After a light rain last night, the air in the garden became especially fresh.
Jingnan is not an area that lacks rain, but the rains in spring are more frequent, which really corresponds to the poem "Sneaking into the night with the wind, moistening everything silently". There are still traces of rain on the courtyard walls.
The fragrance of peaches and apricots in the garden exudes a refreshing atmosphere.
Liu Bei was walking in the garden wearing a single coat.
This should have been an extremely pleasant morning, but the news that came last night made him feel inexplicably heavy.
Cao Peng, the general in charge of military affairs in Jingnan!
I don't know since when, Liu Bei regarded Cao Peng as a real opponent.
Although in the previous confrontations with Cao Peng, Cao Peng had the advantage in most of them, and he had many scruples. But he had to deny that this Cao Peng did give him a headache. This person seemed to be slippery in the water.
Yu'er accidentally broke free from him, rolled over and bit him, causing Liu Bei heart-wrenching pain. Standing under an apricot tree, looking at the white apricot flowers blooming all over the tree, Liu Bei's thoughts were far away...
…
The tragic defeat at Jiangling was definitely a huge blow to Liu Bei.
Not only did he lose his army, but he also lost his wife, children, and his beloved general Zhao Yun.
Gan Yu, Mi Zhen...
The whereabouts of the two women who have been with him through life and death and shared joys and sorrows for more than ten years are now unknown. Mrs. Gan and Mrs. Mi came to him when he was in the most difficult time. After many hardships, they never gave up. But now
, and even his son Adou Liu Chan are missing. This also made Liu Bei feel extremely heartbroken! To be a hero, you should not stick to trivial matters and have a cold heart. But heroes are also human beings and have feelings... What's more, that is
His wife is his biological flesh and blood!
Did you say that Mrs. Gan and Mrs. Mi died in the rebellion?
Liu Bei didn't believe it...
When Xiang Lang and others said that Zhao Yun betrayed his master and surrendered to Cao Jun, Liu Bei didn't believe it either.
The people who escaped from Changbanpo told a lot about what happened that night. Zhao Yun entered and exited Changbanpo seven times and killed countless generals of Cao Jun. There were more than a dozen named generals of Cao Jun, including
Also included were general Gao Lan and Cao Cao's favorite general Cao Peng.
Liu Bei had stayed under Yuan Shao's tent for a while, so he naturally knew how powerful Gao Lan was.
How could a man who had shed blood in the enemy's army and never gave up searching for Liu Bei's wife and children despite going in and out seven times, how could he easily turn his back on his master and ask for glory?
Moreover, it is said that everyone, including Xiang Lang, was captured by Cao Peng.
So Liu Bei can roughly guess the reason why Zhao Yun surrendered: it was a deal. Zhao Yun used his surrender as the price for the survival of Xiang Lang and others.
But why is it that only Xiang Lang and others came back?
And Mrs. Gan, Mrs. Mi and Mi Zhu didn't come back? There was only one result, but Liu Bei didn't dare to think deeply.
Xiang Lang said that Mrs. Mi and Mrs. Gan died at the hands of Cao Peng.
However, Liu Bei, who had dealt with Cao Peng several times, although he could not say he knew Cao Peng particularly well, knew that Cao Peng would never do such a thing. Otherwise, Zhao Yun might be the first to rebel and kill Cao Peng in revenge. And Zhao Yun
There was no response, which meant that Cao Peng had nothing to do with this matter. If it wasn't Cao Peng, then there was only one truth. However, Liu Bei could not question Xiang Lang and others.
After sighing, Liu Bei felt a little depressed.
After half a lifetime of fighting, in the end...
He half-squinted his eyes and turned around for a long time to prepare to go back to the house. At this moment, he suddenly heard a report from the primary school, "The military advisor has come from Jiangxia and wants to see the lord for something important."
"welcome."
Liu Bei said quickly.
Zhuge Liang was in Jiangxia and had been responsible for liaison with Jiangdong.
Now why did you suddenly come back?
Liu Bei was a man who could adjust his emotions very well. He quickly put aside his love for his children and began to think about Zhuge Liang's purpose.
After a while, Zhuge Liang came to the hall.
He was wearing a light blue crane cloak, holding a feather mountain in his hand, and wearing a turban on his head. He looked elegant and refined.
After meeting with Liu Bei, Liu Bei asked: "Why did the military advisor return to Changsha when the military advisor was not in Jiangxia? Could it be that something unexpected happened over there in Jiangdong?"
"Exactly!"
Zhuge Liang bowed slightly, and then replied: "Cao Cao suddenly ordered to stop the assembly in Wulin.
The Jingzhou navy began to retreat three days ago and is now gathering towards Yunmengze... Moreover, news came from Jiangdong that Cao Cao sent eleven groups of envoys to Jiangdong. Among them were Xun Yan and Xun Xiuruo, most of whom were related to Jiangdong.
People who have close relations with important ministers seem to be interested in seeking peace."
Sum?
Since ancient times, the weak have always sought peace from the strong. I have never heard of a strong man seeking peace with the weak.
Liu Bei shivered with excitement and quickly asked: "Is there a scam?"
How could he be a kind person during his military life? From Zhuge Liang's words, Liu Bei immediately realized something, and his voice suddenly showed tension.
Zhuge Liang shook his head, "I'm afraid, Cao Cao really wants to make peace with Sun Quan.
I also heard that Cao Cao transferred Yue Jin's troops from Jiangling to garrison Linju. His intention was clearly to gather troops to the west..."
Join Wu and destroy Liu!
Liu Bei said: "I just got the news last night that Cao Cao ordered Cao Peng to supervise the military affairs in Jingnan!
Before, I was still wondering why Cao Cao sent Cao Peng here for this good thing... But now after hearing what Kong Ming said, I somewhat understand.
Lao'er's move is clearly to appease Sun Quan, attack Jingnan with all his strength, and control the land of Jingchu.
Cao Peng was sent here just to deal with me... Hum, Cao Cao underestimated Liu Bei too much, did he think that just Cao Peng could make me helpless?"
Zhuge Liang thought for a while and then said: "I don't think Cao Cao needs to swallow up Jingnan.
Otherwise, with his military strength, he could personally supervise the battle and sweep Jingnan, so why would Cao Peng come here? Cao Peng's military command in Jingnan was just a cover to contain the lord. What Cao Cao wanted to do was to sweep across Jiangxia to intimidate him.
Jiangdong made Sun Quan dare not launch troops easily.
After he occupied Jiangxia and appeased Sun Quan, he could concentrate his troops and conquer Changsha.
And since my lord has no reinforcements at that time, it may be difficult to withstand Cao Cao’s troops..."
"this……"
When Liu Bei heard this, his heart suddenly skipped a beat.
The possibility mentioned by Zhuge Liang is very high!
If Cao Cao was really allowed to capture Jiangxia, it would be a matter of two minds whether Sun Quan would dare to send troops to assist him.
"Kong Ming, what should I do?"
Zhuge Liang thought for a while and said in a deep voice: "Allying Wu to fight against Cao cannot be changed.
However, the lord cannot place all his hopes on Sun Quan now, and needs to find another way out, just in case. Liang is going to Jiangdong immediately to lobby Sun Quan and strive for him to send troops to help. At the same time, the lord still needs to find a way
Get in touch with Liu Zhang."
"Kong Ming, want to go to Jiangdong?"
When Liu Bei heard this, he immediately became anxious and shook his head quickly: "No, no, it's too dangerous.
Now that Jiangdong's attitude is unclear, if something unexpected happens, wouldn't it mean that he has thrown himself into a trap? This is absolutely unacceptable, and I cannot allow it... If Sun Quan really refuses to send troops to help, then I will rely on this Jingnan land to fight to the death with Cao Cao. Kong Ming
If you go to Jiangdong, no, I will never agree."
Zhuge Liang was quite moved.
He said seriously: "Lord, please listen to me.
Changsha and Wuling seem to be vast, but the population is sparse and the materials are scarce, which is not enough to sustain. Although the Wuxi barbarians are following their lord, they cannot be trusted. The Wuxi barbarians are capricious. They have surrendered to the Han Dynasty many times and rebelled many times.
The lord has bribed them with huge sums of money and profits. Who knows that when Cao Cao promises greater benefits in the future, the Wuxi barbarians will turn against each other? Jingnan can only temporarily settle down, but it is not enough to build a foundation. Now, although Cao Cao has won over Jiangdong, but
I believe there are discerning people in Jiangdong. How can they not see through the mystery?
The difference is just an external force.
Liang went to Jiangdong without any danger. Even if Sun Quan was not allowed to send troops, he could still return safely...
However, the lord needs to be more careful in Changsha. Cao Peng, the military commander in Jingnan, must not take it lightly. This man is cunning and scheming, and he knows people's hearts well, and his methods are very clever. Therefore, the lord is best not to conflict with him easily, and try to win over Bo.
Luo Yuan Jiangdong's soldiers and horses can also share the pressure.
In addition, Liang remembered that when the lord was born, Youzhou Mu was Liu Yan, the father of Liu Jiyu.
This is also the friendship between teachers and students. Why not send someone to Chengdu to have more contact with Liu Zhang? Maybe there will be unexpected gains..."
Liu Bei was born during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. At the time of the Youzhou Rebellion, Liu Yan conscripted troops.
Speaking of which, Liu Bei and Liu Yan actually met and were praised by Liu Yan. However, Liu Bei later left Youzhou to fight in all directions and never contacted Liu Yan again. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Liu Yan was praised for his merits
When he was transferred from Youzhou and became the pastor of Yizhou, the teacher-student friendship was cut off. Now that Liu Yan has passed away, Liu Zhang and Liu Bei have never even met, let alone interacted with each other.
However, since they are both members of the Han clan, they can also be related.
Zhuge Liang's meaning is very clear: If Changsha can be defended, it must be defended!
However, if it cannot be defended, go to Xichuan for refuge. If possible, involve Liu Zhang as well, which can also share Liu Bei's pressure.
Xichuan is a land of abundance, with strong soldiers and horses and a large population.
If Liu Zhang sends troops to help, Cao Cao will definitely have concerns...
If you have to, you can even give Changsha away. After all, although Liu Zhang is weak and mediocre, he has always been eyeing Jingzhou.
Liu Bei was still reluctant to give up, but couldn't bear Zhuge Liang's persuasion, so he had to agree.
In his farewell poem, he held Zhuge Liang's hand and couldn't help but shed two lines of tears: "Kong Ming is going to Jiangdong now. If it is absolutely necessary, come back as soon as possible. Don't let me wait too long.
Zhuge Liang took a deep breath and bowed, "My lord, don't worry about me. Liang will return as soon as possible."
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Sun Tzu's Art of War goes like this: attack with troops first, then attack with friends, then attack with troops again.
A two-way war is never a simple matter. It involves all aspects of economy, diplomacy, culture, etc. In many wars in history, it does not mean that both sides gather troops and horses, and then rush forward to fight fiercely... That is hooligans
A fight is not a war between two countries.
War involves too many factors.
Generally speaking, if you can avoid fighting, try not to fight.
Before a war, there will be various preparations, including recruiting troops and horses, training troops and horses, diplomatic liaison, and raising food, grass and baggage...
Cao Peng knew very well that what happened next was not that simple.
Cao Cao asked him to be the military commander in Jingnan, but he mainly focused on containment. The main battlefield was not in the four counties of Jingnan, but in Jiangxia. In other words, Cao Peng could not mobilize too many troops and horses, and at the same time, he had to take care of both.
, try to avoid conflicts with the soldiers and horses east of the Bo Luo Yuan River.
There are too many implications in this!
The relationship is complex and difficult to explain clearly in words...
It was impossible for Cao Peng to clearly distinguish between ourselves and the enemy and attack without scruples like in Liangzhou. This was also a test for Cao Cao, an all-round test. Therefore, when Cao Peng received the appointment, he was not in a hurry to set off.
Instead, he stayed in Fancheng for three full days to contact people from all sides.
Four thousand people were begged from various tribes.
Including 800 Mo sword soldiers and 500 flying camel soldiers, a total of 5,300 people.
All the armor and weapons were replaced. At the same time, 300 eight-oxen crossbows and 100,000 Cao Gong arrows were dug out from Cao Cao's hands. There was no need for him to worry about the food, grass and baggage, which was supplied by Jiangling.
.But this Cao Gong Ya, the Eight Ox Crossbow, and one spear and three swords and arrows are rare powerful weapons. Especially the Eight Ox Crossbow, it immediately attracted Cao Cao's attention after Wu Yin showed his power.
This time Xiahou Dun entered Nanjun and brought a total of one thousand eight-oxen crossbows, all of which had just arrived.
Cao Peng had to persuade Cao Cao to get three hundred of them from Cao Cao. It can be said that he spent all his money. Sometimes thinking about it, Cao Peng really felt that it was not worth it... He was the one who provided the idea for the Eight Ox Crossbow, and his wife
Huang Yueying created it, how come it suddenly became owned by Cao Cao?
Intellectual property rights, damn, it is absolutely a tragedy that there is no protection of intellectual property rights in these days.
As for the 100,000 Cao Gong arrows, it also took a lot of effort.
In the end, Cao Cao couldn't stand Cao Peng's endless demands. In a rage, he ordered him to leave immediately and not stay in Fancheng any longer.
In this way, Cao Peng reluctantly left Fancheng, led his troops, and set out for Wuling in a mighty manner.
Along the way, traces of the mobilization of troops and horses can often be seen.
On the spacious road, there are traces of Cao Jun from time to time... The smell of an impending war is very strong, which also makes Cao Peng feel a little nervous.
While passing through Bian County, Cao Peng suddenly remembered something.
He asked Huang Zhong to lead the troops and horses to continue advancing, but he led a hundred personal followers, accompanied by Zhang Song and Fazheng, to the county seat of Bian County.
"Hey, why don't you see County Magistrate Jiang?"
When the county magistrate hurriedly ran out to see Cao Peng, Cao Peng was surprised to find that it was not the Jiang Wan and Jiang Gongyan he was familiar with, but a strange middle-aged man.
"What the Governor said was Jiang Gongyan?"
"Exactly."
The new county magistrate was a stranger.
However, his name does sound familiar, his name is Cai Yang.
This Cai Yang is not the Cai Yang under Cao Cao's account, but Cai Yang, the magistrate of Zhijiang County who was mentioned by Wenpin before, and is a member of the Cai clan.
Cai Yang said quickly: "Jiang Gongyan was dismissed from his official position at the beginning of the year because of corruption, and now he is taken over by a humble official."
Jiang Wan, greedy for ink?
Cao Peng couldn't help but be startled.
"Where is he now?"
"I'm still at home, but I heard that I'll be returning to my hometown, Lingling, in a while."
Cao Peng thought for a while and immediately said: "Take me there."
Cai Yang did not dare to neglect and quickly led the way. Not long after, the group arrived at the door of a simple house in the west of the city. Cai Yang was about to ask someone to knock on the door, but Cao Peng waved his hand to stop him. Cao Peng jumped off the liger
Beast, walked to the door and gently tapped the door knocker a few times.
After a while, I heard footsteps coming from the courtyard.
A clear voice said: "Who is knocking on the door?"
As he spoke, the door opened, and Jiang Wan appeared in front of Cao Peng wearing a blue robe.
When Jiang Wan saw Cao Peng standing outside the door clearly, he couldn't help but be slightly startled, with a look of surprise on his face, "Mr. Cao? Why is it you?"
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My pet dog that I had kept for thirteen years died without being able to catch a breath!
