not led by Cao Zhonghou.
On the way here, Cao Zhonghou killed Wen Chou and captured Gao Lan, and is now rushing to the camp. General Zidan ordered me to come to announce the good news."
After hearing this, Mr. Cao was stunned.
Xun You frowned and said sternly: "Don't talk nonsense. How can Cao Zhonghou kill Wen Chou?"
"Really, Cao Zhonghou really killed Wen Chou. I saw Wen Chou's head with my own eyes, and Gao Lan, the general of the Yuan Army, was unconscious and was carried over by the Yuan Army prisoners. Cao Zhonghou really killed Wen Chou, my lord, Cao Zhonghou really
He killed Na Wen Chou..."
Xun You was worried at first that Cao Peng was falsely claiming his military exploits, but he heard that Wen Chou's head had been chopped off, so it was impossible for him to falsely claim his merits.
He suddenly turned around and bowed his hands to Mr. Cao, who was still a little dazed and didn't even believe his ears. "Congratulations, lord, congratulations, lord... Yuan Shao has lost many generals, so his morale must be low. Cao Zhonghou killed Wen Chou now.
Duandi has made a great contribution, which is gratifying and congratulatory."
In my heart, I couldn't help but feel a little emotional.
Fast forward four years!
Four years ago, Cao Peng's family followed Dian Wei and came to Xudu in embarrassment.
At that time, the Cao family had nothing. Except for Dian Wei, they didn’t even know anyone and were penniless. But four years later, the rise of the Cao family was inevitable. As a master sword-maker, Cao Ji
However, he appeared in front of the world and was reused by Cao Cao. Moreover, he was appreciated by Cao Cao because of the three treasures he presented to the horse. From then on, he soared into the sky and his official career was prosperous.
And Deng Ji was just a one-armed soldier.
If it were not for his son Xun Ji, Xun You would not even look at Deng Ji.
When I sent him to Haixi, I did so out of temptation. Unexpectedly, Deng Shusun got out of control in Haixi. Not only did he gain a foothold in Haixi, he also made great achievements. Four years ago today, Deng Shusun was still a white man; but now, he has received
A captain with a salary of thousands of stones.
As for Cao Peng, it seems even more surprising.
He was exposed to the world because of Deng Ji, and became known to the world because of Xun Yan.
An inscription on a humble house attracted praise from the world and established Cao Peng's upright integrity. Then he fought in Quyang in a bloody battle, unexpectedly attacked the prime minister, and made great achievements. Later, although he was punished because of the incident involving Lu Bu's family, it didn't take long.
He became famous in the world with his "Eight Hundred Character Essay". He became a disciple of Hu Zhao and wrote his "Shuo on Love of the Lotus", which made the world feel Cao Peng's extraordinary integrity.
The big case in Luoyang was easily solved in his hands.
The white horse caught fire and burned Yan Liang to death. Even Cao Cao was not impressed.
Now, this little guy actually killed Wen Chou and captured Gao Lan. These two people are not just local chickens and dogs, they are actually Yuan Shao's favorite generals. How many generals of Cao's army had Wen Chou killed before? Now they were killed by Cao Peng.
Imagine what kind of blow it would bring to Yuan Shao.
Wait, how could he kill Wen Chou?
Could it be that……
Xun You took a deep breath and blurted out: "Could it be that the person who set fire to Yuan Shao's camp was Cao Youxue?"
Cao Cao was so excited that he couldn't help but froze when he heard Xun You's words: Yes, at this time, besides Cao Peng, who else would set fire to Yuan Jun's camp?
Thinking of this, Mr. Cao couldn't help but look up to the sky and laugh.
The downpour fell and fell into Mr. Cao's mouth, but he was not even aware of it.
"This is my family of Marquis Wanli, this is my family of Marquis Wanli!"
Although it was not the first time that Cao Peng was praised like this, Cao ***'s praise this time was undoubtedly a complete recognition of Cao Peng.
Dian Wei stood behind Mr. Cao, shaking his head in disbelief.
The seemingly weak young man who saved his life in Wancheng had grown to such an extent in the blink of an eye?
He had fought against Wen Chou, so he naturally knew how powerful Wen Chou was. Judging from Dian Man's fierceness...but he was beaten by Wen Chou and was completely unable to fight back.
Four years ago, I brought Cao Peng to Xudu.
At that time, Dianman could kill Cao Peng instantly, but now...
Dian Wei couldn't help but sigh with emotion, and said softly: "God has given me a blessing and my lord."
Mr. Cao smiled so hard that his eyes almost disappeared. He readily accepted Dian Wei's words. Ah Fu, he is indeed the guy who brings me blessings.
"Hurry up and follow me out of the camp gate to greet you."
Cao *** took a deep breath and stabilized his mood.
I was too arrogant just now, too complacent...
Xun You and Dian Wei followed closely behind, and at this time, Cao's army camp was already alarmed, and many generals dispatched one after another to come outside the camp gate.
They had heard that the lord’s nephew had Wen Chou killed!
Many people have never met Cao Peng and have only heard of his name. In fact, before the burning of Baima, although Cao Peng was famous, he was not taken seriously by others. After all, at that time, Cao Peng was just a lieutenant in the Northern Army.
If you have no soldiers or generals, how can you be valued by others?
And now...
Cao Peng has embarked on a broad road!
In the distance, the sound of horse hooves could be heard.
A group of men and horses came galloping out of the heavy rain. On horseback, there was a general, wearing helmets and armor, looking majestic.
His face was still childish, but it gave people a calm look. The young general reined in his horse outside the camp gate and jumped off the horse.
I saw him taking a few steps, trotting up to Mr. Cao, kneeling on one knee and saying, "General Cao Peng, please give me back!"
