Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3106 Old Harvest

The cold wind came and went, and the flags were rolling.

There was silence in the tent of Cao Cao's central army.

 Cao Hong's face was ashen, and the flesh on his cheeks would tremble from time to time.

 Guo Jia on the other side lowered his head and touched the wine gourd in his arms, looking thoughtful.

Cao Cao had many advisers. In addition to Guo Jia and Yang Xiu, Dong Zhao, Jiang Ji and others were also extraordinary.

 Under Cao Hong, there were a group of generals from the second and third generations of the Cao family and the Xiahou family. In addition to the generals of the Cao family and the Xiahou family, Liu Fang, Shi Bao, Zhen Yang and others also have military talents and can be used as auxiliary commanders.

On the whole, the strength of Cao Cao's advisers and generals is not that bad. The problem is that the Hussars are too far ahead in technology, which makes Cao Cao's army feel like they are tied up, and they will always be unable to use it. Encountered various problems and fell into a passive situation.

Cao Cao frowned.

Attacking Guanzhong is a very important node for Cao Cao. If he cannot obtain Guanzhong, or cannot bring down Guanzhong's economy, then the question in the future will not only be whether he can continue to attack Guanzhong, but how long he can persist. Only by capturing Guanzhong can the Cao family, Xiahou family and others have a bright future. If they cannot capture...

 Therefore, the people of the Cao family and the Xiahou family worked together this time and fought hard regardless of life and death.

 It’s a pity that the effect is not very good.

Cao Jun's Fengling Crossing plan failed, the Hedong forward troops were almost wiped out, and the whereabouts of Cao Zhen, Cao Hong's son, are unknown.

Although there is no definite news about Cao Zhen, it is most likely that the situation is already dire.

Xia Houyuan was even more unavailable.

 Hedong…

I'm afraid it will be a loss of troops and generals.

Cao Cao’s face was ashen.

  This was a war pattern that exceeded Cao Cao's expectations and was difficult for the Shandong gentry to understand.

Cao Cao even suspected that his strategy of sending troops to attack Hedong became Fei Qian's excuse to clean up Hedong, just like he often used Fei Qian's reasons to rectify Jizhou and other places.

The key is that the news of the defeat in Hedong spread like wildfire among the army, causing a serious blow to Cao Cao's prestige.

It’s not that Cao Jun has never suffered defeats, but he has never suffered defeats under "advantage". In the past, when Cao Jun was running around to fight against Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, his overall strength was not as good as that of Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, and even his hometown was raided. However, now that his apparent strength exceeds that of Guanzhong, he still attacked while Fei Qian was not at home, but It has been impossible to win Guanzhong for a long time.

Failing to capture Guanzhong, Cao Cao would have no extra money and property, and no reason to forcefully promote the reforms of the Han Dynasty.

 In his eyes, it was time for the Han Dynasty to reform.

 The Han Dynasty was completely corrupt. This was the consensus of almost all the officials in power.

It has become a common practice among the nobles in Shandong to smuggle and sell various artifacts, even contraband, with Jiangdong in Guanzhong on weekdays, without any cover-up at all. The school steward only goes out to catch some small fish and shrimps, and the real big fish dare not move. There are also a series of issues such as land annexation, concealment of tenant farmers, evasion of labor and taxes, local powerful attempts to separate, and so on.

Now Cao Cao is still alive, and Xiahou Dun is also alive. The cooperation between the Cao family and the Xiahou family is still tacit, so the two families are like one family. But if one day Cao Cao or Xiahou Dun dies, then the friendship between the Cao family and the Xiahou family will Will they still be close?

These people are short-sighted, which is naturally unacceptable to Cao Cao, who has the world in mind.

 On the contrary, many children from poor families were quite enterprising, and Cao Cao tried to improve their treatment and expand the scope of their appointments. Originally, according to his idea, if he won, Qinglong Temple would be moved to Yecheng to recreate the style of Qi Jixia Palace.

but now…

Cao Cao turned around and asked Guo Jiandao: "Fengxiao, what kind of thing is this thunderous thing on Tongguan City?" 』

Guo Jia cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to my lord, the new type of ordnance at Tongguan is called artillery." 』

Cao Hong asked in a deep voice: "Since you know its name, why didn't you mention it before?" 』

Guo Jia replied: "When I wrote the report in detail, I only had a brief summary. I didn't know the details, nor the truth or falsehood." 』

Cao Hong's expression was still calm, "Since careful work will pay off, why not give a warning in advance?" 』

Guo Jia frowned slightly and remained silent.

 Cao Hong is now anxious and has some emotional problems. Guo Jia can understand it, but it does not mean that Guo Jia is willing to be the target of Cao Hong's grievances. Regarding the artillery, Guo Jia did receive a letter earlier, but on the one hand, Guo Jia did not understand what artillery was. Secondly, artillery consumes a lot of copper and iron. Guo Jia also felt that this was a wasteful behavior of the hussar. Why stop it?

Just like when the Great Whip Dynasty first heard about the existence of iron-clad ships, many court officials did not believe it and said it was nonsense. How could iron float on the water?

Guo Jia is not a god, and he can't imagine how the artillery is used. He can't understand it until he sees it with his own eyes.

It's just that now Cao Hong obviously doesn't want to really understand what artillery is. He just wants to find a place to vent his grievances, so it's better not to speak.

But Cao Hong was still unwilling to let go of Guo Jia, or in other words, he was unwilling to let go of the counselor aspect, so he stared at Guo Jia, Dong Zhao, Yang Xiu and others, especially Yang Xiu, "Since you are planning for the Lord, you should know that military strategists are The importance of the country! There is war today, no matter how big or small it is, we should be careful about it, so as not to mislead others or ourselves, or delay national affairs! 』

Guo Jia didn't speak, and Dong Zhao didn't say anything.

As for Jiang Ji, Yang Xiu and others, they remained silent.

Chao Cao is now like the chairman of a large company, with a group of department heads sitting together. Sales blames planning, planning blames production, production blames logistics, logistics blames finance, and finance blames everyone...

 Cao Cao glanced at Cao Xiu.

Cao Xiu did not hesitate, stood up and said loudly: "Hussars make weapons, there are many strange things. How can you know what they are used for before they take shape?" Since Fengxiao took charge of the detailed affairs in Guanzhong, he has done his best to do his duty. No wonder Fengxiao has done this! 』

Cao Hong snorted, his eyes cold, "I didn't blame Fengxiao, it's just that in the current situation, no matter what the problem is, we must come up with an idea and regulations!" A certain person is stupid by nature and only knows how to fight, but where should he go to fight? Shouldn't there be some planning? Otherwise, we will be sent to death, and the conspirator will not have to fight, nor will he be punished, and he will just sit back and enjoy his success..."

Cao Hong didn't read many books when he was young, so he couldn't talk about anything. He always used allusions to speak, and he was always so straightforward. When he saw Yang Xiu lowering his head, he directly asked by name: "Yang Dezu, you Do you think I'm right? 』

Yang Xiu’s heart skipped a beat.

Yang Xiu cannot deny this matter.

Although Yang Xiu also knew that even without his advice or strategy, Cao Cao would still attack Hedong, but what could he do?

The reason why Yang Xiu gave the advice was not to intentionally harm Cao Cao and Cao Hong, nor was he ignorant of the risks in Hedong. But at that time, Yang Xiu had to show his value in order to preserve the Yang family.

To be honest, the strategy can be said to have been planned by Yang Xiu, but were there any deviations when Cao Zhen executed it?

 Why didn’t Cao Hong say anything?

However, it was naturally impossible for Yang Xiu to jump out and argue with Cao Hong. He could only lower his head and continue to remain silent.

Dong Zhao said from the side: "What General Zilian said is certainly to the point..."

 He turned to Yang Xiu and said, "General Zi Lian is quite experienced in this matter on the battlefield. Dezu still needs to learn more from General Zi Lian..."

Yang Xiu remained silent, just cupping his hands.

"alright! This is not the time to discuss merits and demerits! ” Cao Cao said in a deep voice, “Focus on the present! As for merits and demerits, we can wait until after the war to evaluate them! Nowadays, Tongguan has added a new weapon to defend the city. How should we respond? 』

Guo Jia responded: "My lord, this new type of artillery is indeed sharp...but it certainly has its disadvantages, which is not good for a long-term battle. If we are afraid of its advantages, we are afraid that the enemy will do what he wants..."

Cao Hong suddenly frowned, and the anger gradually rose on his face.

 What is fear?

 Does this mean that we are all cowards because we work so hard?

Cao Xiu watched from the side and said quickly, "Jiejiu, how do you respond to the current military strategy?" 』

Guo Jia smiled slightly and said, "There is no other way but a fight." 』

Cao Xiu was stunned, "Sacrificing wine, isn't this the same strategy as before?" What's new? 』

Guo Jia nodded and said: "The military affairs are based on the combination of justice and the supplement of surprise. If there is no justice, surprise will not be used... There is a saying in the art of war..."     "Stop nagging about the art of war," Cao Hong said dissatisfied , "Let's make it clear now!" How to do it? ! 』

Guo Jia was silent for a while and said, "Try one more test." 』

　　　　Still testing? ! ” Cao Hong was almost furious.

 Having been talking for a long time, isn’t it the same as not saying anything at all?

　　　　Zilian! "Cao Cao stopped Cao Hong, then nodded to Guo Jia, "Feng Xiao, continue..."

Guo Jia arched his hand and said, "General Zi Lian is worried about the loss of soldiers, and Jia can't bear it." Nowadays, we know the excellence of the hussars' equipment. The power of this artillery is the last resort of the hussars. Now it is displayed in front of us... It has the intention of shocking us, but... what if it is the last resort of the hussars? 』

　　『Last resort? ” After everyone heard this, they couldn’t help but think about it.

Guo Jia said: "Now that the hussars are showing off their weapons, we might as well pretend to fall into their trap. It's a time when the army is busy with cattle and wine, so we have to temporarily stop the troops. If the Tongguan defenders slack off because of this... we can test the Tongguan army... 』

Cao Cao stroked his beard, nodded and said, "The words "Feng Xiao" are quite pertinent. Now that our army has been living abroad for a long time, it is inevitable that we will be homesick and timid. Now that the cattle and wine are here, we can arrange for the soldiers to take turns to groom to soothe their hearts. Do you have any opinions? 』

 What can you say about this?

 After Cao Cao finished speaking, everyone couldn't help but respond in unison.

Cao Cao looked around for a week and then laughed loudly and said: "It's ridiculous that even if the hussars are in danger of passing through the pass, what's the use of the powerful artillery?" It’s nothing more than the poor skills of Guizhou donkeys! My majestic master will determine Guanzhong with his brilliant actions! Do you still have any worries? Now you can return to each battalion to encourage the soldiers. When the New Year is over, it will be a full-scale attack! 』

 Everyone should be like this.

Cao Cao waved his hand and asked everyone to retreat.

Guo Jia walked at the back. When he was about to walk out, Cao Cao coughed and shouted slowly: "Follow me..."

 Guo Jia turned around, cupped his hands and said, "I'm here." 』

Cao Cao nodded, stood up and walked out of the tent, then looked up at the sky, "What are the chances of winning?" 』

Guo Jia was silent for a moment, "If others ask, I should say that nine out of ten will win...but I dare not lie to my lord. The number of victory or defeat should be based on heaven..."

　　"It's the right time..." Cao Cao nodded, "I'm asking...forget it, I know...just go and prepare..."

Guo Jia bowed his head and handed over his hands.

 Cao Cao put his hands behind his back, raised his head, looked at the flags fluttering in the north wind, and exhaled a puff of white smoke, which dissipated in the wind in a blink of an eye.

 …

 …

Ever since Pangshan people abandoned Wancheng and Cao Jun entered the city, Wancheng seemed to have become a hell.

Cao Zhen wanted to clear out the backdoors remaining in Wancheng, which was what he should have intended. After all, Cao Jun had left a backdoor in Wancheng before, so he naturally felt that the Pang family would also have some means.

This is also what it should be, and it is understandable, but Cao Zhen did one, and the military academy in the middle did two or three, and the soldiers of Cao's army below began to give birth to all things in the world. This is the so-called holy trinity of all things.

In Wancheng, there were originally many merchants and extraordinary wealth. Once Qiu Ba became jealous, he would not care whether he was a real spy or not. He would interrogate them all with a knife. Those who would not die after being chopped were naturally good people. Otherwise, they would all be traitors. , deserved to die.

As a result, Wancheng was filled with Cao Jun soldiers with their arms full of property. They came out of the door of one house excitedly, turning a blind eye to the corpses and blood stains, and listening to the miserable cries. They broke open the door of the next house and rushed to the next house. He went in and started killing without saying a word. In the market place, cries and howls kept coming from the houses and courtyards, and the running rebels didn't even bother to pick up the money they had dropped in their arms. They shouted to each other, beckoning them to loot and kill everyone they knew. A wealthy family…

 The richer the family, the more they are being targeted and the meat on the chopping board.

The family was impoverished, the doors of the empty courtyards were open, and no soldiers from Cao's army took a second look.

 Wealth was once again redistributed in Wancheng.

In front of a large house with a screen wall, a group of Cao soldiers were surrounding the door and knocking on it. However, the door seemed to be blocked by something and could not be opened for a while.

　　　　Our master has an old relationship with the Cai family in Jingzhou! We are all our own people! Someone in the courtyard shouted, "We have said hello to General Cao!" You've got the wrong person! Look at the flag hanging at the door! One of our own! Really one of our own! 』

This is the home of a salt merchant in Wancheng.

 Salt merchants have been a very heavy burden placed on the heads of poor people in feudal dynasties since ancient times. People can't do it without salt, so all these necessities will become tools of exploitation by the ruling class. Salt is actually produced naturally and the cost is not high, and the high price of salt will inevitably bring extraordinary profits.

Everyone knows that the salt merchants are rich, and now all the rest that are easy to grab have been snatched away. Everyone knows that the remaining ones are difficult to crack, but they also know that there is rich oil and water. Whoever can take one bite will get a mouthful of oil, and Who would give up easily?

Although some of Cao's soldiers flinched slightly, some of them were reluctant to look at the tattered door. They reached out and pulled down the flag and threw it away.

 After all, this salt merchant has a rich financial foundation. Even if it robs ten other merchants, it may not be able to compare with this one. So some soldiers of Cao's army cursed, "Fuck your mother!" What flag? Didn’t see it! You said that if you are one of your own people, you are your own people? I haven't even seen a hair on my head, how do I know if it's one of my own? If you really want to be one of your own, open the door first! We are all our own people, what is there to be afraid of? There must be something wrong with those who are afraid! Open the door! We want to check! 』

"right! need to check! 』

　　　　Open the door! Check the drains! 』

The soldiers of Cao's army made a fuss and did not listen to the advice of the servants in the courtyard.

Are you kidding me? If I don’t take advantage of Cao Zhen’s order to seize the spies now, will I really wait until the order is withdrawn and then stare at him?

 You must know that the opportunity must not be missed before it comes again!

Cao Jun's soldiers banged on the door, but the servants inside resisted.

I don’t know who it was, and tried to climb up the wall, but as soon as he climbed up the wall, he was hit on the head with a stick by the servant inside. His head was broken and bleeding, and he fell down with a loud sound.

 Blood, after all, became the fuse of chaos.

　　Both sides were in an abnormal state, and their emotions were very high. As soon as blood was seen, the two sides started fighting at the door.

 Someone was injured, someone died, and then the blood spread out, and then it couldn't be contained.

The soldiers of Cao's army rang the warning gong, and then more soldiers of Cao's army rushed here. When they saw the injured Cao's soldiers, they moved towards the knife without saying a word.

Although the salt merchants had a large number of servants and their houses were sophisticated, the servants had limited force and equipment, so they were quickly killed by Cao Jun. Their morale was in chaos, and they were killed and injured faster. When they saw that the situation was not going well, they turned around and ran away. , and then the whole line collapsed.

The soldiers of Cao's army cheered loudly, and then hurriedly rushed in, with their eyes red, their mouths open, and their mouths drooling. When they saw the courtyard, they rushed in, and when they saw the house, they rushed inside. Some Cao Jun soldiers even got stuck together at the door, pulling each other and no one wanted to give in. Others were so impatient that they smashed the wooden windows and jumped into the room.

　　　　Good baby! What a baby! 』

　　　‘Don’t be too busy looking for girls! Search for gold and silver first! 』

　　　　Ah ha ha ha, I’m rich! 』

By the time Cao Zhen received the news and came with his people, the originally magnificent mansion was already in ruins.

　　　Who did it? ! ” Cao Zhen shouted angrily, “Who is responsible for guarding this place? 』

The military officer on duty came over, raised his hands and said, "General, this...this...isn't this a soldier directly under your command, arresting spies in the city?" 』

　　　『You say this is a spy? ” Cao Zhen pointed angrily at the dilapidated house, and then saw the scene of corpses and blood everywhere inside, and suddenly paused, “Since he is a spy... is there any evidence? ! If there is evidence, we should act in accordance with the law! 』

"ah? ”The military academy was stunned.

Cao Zhen glared, "Follow the law!" 』

It’s easy to talk about money and property, and in the worst case, you can just compensate. But if a person dies, how do you compensate?

 One life for one?

  It’s better to say that you don’t blame society for your fate…

The military officer on duty swallowed his saliva before he understood what was happening. With a wave of his hand, he led his men into the house again.

Cao Zhen looked at the devastated streets and sighed, "The world is constantly fighting, and these people are suffering..."

 (End of this chapter)