Chapter 689 The Northwest Wind and Clouds Resurrection (Seeking the Moon)
Chapter 689: The Storm in the Northwest Rises Again (Please vote for me!)
In the early winter of the thirteenth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao withdrew from Jingzhou.
This dispatch took a total of a year, mobilizing more than 300,000 troops and spending countless money and food. But overall, the results were good. Of the seven counties in Jingxiang, Cao Cao occupied five counties and completely drove Liu Bei out of Jingxiang.
, divided with Sun Quan. Most of Jingxiang was controlled by Cao Cao, especially the three counties of Nanjun, Nanyang, and Jiangxia. These three counties were also the three most populous and richest places in Jingzhou.
When evacuating Jingzhou, in order to stabilize the situation in Jingzhou and divide its forces, Cao Cao separated Zhangling and Xiangyang counties in Nanyang County and Nanjun. He appointed Cao Zhen as the prefect of Zhangling County and appointed Kuai Zheng as the prefect of Xiangyang County. Everyone was happy.
As far as Cao Cao is concerned, Deng Fan and Pan Zhang took over Wuling, and Cao Zhen guarded Zhangling. They successfully set up two chess pieces in Jingzhou, laying the groundwork for Jingzhou to further accept Cao Cao's rule in the future.
At the same time, Xia Houyuan was the Mu and General of Jingzhou, commanding the land and water armies, commanding the military affairs of Jingzhou, and taking control of the overall situation.
From the perspective of the Jingzhou gentry, it was equally fruitful.
Pang Shanmin was appointed as the prefect of Jiangxia County, Kuai Zheng was appointed as the prefect of Xiangyang Ju, and Wang Wei was appointed as the prefect of Nanjun...
Not to mention, Wei Yan, the governor of Lingling, was from Jingzhou.
Gan Ning, the commander-in-chief of the navy, was originally from Nanyang.
For the people of Jingzhou, this arrangement can be regarded as achieving the goal of governing the affairs of Jingzhou and the people of Jingzhou. The results are naturally exciting. Immediately afterwards, Cao Cao made another adjustment after leaving Jingzhou.
He was transferred to the chief secretary of Liangzhou, the county magistrate of Longxi, and the cavalry captain Pang Lin worked for Jingzhou.
Then he appointed Lu Chang, the former Wancheng magistrate and Henghai general, as the prefect of Nanyang County, which won the favor of the Jingzhou gentry.
In this way, nine counties in Jingxiang and seven counties were returned to Cao Cao.
Among the seven counties, five counties are under the rule of Jingzhou people. How can we not be happy and encouraged?
From a strategic perspective, Cao Cao's conquest of Jingzhou failed to unify Jiangdong. Moreover, Jingzhou also lost two counties, which failed to achieve its early strategic purpose. But from another perspective, he cut off the connection between Xichuan and Jiangdong.
The dragons of the rivers can no longer echo each other, but they have also achieved great results.
The unification of the world seems to be getting closer.
Under this situation, Cheng Yu and others, together with eighteen important officials in the court, petitioned the Han Emperor to request the throne for Cao Cao.
The Han Emperor lost Fu Wan and Liu Guang, and had no help.
Cheng Yu and others are aggressive.
Three consecutive petitions forced the Han Emperor to agree.
In November of the thirteenth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao arrived in Xudu.
The Emperor of the Han Dynasty immediately ordered his servants to pass on the imperial edict, grant Cao Cao the title of King of Wei, and grant him the title of Jiuxi. Cao Cao naturally resigned, saying that he had no merit and would not be able to accept Heaven's grace. This was a gesture and a etiquette.
Cao Cao seemed to be very humble when he resigned, but Cheng Yu and others immediately understood Cao Cao's true intention.
Immediately, Cheng Yu and others wrote again to enumerate Cao Cao's achievements.
The Han Emperor granted him the title again, but Cao Cao still resigned, saying he did not dare to accept it.
So Cheng Yu and others went to court for the third time, begging the Han Emperor to grant him the title. The Han Emperor was very helpless, but had to accompany Cao Cao to complete the play, so he issued an edict for the third time. Three requests and three concessions. From the perspective of etiquette and law,
At this time, Xudu Daily published articles one after another, exaggerating Cao Cao's great achievements without limit, and expressed between the lines that if Cao Cao refused to accept it, he would be ignoring the country and not being a loyal minister.
Under such circumstances, Cao Cao finally hesitated and accepted the canonization.
Immediately, in mid-December, Cao Cao ordered the establishment of the royal capital in Yecheng and officially ascended the throne, with the title of Prestige.
The Cao Wei Empire initially showed great power.
And the Han Dynasty was even more precarious...
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As Cao Cao enthroned the King of Wei, Sun Quan from Jiangdong and Liu Zhang from Xichuan were all shocked.
Cao Cao is crowned king!
Not only that, after Cao Cao became the king, he issued a second recruitment list, which was the second merit-based order.
For a moment, the world was shaken.
Some were secretly happy, while others were crying for the Han Dynasty.
Some people clapped their hands and cheered, or some yelled and cursed. However, no matter how the outside world reacted, there was no way to change Cao Cao's title of King of Wei.
Historically, Cao Cao became King of Wei after eight years.
But now, Cao Cao has made the king in advance. I have to say that history has changed...
But all this has nothing to do with Cao Peng.
When Cao Cao officially accepted the canonization, Cao Peng was taking Huang Zhong, Pang De, Wen Wu, and Wang Shuang on an inspection tour in Qingzhou. As a Tingwei, he inspected the world's prisons. In just two months, Cao Peng was in Qingzhou
A total of 17 unjust, false and wrong cases were investigated and dealt with, more than 30 people were saved, and six corrupt officials were killed.
To a certain extent, Cao Peng's inspection of the prison also created enough momentum for Cao Cao.
At least among the people, many people will praise the Cao family when they mention it. In December of the 13th year of Jian'an, Cao Peng arrived in Donglai. He originally planned to spend the New Year in Donglai, but he didn't want Xuzhou Governor Xu Zhu to send an invitation to invite Cao Peng.
He went to Xuzhou to inspect the prison. So Cao Peng temporarily changed his mind, boarded the boat at Chengshanjiao, went all the way south, stopped at Yuzhou Mountain, and landed at the East China Sea at Qushan. At this time, Donghai County was extremely prosperous. The Huaihe River and Huaihe River areas continued to develop, so that
Donghai County also benefited greatly... The decline of the Mi family represented the rise of new powerful people. As Haixi County continued to expand, new powerful people with the four surnames of Xu, Zhou, Chen, and Bu appeared in Qushan.
The production of salt from the sea is extremely prosperous.
These four powerful companies also represent the combination of old and new forces in Xuzhou.
In the past, the Chen family had changed its head after Chen Deng died of illness; the Xu family was based on the Haixi Xu family, and the rise of Xu Zhuan, Xu Xuan and others laid a solid foundation for the Xu family.
Zhou and Bu are emerging powers.
Behind it are the Zhou Cang and Huaiyin Bu families of Dongling Island.
The Bu family soared into the sky by virtue of the step stallion and received a lot of attention; as for Zhou Cang, by virtue of their marriage to the Xu family and the convenience of Dongling Island's navy, they established a firm foothold in Donghai County. These two families and Cao Cao
The relationship between Cao Peng and Peng was the closest. So when Cao Peng landed in Qushan, almost all the Zhou and Bu clans came out to welcome Cao Peng. Three people stayed in Qushan, and Cao Peng and his party headed to Haixi.
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This is where he started, and it is completely different from the remoteness back then.
Haixi has become the most prosperous place in the two Huaihe Rivers, controlling the salt road between the two Huaihe Rivers and the hub of various trades.
Many Haixi people still remember Cao Peng.
The thin boy who stood behind the one-armed magistrate back then has now become a famous figure.
When Cao Peng arrived in Haixi, Haixi's fellow villagers lined up on both sides of the road to greet him.
"Master!"
"Welcome Master Cao to return home..."
Cheers came and went.
Liang Xi, the commander-in-chief of Haixi Tuntian, could not help but smile bitterly to himself.
The influence of Cao Peng and Deng Ji in Haixi cannot be eliminated in a short time. They created a prosperous environment for Haixi, and the people of Haixi also keep Cao Peng and Deng Ji firmly in their hearts.
"How come the young master has such a reputation here?"
Huang Zhong couldn't help but ask.
Pound on the side looked confused.
Among those who followed Cao Peng back then, except Zhou Cang who still stayed in Xuzhou, the rest have left.
Whether it was Wen Wu or Wang Shuang, they all followed Cao Peng later. As for Jiang Wan and Zhang Song, it is even less clear. The only one who is more clear is probably Deng Zhi. However, Deng Zhi stayed in Xudu this time and did not accompany him.
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It can be said that no one in Cao Peng's inspection team knew what happened back then.
Puyang Kai went to Luhan, and Feng Chao followed Deng Ji to Hedong. Others, such as Wang Mai, Deng Fan, Pan Zhang, etc., all held important positions. Cao Peng's influence in Haixi was so great that even Gan Ning was not sure about it.
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Huang Zhong couldn't help but praise: "Young Master is devoted to the people, and the people will naturally love him."
At this time, Cao Peng suddenly turned around and said to Liang Xi as if he was joking: "Ziyu, I just know today why the overlord of Chu built Pengcheng as his capital in the past."
"oh?"
"If wealth cannot return to its hometown, if it is like wearing embroidered clothes and traveling at night, who will know?"
When Liang Xi heard this, he couldn't help but laugh.
His affection for Cao Peng deepened a lot. In his opinion, Cao Peng must be arrogant if he succeeds as a young man and becomes one of the nine ministers within thirty years. But after hearing his words, he became a little closer to him.
Perhaps in Cao Peng's heart, Haixi is like his second hometown!
I deliberately tried to eliminate Cao Peng's influence. Of course, there were considerations for the imperial court, but more importantly, I'm afraid it was to prove that I was no worse than Deng Ji and Cao Peng. I suddenly felt that if I had been allowed to serve as Haixi
Ling may not be able to do as well as Deng Ji. After all, there is no monster like Cao Peng around him. The knot that has been tied to him for many years is suddenly untied at this moment.
Why bother to deliberately eliminate it?
Some things can be eliminated even if you want to eliminate them.
As long as you stand upright and do things wholeheartedly, why should you care about other things?
Thinking of this, Liang Xi's discomfort disappeared immediately...
In Haixi under the governance of Liang Xi, there were not many unjust, false and wrong cases. Cao Peng stayed in Haixi for three days, gathering with familiar villagers, climbing high to overlook the distance, or going boating on the sea. In short, he lived a very comfortable life.
Three days later, Cao Peng left Haixi and visited the ancient city of Quyang.
At that time, he fought a fierce battle with Lu Bu in Quyang, which is still fresh in his memory. Nowadays, a new city has been built in Quyang and it has been placed under the rule of Haixi. However, the old city still remains. When Cao Peng revisited his hometown, he couldn't help but feel infinite emotions.
The next day, Cao Peng burned incense and prayed at the top of Quyang City, and wrote an article to commemorate the heroes who died in Quyang...
Then, bid farewell to Quyang and headed straight to Guangling.
He did not go to Guangling, but came to Dongling Pavilion.
"The inscription on the humble house was originally written here... At that time, I came from Haixi and was stationed at Dongling Pavilion. I saw the beauty of the river every day. Although it was rough, I lived happily and carefree. Haha, it was not as busy as it is now!
At that time, I taught Xiaoluan how to make three-yellow duck and asked Xiaohuan to clean the house... Later Yueying came here, and we had some wine and tasted fresh river food every day. Now that I think about it, it is really enjoyable."
It turns out that the inscription on the humble house was written here.
Zhang Song and Jiang Wan were immediately interested and visited the dilapidated thatched cottage.
Cao Peng took Huang Zhong and others to the riverside and fished in a boat... That night, Zhou Cang came from Dongling Island and drank with Cao Peng all night. They talked about Wang Meng and the past events...
…
Zhou Cang burst into tears, while Cao Peng also wept silently.
"Now, who is commanding the Dan Tu navy?"
"Lu Meng!
The next day, Cao Peng boarded the building boat on Dongling Island and traveled on the river.
He raised his eyes and looked at the other side, only to find that there were many water forts and they were heavily fortified.
"Prefect Danyang, who is he now?"
"Zhu Ran has been transferred from Danyang, and the new governor of Danyang is Nalu Su Lu Zijing."
Cao Peng took a deep breath after hearing this!
It seems that the Dongling Island navy has been included in Jiangdong's sight. Otherwise, Sun Quan would definitely not let Lu Su come.
After pondering for a moment, Cao Peng reminded Zhou Cang: "Uncle, be careful about Na Lu Su.
This person is not as simple as he seems on the surface, he is very scheming and quite strategic. He is the governor of Danyang, and I am afraid that his ultimate goal is your Dongling Island navy. Don’t take it lightly and take strict precautions."
Just like before, Zhou Cang still obeyed Cao Peng's advice.
"You're the only one on Dongling Island, so it's a bit weak."
"I also requested from the court, but there has been no reply..."
"This is normal!" Cao Peng sighed and said softly: "The Prime Minister currently has not many water warriors under his command, so it is indeed difficult to mobilize manpower. However, my uncle is out of town on Dongling Island and has jurisdiction over the two Huaihe areas.
Looking locally, maybe there will be some help. Unfortunately, I can't give my uncle much help."
At this time, Sun Quan's foundation was stable.
Most of the famous Jiangdong generals in history have become his boss.
In this case, it is really not easy to pick up the leak... Cao Peng also felt helpless about this.
Among Jiangdong generals, many were good at water warfare.
Jiang Qin, Zhou Tai, Ding Feng, Xu Sheng, these are all famous figures. However, these people have defected to Sun Quan. Not to mention the talented people under Zhou Yu. Cao Peng could only watch helplessly, helpless.
take it easy!
Cao Peng murmured in his heart and comforted Zhou Cang a few words.
Zhou Cang also knew that Cao Peng didn't have much to do about this...
He thought for a while and suddenly said: "Sir, give me a helper."
"oh?"
"You also know that I am a rough man.
As the size of the naval force expands, there are almost no people around me who can help me. In the past, Xingba could give some advice, but now that he has gone to the inner side, there is not even anyone to discuss it. I am not saying that Governor Chen is not good, but
In terms of military affairs, he really can't give me much help. You see, the terrain around Tangling Pavilion is open. I once suggested to him to set up a military stronghold at Tangling Pavilion. Once something happens on Tangling Island, we can respond to each other. But
Governor Chen disagreed, saying that setting up a military stronghold would cost a lot of money...
It's really hard for me to support such a big stall by myself.
So I hope the young master can give me some help, even if I send a helper over, I can share some of the pressure."
Zhou Cang, your words are sincere.
Cao Peng looked at Dongling Pavilion and felt that it was a flaw.
"Uncle, when I return to Xudu this time, I will report this matter to the Prime Minister.
As for Tangling Island... I need to think about it and see who would be more suitable to send here to help you."
"Derun, Derun is very good!"
Cao Peng was startled, but he quickly realized that Kan Ze was the commander of Haixi and had little contact with Zhou Cang.
He is from Shanyin and at least knows about water warfare.
He is also strategic, thoughtful, and calm in times of trouble...
The most important thing is that he seems to cooperate well with Zhou Cang, otherwise Zhou Cang would not have rashly asked for people from him.
It's just that he is now the chief registrar of Liangzhou, which is an important position.
Would he be willing to come to Dongling Island and work as Zhou Cang's assistant?
Cao Peng thought for a while and said, "Let's do this. I'll send someone to ask him later, and you can also write a letter to discuss it with him.
Personally, I don't care, I just want to see Brother Kan's own opinion.
As long as he is willing, I will definitely let him go..."
"Hehe, Master, this is what you said, don't go back on it when the time comes."
Cao Peng laughed!
"Of course I won't regret it!"
After leaving Guangling, Cao Peng did not continue to play.
Instead, after inspecting the Huainan Prison, he arrived at Xiapi three days later.
At this time, it is the end of the year.
Xu Qiu held a banquet in Xiapi in honor of Cao Peng, and invited Xuzhou general Zhu Ling to attend. Zhu Ling did not have much communication with Cao Peng, but he was a general of Cao Cao's line. Therefore, he was very enthusiastic towards Cao Peng, and everyone was the host and guest.
Have fun.
After the New Year, Cao Peng set off again.
He went straight to Yanzhou, but before he arrived in Yanzhou, he heard unexpected news.
Ma Chao, sent out troops!
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On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Ma Chao made a surprise attack on Rongqiu.
Yan Xing, the captain of Rongqiu, was not on guard. In fact, Cao Jun and Ma Chao had many battles in the past two years, but they were all small fights. Ma Chao made a surprise attack, and Yan Xing hurriedly accepted the challenge, and was picked and killed by Ma Chao in the rebellious army.
A tiger general was killed by Ma Chao.
The news reached Lintao, and Cao Ji was shocked...
He hurriedly ordered Liang Kuan to rescue Xi County and recapture Rongqiu. At the same time, he sent someone to notify Cao Hong and asked him to send troops to assist.
Unexpectedly, when Liang Kuan arrived at Xixian County, Ma Chao evacuated Rongqiu.
When everyone's attention was focused on Rongqiu, Ma Chao, with Ma Dai as the vanguard and Ma Xiu as his deputy, made a surprise attack on Panzhong Mountain. Cao's army was completely unprepared and was defeated by Ma Chao...
After Ma Dai occupied Fanzhong Mountain, Ma Chao continued to conquer Longguan and opened the door to Guanzhong.
Fortunately, the guard of Long County was Hao Zhao.
After learning that Long Pass was lost, Hao Zhao did not immediately rescue him. Instead, he led his troops to station at Qinting in an attempt to cut off the connection between Ma Chao and Ma Dai. Today, Hao Zhao has shown the demeanor of a famous general and stands firm at Qinting.
Seven days later, Cao Hong's reinforcements arrived. However, Hao Zhao's troops were basically disabled, so they evacuated Qin Pavilion and rested in Shehu Valley... After Cao Hong arrived, he ordered a strong attack on Longguan, hoping to recapture the gate in the pass.
Originally, Cao Ji and Cao Hong responded to each other and it was not difficult to recapture Longguan.
Unexpectedly, there was a riot in Huangzhong and the Qiang were causing chaos...
The Shenlang Qiang and the Baima Qiang raised troops at the same time, marched out of Yidao, and stormed Lintao. At the same time, Dou Mao, king of Di in Hehuang, rebelled, united to defeat the Qiang, and attacked Longqi City. Wang Mai hurriedly responded to the battle, but was ambushed by a group of horse thieves and almost died.
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Fortunately, Cao Ji had previously transferred Zhao Yun to Longqi City to assist Wang Buy.
Zhao Yun rode alone and killed seventy-three horse thieves in the rebel army, and finally rescued Wang Mai from the siege.
However, after this battle, Wang Mai was seriously injured.
In desperation, Wang Mai had no choice but to entrust Longqi City to Zhao Yun.
The Di King Dou Mao came fiercely, and the Po Qiang came to help. Fortunately, Wang Mai succeeded in wooing the Shaodang Qiang, and the Shaodang Lao Wang sent troops to help and drove back the Di and Qiang coalition forces. In this battle, a group of horse thieves came and went like the wind.
, causing huge casualties to Cao's army. The horse thieves numbered about eight hundred, and their leader was named Ma. He was highly skilled in martial arts, proficient in spears and horses, and had amazing shooting skills. When facing a battle, this man must wear black armor and be brave in his killing skills.
Zhao Yun tried to wipe out the horse thieves several times, but the enemy came and went like the wind, and they were never able to engage in a head-on confrontation.
In February of the 14th year of Jian'an, Cao Hong attacked his troops at Longguan and had to retreat thirty miles and adopt a defensive posture.
At the same time, Cao Hong rushed six hundred miles away and asked Xu Du for help.
The situation in the northwest has undergone tremendous changes in just one month.
Rebellion broke out in Huangzhong and Hehuang. Ma Chao from the military capital was aggressive, and the Di and Qiang people were even more eager to try and watched with eager eyes.
Cao Peng got the news in Bo County!
Cao Cao sent people to order Cao Peng to return to Xudu immediately...
Cao Peng was shocked when he received the order. He did not dare to slack off at all, and hurriedly led Huang Zhong and Pang De to Xudu. He ordered Wang Shuang and Wen Wu to protect Zhang Song, Jiang Wan and other large groups as they marched.
"Ma Rufeng?"
Cao Peng looked at the newspaper and couldn't help frowning.
"When I was in Xiliang, I had never heard of this person."
The messenger responsible for informing Cao Peng was Cao Peng's brother-in-law Xiahou Shang. From this point of view, it also shows that the situation is urgent.
Xia Houshang said: "This person appeared very suddenly!
According to a report from his uncle, this person had been active in the Hehuang area before the Di people rebelled. He seemed to have a very close relationship with the local Di and Qiang people. Dou Mao's sudden rebellion was probably instigated by this person.
This person is very extraordinary!"
"If it's easy, how can it hurt my brother?"
A cold light flashed in Cao Peng's eyes.
"How is Xudu's situation?"
"Xudu is still relatively calm now. Although there is turmoil in the northwest, it has not been greatly affected.
The king has given an order to gather troops and horses towards Heluo. However, the king does not want to go to war at this time, but wants to resolve the matter calmly. You also know that the king only won the title of king, so this kind of thing happened. If it is made public, I am afraid that it will be spread.
It doesn’t sound good to go out. That’s why I urgently asked you to return to Xudu for discussion..."
After years of fighting, people’s minds are calm!
First there was the Battle of Youzhou, and then there was the Battle of Jingzhou.
In two years, more than 500,000 troops and horses were mobilized, and countless money and food were lost.
Even if Cao Cao's family has a great business, it is still too much to bear... Therefore, it is reasonable for Cao Cao to hesitate.
"In this case, we'd better return to Xudu as soon as possible!"
After Cao Peng inquired about some information, he hurried to Xudu.
At the same time, Prime Minister Xu Du's Mansion.
After Cao Cao returned to Xudu, his health has not been good.
Catching typhoid fever in Jingnan undoubtedly had a huge impact on a person over fifty years old. His body was not as strong as it used to be, and his resistance gradually declined. Even with the diagnosis and treatment of famous doctors, he still had good days and bad days.
After ascending to the throne, Cao Cao's condition improved, but he was still weak.
Therefore, at the end of the year, Cao Cao intended to go to Yecheng to rest...but he did not expect that such a thing would happen.
"Gentlemen, what should we do about the chaos in the northwest?"
The Minister of Civil and Military Affairs was silent.
Seeing that he was about to use troops against Bingzhou, he didn't expect that war would break out in the northwest.
Cao Hong returned without success, and Ma Chao might attack Guanzhong at any time. Cao Ji, the herdsman of Liangzhou, also fell ill because of the sudden incident. Although he tried his best to support himself, he was somewhat unable to do so. There were also Baima Qiang in Huangzhong and Shenlang Qiang.
Chaos; Di riots, breaking up the Qiang alliance... It seems that everything broke out at this time.
Under such circumstances, who would dare to offer advice easily?
If something goes wrong, I'm afraid I will be implicated...
Who is the most suitable general to stay in Xudu?
This will be a large-scale personnel transfer, and no one wants to jump out to compete at this time.
"The Ma Teng rebellion in the northwest was decided by the later general.
Now that chaos has resumed in the northwest, we should ask the general to send troops again to quell the Qiang rebellion."
Cheng Yu stood up and said firmly, "Among the generals who are currently staying in Xudu, only the rear general is the most suitable."
"oh?"
"General Hou's prestige in the northwest is very high, and the Qiang and Hu are convinced.
Ma Chao is just a defeated general under the command of General Hou. If General Hou had commanded the northwest, there would be nothing wrong with Liangzhou."
Let Cao Peng go to battle?
Cao Cao was moved in his heart, but immediately frowned.
