The Wei family in Hedong had close business dealings with Cao Peng.
However, Wei Jian and Cao Peng have never met. Speaking of which, when Cao Peng was in Hexi, Wei Jian took office. Many years later, Guanzhong's great governance was closely related to Wei Jian. It was precisely because of Wei Jian's
The existence of Cao Cao made the gentry in Guanzhong accept Cao Cao's existence without much resistance. [bsp; "This time my friend came secretly just to put an end to the Qiang-Di rebellion.
Duke Boru is about to go to Yecheng to take up a high position, but I hope that I can cooperate and not let any news leak out in a short period of time."
According to Cao Cao's edict, Wei Jian was appointed as a minister and went to Yecheng to merge with Wang Can to establish the system.
Wei Jian was naturally happy. Firstly, he was promoted, and secondly, he could get rid of the chaos in the northwest and feel much more relaxed. If someone else came, Wei Jian might not leave with peace of mind. But when Cao Peng came, Wei Jian had no worries at all.
In the past, Cao Peng could be said to have pacified Liangzhou by riding alone. Now, although the Qiang and Di are in chaos and the horses are brave, Wei Jian is not worried at all. Now that Cao Peng is here, there will be no worries in the northwest.
He hurriedly invited Cao Peng to sit down and then brought him drinks.
Cao Peng then explained the purpose of his trip to Wei Ji...
Cao Cao secretly ordered Cao Peng to serve as Sili Xiaowei and envoy Chijie to supervise the northwest military. However, according to Cao Peng's request, it was best to announce this order to the world at the beginning of the Battle of Bingzhou.
In this way, you can give him enough preparation time.
Cao Cao had no objections and asked Dian Man and Xu Yi to accompany the army to obey orders. All the troops and horses in Heluo were returned to Cao Peng's disposal.
Then, Cao Peng secretly ordered Dianman to lead his troops into Guanzhong. At the same time, he ordered Xu Yi to recruit troops and horses in Heluo and stationed troops outside Hangu Pass, making it possible to enter the Pass at any time to confuse Ma Chao.
"Ma'er's dispatch of troops is no accident."
On the way, Fazheng analyzed it with Cao Peng.
Of the four scribes in Cao Peng's mansion, only Fazheng accompanied him.
Zhang Song and Jiang Wan accompanied Pang De to Guangling, while Deng Zhi was recommended to Cao Cao by Cao Peng as the chief secretary of the prime minister's palace and joined the military division. His nature was similar to that of a staff officer. But in comparison, he was more capable of joining the army.
Cao Cao's discernment. Deng Zhi had no objection to this. He originally hoped to gain more experience and increase his knowledge. Being able to hold an important position in the Prime Minister's Palace was also a test for Deng Zhi.
"How do you say this, Xiao Nao?"
"In the past, Ma'er suffered a disastrous defeat and retreated from Wudu. Only with Zhang Lu's support could he have a chance to breathe.
The Qiang and Di cannot be relied upon, and I think he knows it very well. Now using troops with great fanfare is tantamount to hitting an egg with an egg against a stone. Doesn't he know that? But he sent troops at this time, and there was no doubt that he had learned that the Prime Minister was going to use troops in Bingzhou.
Not many people knew about this news, but Ma was able to prepare to seize the opportunity. He thought that among the powerful people in Guanzhong, there must be someone who tipped him off and colluded secretly."
"You mean..."
Cao Peng had never thought about this.
From what Fazheng said, it seems quite possible.
Although Cao Peng and the Guanzhong gentry have eased their relationship, it is unlikely to be recognized by everyone.
Wei Ji recognized him, Huangfu Jianshou recognized him, but there were so many wealthy families in Guanzhong, how could it be possible to satisfy everyone?
When Fazheng saw that Cao Peng was silent, he was not in a hurry to continue.
As the mastermind, he must learn and leave Cao Peng with a thinking process.
After a while, Cao Peng suddenly raised his head, looked at Fazheng and asked, "What do you think Xiaozhi should do?"
"Just looking at the young master, are you brave?"
"speak!"
"Ma'er sent troops, Yu Zheng saw no threat.
The real threats are only the Qiang and Di rebels and Zhang Lu in Hanzhong. The Qiang and Di can be defeated, but they will eventually cause trouble in Hanzhong. The horses occupy Wudu and serve as the guard dogs of Hanzhong. If they beat the horses, they will have no effect on Zhang Lu.
There is a great connection, but if Hanzhong is taken, Ma'er will be in the northwest and will have no place to stand from now on. What do you think, Master?"
It's so good, why did it suddenly come to Hanzhong?
Cao Peng couldn't help being stunned and was speechless for a long time.
"The meaning of filial piety and uprightness is that we must go to Hanzhong?"
"Exactly!"
Fazheng smiled and said: "Hanzhong is the gateway to Xichuan, and Ma'er will support him later. In the past, the great ancestor started from Hanzhong, and it was the place where dragons flourished. The young master brought trouble to Xichuan, but Hanzhong was not affected. Zhang Lu is a weak person, and he must not be able to succeed.
A person of great importance. As long as the troops arrive at the city, Zhang Lu will not dare to fight anymore and will go out of the city to accept surrender...
After winning Hanzhong, the horse lost its support and could not achieve great things.
At that time, the young master only needs to guard the northwest, cut off the horse's retreat, and then lure it into the pass, so that it can become a lone army and be destroyed in one fell swoop. However, this will take a lot of time. It just depends on how the young master makes a decision."
Cao Peng fell into deep thought.
"How to get Hanzhong?"
When Fazheng heard this, he immediately laughed.
This also shows that Cao Peng is moved!
Capturing Hanzhong is an extremely critical step. As long as Hanzhong is defeated and Zhang Lu surrenders, Ma Chao will be gone.
Fazheng took a deep breath and whispered a few words into Cao Peng's ear.
But Cao Peng's face changed, revealing a strange expression.
"Xiao Zhi should know that this matter is extremely dangerous."
"Zheng Zi naturally knows!"
Fazheng smiled and said: "However, Zheng is also sure. It just depends on whether the young master dares to take this risk."
"Well..."
Cao Peng seemed a little hesitant.
Fazheng's strategy can be summed up in just three words: Ziwu Valley!
Cao Peng clearly remembered that in history, Zhuge Liang sent troops out of Qishan, and Wei Yan once offered a plan to send troops out of Ziwu Valley and march directly to Chang'an. This was a dangerous strategy, and Zhuge Liang, who was calm by nature, had no choice in the end.
But later generations made a lot of comments on this.
If Zhuge Liang had adopted Wei Yan's strategy at that time, he could have directly attacked Chang'an through the Ziwu Valley. Maybe the outcome of the Three Kingdoms would have turned out differently. Of course, this was just talk on paper by later generations. After all, no one knew about the situation at that time.
It’s clear. Wei Yan’s proposal was based on his considerations, and Zhuge Liang’s rejection was based on his own opinions. The truth has long been lost in the long river of history and can only be speculated by future generations.
Now Fazheng is offering his advice, which is actually to send troops into Ziwu Valley.
It is exactly the opposite of Wei Yan's strategy. One is to go out and the other is to go in, but the nature is the same.
To put it bluntly, it is to use surprise troops to cut off the retreat.
Cao Peng checked the map of Hanzhong. Over the years, the Hexi Chamber of Commerce has also discovered a detailed sand table of Hanzhong through trade in Xichuan. Hanzhong is not a small area, but it is not as prosperous as imagined.
According to a census record in the sixth year of Yonghe, that is, 140 AD.
Under the rule of Hanzhong, the nine counties had a population of 57,344 households, with a total of 267,402 people. This number does not include the local indigenous people and the number of domestic servants and maidservants hidden by the powerful Hanzhong. Now nearly seventy years have passed, and seventy
Although there has been no major war in Hanzhong during the past year, the war has not subsided.
Since Zhang Lu took over Hanzhong, there have been constant conflicts with Xichuan, so the population is estimated to be about 200,000.
In other words, in such a large territory, there are not many towns and many places are desolate.
If Fazheng succeeds in entering the Ziwu Valley, he can go straight to Nanzheng along the Mian River. This sounds simple, but it is not easy to do. The barren mountains and ridges are densely covered with insects and snakes, and the roads are difficult to navigate... There are many
There are no roads in this place, so it is not easy to reach Nanzheng smoothly.
Cao Peng could guess the danger contained in this.
He looked at Fazheng and said in a deep voice: "How can you be sure of victory if you are filial and upright?"
Fazheng lowered his voice and said: "Young master, do you still remember that I told you that I followed a good friend to Sichuan in the past?"
Have it?
Cao Peng tried to remember!
I remembered that Fa Zheng once said that he had two good friends in Xichuan, one was Zhang Song and the other was Meng Da.
Could it be that he was talking about Meng Da?
"Exactly!"
After receiving Fazheng's affirmative reply, Cao Peng became even more worried.
Meng Da was a capricious person. Historically, he first rebelled against Liu Zhang, then against Shu Han... Finally, he wanted to betray Cao Wei, but was discovered by Sima Yi and was eventually killed by Sima Yi.
How could such a person be trusted by Cao Peng?
"Is Mengda really trustworthy?"
Fazheng was stunned for a moment, and then said seriously: "Zi Du is an aloof and self-respecting person, but he is close to his heart and can be regarded as a confidant. He has no strong foundation in Xichuan, but he has achieved his current status by virtue of his bravery. Now he is called the Commander-in-Chief of Jiameng Pass.
, but he was under the control of the deputy general and stationed at Baishui Pass, which was very dissatisfying... I had corresponded with him before, and my words had revealed the intention of inviting him to serve the prince, and he was very moved by this.
However, Zheng finally persuaded him to stay in Xichuan with peace of mind..."
"Why?"
Cao Peng asked in astonishment.
Fazheng gave a wry smile, "How can your Majesty be able to sit back and watch Yizhou being outside? Sooner or later, troops will be sent out to conquer.
Zidu is different from me.
I am alone, but a down-and-out person; but he is always the guard of Jiameng Pass, and he is appointed as the captain of Guanghan. He came to vote rashly, and the prince may not value him. There are many talents under the prince's account. He is as brave as a Han Dynasty, and he is loyal and straight.
Ruo Lingming, let alone the northwest, has countless other parts. Once he comes, can the young master reuse him?"
This...can't really be reused!
But it's not because of his talent, but because of his fame.
"If the young master takes Xichuan one day, Zidu can be the internal response. This is a great achievement.
When the time comes, he can successfully get a place, and the master will not underestimate him. This is the best strategy."
Cao Peng, silent!
Fa Zheng sincerely considers Meng Da and is a considerate friend.
If you think about it from another angle, if Fa Zheng had been alive, would Meng Da have repeated it as it did in history?
However, Fazheng died in the 25th year of Jian'an, that is, 220 AD.
For Meng Da, he lost his close friend and a mentor who pointed out the direction for him and made him believe and even obey his words. Perhaps it was because of Fa Zheng's departure that Meng Da's relapse occurred?
Cao Peng had no choice but to think so, because Fazheng's words touched him deeply.
If you have a close friend in life, you will die without regrets!
Meng Da once had a confidant, but fate manipulated him...
"Zidu, how do you reply?"
Unknowingly, Cao Peng changed his name to Meng Da.
Fazheng smiled proudly and said, "Zidu dares not to listen to Zheng's words."
How dare he not listen to what I say?
Based on Fa Zheng's words, Cao Peng believed Meng Da.
"I can write to Zidu and ask him to send troops to pretend to attack Hanzhong and attract the soldiers and horses of Hanzhong to gather towards the Han River. Then, I will take advantage of the situation to march into Ziwu Valley, march directly to Nanzheng with light armor, and capture Zhang Lu in one fell swoop. Then Hanzhong can
Certainly."
"This plan is very dangerous."
"Young Master, there is a saying in the art of war. Soldiers use deceitful methods.
It is precisely because of danger that we need to act. Then Zhang Lu will not be careful, and compared with Zheng, it is not very dangerous at all."
"Then what do you need me to do?"
"First, we need a team of men and horses, and we need the help of brave generals."
Cao Peng thought for a while and said: "This is reasonable. I will follow Xiaozhi aside from Xiaozhi. But I don't know what Xiaozhi thinks. Who can be the general?"
"Just be virtuous!"
Dianman's martial arts skills mature day by day.
Not only did he get the true biography of Dian Wei, he also laid a solid foundation with Cao Peng in his early years, so he became a top-notch military general. He got the skills passed down from his family, but he changed his halberd into a giant axe, and he became good at swordsmanship. Even Dian Wei also
He should be praised for being able to throw a good halberd. Within ten steps, the halberd will not be missed, even more powerful than Dian Wei.
And Dian Wei's double iron halberds were used to perfection by him...
The most important thing is that he is different from Xu Yi.
When Cao Peng came to Xudu, Dianman was the first one to become friends with him. Among the Xiaobayi, except Wang Mai, the relationship between the two was the closest. The degree of closeness was even higher than that of Deng Fan.
.
However, after Dianman joined the army, his contact with Cao Peng decreased.
However, his trust and respect for Cao Peng was far beyond that of Xu Yi.
This is due to Dian Wei’s contribution!
Dian Wei once said to Dian Man: "All you have to do is follow Ah Fu's arrangements."
Cao Peng was kind to Dian Wei in saving his life. This was not comparable to that of Xu Chu...Cao Peng and Xu Chu were frankly a union of interests. However, Cao Peng and Dian Wei were a life-long friendship, and their nature was absolutely different.
Moreover, Xu Yibi Dian is full of scheming ideas.
This is the same as their parents...
Xu Chu is smarter than Dian Wei, but precisely because of this, Cao Cao prefers Dian Wei to Xu Chu.
Let Noriman accompany you?
It's not impossible...
"In this case, I will explain to my second brother...what about the second request?"
Fazheng smiled and said, "I need to wait for the opportunity. Once the master entrusts this matter to me, don't rush it. I will have my own opinion."
"Can!"
"The third requirement is that I need a guide.
However, this is not difficult for the young master. Therefore, I hope that the young master can secretly go to Liangzhou to divert the attention of Ma'er and Zhang Lu. When the opportunity is right, I will send troops and I will let the young master know when the time comes.
"
This means giving full command without Cao Peng's intervention.
If it were anyone else, he would definitely not agree to Fa Zheng's request; but Cao Peng, who knew Fa Zheng's ability well, smiled and agreed immediately.
Now that the Fa is upright, there will be three in thirty.
Regardless of experience or mentality, including vision, he is in a mature stage.
Cao Peng admitted that he could not think of a strategy to send troops into Ziwu Valley. With the changes of history, his so-called "overall situation" has gradually become useless. Therefore, it is better to follow Fa Zheng's idea. If you know how to use tactics, it is better to
Know how to employ people! Two thousand years of history have all illustrated this truth, and Cao Peng understood it very well.
In this way, after discussing with Fa Zheng, Fa Zheng accompanied Dian Man and quietly entered the customs.
As for Cao Peng, he led two civil and military officials and four small oil bottles to Chang'an...
The four little oil bottles are Deng Ai, Cai Di, Du Shu and Sun Shao.
Originally, Cao Peng didn't want to bring them here.
But I don’t know how these four little guys got the news and colluded to follow them secretly.
It wasn't until he was in Mianchi that Cao Peng found the four of them accompanying him.
I wanted to drive them away, but it was a bit late...
Later, Hu Zhao wrote another letter to persuade Cao Peng.
Cai Di, Deng Ai Dushu and others are all accomplished in their studies at the academy. Although Sun Shao has just entered the academy, his martial arts skills are indeed impressive. Reading thousands of books is not as good as traveling thousands of miles. Now they have made a move.
Forcing them to go back to study will make them unable to calm down, so it is better to let them experience it.
Hu Zhao said: "Youxue, you were appointed the Northern Lieutenant of Luoyang at the age of fifteen.
When he was sixteen years old, he had already participated in the Battle of Guandu and made great achievements. Rather than protecting these children, it is better to let them gain experience. Only in this way can they realize their shortcomings."
It must be different from the cramming education of later generations, or the so-called "quality" education. Cao Peng felt that Hu Zhao's approach was the real quality education.
Now that he's here, it's hard to drive him away.
So Cao Peng took his four children and came to Chang'an at the same time, along with a special person.
Zhuge Jun!
Zhuge Jun originally came to Changsha to settle down his career on the orders of Sima Hui.
Sima Hui was preparing to practice Taoism in Zhongnan Mountain, and Zhuge Jun, as his disciple, should take the lead.
But with Fa Zheng's departure, there was no one around Cao Peng who could engage in copywriting work.
Du Shu can share some of the burden, since he is too young after all.
Therefore, Cao Peng and Zhuge Jun discussed and asked Zhuge Jun to temporarily serve as his chief secretary to share some of the pressure.
Zhuge Jun was also very grateful when he thought that Cao Peng had taken in his family.
He wasn't very interested in becoming an official, but since Cao Peng proposed it, he couldn't refuse, so he agreed.
Of course, Zhuge Jun's identity cannot be exposed.
He used Ge Jun's name and said that he was a staff member recruited by Cao Peng in Jingzhou, but no one paid attention.
Wei Jian was a little worried and said: "So, Youxue is going to Longxi?"
"Exactly!"
"But the situation in Longxi..."
Cao Peng smiled slightly and said, "It is precisely because of the tense situation in Longxi that I have to go.
My father had no choice but to come to Liangzhou to take up his post. Now, he has been in the bitter cold land of the northwest for six years. He is not in good health. How can I let him stay there, frightened and self-supporting?
After some time, Liangzhou Mu will arrive in Chang'an.
Peng hopes that Duke Boru can stay in Chang'an for a few more days and cooperate with my third brother to intimidate some people in Guanzhong to stay honest. After Wenhe arrives in Chang'an, Duke Boru will go to Yecheng again. Is it okay?"
Jia Xu will be appointed as the shepherd of Liangzhou!
Cao Cao did not hide the news.
Wei Jian thought for a while and agreed.
He is a smart man, and he can naturally get clues from Cao Peng's words. Moreover, Guanzhong has been a little uneasy recently. On the surface, it seems that people are singing and dancing in peace, but in fact, there is an undercurrent that is very strange.
Wei Jian also guessed that there might be some powerful people in Guanzhong who were adding fuel to the fire.
Now that Cao Peng spoke out, he was even more convinced of this idea.
There is some bitterness in my heart, I am afraid that there will be another twists and turns in this pass. When the time comes, I don’t know which family will perish in this turmoil... However, it will have nothing to do with him by then.
By the time he really wants to see the outcome, I'm afraid he has already arrived in Yecheng.
Although Wei Jian is a powerful member of Guanzhong, as long as he does not touch the interests of the Wei family in Hedong, there will not be a big problem. Wei Jian grasped this very accurately! Otherwise, Cao Peng killed Wei Duan, Wei Kang and his son.
, he will not stop pursuing it halfway. In the end, it has nothing to do with his Wei family.
Wait!
After Wei Jian sent Cao Peng away, he suddenly shivered with excitement.
Jingzhao, Webster?
Could it be that they are causing trouble inside?
Wei Duan and Wei Kang's father and son were killed by Cao Peng. As a long-established family in Guanzhong, the Wei family would naturally not give up.
At that time, Cao Peng was wanted to be investigated, and the loudest clamor was the Jingzhao Wei family.
But later, because Cao Peng gave up the Hexi trade route, coupled with the suppression of Huangfu Jianshou and Wei Jian, as well as the old Guanzhong tycoons like the Pingling Dou family, Weishi finally had to bow his head and no longer pursue the case.
But can they really give up?
The death of Wei Duan and Wei Kang dealt a huge blow to Wei's interests.
In particular, Webster's interests in Liangzhou were almost uprooted by Cao Peng, which could be described as a serious loss of vitality.
Under such circumstances, if Webster could be willing, he would not be a powerful man in Guanzhong!
Standing on the doorstep, Wei Jian let out a long breath.
On the one hand, he was happy that he would jump out of this whirlpool; on the other hand, he felt faintly regretful.
I hope Webster can be smarter and not get involved in disputes.
Otherwise, with the tyrannical and cruel methods of King Cao of Hell, Jingzhao Wei's time may not be long...
"Husband, who came to visit just now?"
Behind him, a dignified woman came up, took Wei Qian's arm, and asked softly.
This woman is Wei Ji's wife.
Speaking of which, she was also the daughter of a wealthy family, and was born into the Pei family, another family in Hedong.
On weekdays, Ms. Pei seldom interfered with Wei Ji's official affairs. She was good at reading, liked women, and was better at calligraphy and painting.
Wei Jian and Pei's Qin and Se are in harmony, and they are quite affectionate.
Upon hearing Pei's question, Wei Ji thought for a moment, turned around and replied: "The King of the Northwest, the real King of the Northwest."
"ah?"
Mrs. Pei was stunned!
I have never heard of someone with a title like Northwest King.
However, Mr. Pei was extremely smart and reacted immediately, seeming to understand the meaning of Wei Jian's words...
King of the Northwest?
Or it would be more appropriate to call him Lord of the Northwest.
Who in this entire court can bear these three words? There is only one person, and only that person can!
Settling the northwest, opening up the Silk Road, making the Qiang and Hu surrender, and making Guanzhong rich...
"He is back?"
"Well, I'm back."
Wei Ji would not hide anything from Pei, because he knew Pei's temperament very well, and he was a person who could keep secrets.
"He will take over as Captain Sili when he comes this time.
However, we will continue to stay in Chang'an for a while and cooperate with him in some actions. Haha, when this person comes back, I am afraid that many people will be frightened. But for us, it is indeed a good thing."
"Um?"
"Madam, please write to your father-in-law immediately.
We can continue to increase investment in the northwest, and business that has been suspended before can also be continued.
In the northwest, with him in charge, the horses can't make any noise."
After hearing this, Mr. Pei nodded and stopped asking any more questions.
It was enough for Wei Ji to reveal this news to her... Presumably the family would gain more benefits from this.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
In April of the 14th year of Jian'an, Cao Cao issued a formal edict to launch an attack on Bingzhou.
Deng Ji, the prefect of Hedong Province, with Huang Zhong as general and Jiang Ji as the vanguard, marched out of Tongtian Mountain and marched 600 miles in ten days, conquering three towns in a row, and their troops were on the verge of leaving the stone... The force of the army is so strong that if it is destroyed, there will be no one left.
Invincible.
Huang Zhong wore heavy armor himself and led his troops to ascend first.
The prefect of Xihe did not dare to resist. When Huang Zhong arrived at Lishi, he immediately opened the city and surrendered.
At this time, Deng Ji's main force had just crossed Tongtian Mountain. After learning the news of Li Shi's return, Deng Ji was a little at a loss. It took him a long time to react, and he couldn't help but look up to the sky and laugh...
"This Ah Fu and my old Lianpo!"
Immediately, Deng Ji informed Yang Di and led his troops to rush to Lishi.
At the same time, Li Dian and Cao Zhang advanced in parallel, and Bingzhou was in chaos...
At this time, Cao Peng detoured to Jiequanting and arrived outside Lintao City without anyone noticing!
