In October of the twelfth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao returned to Xudu.
On the day of the seventh funeral of Liu Biao, Cao Cao ordered the four prefectures of Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, and Sizhou to collect 200,000 corvees, and quickly gathered them in Yingchuan and Runan counties. At the same time, he also ordered the generals of the guards Xiahou Dun and Henan Yin Xiahouyuan.
, Zhong Yao, the prefect of Yingchuan, Shi Huan, the prefect of Liang County, Lu Qian, the prefect of Chen County, and Sima Lang, the prefect of Chenliu, led their troops to Nanyang County first, and stationed in Nanyang County to govern Wancheng.
On the same day, Cao Cao issued another order, appointing Mao Jie as the prefect of Runan County to succeed Li Tong.
He dismissed Jia Xu as the governor of Yuzhou and replaced him with Man Chong, the governor of Yanzhou. At the same time, he also ordered that Nanyang soldiers and horses should gather in Xinye and approach Deng County.
The defeat of Zhang Ling represents the opening of the eastern gate of Nanjun.
Cao Zhen led eight thousand soldiers to garrison Baishui Township, eyeing Xiangyang.
On the second day of Liu Biao's first seven funerals, Cao Cao ordered that Cao Chun, the commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, led his troops to Nanyang, dismissed Cao Peng as the governor of Nanyang County, and replaced him with Cao Chun. Immediately, Cao Cao issued a second military order, ordering Cao Peng to
As the deputy governor of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, he temporarily leads the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry...
As soon as this order was issued, countless people were shocked.
Everyone knows that the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry are Cao Cao's personal soldiers. Although their number is not too large, they are indeed the best among Cao Cao's men.
Eight years since Jian'an, although Cao Chun has been the commander-in-chief of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, he is not actually in charge of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
Under the rule of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, there is one deputy governor, three generals of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, and three generals of the Leopard Cavalry, all under the jurisdiction of the deputy governor. In other words, it is the deputy governor, not Cao Cao, who is actually in charge of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
Pure. Previously, the deputy governor of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry was Cao Zhen. Later, Cao Zhen transferred the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry and the position of deputy governor was pending. During the expedition to Youzhou, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry was temporarily under the control of Cao Zhang. After the Battle of Bailang Mountain, Cao Zhang
As Bei Zhonglang General and Colonel Huwuwan, he resigned from his post as deputy commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, and Cao Cao had not yet appointed him another one.
This time, Cao Cao made Cao Peng the deputy governor of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. In the eyes of ordinary people, he seemed to be doting on Cao Peng.
But many people felt that Cao Cao had another meaning: Prime Minister Cao was restraining Cao Peng.
Lieutenant Governor of Hubao Cavalry, Grand Administrator of Nanyang County?
Which one is better and which one is worse is difficult to say clearly. But in terms of power, one is a prince of one party, the prefect of the county, in charge of military affairs, and has great power; what about the other one? It is just Cao Cao's forbidden army, accompanying him personally... In terms of power alone,
It seems that Cao Peng's power has been weakened, but his status has been improved. At least, his salary has increased from two thousand dan in rank to two thousand dan in real. Between the two, there is a monthly salary difference of 50 dan. On the surface,
At first glance, the difference is not big, but the meaning they represent is very different.
Really two thousand stones and then up, it would be ten thousand stones.
If interpreted according to the military rank of later generations, Cao Peng's real two thousand stones is similar to that of a senior colonel.
If he is promoted further, he will reach the level of general and belong to the core members. What did Cao Cao think about? No one can guess.
It is said that on the seventh night of Liu Biao's first year, Cao Cao summoned Xun Yu, Cheng Yu, Guo Jia and other close advisers to discuss the whole night. What exactly was discussed? No one knows. But the next day, he issued such an order
, the meaning is naturally extraordinary.
However, this incident has no impact on Cao Peng for the time being.
Cao Peng was in Xiangyang, still bargaining with the Jingxiang family. In Nanyang County, many changes also occurred with the promulgation of Cao Cao's orders. First, Lu Yu was conquered and ordered to return to Xudu, where he was appointed as a vassal of the East Cao Dynasty in the Prime Minister's Mansion and was responsible for
Prepare an organization for Xiyuan Newspaper. Its organizational structure is completely based on the form of Nanyang Pravda. When Lu Yu left Nanyang County, he even took away all the members of Nanyang Pravda. Regarding Cao Cao's move, as early as
Everyone was surprised, including Lu Yu himself.
It is absolutely impossible for an organization responsible for such a mouthpiece to be limited to one region.
Sooner or later, Cao Cao will pay attention to the benefits of public opinion... At the beginning of the establishment of Nanyang Pravda, Cao Peng and Lu Yu had an in-depth conversation.
According to Cao Peng: The Battle of Youzhou is over, when the Yizi family returns to Xudu.
At that time, the capital you obtained must be amazing and Cao Cao would reuse it. Now it seems that this is indeed the case. Cao Cao conquered Lu Yu, which means that Lu Yu officially entered the Cao Group from a low-ranking staff member.
The core is naturally extraordinary.
As Cao Cao issued the recruitment order, the situation suddenly became tense.
Xu Zhou, the governor of Xuzhou, ordered Zhou Cang, the captain of Jinghai School in Dongling Island, to lead the newly established naval force up the river and move closer to Hefei.
Lü Meng, the captain of Dantu, tried to stop Cao's navy, but was defeated by Zhou Cang at Dantu's entrance. It's not that Lü Meng was inferior to Zhou Cang, but Zhou Cang relied on Guangling and got the help of Xu Xuan, the prefect of Guangling, and forced his way through Dantu's entrance.
.However, Lü Meng’s troops were insufficient, so it was naturally difficult to stop him.
Zhou Cang's navy moved closer to Huainan County, which also caused chaos in Jiangdong.
Sun Quan quickly issued an order and appointed He Qi as the prefect of Lujiang, responsible for resisting Cao's navy. At the same time, he ordered Xu Sheng and Zhou Tai to lead the Jiangdong navy to attack Luo County, Wuling County, occupy Boluo Yuan, and threaten Dongting. Jingzhou was in turmoil, and the prefect of Wuling
Although Liu Xian asked for help from Xiangyang, water from far away could not quench his thirst for water. He himself was not a good fighter. In addition, Xu Sheng and Zhou Tai were brave and better at water warfare. The Wuling navy was defeated miserably, and Liu Xian could only watch the Jiangdong navy stationed there.
Bo Luoyuan was unable to stop him. Fortunately, Jingzhou surrendered at this time.
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Facing the aggressive posture of Cao Jun and Cao Peng's unremitting efforts in Xiangyang, Cai Mao finally couldn't hold on any longer.
The Kuai brothers said that the nine counties of Jingzhou and Xiang were the nine counties of Jingxiang of the Han Dynasty. Now that Liu Jingzhou has passed away, he should return to the imperial court. However, he proposed that Jingzhou must be governed by Jingzhou people to ensure the interests of the Jingxiang family.
Therefore, after thinking for a long time, Cao Peng recommended Wang Wei as the governor of Nanjun and Wenpin as the governor of Nanyang. Cai Mao was retained as the commander-in-chief of the Jingzhou navy, but Cao Peng did not take the position of deputy commander-in-chief of the navy.
Instead of recommending Zhang Yun, he recommended Du Ji as deputy commander of the navy. This arrangement was approved by Kuai Yue.
As for Xu Du, Cao Peng doesn't need to worry about it.
He has received the news and resigned from the post of Nanyang County Governor. Although Cao Cao ordered Cao Chun to take over Nanyang County, it is obvious that it is just a transition. Cao Chun will take charge of the center sooner or later, and it is absolutely impossible to stay in Nanyang. Even when Cao Cao
The day he entered Jingzhou was when Cao Chun resigned as the governor of Nanyang. Wenpin's prestige and talent were enough to serve as the governor of Nanyang County, and I think Cao Cao could also distinguish the priorities.
After Cao Peng promised two important positions, Wang Wei and Wenpin were completely reassured.
Immediately, Cai Mao got the position of Commander-in-Chief of the Navy and was very satisfied. As for Zhang Yun, he had always been Cai Mao's deputy in history. Now, although he did not get the position of Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Cao Peng promised that he would get the position of Grand Administrator.
, everyone is happy.
On the fourth day after Liu Biao's first seven days, Mrs. Cai was in the state house and ordered Liu Cong to become Cao Peng's disciple, which solved a trouble in his mind.
Although Cao Peng no longer serves as the governor of Nanyang County, his title as deputy governor of Hubaoqi does not seem to be inferior to that of the governor.
On the fifth day, Liu Cong officially succeeded to the throne in Xiangyang and took over Jingzhou.
On the same day, Liu Cong, as the shepherd of Jingzhou, submitted a letter of surrender to Xu Du, and ordered his people to withdraw from Xinye, Chaoyang, and Deng County, and assemble in Shandu, where General Xiahou Dun sent people to take over. At the same time, Liu Cong
He even sent people to Jiangxia and Changsha to persuade Liu Qi and Liu Pan to stop resisting.
At this point, Cao Peng's mission has been successfully concluded.
He could finally let go of his thoughts and start dealing with Liu Bei in Fancheng.
But on the day Liu Cong announced his surrender to Cao Cao, Liu Bei suddenly led his troops to attack and captured Liqiu...
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Cao Peng did not dare to underestimate Liu Bei in the slightest.
Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang!
When these two people are added together, they are definitely a combination that no one dares to underestimate. In fact, after Liu Biao's first seven, Cao Peng has been trying to get Xiangyang to surrender as soon as possible. Because he knows very well that Liu Bei, Zhuge Liang, absolutely
They would not give up and give up their ambitions in Jingzhou. They would definitely take action, and they would do it soon... However, when Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang actually took action, Cao Peng was surprised.
Capture Liqiu?
This Liqiu is only thirty miles away from Xiangyang. It starts in the morning and arrives in the evening.
But Liu Bei's occupation of Liqiu seems completely meaningless. Could it be that he is preparing to attack Xiangyang?
"Not too possible!"
Lu Hao looked thoughtful and said softly: "Liu Biao has passed away. Although Xiangyang is in chaos, it is heavily guarded.
Wang Wei and Wen Pin are all good generals. If we attack Xiangyang by force, not to mention whether Liu Bei's troops are sufficient, even if we capture Xiangyang, what will happen?"
Lu Hao's considerations are very reasonable.
Now that Xinye, Chaoyang and Deng counties have withdrawn, Xiangyang's northern gateway is wide open.
Not to mention that Zhang Ling was defeated and Cao Zhen was stationed in Baishui Township, which was only a day or two away from Xiangyang and could launch an attack at any time...
Liu Bei occupied Xiangyang, so what?
He did not have the support of all Jingxiang clans, so how could he occupy Jingzhou?
There is no danger to defend Xiangyang City. In the event of a confrontation, it is impossible to defend Xiangyang with Liu Bei's troops.
Naturally, he had ulterior motives in occupying Liqiu.
But the problem is, Liu Bei ordered Lu Ji to occupy Liqiu and threaten Xiangyang at any time. Just like a fly, it is not a threat, but it is disgusting. If Liqiu cannot be recaptured, there will always be a threat.
"Master Cong, what are the arrangements?"
"I heard from people that Mr. Cong has issued an order for Wang Wei to lead his troops to recapture Liqiu.
Young Master, why don’t you send someone to Baishui Township and ask General Cao Zhen for immediate reinforcements to relieve the crisis in Liqiu? However, Liu Bei will not only have this one hand, he must have other options. I am worried that if Liu Bei captures Liqiu, it will be Xiang Zhuangwu.
The sword is meant for Pei Gong, it has other agendas..."
Cao Peng nodded lightly, "I think so too.
It's just that the Prime Minister has not yet arrived, and there are still doubts in Jingzhou. If I ask for troops and horses at this time, I am afraid that they will have other ideas.
No, although Liqiu is very close to Xiangyang, it is just a scaly disease.
The top priority is to keep an eye on Liu Bei. I think it is very possible that Liu Bei wants to evacuate Fancheng and he wants to escape."
Run away?
This is very possible.
In fact, Lu Hao also thought of this possibility, but he was not sure yet.
"In this case, you go see Wen Zhongye immediately and see if you can borrow troops from him.
I will go to see Mrs. Cai and Mr. Cong... After you visit Wen Zhongye, make another hard trip and ask Mr. Zirou and Yidu to closely monitor the movements in Fancheng. If there is any movement in Fancheng, let me know immediately. By the way,
I asked someone to go to Deng County again and ask to see Uncle Yuan Rang. He said, I need soldiers and horses, and asked him to provide support... It would be best if I could ask Grand Administrator Cao to send me tiger and leopard cavalry."
"Here!"
Lu Mao agreed and immediately turned around and left.
Cao Peng then ordered Kou Feng to stay in the post station and gather all his troops first.
After Kou Feng surrendered to Cao Peng, he could not make arrangements for the time being. When Huang Zhong rushed to Jiangling, Cao Peng asked Kou Feng to temporarily serve under him.
Xiahou Dun has marched into Chaoyang, but has not yet crossed Atou Mountain.
The reason is that Cao Cao has not yet arrived at Nanyang County... Cao Cao must be the first to enter Xiangyang. So far, everyone believes that the battle of Jingzhou is over and there is no need to worry. Cao Cao is the first to enter Xiangyang.
respect……
Cao Peng was helpless about this.
After he asked Lu Hao to leave, he immediately rushed to the state capital.
After visiting Mrs. Cai and Liu Cong, he proposed to be careful of Liu Bei's escape.
However, judging from Mrs. Cai's intentions, she doesn't seem to care about Liu Bei's life or death. What she cares about now is what arrangements Cao Cao will give her mother and son. As for Liu Bei, who cares whether he lives or lives? Even if Liu Bei occupied Liqiu,
For Xiangyang, it’s not a big deal.
How many troops does Xiangyang have?
How many soldiers and horses does Liu Bei have in his hands?
This does not include Cao's troops north of Atou Mountain and stationed in Baishui Township...
What's there to fear?
The most urgent thing is to make arrangements for your future first, and other things are not important.
Therefore, Mrs. Cai and Cao Peng just dealt with it for a while, and then turned the topic to the future of her mother and son. According to Mrs. Cai's idea, if you can stay in Xiangyang, that would be the best. If you can't live in Xiangyang, it is best to go to Xingyang.
, it is said that it is also very good there.
She even asked Cao Peng about the trade routes in the Western Regions, presumably for future planning.
But in the final analysis, she still didn't take what Cao Peng said to heart. As for Cao Peng's request to borrow troops, Mrs. Cai was a little hesitant. After thinking about it for a long time, she agreed and said that she would mobilize three thousand troops from Shandu.
Soldiers and horses for Cao Peng's use... Nima, Shandu?
Shandu is at least two days' journey from Xiangyang.
Moreover, what is the use of giving me three thousand soldiers and horses?
You have stationed tens of thousands of soldiers and horses in Xiangyang. Even if you borrow 3,000 of my troops from Xiangyang, it will not be difficult... Mrs. Cai clearly refused, or she was a little wary. She was worried that once Cao Peng got the military power, something unexpected would happen
.This is definitely not what Mrs. Cai wants to see.
Cao Peng was very helpless and left the state capital.
On the way back to the inn, Cao Peng was thinking about Liu Bei's actions.
His capture of Liqiu is definitely a cover-up. His real purpose is probably to escape. As for the borrowing of Xiangyang in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it is unlikely to happen. Liu Bei and the Cai family have already been at odds with each other. Taking advantage of the crossing at this time is obviously
Throw yourself into a trap and seek your own death.
But the question is, where will he escape to?
Cao Peng couldn't help but feel puzzled...
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms says that Liu Bei withdrew to Jiangxia.
But Lu Hao believed that Liu Bei would probably steal Jiangling.
reason?
very simple!
The food, grass and baggage in Jiangling can support 100,000 soldiers and horses for three years. Only by occupying Jiangling can Liu Bei have the confidence to seek more benefits.
Is it Jiangxia or Jiangling?
Cao Peng couldn't make up his mind for a while...
After returning to the inn, Cao Peng felt a little tired, so he was ready to lie down and rest for a while.
But just when he was about to change clothes and rest, he saw Kou Feng running over excitedly, "Sir, reinforcements from outside the city have arrived, asking to see you."