"This so-called driving the people from the city to fight does not mean putting them to death, but making everyone fight on their own." [Historical Records: Biography of the Marquis of Huaiyin]
On October 20, the third year of Jian'an.
Dongjun, Liaocheng.
After the autumn rain, Hebei soon entered a dry and hot weather. The water in the ravines began to become shallower, and the land became solid and hard again. The dead grass and shrubs that had been exposed to the wind, rain, and exposure were finally mixed in the dust.
The emperor's military formation began to beat drums, like a rolling thunder falling from the sky and exploding on the ground. Five-color flags, banners, trumpets, and the flags of the Northern and Southern armies were raised one after another, looking like auspicious clouds in the distance.
.Under this cloud, a group of neat and orderly queues are slowly moving forward, and the loud and orderly footsteps sound like they are coming from the same giant.
In the front row of the army, lined up in sequence are the hard-lined Tiger and Camp troops and the Zhongba battalion. They firmly protect the Shesheng battalion in the middle, just like the infantry battalion and the auxiliary battalion protect the emperor from behind. The Yulin Cavalry is flanked by the auxiliary.
On the right, Changshui, with the garrison guard on the left, they formed a square formation, ordinary and simple, but clumsy and clumsy, making all the Yuan troops on the opposite side wary.
"It seems that the emperor is timid in battle." Yuan Shao looked at the large banner of the emperor in the camp opposite and said with a smile: "We have few soldiers, but we have to allocate a guard and chariot.
, how unwise!”
General Wen Chou grinned and was about to step forward to ask for orders when he was stopped by Guo Tu: "Ming Gong, now we are gathering troops to fight. Invasion from the underworld is a taboo for military strategists."
Yuan Shao stopped laughing, nodded and said: "That's exactly what it is! Wen Chou, Han Ju, and others led 50,000 troops out of the camp to fight. The defeat of Yan Liang earlier was unexpected, but now it's a battle between the two armies, and the outcome is determined.
It all depends on each other's strength, there is no trick to think of! You must not let me down."
The generals whose names were called agreed in unison and immediately led their troops out in formation.
The forward general Wen Chou, the garrison captain Han Ju, and the other commander He Mao were the most elite troops under Yuan Shao's command, with about 20,000 people, and the rest were ordinary soldiers. This can be seen from the messy armor on their bodies.
It can be seen that most of those elites from hundreds of battles are wearing strong armor, holding long contradiction cards, and swords at their waists. However, most of the ordinary soldiers are wearing leather armor or military uniforms, facing the North and South armies on the opposite side.
It's actually extremely crude.
The two powerful armies faced each other from east to west. The dense crowd of people stepped out of the camp and spread their wings like falcons. The tidal sea of people covered the ground where the unearthed layer was trampled. Opposite Wen Chou, the elite and orderly cavalry were like an insurmountable tower.
The mountains, stretching across the west, became the strongest barrier in front of the emperor in the opposite camp.
The waves and rocks crashed against each other, and the shouts of killing followed. The roar of soldiers and the sound of swords were heard everywhere in the wind. The surging fighting was right in front of you, but it was firmly suppressed by the solid cavalry. Instead,
The camp in the rear was as quiet as usual.
The emperor led a group of people out of the camp, feeling the strange emotion of the cruel war being so close to him, but never getting close to him. He saw Wu Kuang and another auxiliary army captain arranging the auxiliary soldiers in the camp
Taking over the defensive gap left by the army after leaving the camp, they called the two of them over.
Wu Kuang was wearing a captain's standard Mingguang armor, with a skirt that reached to his knees. He was a veteran who had joined the army when General He Jin was still there, and his hair on the temples was already whiter than black. So was another auxiliary captain.
Similarly, although the two were generals of the Northern and Southern Army, the role of the auxiliary soldiers in the Forbidden Army was only to build fortifications, etc., and few people compared them with the Northern and Southern Army. Now that they were summoned by the emperor, the two were surprised and happy, and they came closer
Hold your fists in front and salute.
The emperor glanced at Xu Chu, Zhang Heng and others in front of the palace who were guarding the wings, and said to these people who had no chance to go into battle, as if to comfort them: "Now is the moment of victory or defeat, you will build the building in these days."
The camp, taking turns to guard the camp, and discussing the merits and deeds are no less than those who go into battle to kill the enemy."
Winning people's hearts has always been the most convenient thing for the emperor. After a few words, Wu Kuang and Wu Kuang were very moved. Even if they had no chance to participate in the war, they were satisfied with the emperor's promise.
Compared with the auxiliary captain of the Confederate Army, Wu Kuang was particularly proud, because the emperor mainly talked to him during the consultation and comfort just now, and he also mentioned that he had surrendered the rebels in Hongnong for such a meager sum.
military exploits, as well as his son and nephew.
Wu Yi and Wu Ban played a little role in the return of Yizhou, and were appointed as doctors. They entered the official career. However, before their fame could reach any further level, they somehow became well known to the emperor and were very popular in his mouth.
He said it naturally: "Your sons and nephews are all heroes. It is a pity that you stay in Chang'an now and are not allowed to join the army in the Eastern Expedition."
"This, even though Your Majesty has moved to Guandong, the palace must be guarded." Wu Kuang swallowed his saliva and said carefully: "Guang Luxun was originally responsible for guarding the palace. In this eastern expedition, although there are guards, Lang Wei will accompany the army.
, but a group of troops must still be left to guard Weiyang. Although Wu Kuang and others are unworthy, they also know the meaning of humility, not to mention Guang Luxun's name for rotation..."
The words both inside and outside describe the loyalty of Wu Yi and others to stick to their duties and not compete for merit. It also explains the reason why Guang Luxun made such an arrangement and it was inconvenient for Wu Yi and others to leave their duty.
The emperor vaguely remembered that Wu Kuang was not the kind of person who talked about everything. He was a little surprised when he heard the other party's answer. But this response was what he expected. The emperor did not say much and only said: "Just like that.
When you and other auxiliary soldiers discuss their merits, they will not only judge whether they killed the enemy or not. After the two Yuan Dynasties were destroyed, everyone in the palace and the palace will be rewarded."
Wu Kuang only agreed, feeling secretly happy that the emperor had a surprisingly good impression of the Wu family. Wu Kuang was pleasantly surprised and strengthened his intention to make the Wu family self-reliant.
Seeing Wu Kuang walking away, the emperor suddenly said to the people around him: "It seems that Chang'an is well prepared, so I don't need to be too concerned."
"Everything is done to get help from heaven." Xun You immediately responded: "The imperial court has countless loyal ministers and good generals. For example, the mountains and rivers are inexhaustible. Even if most of the elite are deployed in the Eastern Expedition, it will be enough to control the foreign invaders."
"There are too many people who can be used among those who stayed in the court." The emperor looked at the fighting military formation in the distance, his voice was calm, he turned around, took Xun You, Jia Xu and other few people to the stage that had been set up.
Standing on this high platform, he could have a panoramic view of the war not far away.
Xu Chu and other ministers in front of the Qian Palace and other courtiers stayed in the audience. Not long after, the infantry captain Zhao Yun also brought a group of people to guard.
"Although my uncle doesn't know the art of war, he is more cautious and modest. With him in charge, I'm not afraid of troubles in Guanzhong." The emperor looked at the battle in front of him, but he talked about the enemy's situation thousands of miles away: "As for aggressiveness and victory, then
It depends on the abilities of Huangfu Song and Zhong Yao."
Xun You's tone was calm: "So, the memorials of the princes..."
The emperor stared at the battle situation attentively and asked without thinking: "They did not carry my uncle into the Chengming Palace to handle the affairs, but they only recommended my uncle to serve as generals to participate in the military affairs. What kind of violation is this?"
The people in Chang'an were very careful about this matter. They could achieve their goals without overly offending the emperor. The proceedings were legitimate and they could not catch obvious consequences. The emperor originally wanted to use Dong Cheng to observe everyone's behavior.
The reaction, if you want to use this to beat me, is not enough.
"In urgent matters, follow authority. If the princes stay behind and do nothing but wait for the edict to be issued, that would be a serious crime of dereliction of duty. Now, I only see the righteousness and responsibility of the princes in facing the situation, regardless of personal gain," Huangmen Shilang
Lai Min defended Huan Dian and others as he should.
The emperor turned his head and glanced at Lai Min, as if he was surprised that there was Lai Min among the Huangmen servants who were close servants: "You seem to have something to say to Chen?"
Lai Min didn't catch Xun You's suggestive gaze, and said to himself: "I heard that all affairs in the court are handled by Sikong Zhaogong, and the Taiwei is just a name. Recently, I have heard more about his unethical behavior.
The people of Chang'an were resentful, so how could they take on such an important task? What's more, the Taiwei broke his seal and left that day, and his resentment was palpable. If this continues, it is hard to guarantee that there will be no side effects. Therefore, I thought that General Wei might as well take charge of the overall situation. As a noble relative, he has good moral character and
Both teeth are worthy of the job..."
Before he could finish speaking, a roar suddenly came from the military formation in front of the camp. Everyone looked around and saw only the infantry and archers from the middle camp and other infantry and archers guarding the original position in a stalemate with the enemy. There was water on the left and right wings, and Yu Lin and other cavalry were guarding the position.
Like two sharp knives striking at the enemy's waist and abdomen.
Xun You immediately interrupted: "This is a serious matter. Everything must be stable now. The matter of the Taiwei has nothing to do with the overall situation. Your Majesty, please think twice."
The emperor waved his hand and said as if unintentionally: "Mr.
Wei still has to govern the Chengming Palace. After all, he is also my father-in-law and uncle. I cannot favor one over the other."
"What does it mean to favor one over the other?" Huangmen Shilang Zhongji said unsatisfied: "I only heard about the country's selfless affairs."
Zhong Ji's temperament is the same as that of Zhong Fu and Zhong Shao. This seems to be the family tradition of the Zhong family in Henan Province to the outside world. However, this kind of character is often confusing and makes people feel that everything he says is...
From sincerity.
The emperor frowned unnoticeably, and suddenly smiled and said: "Zhonglang has reminded me. Rewarding merit and punishing failure is the way to govern."
Having said this, the emperor was still unwilling to give Wang Bin greater authority or severely punish Dong Cheng under the instigation of Lai Min and Zhong Ji. However, Zhong Ji still wanted to remonstrate to the end, and said resolutely: "It's too much.
The lieutenant has resentment in his heart. If the two are still in charge of the military and political affairs, or there will be discord, how can this be a 'stable' plan?"
"Now that we are facing a powerful enemy, you still dare to abolish the official position for personal gain, just for the sake of the family. Do you look down on the character of Taiwei, Sikong, or General Wei?" The emperor suddenly shouted, Wang Bin has Zhao Wen, Yang Qi, and Huan Dian.
, Sima Fang and other powerful people in Chang'an supported him. It would be a joke to say that he could not prevent Dong Cheng from playing tricks.
But some people just want to pull Wang Bin into one camp. Zhong Ji from Guandong and Lai Min from Jingzhou are just a bit calmer than Xun.
Zhong Ji and Lai Min were startled. The emperor's few words seemed to accuse them face to face. Now even Zhong Ji did not dare to speak casually. He lowered his head and was submissive and frightened.
When the emperor saw him like this, he knew that Zhong Ji's words of "Geng Jie" were completely different from Yang Qi's. He was even more disdainful in his heart. He waved his hand and drove these Huangmen ministers and ministers off, leaving only Xun You and Jia on the stage.
Say two people.
Xun You sighed slightly in his heart, but he did not change his opinion because of this. Instead, he had more room to speak than Zhong Ji and others: "What Zhong Ji said is not unreasonable. Zhao Sikong is caught in the middle. It is really difficult. Yang Shizhong and Huan Zhongcheng
These people are too upright and lack of gentleness. With Dong Gong's temperament, these people have to take precautions when they are in the court together."
The emperor always valued Xun You's opinions. He nodded seriously and said in front of the other party: "This is very true. Now the minister's desk is short of a servant. He must be gentle, virtuous, and able to obey
Everyone."
Jia Xu, who had been observing the battle in front of him with all his concentration, finally looked away, as if he was very interested in this matter: "I have a candidate."
"Oh?" The emperor looked at him with raised eyebrows and asked: "Most of the ministers are newly promoted, so they must be outsiders."
"Dongping Prime Minister Xun Yu." After Jia Xu said this, Xun You's heart skipped a beat.
The emperor suddenly smiled and said: "I remember him. When he was in Luoyang, he served as a palace guard and was in charge of pen and ink for Emperor Xiaohuai. He also taught me calligraphy. He is indeed a gentleman. He helped Cao Cao run the place in Yanzhou.
He is also very commendable in military affairs. Let him be the minister's servant, and the edict will be issued immediately, without delay."
Xun You subconsciously refused: "It's not about being humble, it's about whether..."
"It's not rude." The emperor interrupted him and said encouragingly: "I have heard about this man's reputation a long time ago, but I just didn't have the opportunity to meet him. It's so good. Let him go to Chang'an to handle affairs first, and let me see what he is like.
How about. When the army returns in triumph, I will see him properly." After that, he added: "I know Cao Cao regards him as his arm, but Xun Yu is not his personal one after all."
Xun You had nothing to say. He already knew that the emperor had the idea of transferring Xun Yu, but he hesitated to do so because the war situation was unclear and he did not want to overly stimulate Cao Cao by transferring his confidants. Now that Huainan has won news one after another, Yuan Tan was defeated and retreated to Qingzhou.
, even before their eyes, Changshui Cavalry and Yulin Cavalry had defeated the cavalry led by Wen Chou, and the Zhongba, Shesheng and other battalions also began to call in.
The emperor had a lot less worries, and it was reasonable to transfer Xun Yu away. But he didn't know who the emperor would place next to Cao Cao after he was transferred away.
"As soon as the former general arrived in Pei State, Guo Fengxiao gave him many strategies." The emperor suddenly praised: "First he bluffed, using the name of the former general, falsely claiming to lead 30,000 troops into Xu, which scared Yuan Tan into abandoning Langye
Then left. Then he said that the bandits would surrender to Mount Tai, which would not only solve Cao Cao's flank concerns, but also harass Jinan and put Yuan Tan in trouble."
"This man has a great talent. Zhu Gong originally only sat in charge of Pei State and acted as a central control, but Guo Fengxiao was able to mobilize tens of thousands of troops without even using a single soldier. Even Cao Cao went to court several times to express his merits. I think