As Zhao Tong took in the second generation of generals who secretly came to join him.

He immediately wrote letters to all the family heads and the King of Hanzhong, Liu Bei, and stated the details in the letters.

This matter has just come to an end!

However, since Zhao Tongchu took up the post of governor of the two counties, the most urgent task now is to stabilize the morale of the army and convince the soldiers in each department.

In addition to the soldiers and horses previously allocated by Liu Bei, this army also includes private soldiers belonging to the Huo family.

Although he is now appointed by the king to succeed Huo Jun.

But as we all know, military officers fear the strong.

You will not be able to make the officers and soldiers obey orders just because of your duty.

Even though Zhao Tong had defeated Cao's army in the Qiang Dao in the past two years and was famous among the Qiang and Di ethnic groups, his age made the proud and brave generals under his command unyielding.

Through patrolling the camp, Zhao Tong naturally discovered the thoughts of various ministries.

He then decided to let Ma Su return to Bian City under the jurisdiction of the county and take charge of internal affairs.

And he himself stayed in the military camp to gather the morale of the army.

Of course, this cannot be accomplished in a short while.

…

Just as many changes were happening in the west.

At this moment, the eastern front is a thin line.

It has been nearly half a year since Prime Minister Cao Cao decided to personally conquer Jiangdong last winter.

The armies of Cao and Sun surrounded Ruxu Wu and fought dozens of battles.

But the outcome is still undecided!

Ruxu is like a rock-solid Wubao standing at the ferry in the north of the Yangtze River.

No matter how Cao's army attacked, they could not move.

Because Ruxuwu could not be conquered, Cao Cao had to reopen the water battlefield.

He specifically ordered the governor Xiahou Dun, who was stationed in the 26th Army in Juchao, to mobilize large and small warships, and then transferred them back to Xuzhou and entered Jiangdu, intending to invade Sun Guan's headquarters in Wujun and Jianye.

Zang Ba was ordered to still lead his headquarters to threaten Sun's core area in Jiangdong from the flanks and attract the opponent's attention.

As for Sun Guan and his troops stationed on the main battlefield.

He relied on his experience in water warfare and brought his warships to try to open up the situation on the river.

only.

When it comes to foot combat on land, there may be some differences between the people in the east of the Yangtze River!

But a water battle broke out with the opponent, which played into the plans of Sun Quan and others.

On the river, the wind and waves are turbulent.

But every day, there are almost roars that echo through the sky.

Warships lined the river, and the sailors of the two armies fought together.

Countless soldiers were intertwined.

Soldiers continued to fall into the water, quickly dyeing the river blood.

The war was extremely fierce!

But even so, the various units of Cao's army were unable to compete with the Jiangdong Navy due to water warfare.

It is impossible to break through the river defense line and break into the hinterland of Jiangdong.

They fought for a long time.

Jiangdong's army could only protect itself and did not have the strength to counterattack Cao's army.

And Cao Jun was unable to break through the defenses everywhere in Jiangbei.

The war ended in a stalemate.

This stalemate lasted for more than half a year.

There has already been an outbreak of disease on the Jianghuai front line.

After this fierce battle, the plague couldn't help but become more serious!

Since the Sun family was on the defensive, it was relatively easy to prevent the spread of the disease, so the impact was not that big.

On the other hand, on the side of Cao's army, the plague even spread to the military camp.

Unfortunately, soldiers continue to be infected!

It's time to arrive in late July.

Cao seems to have a trend that he can't hold off on.

In the big tent.

As a staff member of the Prime Minister's Office following the expedition, Jiang Ji, who was officially residing in Xicao's vassal, could not help but look worried beforehand, and exhorted:

"Prime Minister, this southern expedition has been almost half a year since our expedition."

"Although our soldiers fought bravely one after another, it is even stronger because of Sun's sworn protection of Ruxuwu and the extensive repairs to this important town."

"As a result, we have not yet been able to break through Ruxu Fort."

When he said this, he seemed to pause for a moment before speaking, and then continued, "In terms of water warfare, because the ships of the Jiangdong Navy are far superior to our army, dozens of small and large battles were fought, but they were unable to open up the situation."

"Ji thinks that even if the stalemate continues, it won't have much obvious meaning!"

"I make a bold request and ask the Prime Minister to order my return to the north!"

As soon as these words fell.

All the generals on both sides of the tent echoed in agreement.

"Prime Minister, I feel that what Lord Jiang Bo said is true!"

"The epidemic in our military is still continuing, and soldiers are unfortunately infected almost every day."

"But breaking through Sun's defense line in the Jiangbei area is far away."

"If the stalemate continues, I'm afraid the situation will get worse!"

"Prime Minister Wan Wang will withdraw his troops and return to the north first. After taking a rest and recharging his strength, he will attack again to destroy the Sun family and regain the land east of the Yangtze River."

…

A series of words.

At this moment, Zhang Liao, Le Jin, Li Dian and other generals unanimously agreed with the idea of ​​withdrawing their troops.

This has been a stalemate for more than half a year.

Ruxuwu could not be conquered one after another.

In the naval battle, he was unable to compete with the Jiangdong Navy, and instead defeated General Sun Guan.

The most terrible thing is that plagues occur frequently and continue to spread among the army.

All the generals have experienced the Battle of Chibi many years ago.

Know the dangers of epidemics,

If the stalemate continues, the consequences will be disastrous!

Therefore, when Jiang Ji's advice came this time, they did not have the slightest scruple and agreed one after another.

All these words fell into the ears of Cao Cao, who was sitting upright and wearing a red robe.

I heard the pessimistic words from everyone.

Some complex emotions appeared on Cao Cao's face unconsciously.

There is pessimism, unwillingness, and helplessness...

As the commander-in-chief, how can he not know about the various shortcomings in the military that everyone is talking about?

However, he really did not want to withdraw his troops and return north.

This was his second expedition south to Jiangdong.

If it is impossible to break through the Jiangbei defense line, push the front to the hinterland of Jiangdong.

Then he didn't know if he would have a good chance to destroy the Sun family with his own hands in this life!

More than two years ago, he led his army to march westward with great force.

According to the alienation plan of counselor Jia Xu, the Xiliang allied forces headed by Ma Chao were disbanded in one fell swoop, and Guanlong and Liangzhou counties were pacified by force.

At this time, he could be said to be very satisfied and high-spirited.

I thought that Hanzhong and even Bashu could be decided overnight!
To be continued...