Can I get to the other side?

Tongling Ferry, south bank, a valley ten miles away.

Lu Meng had taken off his clothes as a merchant, put on his armor again, and climbed up to look at the Tongling Ferry in the distance.

He spent three days to successfully get two thousand soldiers disguised as civilians and merchants to cross the Yangtze River in batches and gather in this valley.

"The Cao army would never have thought that I had put a knife to their throats... As long as we capture Tongling Ferry, our army can return to Jiangdong!"

"That will be the death of Cao thief!"

Lu Meng's eyes were full of fighting spirit. After retracting his gaze, he immediately asked the deputy general standing by: "Have you figured out the deployment of Cao's troops at Tongling Ferry?"

The deputy general said: "Reporting to the general, we have found out everything. Cao's garrison at Tongling Ferry is only about 3,000 people, distributed at various places at the ferry."

Three thousand people guarding the ferry is really not a small number.

It is more than enough to prevent the enemy from crossing the river.

But now they have crossed the Yangtze River and are facing Cao's army, so these three thousand people are not enough for them.

It should be noted that the two thousand armored soldiers who crossed the river in white clothes this time were all selected from the various armies. As long as a surprise attack is launched, the mere three thousand people will not be their opponents at all.

"Okay!"

Lu Meng nodded heavily and ordered in a deep voice: "Order all soldiers to wear armor and weapons and attack Tongling Ferry with me at midnight!"

"Remember, there is only this chance to act. Whether you can return to Jiangdong depends on tonight. You can only succeed and not fail!"

The strategy of crossing the river in white clothes can only be used once. If it fails this time, Cao's army will definitely be more vigilant, and it will be impossible to cross the river quietly at that time.

"Yes!"

The deputy general clasped his fists in response and turned to leave.

...

The sky gradually darkened, and the boats returned one after another.

Because there would be heavy fog on the river at night, for safety reasons, the migration of people was only carried out during the day.

After dark, all the boats were moored at Tongling Ferry, and the soldiers returned to the camp to rest, leaving only some soldiers to patrol near the camp to prevent water leakage.

As night fell, everything was silent.

Patrolling at night is a tough job. There are many mosquitoes on the river bank, and it is also very cold. If you are not careful, you will catch a cold.

"Patrolling at night is really terrible. Why does this job always fall on our camp? We have been patrolling for several nights in a row."

A patrolling Cao army soldier cursed.

He said while slapping the mosquitoes on his face.

Another tall soldier beside him said, "This is just the beginning. Our battalion is responsible for patrolling this month."

The former's face fell immediately. He glanced at his companion and couldn't help asking, "Why are you so energetic even though you stay up late every day? I've never seen you sleepy at night?"

The tall soldier smiled and said, "I have been strong since I was a child. It takes two hours to go to the brothel. How can I be as weak as you?"

"Damn it! Who are you talking about?"

The leading soldier was furious. Just when he was about to play two games, he suddenly stopped and cast his eyes into the mountains and forests not far away.

"What's wrong?"

The tall soldier asked in confusion.

The leading soldier frowned and said, "I just saw a fire in the forest over there. I don't know if it's because of my eyesight."

His eyesight is always good and he rarely makes mistakes.

"Fire? That's terrible. Let's go and check it out. Don't tell me that the forest is on fire."

The tall soldier was startled and wanted to check it out.

Their camp was not far from the forest. If there was a fire in the forest, it would easily spread to the camp. They would be held accountable.

However, the leading soldier stood there motionless, which made the tall soldier hurriedly urge him: "What are you doing? Go!"

He turned his head and saw his companion's face was pale. He was looking up at the sky and trembling all over, as if he had seen a ghost.

The tall soldier turned around in confusion...

Then the sky full of fire illuminated his face.

In the dark sky, countless ignited fire arrows filled the entire night sky and attacked their camp!

"Enemy attack--!!"

"Shh--!!"

The tall soldier's eyes widened, and when he reacted, he only had time to shout out the word "enemy attack" before he was pierced through the chest by a fire arrow!

Countless fire arrows fell into the camp.

In an instant, flames shot up into the sky!

At the same time, one after another, soldiers rushed out of the mountains and forests and rushed directly to the Cao army camp!

It was already midnight, and most of the Cao army soldiers were already asleep. This sudden attack caught them off guard.

Many Cao army soldiers woke up from their sleep and rushed out of the tent, but what they saw was the fire and the fierce soldiers rushing around in the camp.

Many Cao army soldiers died tragically under the enemy's sword before they could resist. Even if some of them planned to fight back, they could not organize an effective defense and were no match for these soldiers and enemies.

The camp was full of fire and killing.

A chaotic scene.

These soldiers were naturally the two thousand elite soldiers who secretly crossed the river. Under the leadership of Lu Meng, they launched a one-sided massacre against Cao's army.

Tonight was destined to be an uneasy night.

…

Jiangdong, Wu County.

Although it was already late, Cao Cao lay in bed tossing and turning, unable to sleep, because of a piece of intelligence he received during the day.

Sun Quan has surrendered to the emperor and has stopped fighting with Zhang Liao. Both sides plan to work together to deal with him.

This was extremely bad news for him.

The emperor pardoned Sun Quan, so his plan to use Sun Quan to delay the imperial troops was completely in vain. From now on, he will face two enemies at the same time.

In addition, there is even worse news, that is, Zhang Liao has led his troops to Yangzhou and launched an attack on Huainan County.

"I have only moved 30% of the people now. If Huainan County is captured, the remaining 70% of the people will not be able to move."

"Damn Biyan, you ruined my life!"

Cao Cao gritted his teeth and cursed, his face looking very ugly.

The emperor's recruitment of Sun Quan was something he did not expect.

The key is that Sun Quan agreed!

The emperor obviously planned to find a pawn to consume his strength. How could Sun Quan be so stupid that he couldn't even see this?

Even if you can't see it, aren't you worried about being liquidated in the future?

If Sun Quan continues to confront the imperial court and compete with Zhang Liao for Xuzhou, then not only will he not attack from the rear, he will even provide Sun Quan with food and supplies.

Because he is really short of time.

Huainan County does not have many soldiers and horses, and it cannot stop Zhang Liao's attack. If Sun Quan can sustain it for a while, he will be able to move more people over.

"It seems we have no choice but to give up migration."

Cao Cao sighed. Although he didn't want to give up those people and supplies, he had no choice now.

In addition, what worried him even more was Cao Ren.

Cao Ren is still resisting Lu Bu in Guandu. After Zhang Liao takes Huainan County, he will definitely take Yuzhou further and encircle Cao Ren from the rear.

At that time, Cao Ren and Xia Houyuan will all be in danger, and they are likely to die between Lu Bu and Zhang Liao.

One trouble after another came one after another. Cao Cao felt that his heart was in confusion and his head began to hurt again.

"Xu Chu!"

Cao Cao sat up from the bed and shouted outside the room.

Xu Chu had been waiting at the door. When he heard Cao Cao's call, he immediately pushed the door open and walked in. He clasped his fists and asked, "My lord, what are your orders?"

Cao Cao had cold sweat on his forehead. After calming down for a while, he asked, "Is Xu You asleep?"

"Replying to my lord, I haven't fallen asleep yet."

"Take me over to see him."

Cao Cao put on his clothes and stood up, striding out of the bedroom.

He brought all the team members from Xu County to Wu County, and of course Xu You was brought over by him, and was imprisoned under his nose as before.

Not long after, the two arrived at a wing.

Cao Cao pushed the door open and entered directly.

In the side room, Xu You was drinking and reading under the candlestick. Now he looked much thinner and haggard.

When Xu You saw Cao Cao walking into the room, he did not say "Ah Hao" as enthusiastically as before. He did not even show a smile, and his expression was very cold.

Cao Cao didn't take it seriously when he saw this, he went straight to sit opposite Xu You, and then asked calmly: "Are you still used to living here?"

Hearing this, Xu You said without raising his head: "To me, it's just a prison. I'm just your prisoner. Why do you ask me this?"

There was a hint of keeping strangers away from his words.

Cao Cao's eyes flashed slightly and he smiled lightly: "Ziyuan, why are you so cold to me? We are close friends after all."

"Best friend?"

Xu You seemed to be stung by Cao Cao's words. He slapped the book in his hand on the case and stared at Cao Cao angrily: "You did such a thing to me and you still have the nerve to say such a thing." ?”

The chains clattered.

It turned out that under Xu You's wide robe and sleeves, his hands and feet were shackled, and the other ends of the shackles were nailed to the bluestone ground.

In addition, there were shocking scars on his exposed arms, and more scars were covered by his clothes.

The last time he met the embroidered messenger, Cao Cao was furious and ordered him to be tortured to extract a confession, which almost cost him his life!

Cao Cao is far more ruthless than Yuan Shao!

Now Xu You has no affection for Cao Cao in his heart, only deep hatred, hoping that he will come to an end soon!

"That's all your fault!"

Cao Cao's face was indifferent, without the slightest hint of guilt, he stared at Xu You and said: "You are the emperor's internal agent, I will spare your life and put you under house arrest."

"But you didn't know what was good or bad, and secretly linked up with the Embroidered Clothes Envoy to try to harm me. It's a mercy on my part that I didn't kill you!"

When Xu You heard this, he laughed angrily and said, "Then I have to thank you? Cao Mengde, you don't have to be pretentious. If you want to kill me, just kill me!"

"I'm waiting for the entire Cao family to come down and bury me with me!"

He didn't believe in anything kind or unmerciful. It wasn't that Cao Cao didn't want to kill him, but he just didn't dare to kill him.

"shut up!"

Xu Chu, who was on the side, was furious when he heard this. He glared at Xu You and said, "Crazy man! My lord treats you sincerely, but you have repeatedly betrayed you. How dare you speak arrogant words here now!"

"Do you really think I don't dare to kill you?!"

Originally, Xu Chu had a pretty good opinion of Xu You, but since he learned that Xu You was a traitor, he no longer had a favorable impression at all.

I want to kill Xu You all the time.

Xu You laughed loudly and said, "Kill me? Your master would not even dare to do that!"

"Come on, come on! My Xu Ziyuan's head is right here. If you dare, chop it off. Let me see if you have the guts!"

As he spoke, he stretched his neck in front of Xu Chu.

Xu Chu was furious and drew out the sword from his waist.

But at this time, Cao Cao shouted at him: "Xu Chu, retreat!"

"But my lord, he——"

"I told you to stand down!"

Cao Cao's tone became a little more serious.

Although Xu Chu felt extremely unwilling, in the face of Cao Cao's order, he could only suppress the murderous intention in his heart and retreat.

"Hmph, common man!"

Xu You sneered when he saw this, with a sarcastic look on his face.

Cao Cao looked at him and said coldly: "You don't have to beg for death here. I won't kill you now."

"I'm here to make a deal with you. Do you want to hear it?"

Xu You narrowed his eyes slightly.

Buy or sell?

Cao Cao did not mince words and said directly: "I am in big trouble. As long as you can advise me, I will restore some of your freedom."

"You can move around in the house, but you have to have someone accompanying you to monitor you. How about that?"

Although Cao Cao had many advisers under his command, Xu You was the one who was most attuned to him, and the ideas and suggestions he always put forward were the most consistent with his thoughts.

This was one of the reasons why he was reluctant to kill Xu You.

Facing Cao Cao's proposal, Xu You stared at him for a long time, and finally picked up the wine bottle on the table and took a sip.

"Tell me, I'll see what happens."

If Cao Cao asked him to help him think about how to deal with the emperor, then he would definitely not say a word, but if it was other things, he could consider it.

After all, it was really depressing to stay in this room, and he was also shackled and couldn't leave the room even to eat, drink or have sex.

Such days are simply torture.

Cao Cao said: "Sun Quan surrendered to the emperor, and the two sides formally ceased war. Zhang Liao sent troops to attack Huainan County to prevent me from relocating the people."

"Is there any strategy that allows me to move the people settled in Huainan County to Jiangdong?"

Although he was ready to give up on those people, he still wanted to see if Xu You could come up with any good ideas.

"No."

Xu You replied without hesitation, "Moving the people requires time. If Sun Quan surrenders to the emperor, no one will help you delay the imperial army. Where will you get the time?"

"But then again, even Sun Quan's son surrendered to the emperor, but you still refused to surrender. Do you really want to see the coffin and not shed tears?"

"The further you delay, the harder it will be for you to vote for the emperor."

Hearing Xu You trying to persuade him to surrender again, Cao Cao felt annoyed and said, "I asked you to make suggestions, not to talk nonsense!"

"I, Cao Cao, don't need you to talk too much about what I'm doing!"

Xu You was too lazy to pay attention to him and said calmly: "It's up to you, but if you really don't plan to surrender, then don't even think about moving those people and supplies."

"If I were you, I would quickly gather troops to organize a defense line and block all major ferries. If you continue to hesitate, you will wait until Sun Quan finds an opportunity to fight back to Jiangdong."