Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3205 Wrong

At Zhongtiao Mountain, Cao's army camp was in good order.

There are no large groups of people or teams of chariots and horses in the camp, only capable armored soldiers.

Cao Cao and Cao Xiu got in touch and were waiting for Zhang Xiu's surprise attack.

But after Zhang Xiu wandered around Anyi, he retreated again and disappeared without a trace, leaving Cao Cao waiting in vain.

The last news was that Zhang Xiu led people north...

But the question is, are you really going back?

Or a false shot?

Or has it moved somewhere else?

These are all issues that Cao Cao must consider, and the information that can be provided to him is too little.

Cao Hong retreated in defeat and asked for help and food, leaving Cao Cao sitting in the tent speechless for a long time.

The failure of the branch is not a big deal, because since Cao Cao's campaign, he has not always had the upper hand on local battlefields, but as long as he can win in the end, it will be fine.

Cao Hong was severely frustrated, and Cao Xiu was exhausted. Now his strategy of luring the enemy to disperse and disrupting his opponents has basically failed. What Cao Cao can't understand is, is Fei Qian really so determined?

Isn't he afraid at all?

According to the descriptions of the defeated soldiers who escaped from the front line, the hussars and horses that appeared were indeed the elite cavalry that Cao Cao had the most trouble with. The kind of elite cavalry that is strictly disciplined, well-trained, powerful, and well-equipped.

Cao Cao couldn't help but sigh deeply.

If he has such cavalry, why worry about the world being unfair?

It's a pity that such a sharp weapon fell into Fei Qian's hands.

Cao Hong's letter stated that he ambushed Sima Yi's cavalry with nearly three times the number of troops, but in the end he could only defeat them and did not achieve the effect of total annihilation. Although Cao Hong did not discuss the matter, Cao Cao knew what Cao Hong meant. Cao Hong was reminding Cao Cao that the Hussars were more difficult to deal with than they originally expected.

Cao Cao understood what Cao Hong meant and couldn't help but feel angry and a little embarrassed.

Zhang Xiu is missing, and Feiqian's headquarters still doesn't know where it is.

Cao Cao originally wanted to lure Fei Qian to make a mistake, just like he was waiting for Yuan Shao to make a mistake when he faced Yuan Shao's powerful troops, but now Cao Cao suddenly discovered that there seemed to be some problems with his Montesquieu's tactics of war...

Of course, at this moment, Cao Cao can never say that it is his own problem.

Just like the ruling class will never say that there are problems with their policies or officials, even if everyone knows that there is a problem, and it is a big problem, they still have to be shy when faced with the emperor's new clothes and show that they look good. nice.

Cao Cao actually vaguely understood the source of his problem at the moment, but he couldn't admit it and could only make secret adjustments. It was absolutely impossible to publicize it everywhere...

To put it simply, Cao Cao started self-correction and self-examination.

As for the results of the investigation, I'm sorry, I have no comment and will not be made public.

…

…

Yang Xiu was also thinking.

He stood up, opened the cover of the messenger's canopy, and walked outside.

The cold wind at night gradually cooled down Yang Xiu's head, which was a little hot from thinking.

The bonfire looked so small in the wilderness.

The guard on duty came forward and asked if anything happened.

Yang Xiu waved his hand and said he was just coming out for some air, nothing important.

The guard then retreated.

Yang Xiu took two steps forward and stood outside the temporary camp.

Yang Xiu could feel the Ruowuowu eyes coming from behind.

That was the surveillance gaze of Cao's soldiers.

"Haha..." The night wind blew, and Yang Xiu felt a little cold.

There was also a piece of clothing in his car, a parting gift from Fei Qian. The clothes were very warm, but he didn't dare to wear them.

Yang Xiu understood that Fei Qian was demonstrating or showing that he had abundant military supplies.

And using this dress to make a plan...

Yang Xiu originally didn't want it.

But what Fei Qian said made Yang Xiu have to bow his head to thank him and accept the robe.

"Envoy, follow people and officials, means to be hasty." Heaven uses timing, earth uses materials, and humans use virtue. If you think it's a mission, why do it privately? 』

To put it simply, Yang Xiu came from Cao Cao and conveyed Cao Cao's wishes. Now that Yang Xiu went back, he also conveyed Fei Qian's wishes. So it doesn't matter whether the envoy wants it or not. .

What matters is the role of the messenger.

There is naturally no inclusions in the robe.

All of Fei Qian's strategies are on the table.

Therefore, Yang Xiu had to wear it to show his magnanimity and try his best to pretend that this robe was just a robe...

"That's right, follow people, follow officials..."

Yang Xiu exhaled.

The son of the fourth and third son of the dignified fourth generation is now reduced to a lackey!

Yuan Shang!

Yang Xiu!

Hahaha!

Yang Xiu wanted to laugh wildly, laughing wildly at the sky and the earth, but in the end he just grinned and shook his face twice.

There is no way in heaven and earth, and there is no order in the universe. What can be done?

This world should have been his, theirs!

He is the proud man of heaven!

Feiqian...

Back then, what was Fei Qian back then? !

Yang Xiu felt that he was no different from ordinary people. He had one nose, one mouth, two eyes and four legs. However, the splashing waves caused new changes in the whole world that were difficult for Yang Xiu to understand.

Yang Xiu raised his head and tried hard to prevent the tears from falling in his eyes.

When he was in Luoyang, Yang Xiu didn't notice Fei Qian at all...

How glorious was Yang Xiu at that time? !

"The Luoshui River flows slowly away, and the catkins fly from the bridge." The fishing boats sing evening songs, only old friends are sad..."

Yang Xiu groaned slowly, his voice floating in the air.

At the campfire, a Cao Jun soldier moved his ears slightly.

…

…

Yecheng.

Cao Pi was very uneasy and always felt that something big was about to happen.

He calculated everything that happened in these days and what he had done, and then felt that he had done nothing wrong...

What's the problem with mixing grain and grass?

no problem.

What’s the problem with conscripting civilian husbands?

No problem.

Staring at the officials and ministers, is there any problem?

No problem either.

So where is the problem?

Cao Pi couldn't figure it out.

Anyway, it's not his own problem, it's definitely not his own problem.

But he vaguely felt that there was already a problem at the moment.

This made Cao Pi feel chilly in his heart.

Although Cao Cao concealed some of the unfavorable news on the front line intentionally or unintentionally, after Cao Pi inquired, he learned a lot more or less.

The attack on Shangdang failed completely, Hedong was once defeated, and Youbei was beaten so hard that it couldn't hold its head up. It seemed that everything was far from what was originally expected.

Cao Pi seemed to feel that in the past few days in Ye City, all the official houses of all sizes were chattering, and people were rustling about something...

Cao Pi was flustered, but on the surface he still pretended to have everything under control.

Cao Pi really didn't have much contact with the hussars and horses before. Perhaps the closest contact with the hussars and horses was the time when Fei Qian led the army to form an alliance with Cao Cao in Xu County.

At that time, although Cao Pi felt that the Hussars were quite powerful, he never expected that the Hussars would develop to the extent they are today and would bring such great harm to Shandong and Jizhou.

"The hidden abyss sings and the Hanhai appears; the Kun strikes the water and the mysterious sky changes..."

It seems to be a prophecy.

Is this a coincidence or a setup?

Cao Pi hasn't thought it through yet.

He just knows that there seem to be many gentry children in Jizhou and Yuzhou, including other places in Shandong, who have some unexplainable relationship with Fei Qian...

Just like the relationship that guy secretly had with Yuan Shao back then.

"damn it……"

Cao Pi gritted his teeth.

No matter what, since he is the eldest son of the Cao family, he should naturally share the worries for the Cao family’s foundation!

It was okay if I didn’t know before, but now that I know, I should do something instead of just watching!

"Isn't the school official Zhao here yet?" ! ”Cao Pi asked the guards outside.

The guard replied, "Also...oh, here we come!" Hurry up, the prince is calling! 』

Zhao Da hurriedly came forward to meet Cao Pi.

"I want you to check..."

Cao Pi's voice deepened.

Zhao Da's expression changed, and he replied in a low voice: "Prince...this is not easy to investigate..."

Cao Pi gritted his teeth.

How did Fei Qian contact the people in Shandong? Or how did the people from Shandong get in touch with Hussar?

Cao Cao has obviously blocked the water and land routes and prohibited messengers from delivering news, but the people in Shandong know more and faster than his heir apparent!

It's even possible...

Someone in Shandong has long colluded with Fei Qian and is preparing to rebel?

At that time, there were many people in Yanzhou, Yuzhou who were flirting with Yuan Shao. This is a lesson learned from the past! It's hard to guarantee that none of these guys have evil intentions in their hearts...

"Thorough investigation!" ” Cao Pi looked fiercely, tore off a piece of jade from his body, and threw it into Zhao Da’s hands, “This is a life-or-death moment! Feel free to check it out! 』

Zhao Da was stunned and bowed deeply.

"I am afraid...I will obey the order of the Crown Prince..."

The voice seemed a little trembling, but if you look at it from the side, you can see Zhao Da hiding in the shadows and showing some cruel smiles when he prostrates himself.

Like a greedy jackal that sees a rotting corpse.

…

…

The sky was filled with clouds, and finally, Yang Xiu, whose legs and feet were starting to feel numb, slowly stepped out of Cao Cao's tent, staggered slightly and turned around the tent, then let out a long sigh.

The sigh seemed to contain frustration, helplessness, and a hint of fear.

There was only a place for him to stand in the tent, not a place for him to sit.

This was a bit disappointing to him, but also a bit natural.

In any case, Yang Xiu still belongs to Heluo at the moment. He is a subordinate, a "subordinate", and a "subordinate", rather than a good adviser and general who can participate in the core military meetings...

Although I felt a little unhappy, in any case, this envoy's journey was over.

It's finally over.

No, there is one more thing that Yang Xiu didn't say.

That dress.

Because Yang Xiu saw many similar clothes in the big tent.

After all, Guanzhong and Shandong have already done a lot of trade, and the middle and senior leaders of Cao's army, whether they are counselors or generals, don't need a few dollars to buy some good clothes to withstand the cold weather here, so what's the problem?

But if Yang Xiu took out the clothes in front of everyone...

Then something goes wrong.

Yang Xiu turned over his clothes to prove his innocence, but will the other people hand over his clothes?

It's inappropriate to hand it over, and it's equally inappropriate not to hand it over.

Those people dare not bear grudges against Cao Cao and Fei Qian, but for Yang Xiu...

Yang Xiu sighed slightly.

No matter what happened to Cao Cao and Fei Qian, the Yang family cannot afford to offend them now.

Although Yang Xiu knew that things were already like this, there was always something in his heart that he couldn't let go of.

It's like there's a lump in my throat, but I can't say anything.

Yang Xiu stood there, calmed down slightly, and made his expression and actions appear more stable before slowly moving forward. He knew that he would definitely hear that person's name many times.

Feiqian.

Feiqian...

Even if Yang Xiu didn't want to listen, he had to listen.

Follow people, follow officials...

Perhaps this is indeed the case. From now on... no, from earlier on, the authority in this world has nothing to do with the Yang family. The Yang family can only "follow people and officials".

Yang Xiu couldn't help but shook his head and sighed.

The Yang guards who were waiting outside came forward, but heard Yang Xiu's sigh. They couldn't help but be startled. Then they looked up at Cao Cao's tent and whispered: "Lang Jun, this is... Prime Minister Cao... 』

Yang Xiu waved his hand, "Nothing." 』

That piece of clothing, I'll find another opportunity to explain it later. After all, there were Cao's soldiers among the queue going to Pingyang. When Yang Xiu got the clothes, he didn't receive them in his own hands immediately, but handed them over to the Cao's soldiers.

Whether there is entrainment or not, Cao's soldiers will naturally know.

So, if you don’t mention this dress, it should be okay, right?

Yang Xiu said it was okay, but felt a little unsure.

The guard obviously didn't believe it, and he glanced sideways at Cao Cao's tent. The object of his loyalty is not Cao Cao, but the Yang family and Yang Xiu.

Yang Xiu took two steps and realized that the guard hadn't followed him, so he turned around and shouted in a low voice: "Still not following!" 』

The guard responded and lowered his head, but the anger on his face was obvious.

In the eyes of the guards, Yang Xiu had worked hard to travel to Pingyang. Regardless of credit, it was hard work. But now Yang Xiu seems to have been coaxed out...

In other words, after using it, it is thrown aside.

Yang, the dignified son of the fourth generation and the third prince, is he like a chamber pot?

Even if nothing else is mentioned, Yang Xiu went to Pingyang, and Duoduo was risking death. Who knows if the hussar would be angry and cut Yang Xiu with a knife? But now that Yang Xiu is back, Cao Cao has neither rewards nor compensation. He just says a few words and drives Yang Xiu out of the tent, and then the other counselors and soldiers will stay in the tent.

Doesn't this obviously exclude the Yang family?

You must know that this time Cao Cao entered Guanzhong, Heluo also gave a lot of "support"!

Yang's guard was full of curses in his heart.

Yang Xiu, who was walking in front, felt somewhat relieved that the pressure had been lifted. He was indeed too tired from this line of work, not only physically exhausted, but also mentally exhausted, so he just wanted to take a good rest at the moment, completely unaware of the unhappy expressions on the faces of the guards behind him.

…

…

Inside Cao Cao's tent, Cao Cao narrowed his mung bean eyes, frowned and was speechless for a while.

To Cao Cao's left and right were Guo Jia and Dong Zhao, as well as a group of generals and generals.

Yang Xiu brought Fei Qian's reply.

Guo Jia stood aside, looking at the reply written by Fei Qian on the desk.

"If you want to fight, come and fight." 』

The pen is as sharp as a knife.

Cao Cao obviously didn't feel well after being poked.

The lung tubes hurt a little.

My head hurts too.

In front of the generals and counselors, Cao Cao was too embarrassed to rub it in, so he could only resist with a frown.

"The Hussar sent troops to the Western Regions and then returned to the east of the river. This shows that this son had a premeditated plan... In other words, before the Hussar sent troops to the Western Regions, he might have expected... that Duke Ming would march into Guanzhong..." Guo Jia said slowly.

"Filial piety!" This is wrong...Don't try to boost others' ambitions and destroy your own prestige..." Dong Zhao said with some dissatisfaction, "The matter of Ming Gong sending troops is a secret. Who can know it before sending troops? 』

Guo Jia glanced at Dong Zhao and did not continue to explain. He seemed to understand naturally and not understand even if he didn't understand. Dong Zhao's expression changed somewhat. He lifted his beard and was about to say something. Suddenly I saw Cao Cao stretching out a hand...

"How to deal with this matter...?" ! 』

Cao Cao's voice was deep and powerful.

No matter how much you analyze, the key is still response.

Judging from the letter of challenge he responded to, Fei Qian indeed accepted the challenge and boldly invited him to challenge.

But how to fight is still a huge problem.

If you only rely on a few words in writing, then rush straight to Pingyang. The king of both sides will face the king, and the general will line up under Pingyang. First, they will yell and curse, explain their own righteousness, then belittle the other party, and finally The three armies are dispatched to fight each other. The winner is the father and the loser is the son...

But this is the operating mode of the Spring and Autumn Period, and it is no longer used in the Warring States Period, let alone now?

The war model of the Spring and Autumn Period was that of a true gentleman.

Later, the "gentleman" was spoiled by the "villain", which resulted in the absence of "gentleman". Who is the "gentleman" and who is Shabi? However, they have to sound good and look good in slogans and appearances, so it becomes more and more difficult. There are more and more "hypocrites" coming.

Cao Cao didn't mind being a hypocrite, but he definitely didn't want to be a Sabi, so he didn't believe a word of the reply written by Fei Qian, and felt that this was a trap set by Fei Qian, waiting for him to jump into.

"Ming Gong, wherever there is peace, there must be an ambush!" ” Dong Zhao said in a deep voice, “Now that our army has not established a foothold, if we advance rashly in order to finish the battle in one battle, we will have a restless army and may fall into the hands of the hussars!” How about we continue to advance with a hard camp and devour the whales? It won't be too late to settle Anyi first and then enter Pingyang! 』

After Dong Zhao finished speaking, most of the generals nodded in approval.

The news of Cao Hong's failure could not be concealed.

Then even Cao Hong couldn't withstand the fat beating of Sima Yi, a little-known member of Qiusi's command, let alone their general who didn't even have a name? Sima Yi is so powerful, if he meets Zhang Xiu, or other generals with some reputation under Hussar, wouldn't it be...

Naturally, it is safer to follow Cao Cao's thigh.

Of course, you can't say this. If you say it, you will be suspected of being afraid of war, so it must be called "safe" as Dong Zhao said.

But according to the original plan, can it really succeed?

Cao Cao has already become suspicious.

Not only do you doubt yourself, but you also doubt everything.

After all, it is easier to doubt others than to examine yourself, and it will also give yourself a kind of relief.

It's not that the opponent is too strong, it's that we are all pig teammates.

Guo Jia was on the side and more or less guessed some of Cao Cao's thoughts. Guo Jia believes that what Cao Cao is worried about is that he feels that he has lost the soil, the familiar Shandong soil, so Cao Cao seems to have lost his roots, showing a little panic and uneasiness.

"Ming Gong, don't fall into the trap of hussar cavalry and provoke the general." ” Guo Jia said slowly. He did not agree to attack Pingyang directly now, but the reason was different from Dong Zhao’s.

"oh? ” Cao Cao responded as expected, “As a filial piety, please tell me. 』

"The tribes in Hedong have always followed the wind," Guo Jia said in a deep voice. "They are happy when they see benefits and change their minds when they see new things. There is no certainty. Therefore, there are people with various surnames in Pingyang... but it is not enough to rely on it." 』

"Not enough?" "Cao Cao's little eyes suddenly lit up.

Guo Jia nodded slowly in affirmation.

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing, "Hahahaha... It's really a filial piety!" This is so wonderful, so wonderful! 』