Three Kingdoms

This New Year may become an imprint in Cao Cao's heart that will never be erased.

Shandong's political structure is already in a very fragile balance, and the core point is naturally Cao Cao.

Facing the remains of the fireworks presented in front of him, Cao Cao's expression was neither sad nor happy.

He has become accustomed to facing many things with this expression to isolate himself from the probing eyes of all parties. Over time, this expression became like a mask on Cao Cao's face, worn all the time and taking root in his flesh and blood. Can't even pull it off.

How long has it been since you laughed because you were happy, felt sad because you were hurt, and were angry because you were angry?

Cao Cao didn't know either.

When he was young, he thought it was the world that was wrong.

So he set up a colorful stick, challenged things that others dared not challenge, and won praise from the world.

Then what?

If his surname was not Cao, he would have died after being praised by the world!

If the world's praise is useful, he should not die or even be demoted.

If the world's praise is useless, then what is the meaning of what he does?

The human heart, what exactly is the human heart?

Public opinion, what exactly is public opinion?

Some things have a great impact on the world.

For example, mountains and rivers change hands, dynasties change, but these things that have a great impact on the world and will continue to affect the world for generations, more than a dozen generations, or even longer, on a certain day of a certain person in the world, it seems to have become extremely small things.

The birth of a country certainly brings joy to countless people, but will these happy people be so happy that they no longer need basic necessities of life?

When a country collapses, countless people will also be sad, but sad people still have to eat and sleep. No matter how great the sadness is, it cannot change people's physiological needs, and no matter how great the humiliation is, it cannot make people forget to eat and drink.

In fact, there is only one hard need for human survival.

Ah, it smells so good.

Cao Cao's eyes were dim, and no one in the big tent knew what Cao Cao was thinking, so everyone was quiet, saying nothing or doing anything, just like good babies, but Cao Cao Know that being nice now is just an appearance, and it will always be an appearance.

Like a big man.

It is not that all the people of the Han Dynasty need an emperor, but the ruling class of the Han Dynasty needs an emperor.

Without this emperor, the ruling class would have no name to do evil and line their own pockets!

Now Cao Cao has taken over the emperor Liu Xie and continues the existence of the Han Dynasty, and the basis of the existence of the Han Dynasty is based on these old ruling classes in Shandong.

There is only one Cao Cao, and together with the Cao family and the Xiahou family, he is often unable to compare with any of the old-name aristocratic families in Shandong.

The key is that people in Shandong passed down scriptures to their families. In the era of the Spring and Autumn period of the Han Dynasty, it was equivalent to holding the right to interpret the law. And would a huge interest group with regional legislative power, interpretation power, execution power, etc. care about whether the emperor is good or bad? Do you care whether government decrees are beneficial to the people or harmful to them?

When one person convinces another person to accept his or her point of view, the final argument often turns into a cordial greeting to the other person's mother or the other person's direct female. Of course, a few will also greet the other person's direct male.

The absolute differentiation of genes results in everyone’s position being different. Everyone only considers problems from their own standpoint, so how can they achieve common goals with others?

Either common interests or common fears.

But it is always easier to destroy than to build...

So when Cao Cao showed "common interests", Pang Tong gave Cao Cao a "common fear".

And because of the hostile relationship between Cao Cao and Fei Qian, Cao Cao's "common fear" naturally turned into Fei Qian's "common interest".

Cao Cao closed his eyes, and his whole body looked like a sculpture.

He could imagine that on the occasion of the Shandong New Year, there would inevitably be lanterns and colorful decorations, and the seats would be packed with guests and friends, and among the people drinking and drinking, there would also be no shortage of "celebrities" criticizing the state affairs and muttering about Cao Cao.

"Speaking of these things, although the hussars are cruel, but the big man has reached this point, he is really..."

"The traitor is in power..."

"When incompetent people take power, the world will deteriorate..."

"..."

Every year at the turn of the old and the new, you can hear similar sighs from the mouths of these Shandong scribes.

They say this every New Year.

It's just that the name of the critic has been changed.

If these people are replaced, can they do better than Cao Cao?

No, they have already proved it with their big men, they can only get worse.

Just like the remains of fireworks placed in front of them, before the Hussar side shows it, which Shandong ruling class will consider the evolution, change, and derivation of gunpowder...

Or the gorgeous and dreamlike fireworks at night?

Cao Cao didn't have it, and the Shandong gentry didn't have it either.

"What is this?" 』

Cao Cao finally broke the silence.

Cao Hong said: "This is just a toy. It can only spray some light and fire. It looks good, but it cannot be used to kill enemies. It is of no use." 』

Cao Hong's legs no longer shake.

Cao Cao was noncommittal and turned his attention to Dong Zhao, "What do Gongren think of this thing?" 』

Dong Zhao reported back: "This thing is used to confuse the people. Its light and color are charming to the eyes and confuse people's hearts. The Lord should issue an order and ban it." 』

Beat him to death with a stick, simple and simple.

Cao Cao turned to Yang Xiu, "Dezu, don't shrink back... What do you think this is?" 』

Yang Xiu cupped his hands and said, "Prime Minister, I am stupid... I think General Cao and Military Advisor Dong are right..."

Cao Cao repeated flatly: "I asked you, what is this?" 』

"..." Yang Xiu gritted his teeth, "This is a mockery." 』

Cao Cao's eyebrows moved slightly, "Tell me in detail." 』

Yang Xiu was obviously in a state of risk-taking, "The Prime Minister clearly knows that this thing... is a sign that the hussar still has some remaining strength." 』

"Interesting," Cao Cao nodded, "I still have some energy left... Well, continue..."

Yang Xiu's current situation is worse than Cao Cao's, so he has very few chips left. Every time he wants to participate in a game at the gambling table, he must allin every hand. If you don't gamble, you won't even be qualified to sit at the table, and you will either become a piece of fish on the table, or become a mat under the buttocks of others.

Since you don’t want to be a fish or a cushion, you need to show a side that is not a fish or a cushion.

"Gunpowder has the power to break up mountains and rocks, and has the ability to shake the earth," Yang Xiu continued, "Now the hussars are used on this thing... The prime minister previously held a military banquet at the Niutou Highlands, and the hussars were there. I sent this thing...mostly because I have more than enough strength and all the utensils to prepare for the Prime Minister's banquet..."

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes and said, "Dezu's intention is that our partial army marched to Hedong but failed and did not damage his workshop?" 』

Yang Xiu's heart jumped fiercely. He seemed to see the waves of anger projected by Cao Hong in the corner of his eyes, and his whole body shivered. "Perhaps this report to the prime minister is also a strategy of making false and true in the art of war. What is false is what is true..."

Cao Cao laughed loudly, "You said it on the left, and you said it on the right. It is indeed Yang Dezu!" 』

A mistake on the battlefield will cost you an unforgettable price.

In fact, Cao Cao probably knew something was wrong about Cao Zhen and Xia Houyuan. Yang Xiu said that the hussars were real, but they were false. Isn't it the same here with Cao Cao?

In fact, the internal and external conflicts in Shandong have almost reached a very serious level. Cao Cao himself is like a rock pressing in the crater. When it cannot be suppressed, he will be shattered to pieces.

War is a continuation of politics.

Although Cao Cao had not read any books on economics, it did not prevent him from being keenly aware of these potential undercurrents, and he chose a method that was still used even in later generations to divert internal conflicts with external wars.

In times of war, it is naturally an extraordinary measure in times of war.

In a state of war, people can be openly asked to work cheaply or even for free, reducing the remuneration and obtaining higher surplus value. At the same time, because of the death threat brought by war, the needs of the people will be reduced to a minimum. The limit is as long as you can survive with a mouthful of food. The unscrupulous people who were complaining about being dissatisfied with this, not going well with that, wanting to sing, dance, be happy, want this or that, instantly became more honest...

At the same time, war is also a high-consumption activity. All the food, goods, and utensils that were hoarded before, whether moldy or old, can now be put to use. Things that no one bought in the ballast before can now be used naturally. Sold for a high price. These things have been transformed from garbage, or close to garbage, into valuable commodities. People have subconsciously purchased large amounts of daily necessities out of worry, which is equivalent to promoting the overall economic rotation and the flow of money.

Idle money quickly circulated in the market, and feudal landlords with capital once again harvested the flesh and blood of the people, which naturally slowed down conflicts in other areas. Everyone is busy grabbing money, drinking blood, and eating meat, so the filth and friction between each other have become less important or urgent.

On the other hand, under the influence of war, a large number of people die, which will also lead to a shortage of the population in a short period of time. The labor force suddenly becomes valuable. People at any level will express their respect for the labor force and protect the labor force. If you care for the labor force as much as you care for your own eyes, the people will instantly feel that they are the masters of the big man again...

The effect is amazing!

Even Cao Cao himself knew that war must come at a price.

Such as Cao Zhen and Xia Houyuan.

For example, Cao Cao himself...

It's just that it's not suitable to expand the matter of Cao Zhen and Xia Houyuan to the point where everyone knows it, so the necessary banquet has become a means to anesthetize the soldiers and ease their emotions.

Unfortunately, it was interrupted by the inexplicable means used by Qiusi, or rather Pang Tong.

In fact, Cao Cao understood what Pang Tong meant.

Cao Cao was not sure whether Pang Tong knew or not, but now Cao Cao knows that Pang Tong knows, but Cao Cao still doesn't know how much Pang Tong knows, or whether there is something else he doesn't know.

Anyone who discovers that his or her thoughts are being watched and known by others will inevitably feel a little panicked.

Cao Cao often liked to laugh when faced with panic.

"Hahahaha..." Cao Cao laughed, "It's ridiculous that the qiaoqiu is armed with a sharp weapon and doesn't know... I think that I, a big man, built a country based on loyalty and filial piety, and based on farming and mulberry trees. How come such vain things can't be eaten or clothed?" Clothes...this is what the hussar is stupid about! Ridiculous, ridiculous! 』

Everyone in the military tent also started laughing.

The leader told a joke, don't care if it's funny or not, just laugh. Not laughing means disrespecting the leader.

"Zi Lian!" ” Cao Cao ordered, “The Hussars first rebelled against the Han and ruined the government. Now my son-in-law is holding a New Year’s banquet, and the two families are temporarily free from swords. We can’t fight except for us. We pity the suffering of the people in Guanzhong!” However, the hussar came to provoke me again, disrupted my New Year's feast, and ruined my son's life. Such a retrograde act is intolerable! In this case, it will be inspiring to pay tribute to the deceased son tomorrow! The entire army will be ready to attack soon! Avenge it! Help the great man to help the world! 』

Cao Hong's hands clashed together and he proudly accepted the order and left.

Cao Cao also ordered Cao Xiu and other generals to inspect the camps, arrange guards, rectify military discipline, and treat the wounded.

Cao Xiu and others also took the order and left one by one.

Next, Cao Cao gave some logistical instructions in an orderly manner and dismissed Dong Zhao, Yang Xiu and others, leaving Guo Jia behind who had been silent from beginning to end.

After everyone left, Cao Cao walked down from behind the desk, went to the big tent, picked up the remains of the fireworks, weighed them in his hands, knocked on the outer shell, and smelled the remaining contents inside. The smell says, "O filial piety, what is this?" 』

Same question, different questions.

Guo Jia said slowly: "Gunpowder is used. 』

"What is gunpowder used for?" ” Cao Cao frowned.

"Everything has pros and cons..." Guo Jia sighed, "Located in Shandong, gunpowder is like this. It has no roots and no roots. Like fireworks at night, it disappears in an instant. But in Tongguan Linzhi Plateau, it can be turned into artillery. ...』

"..." Cao Cao took a breath and remained silent. After a moment, he nodded, "What Yang Dezu said is true. This is what Pang Shiyuan is mocking Yu." 』

This is also a display.

In this world, it is not the amount of manpower that determines everything.

Do you think there is only one cannon exposed on the corner tower of Tongguan?

No, more artillery was on display now, at least six or seven.

So let Cao Cao guess how many artillery pieces he has not yet displayed?

Do you think artillery is the only new thing?

No, there are fireworks.

So are there other technologies that haven’t been revealed yet?

The abandoned fireworks shell seemed to be taunting Cao Cao. What would happen even if he got the gunpowder formula? Still can never catch up with the pace of Guanzhong.

Guo Jia looked at Cao Cao's expression and whispered: "However, Pang Shiyuan is very sparse...after all, some flaws have been missed..."

"oh? ” Cao Cao tilted his head slightly and said, “I would like to hear the details. 』

Guo Jia stepped forward, pointed at the outer shell of the fireworks and said: "This gunpowder thing is certainly very sharp... However, the yin and yang in the world complement each other, create and restrain each other, and such a sharp thing must have its disadvantages." , let alone mentioning that it is flammable when exposed to moisture... Lord, please see, the inside of this shell is all charred ash, and there are no traces of burning... Therefore, I can conclude that this Tongguan artillery is also like this shell, no matter how it is used, There must be some damage! 』

Cao Cao's eyebrows lit up.

"Besides..." Guo Jia added, "Pang Shiyuan lured General Cao Zilian to attack him without intending to avoid him being injured. It was impossible." Therefore, I believe that although this artillery can destroy fortresses, it is not as accurate as a bow and arrow...otherwise..."

Cao Cao squinted his eyes and stroked his beard.

"Thirdly, I have also seen that the bullets used in the artillery are made of copper and iron. "Guo Jia said slowly, "Even if the hussars are skilled in making weapons, there must be a certain number of copper and iron items. If they are used for artillery, they are less valuable than swords... Therefore, artillery must be expensive. ...』

Cao Cao laughed.

This time the smile was a little more relaxed than the previous one.

"Sure enough, it's filial piety!" ” Cao Cao praised, “The only person who knows my worries is Fengxiao! 』

Guo Jia lowered his head slightly and said, "My lord, if what I predict is true... there will be an envoy coming tomorrow..."

Pang Tong's sudden move did have a certain deterrent effect, but people are forgetful. Just like the matters that Cao Cao had just arranged, if they were refreshed with new content the next day, wouldn't the original hot spots have been transferred? ? Therefore, Guo Jia judged that Pang Tong would definitely send someone to take a walk around, take a look, and maybe even send two unlit fireworks to Cao Cao...

At least if Guo Jia was in Pang Tong's position, he would do this.

Cao Cao raised the corner of his mouth, "Delay the troops?" 』

Guo Jia nodded, "That's unnecessary." 』

Cao Cao pondered.

If Pang Tong is really trying to slow down his troops, this is certainly good news.

Of course, if the enemy slows down, we should respond urgently, but the question is why Pang Tong wants to delay his troops?

Cao Cao walked around twice, then stopped and looked at Guo Jia, "Wuguan?" 』

Guo Jia said: "Hussars have always focused on elite soldiers, and there are not many soldiers on weekdays." There are advantages and disadvantages to this method, and I don’t need to elaborate on it. Now Hedong, Heluo, Tongguan, Fengling and other places all need to use troops. This Wuguan... maybe there are not enough soldiers... Lord, we are waiting for the new year, and so are they. For the New Year...』

Cao Cao stroked his beard and nodded slowly.

Guo Jia's guess is not unreasonable.

We are all Han Chinese and have the habit of celebrating the New Year.

Cao Jun doesn't want to fight on New Year's Day, so do the Hussars soldiers like to go out on New Year's Day?

Basically, it can be said that Guanzhong must have known about the Wancheng incident, so the defense of Wuguan must be strengthened. Whether it is artillery or other weapons, they all need to be operated manually, so no matter how streamlined they are, more soldiers must be added. In the Sanfu area of ​​​​Guanzhong, the Hussars took away a large number of people and horses, and most of the remaining soldiers were stationed in Tongguan for defense. In addition, the Sanfu area also needs a certain amount of troops to prevent unexpected situations, so now If more soldiers are needed at Wuguan, it may not be possible to mobilize them immediately and it will take a certain amount of time.

Cao Cao squinted his eyes, turning the soybeans into green beans, "In that case...I would like to see what happens to the envoy tomorrow..."