In the wilderness on the west bank of the Shu River, the sky is getting late and the summer wind is bleak.
Cao Cao saw that Guo Jia had been staring at Chen Mu's retreating back, and he couldn't help but wonder what Chen Zigui had said to make Feng Xiao lose his composure.
Of course Guo Jia knew that Cao Cao was as suspicious as Yuan Shao, so he turned around, quickly calmed down the emotions on his face, and just smiled calmly: "Ming Gong."
Cao Cao frowned and said in a low voice: "Fengxiao, when you talked to Chen Zigui before, you said that the coffin was a great gift, and why did you talk about persuading me to rein in the danger? What on earth was that about?"
They were still struggling with what Chen Mu said before.
Guo Jia, on the other hand, not only understood the meaning of Chen Mu's words, but his vision had also improved a lot.
Because Chen Mu had already talked to him before about the root cause of the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the change of dynasty.
It was this ability to look at the essence through phenomena that made the originally conceited Guo Jia admire Chen Mu, and that made him somewhat believe that Chen Mu might really be able to create an eternal legacy.
As for Cao Cao and the others, they are still in the game. They have not jumped out of their own limitations. Even why Chen Mu suddenly delivered the coffin, he still has not figured it out.
This is the gap between top intellectuals.
In most Three Kingdoms games in later generations, Cao Cao's intelligence has reached 90, which is on the threshold of top wise men. Cheng Yu and Chen Gong are basically between 92-94, and they are considered first-class counselors.
But Guo Jia is a super-class with an intelligence of 98. It seems that the difference is only a few points, but at this level, the difference in every point is very obvious.
Even if the Three Kingdoms games of later generations are not necessarily reliable, looking at the history books, Cao Cao is indeed not as sharp as Guo Jia in making many major decisions. In many matters, he basically relies on the persuasion of Xun Yu and Guo Jia before he makes the decision.
Do.
Therefore, what Cao Cao, Cheng Yu, and Chen Gong didn't understand. After Guo Jia arrived at the scene, he understood the situation in front of him, and soon vaguely guessed Chen Mu's intention, and then said that the coffin was a great gift.
This wit is indeed worthy of the reputation of the genius Guo Fengxiao.
"Ming Gong."
Guo Jia slowly bowed his hands and said calmly: "It is true that Chen Zigui was wrongly blamed for this matter. He did not come here to kill Duke Ming, but really came to save Duke Ming."
"Ah? Are you really here to save me?"
Cao Cao was dumbfounded. The two sides were about to fight each other, and they said they were coming to save him?
How can anyone in this world carry a coffin to save someone?
If it weren't for Guo Jia being his most trusted advisor who had been with him for two years and made numerous suggestions for him, Cao Cao would have even suspected that he was Chen Mu's undercover agent.
Guo Jia rode a little donkey and returned to camp with Cao Cao. Behind him were many guards. Next to him were several people from Cheng Yu and Chen Gong. While jolting on the donkey, he continued: "Do you know what Chen Zigui is here for?
"
"Come to threaten me?"
Cao Cao rode Jueying and strolled with everyone. When he heard Guo Jia's words, he frowned and said angrily: "Liu Xuande is so domineering. Even Xuzhou won't allow me to have any influence on him?"
"No."
Guo Jia shook his head: "Chen Zigui did not come to prevent the Duke from taking Xuzhou. The Duke attacked Xuzhou, and the division was well-known. One was to avenge the unprovoked attack in the first place, and the other was that the imperial court had already labeled Tao Qian as a traitor. The Duke raised an army to attack Xuzhou, which was justified. Chen Zigui would not
Making such a stupid mistake."
"Stupid mistake?"
Cao Cao was puzzled: "What stupid mistake?"
Guo Jia explained: "He just came to attack Duke Ming for no reason."
Is this a stupid mistake?
Even before Cao Cao turned around, the world was in chaos. Do you still need a reason to attack one force?
"I see."
Chen Gong, who had an intelligence of 94, suddenly came back to his senses and suddenly realized: "Ming Gong, then Chen Zigui is here to remind Ming Gong that you should not massacre the people."
Killing people was common in ancient times. Even if you did it, you would at most receive some moral condemnation and be labeled as cruel.
What's more, these are people under the rule of hostile forces, so what if they are massacred?
But since Guo Jia and Chen Gong have reminded him one after another, there must be a deep meaning in it. Could it be that the key to the matter still lies with Liu Xuande?
Thinking of Liu Bei's jealous character, Cao Cao pondered: "Is Fengxiao Gongtai worried about Liu Xuande sending troops? Haven't we discussed this matter before? Liu Xuande is at a stalemate with Yuan Shao and has no time to care. Even if Chen Zi returns, his troops will not be as strong as ours."
Quite. I didn't dare to take action just now because his Qingqi was too close to us. If we fight him head-on, I wouldn't be afraid, so why should I be afraid of Liu Xuande?"
Regarding Liu Bei's character traits, Cao Cao and Guo Jia also analyzed it. Benevolence is indeed benevolence, but it is too much. Sometimes, he will often do irrational things for the sake of the people.
He is like this whether it is now or in history. In today's world, during the Battle of Guanzhong, he gave up the plan to raid Chang'an for the sake of the people.
In history, in order to take care of the people, those who retreated from Xinye actually chose to go south with the people.
You must know that the Battle of Bowangpo bought Liu Bei enough time after defeating Xiahou Dun. If he had abandoned the people and led his army south quickly, it would have been impossible for the tiger and leopard cavalry to catch up with him.
But Liu Bei chose a very stupid method. In the end, not only the people were not saved, but he and Zhao Yun and Liu Chan almost died in the rebellion.
So from this point of view, Guo Jia is indeed very accurate in reading people, and he can tell what kind of person Liu Bei is at a glance.
Therefore, Cao Cao's army of counselors first formulated a plan to raid Xuzhou, hoping to bring Xuzhou into their own territory while Liu Bei was unable to go south.
As for the massacre of the city, they felt that even if it was massacred, Liu Bei would not be able to mobilize a large number of troops in a short period of time. Even if Chen Mu came, everyone had the same strength. In addition, Yanzhou was close at hand, and he could mobilize troops at any time. Anyone could take advantage of it.
Not cheap.
The worst outcome is that Qingzhou will only get the Langya Kingdom. If you are lucky, even after taking Xuzhou, you can organize your troops and horses to drive Chen Zigui out of Xuzhou. By then, Cao Cao will have the confidence to fight against the world's heroes.
However, Guo Jia shook his head and said: "We did consider Liu Xuande's attitude at the beginning, but we ignored the other person."
"who?"
"Bo'an Gong."
"Bo'an Gong?"
Although Liu Yu has ascended the throne as emperor, his image as a wise elder in the clan is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, so many people do not call him the emperor, but call him the duke.
This is not derogatory, nor is it a downgrade, but a form of respect for a person of high moral character and respect.
It's just that Cao Cao didn't quite understand that although the small imperial court in Luoyang was supported by the original ministers, it had become the most credible emperor among the three self-proclaimed emperors in the world.
But after all, he has lost control of the world and no one cares about him anymore. Why do Guo Jia and Chen Gong still say that they have ignored him?
Guo Jia said: "Gong Bo'an has always been kind and righteous and loves the people. If he knew that Duke Ming massacred the people, how would he treat him?"
Cao Cao sneered and said: "Luoyang itself cannot be protected, and Yuan Benchu has dragged down its troops. Even if Duke Boan issues an order to me, what can he do to me?"
Chen Gong sighed: "Don't forget, Duke Ming, Liu Bei has been focusing on Luoyang in the name of supporting the Han Dynasty. If Duke Bo'an orders Liu Bei to attack Duke Ming, maybe Liu Bei will really give up the benefits he currently gets from Jizhou.
Turn to attack Duke Ming!"
"What?"
Cao Cao felt horrified and suddenly broke into a cold sweat.
Those who are horizontal are afraid of being stunned, and those who are stunned are afraid of losing their lives.
Liu Yu was extremely benevolent to the people, and in history, he had a serious conflict with Gongsun Zan because of this incident.
But Liu Bei and Liu Yu are still the same people, and Liu Bei has always regarded Liu Yu as his leader and sincerely supports him.
If Liu Yu gave the order, Liu Bei might really listen.
At that time, I would rather give up Bohai County and half of the Qinghe Kingdom than fight Cao Cao to death. Then it is exactly what Chen Mu said, and the coffin sent will be used by himself.
Because like Jizhou, Yanzhou was also flanked by Qingzhou and Luoyang. There was even Sun Jian below who was supported by Qingzhou, and his situation was almost exactly the same as Yuan Shao.
Yuan Shao was able to withstand attacks from three sides because he had Wang Fen's help to defeat Jizhou.
But what does Cao Cao have?
It's just a ruined Yanzhou with 20,000 to 30,000 elite soldiers.
If there was a real fight, Qingzhou wouldn't need to send too many troops. Chen Mu would lead 20,000 troops, Luoyang would send 10,000 troops, and Sun Jian would lead 20,000 troops to the north, and he could be defeated easily.
So after hearing Guo Jia and Chen Gong's analysis, Cao Cao finally realized that he had made a very serious mistake.
This mistake is that there is no bottom line.
It was not a moral bottom line, but a lack of regard for the Luoyang court and a lack of respect for Liu Yu as the leader. The intention of rebelling against the traitors was too obvious.
Just like in the late Yuan Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang had to respect Xiao Ming Wang Han Lin'er as his master before major events were accomplished. It makes sense to wait until he defeated Chen Youliang and had the world's general situation under control before he killed Han Lin'er and established his own business.
Before your wings become strong, you must learn to be patient.
Although Wang Mang is a relatively failed case, Sima Yi succeeded, but Cao Cao doesn't know it yet.
certainly.
Historically, Cao Cao did not have the consciousness to be a loyal minister, because the court at that time was in his hands, so the bottom line was always within his control.
At the beginning, I had a little respect for Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty.
As a result, later on, his wings became stronger and stronger, and his intention to usurp the throne became more and more obvious. Not only did he make himself the king of Wei, but he also killed all the wives and sons of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty and replaced him with his own daughter as the queen.
But it's different now.
Liu Yu in Luoyang was not controlled by Cao Cao like Emperor Xian of Han Dynasty. It was impossible for Cao Cao to control Liu Yu.
Liu Yu even had autonomy because he could really command Liu Bei.
So if Cao Cao didn't take Liu Yu seriously and did something that went against Liu Yu's values, and Chen Mu sent a memorial, Liu Yu would issue an edict to remove him as the shepherd of Yanzhou.
What to do then?
Learn from Yuan Shao, Liu Yan, Tao Qian, Yuan Shu and others and establish themselves as kings?
Or should you obediently hand over your power?
The former will be attacked by Liu Bei like Tao Qian, and the latter will be worse off than dead.
Therefore, Chen Mu came here not to stop Cao Cao from doing things that went against Liu Bei's values, but to stop him from massacring civilians to avoid offending Liu Yu.
Qingzhou's "The Battle against Dong" can make Cao Cao famous, and the "Massacre of the City" can make him infamy for thousands of years.
Coupled with Liu Yu's scolding, Cao Cao would no longer have a rightful name and would instantly become a loser. Apart from forming alliances with people like Tao Qian, Yuan Shao, and Yuan Shu, it is estimated that he would no longer have a foothold in the Central Plains.
Thinking of this, Cao Cao felt extremely frightened and said repeatedly: "I see, that's it. I almost made a big mistake. Thanks to Feng Xiao for reminding me."
Guo Jia waved his hands and smiled bitterly: "This is not my credit. If it weren't for Chen Zigui, I would not have thought that Duke Bo'an, who is far away in Luoyang, could play such a big role. This is my negligence."
Cheng Yu also handed over his hand and apologized to Cao Cao: "Ming Gong, this is Yu's fault. If it weren't for Yu, Ming Gong would not have made a mistake because of this and almost destroyed Yanzhou's foundation."
Chen Gong also said: "Gong is also guilty of this. He is guilty of negligence."
"Okay, okay, everyone doesn't need to argue about the blame. You are just the one who came up with the plan. It is up to me to decide whether to adopt it or not. Since it is my choice, it is my fault. Let's end this matter."
Cao Cao waved his hand and took the responsibility on himself.
This move made several counselors feel very comfortable, which is also the charm of Cao Cao.
But Cao Cao definitely didn't know one thing.
That is to say, when it comes to controlling people's hearts, Guo Jia must be the best in the world, and he is known for his tactical ingenuity and cunning ways. When it comes to marching, fighting, and making plans, Cheng Yu is also good at both civil and military skills. He can lead troops when mounted and dismounted.
Peaceful to the people. Chen Gong was also a master of tactics. He gave Lu Bu advice and almost captured Cao Cao alive.
But when it comes to strategic planning, the vision of these people is much different, and they cannot be compared with Xun Yu.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! If Xun Yu was here, when Cheng Yu proposed massacre of the county to frighten Tao Qian, he might have thought of Luoyang's reaction and tried to dissuade Cao Cao.
.
Because among the entire Three Kingdoms, Jia Xu, Ju Shou, and Xun Yu know best what kind of benefits an orthodox emperor can bring to a prince.
Jia Xu was the first to propose "serve the country to conquer the world", followed closely by Ju Shuo "holding the emperor's hand to command the princes, and the soldiers and horses to challenge the court", and finally Xun Yu "serve the emperor to obey the people and serve the public.
Serve heroes and support righteousness to become handsome."
The three of them all have extremely long-term strategic visions and must be aware of the differences in the current situation.
But now Chen Mu has already lured Xun Yu from Cao Cao, Ju Shou from Yuan Shao, and even Jia Xu is waiting and watching Qingzhou. Therefore, including Yuan Shao, there is no one in these people's camp.
A top strategist cannot point out the way forward for all princes.
This is Chen Mu's biggest conspiracy.
The foreshadowing was laid as early as when Xun Yu was summoned to the Chancellery in Luoyang.
Er Xun is a top tactician and a top strategist. Why does Chen Mu value Xun Yu more than he cares about Xun You's fate?
It's because temporary tactical gains and losses don't matter. Tactics may fail, but as long as the strategy wins, that's fine.
Because sometimes winning a battle does not mean victory is achieved.
For example, when the Japanese pirates invaded in later generations, their earliest strategy was to advocate policies such as co-prosperity in Asia and China and Japan as one family. On the surface, they were friendly, but in reality they were slowly encroaching on our land of China.
Although this method will progress very slowly, it is extremely effective.
If we really follow this strategy and boil the frog in warm water, China will be in need of allies everywhere in those difficult times, and it is really possible that it will tolerate every step of the way and eventually be slowly invaded by Japanese pirates.
Including the famous strategist General Jiang Baili also believed that "China and Japan are not afraid of being swallowed by whales, but they are afraid of cannibalization."
As a result, the Japanese pirates were impatient and wanted to imitate the mustache and engage in blitzkrieg. They wanted to destroy China within three months. They overturned the plan of cannibalization, tore off the mask of hypocrisy, and revealed their true true face of cruelty.
Everyone knows the result of this battle. Although the Japanese pirates won the Battle of Songhu and won one battle, they did not win the entire war.
Although we lost the Battle of Songhu, it bought us precious time to evacuate a large number of manpower and material resources to the rear, and then used great strategic depth to forcefully drag the Japanese pirates into the quagmire of the war, and fell into the most amazing thing of a great man.
Grand Strategy "Protracted War"!
This is the difference between strategy and tactics.
Today, although Cao Cao has many tactical and even psychological talents under his command, he does not have a top strategist to help him plan what to do in the future, so he is passive at every step.
Without strategists to help him, there will be no future!