Three Kingdoms

Pain is undoubtedly a step on the ladder of human progress.

Because they were exposed to fire and burned, the incomparable pain made primitive people wail and fear, but it also promoted primitive people's thinking, so primitive people knew the power of fire and began to try to master and control fire.

Just like when General Fei Qian used cavalry on a large scale and roared through the Central Plains, the people of Shandong in the Central Plains seemed to suddenly recall the pain of the Xiongnu invasion of the Han Dynasty, and began to work hard to catch up with Fei Qian. Footsteps, trying to exempt and control this pain, no longer bear it on oneself, but can inflict it on others.

Without him, it was just that Shandong had endured the pain of the Northland once, and finally knew how painful it would be if it happened to him.

Before, Shandong felt that the North was invaded by barbarians, and it was just a small "invasion", a trivial matter.

Most of the time, chrysanthemums are more important than heads.

Youbei is undoubtedly the place where people from Shandong in the Central Plains steal fire.

Xin Ping returned from his mission and reported to Cao Chun in detail what he saw and heard in Changshan New City in Yuyang.

Cao Chun stood in front of the map, listening to Xin Ping's narration.

Cao Chun undoubtedly wanted to be such a fire thief. He hoped to steal the fire back and teach it to Cao Jun, so that Cao Jun could gallop on the battlefield and become the master of the battlefield.

Of course it's easy to say. Just like some people think that Yuyang has salt and iron. Although it does not produce war horses, it would be easy to replace it with the barbarians in the north with the salt and iron? Some Shandong gentry children believe that the land can produce unlimited amounts of crops, so the Hu people's horses, cattle, sheep, etc. are also unlimited in their cognition...

But the reality is that the horses of the barbarians are not unlimited, and will also be affected by various factors. The simplest restriction is that the war horses traded by the barbarians are basically geldings. Just like the iron tools given to the Hu people by the Han people, most of them are "special" or special products.

At the same time, just like the Han people's control of iron tools, war horses were also resources controlled by the Hu people. It did not mean that they would be available for any trade at any time. Many Hu people would rather trade cattle and sheep for meat with the Han people, but are not willing to sell horses that can be used in war.

Cao Chun could only do transactions and buy them while raising them himself, and at the same time, he had to go shopping for zero yuan from time to time.

It's a pity that the first place in the market always eats meat, the second and third place eat soup, and those outside the top three are lying on the ground picking up the residue that falls out from the fingers of the three people in front. Then Fei Qian not only occupied the first place, but also separated Jia Xu and Zhao Yun into the second and third pits. When he arrived at Cao Chun's place, he could only stay on the ground. He was lying on his stomach, sticking his butt out and picking up scraps.

Every time he thought about this, Cao Chun felt an itch in his back molars.

Now, there seems to be some opportunity to straighten out.

If in the hinterland of the Central Plains, you can still see some remnants of green nostalgia for the earth, then in the Youbei Desert area, it is basically a harsh winter scene of dead grass, withered trees, steep mountains and haze. The cold wind howling from the north raged on the desolate grassland with no end as far as the eye could see. It picked up everything that could be picked up and then smashed it down. By the way, it also smashed down the bleak sun and scattered pieces of ice. .

The leaden gray clouds were driven by the cold wind and moved slowly.

In the distance to the north, it seems that layers of clouds have accumulated, piling up higher and higher, like a cloud mountain that is about to collapse, but no one knows when it will completely collapse.

"A few days ago, I received the military report from the forward camp..." Cao Chun sighed slightly, "It said that he met a barbarian..."

"Barbarians?" ” Xin Ping raised his eyebrows slightly.

What kind of military report is this?

But after thinking about Xia Houshi, the leader of the forward camp, I seem to understand.

A few days ago, probably in the evening or at night, a group of Cao Jun scouts who were out patrolling were patrolling a small swamp about a hundred miles west of Gushui. They were attacked by a group of people who didn't know where they came from. Hu people sneak attack.

Cao Bing's scouts who hurriedly responded to the battle suffered a small loss and two of them died.

When the news was reported to Xiahou, Xiahou Shang judged that these were just some remaining Wuhuan people, so he didn't care much about it and did not report the news to the Chinese army.

The morning before yesterday, a group of Cao Jun's cavalry who went to drive away these "remnants of the Wuhuan" were beaten back. The forward camp started to pay a little more attention, but they were still not alert until yesterday at noon when they were sent to eliminate these so-called "thief troops". When a group of cavalry encountered a similar number of Hu cavalry and were ambushed by the Hu cavalry, Xiahou Shang in the forward camp became panicked and hurriedly reported to Cao Chun.

Under normal circumstances, the military report needs to write down clearly who the opponent is, what their specific distribution is, how many there are, etc., but after three combat contacts, Xia Houshang was stunned and failed to figure it out!

Xiahou Shang didn't figure it out, so of course it was impossible to give Cao Chun accurate information. So when it came to Cao Chun's mouth, he just said that there were "Hu people", but specifically which tribe of Hu people, or whether they were Real Hu people have no idea.

Moreover, Xia Houshang should have reported it when he first encountered the "Hu people".

But I don’t know why, this time Xiahou Shang was very "valiant" and sent two troops in an attempt to exterminate these barbarians who emerged. As a result, Yiqu's cavalry hit the iron plate and suffered a bloody head. Then I "remembered" to report to Cao Chun...

After listening to Cao Chun's "sharing", Xin Ping didn't know what to say for a moment.

However, Xin Ping could more or less guess what Xiahou Shang was thinking. After all, Xiahou Shang was severely criticized by Cao Cao before. He was deprived of his general position and demoted to a captain. At the same time, Xiahou Zijiang was punished again. , was sent to the Liaodong border to guard.

But what is very interesting is that despite the punishment, Xiahou Shang still continued to lead the troops in Youbei.

Xin Ping can taste the taste of this...

Now Cao Chun told Xin Ping about the matter, ostensibly he wanted to ask Xin Ping to consult for details, but he may not have wanted Xin Ping to report it to Cao Cao.

Xin Ping decided to play dumb. No one likes people who make snitches, let alone those who make such reports within the Cao and Xiahou clans. For this kind of thing, if you can, participate as little as possible.

The atmosphere in the big tent suddenly became a little dull.

Cao Chun gritted his back teeth.

He had a hunch that Xia Houshang would become the biggest pendant on his hind legs. But he couldn't say such a thing. He had expressed it to Cao Cao in a vague way before, but Cao Cao still kept Xiahou Shang in Yuyang due to political considerations, and only punished and expelled Xiahou Zijiang.

Politically speaking, balance is everything.

Just like if the Han emperors used people from Shanxi in the previous wave, the next wave would focus on using people from Shandong. Simply put, the purpose is to achieve a political balance, but can Youbei talk about politics now?

However, Xin Ping was obviously unwilling to take on this matter, and Cao Chun was also a little helpless.

It was extremely quiet in the tent.

There was no sound outside the handsome tent.

Only in the distance there seemed to be soldiers changing guard, and orders to assemble the entire team came one after another.

Cao Chun could remain silent, but Xin Ping could not remain silent. Seeing that the dull atmosphere in the tent was pressing down like a stone, Xin Ping finally had to break the silence, coughed lightly and said, "General, Most of the barbarians came from the north to escape the cold... Although there is some threat, but... the key is the Northern Territory Protectorate..."

Cao Chun nodded slowly.

Xiahou is still stupid, but Cao Chun cannot be stupid too.

Xiahou Shang would only report that one enemy had been encountered, but Cao Chun had to consider how could nearly a thousand barbarians suddenly appear in the Gushui area? Why do you stop here? Is it to get water, or is it waiting for the following people? Or have these people lost their way and gone to the wrong place?

If they are waiting for the follow-up large force, then where did this large group of Hu people come from, and where is their purpose? Are you preparing to invade Yuyang, or are you saying...

Moreover, Xia Houshang, who was as slow as a pig, discovered these barbarians. Should the Northern Territory Protectorate on the side of Qiusi also discovered these barbarians? Then how will the Northern Territory Protectorate deal with it?

This is the truth, but will there be any surprises?

A series of questions were swirling around in Cao Chun's mind like a revolving lantern. Often before a question could be concluded, another question would pop up immediately, causing his brain to ache. These questions are not completely isolated. They are inextricably linked to each other. Each question may have multiple answers, and each possible answer will also involve another or several others. The final result of the problem...

These issues are simply too complex.

The Xin Ping in front of him looked cautious, and his speech was as short and accurate as possible, without saying a word of nonsense, just like Jushou back then.

Yes, if Jushu was still alive, he might be able to give some advice.

Cao Chun couldn't help but think about it, maybe he should have trusted Jushou more at the beginning? Listen more to his advice? Don't look at Jushou with a dirty look just because he is an old friend of Yuan Shao? Maybe Jushou wouldn't die of depression in the end, and could live for a few more years?

Who knows?

If Cao Chun was allowed to experience what happened before, Cao Chun was not sure whether he would trust Ju Shou or Zhang He more. Will there be doubts, scrutiny, or even deliberate suppression?

Because Jushou was not only a surrendered general, but in a sense he also betrayed the original owner. At least he violated Yuan Shao's last order, failed to properly assist Yuan Shao's son, and caused internal strife among the Yuan brothers...

Cao Chun suddenly frowned, because he thought that his current idea of ​​expelling Xiahou Shang and tearing him off his hind legs was similar to the fight between Yuan Shao's sons back then?

Cao Chun quickly comforted himself, feeling that he was doing this for the future of the Cao family, which was fundamentally different from Yuan Shao's son just fighting for power.

However, just like the dull dark clouds rolling in the sky, even if there is no snow or ice slag, there will still be some lingering haze.

In fact, Xin Ping was even more embarrassed than Cao Chun at the moment.

His embarrassment mainly comes from two reasons. One is that Xin Ping is also a descendant. The reason why he can serve as an envoy alone is actually because of Xin Pi in the Northern Territory Protectorate. On the other hand, At the moment, he didn't know whether what Cao Chunshu said about Xia Houshang was true or false, but if it was true, it would be an undoubted big mistake to miss the opportunity and not report it! He simply didn't understand why Xia Houshang suppressed the information and only reported it three or four days later? This is not three hours, but three full days, enough for a hostile opponent to formulate an attack plan!

Once the forward camp is breached or defeated, no matter whether Cao Jun attacks, defends, or retreats, there is likely to be a bigger problem waiting...

Xin Ping even had some vague doubts in his heart. Cao Chun asked Xiahou Shang to take charge of the forward camp. Did Cao Chun subconsciously want to make Xiahou Shang make a mistake? Or was he simply unable to bear Xiahou Shang and was planning to kill someone with a borrowed knife?

Thinking of this, Xin Ping's heart couldn't help but jump, and he quickly lowered his eyelids to prevent his expression from showing anything strange.

The most important point is that Xinpi is with the Northern Territory Protector Zhao Yun!

If Xin Ping offered some advice to Cao Chun right now, if it was effective and had a positive effect, then that would be okay. When the time comes, will you get credit? You may or may not get it. After all, it can be said to be the duty of a counselor, right?

But what if it goes wrong?

Just when the two of them were looking at each other speechless, and were so embarrassed that they could dig a new commander's tent on the ground, urgent military information was rushed into the tent by the soldiers!

"What happened to the forward camp again?" ” Cao Chun subconsciously thought that Xia Houshang was causing trouble again, so he asked directly before opening the information.

"ah? Forward camp? "The soldiers were also a little surprised, "What's going on in the forward camp? 』

Only then did Cao Chun realize, "Isn't it from the forward battalion?" 』

"Back to the general, it's not the forward camp, it's Jizhou urgent report..."

"Jizhou..." Cao Chun took a breath, waved the messenger to go down, and then glanced at Xin Ping.

Xin Ping immediately handed over his hand and expressed his intention to resign.

But Cao Chun waved his hand and said, "You don't have to be like this when you are in charge. Sit down and sit down. If you don't know, you have to ask for help from the manager..."

Because Cao Chun thought that since the news came from Jizhou, Xin Ping would probably know it when he returned. If you have any questions, you can ask on the spot.

"There are changes in the Northern Territory Protectorate!" Cao Chuncai took a few glances and suddenly couldn't sit still. He stood up suddenly, and then involuntarily walked around in the handsome tent. After walking around, he seemed to think of Xin Ping and handed over the letter in his hand. passed.

Xin Ping did not answer immediately, but asked: "If it is a top secret matter..."

Cao Chun put the letter into Xin Ping's hands, "It's not a top secret, it's all coming from Chang'an!" The son of a hussar is incompetent, he listens to slander, and wants to remove Zhao Yun and Zhao Zilong from the post of Northern Territory Protectorate! 』

Xin Ping took a deep breath.

Is it so exciting?

Aren't you afraid of being beaten by your father?

It seems that this naughty kid is not only found in Shandong, but also in Guanzhong!

Although he was muttering in his heart, Xin Ping opened the letter and started reading.

The news from Guanzhong was sent from Jizhou to Youbei.

Cao Chun obviously couldn't restrain his inner excitement, and his original gloomy expression seemed to have disappeared. For Cao Chun, Zhao Yun is undoubtedly a big mountain weighing on his head!

All Cao Chun's efforts were like child's play in front of Zhao Yun.

Cao Jun's cavalry were like a tortoise chasing a hare, so anxious that Cao Chun sometimes went crazy!

It's not that Cao Chun didn't work hard, but that he was inherently deficient. In addition, after Cao Cao took control of Jizhou, although he gained most of the hinterland of the Central Plains, he also received the DEBUFF of being undefeated.

Once the cavalry breaks through the defense line, judging from Taishi Ci's previous attack on Yecheng and the subsequent situation of the Hussars, the Hussars can maintain supplies for at least three to five days. If they are looting a place...

The more he thought about this, the more Cao Chun felt that he had a heavy responsibility.

One day, if he really has to fight head-on with the Hussars, what are his chances of winning?

He never dared to think about it.

And now, this rabbit is going to sleep!

This big mountain on my body is gone!

This is great news!

Cao Chun suddenly felt that the heavy pressure on his body seemed to have been relieved by three points, no, at least half of it!

If Zhao Yun is really removed from his post, the remaining half, haha...

Cao Chunzhen was so suppressed by Zhao Yun that when he received the news, he didn't even have time to consider whether it was true. After the excitement passed, he sat down again and asked Xin Ping: "The news Among them, Zhao Zilong, the Northern Territory Protector, was mentioned for his crimes of disrespecting the hussars, neglecting the military, and ostracizing the virtuous... By the way, when you went to Changshan, did you see Zhang... Zhang Junyi? 』

Xin Ping replied honestly: "Never seen it." I heard he was on duty in Mobei. 』

Cao Chun gave a high-five and said, "It looks like it is indeed the case!" 』

What is "just like"? Xin Ping was a little stunned at first, but soon understood. Cao Chun felt that he had left Xia Houshang, whom he disliked, in the vanguard camp and outside. According to Zhang He's behavior in Yuyang, how much joy he could bring to Zhao Yun, wouldn't it be very likely that he was also left behind by Zhao Yun? Mobei?

Xin Ping thought about it and found that he had indeed not seen Zhang He and found out that Zhang He was in Mobei, but was there any specific conflict between Zhao Yun and Zhang He...

Xin Ping didn't hear about it, so he thought about it and said something like: "General, if this is true, it is certainly a great joy...but you must be careful, in case it is a trick..."

Cao Chun paused slightly, then his expression darkened, and he nodded slowly. He took a few deep breaths to suppress his excitement and impatience.

Yes, you do need to be careful.

So how should we test this thing to see if it is true or false?