"If you are careless, don't take small shortcomings as an injury." [Guan Zi·Zhou He]
Zuo Fengyi, suburb of Yunyang City.
After the heavy rain, the setting sun once again peeked out from behind the clouds, and its afterglow shone on the swollen Jingshui River and on the lonely hills. The weeds in the cracks of the rocks tenaciously absorbed the rainwater, and the pointed grass blades swayed in the wind, looking at the setting sun.
The river beach seems to be echoing with the distant sound of Hujia in the breeze.
"This is my first time in Guanzhong." Cao Cao looked at the scenery in the wilderness quietly. The scenery along the way from Shangdang to Hedong left a deep impression on him: "Unexpectedly, even Zuo Fengyi
There are many Qiang and Hu people living in Sanfu and other places."
"It is said that the Qiang and Hu from Zuo Fengyi have been naturalized a long time ago. Many of the Northern Army's Changshui Camp are Qiang from this area." Chief Registrar Wang Bi came to Chang'an to pay a pilgrimage to the Emperor a few years ago and was somewhat familiar with the customs in Guanzhong. He said:
"Speaking of when Zuo Fengyi gathered Qiang people, this happened after the fall of Dong Qiang."
"This place is rich in water and grass. Let's camp here." Cao Cao began to send orders to the rear to stop the advance. He raised his whip and pointed: "Let's set off early tomorrow morning. Follow the orders of the imperial court and the hussar generals and rush to An'ing as soon as possible."
"So early?" It was still some time before sunset, and it was completely possible to walk for a while. Wang Bi looked around in confusion. This wilderness was still far away from Yunyang City, and there were no settlements nearby: "Why not just
Camping outside Yunyang City? The army does not have much food and grass, so you can send a message to the Yunyang Order and ask him to raise funds for you."
"Don't make things difficult for these people." Cao Cao got off his horse, led the horse to the edge of the river, and gently beat the dust on his clothes with his whip: "The princes of the imperial court also have their concerns. This is why I passed through the capital and did not enter Chang'an first.
The reason for visiting the princes... Besides, after several wars, the imperial court may not have much food and grass left, so it must be used sparingly everywhere."
"That's because they don't know the reputation of Duke Cao." Wang Bi was indignant. As soon as Cao Cao entered Guanzhong this time, the Dukes of Chang'an only sent one visitor to bring 20,000 stones of food and grass to reward the army.
The outsiders were warning Cao Cao to be honest and quiet when he came to Guanzhong, and not to cause trouble in the capital city, otherwise he would be severely punished.
Even his former colleague, Shangshu Pushe Xunyu, did not receive any private message, as if he had completely severed ties with Cao Cao. Wang Bi felt uncomfortable no matter how he thought about it: "Even the emperor trusted Cao Cao and let him go.
Liu Bei or Sun Ce, who can follow the imperial edict and lead the troops into the third auxiliary army? If his cronies are like this, what else can the princes in the court say?"
"The tiger and leopard were sent home not long after they surrendered. Anyone who sees it will be worried." Long Shi Dong Zhao said suddenly: "It is also the emperor's magnanimity that has such trust in Duke Cao."
This metaphor is not appropriate, but Dong Zhao is a frivolous person. Wang Bi looked at him dissatisfied and was about to say something. Cao Cao's eyes turned coldly and he smiled and said: "I don't dare to take your words seriously.
Now, I have been waiting for the emperor to not abandon me, and now I am just running around to provide cattle and horses for the country."
Cao Cao sometimes felt troubled by the newly formed team of staff under his command. Wang Bi was more loyal than capable. Although Wei Zhong was personally recommended by Cao Cao as a filial and honest man, he abandoned Cao Cao during the Yanzhou Rebellion, leaving Gang Gang to finish.
Cao Cao, who said, "Only Wei Zhong does not abandon his father" has no reputation. Although he is talented, Cao Cao refuses to discuss some confidential matters with him. As for Dong Zhao, although his talents and strategies are extraordinary, his moral character is not.
There are flaws. It has been some time since he joined Cao Cao, but he has had a lot of friction with Wang Bi and others because of his personality and other issues.
Since Xun Yu, Guo Jia, Xi Zhicai and others are no longer around, this new staff team has not yet been fully integrated. Cao Cao still needs to do many things personally, which makes Cao Cao feel that he is no longer as comfortable as before.
Cao Cao looked at the turbid water, and the breeze beside the Jing River made his beard tremble slightly: "The most important thing right now is Yongliang. When I destroy Han Sui and return to Chang'an, no one will stop me.
"
Wei Zhong, a lieutenant in charge, had just returned from Chencang and found out a lot of information. He said: "Now Han Sui has escaped far away, Chenggong Ying has fled north, and all the counties in Hexi have raised troops. Zhang Ji, Xu Rong, Gaishun, Ma Teng and other generals
After fighting to be the vanguard to pursue the thieves and kill the enemy, even Duke Zhong was unwilling to give in. If Duke Cao wants to mobilize troops to Yongliang, he must do it as soon as possible."
"When Cao Gong first came to Guanxi, he was not familiar with the Yongliang generals. Now it is time to take advantage of the victory to pursue the poor invaders. If he participates too much, he may cause dissatisfaction." Dong Zhao did not agree with Wei Zhong's suggestion. He analyzed rationally: "However, this
The battle was ordered by the emperor to help Duke Cao resolve the rebellion in Yongliang. However, things changed due to changes in time. Duke Huangfu made good plans and decided to fight in one battle. The next step was to clear out the remaining bandits, which can be said to be extremely easy. In the battle, the Yongliang people
If you have resentment in your heart and don't fight, your efforts will be in vain and you will be criticized."
"This is what makes it difficult." Seeing that Dong Zhao had hit the point, Cao Cao sighed heavily. The emperor used an excuse to ask him to come to Yongliang to quell the chaos, causing him to streamline his wings and reduce his troops. He thought he could still make a difference here.
, Unexpectedly, during the delay on the road, the situation in Kansai has been turned upside down. Next, all we need to do is chase the poor bandits under the leadership of Huangfu Song, and everything will be fine. Cao Cao, who has just arrived, seems redundant.
Although he was unwilling to compete with the Yongliang generals for credit and cause unpleasant troubles, if he failed to achieve anything and could not show his abilities to the court officials, this was what Cao Cao did not want to see.
The army has gradually set up camp nearby, and many auxiliary soldiers are gathering water and fishing in small groups on the river bank. From time to time, frightened wild ducks take flight in the reeds. Smoke rises from behind everyone. Cao Hong, Le Jin and others
The general had already arranged the camp and was hesitating behind Cao Cao. Seeing that Cao Cao was still discussing matters, he hesitated for a moment and did not dare to come over.
Cao Cao's eyes passed over the auxiliary soldiers who were fetching water and fishing, and suddenly turned around. Unexpectedly, he realized that Cao Hong and others were behind him. He raised his whip slightly, chuckled, and said hello.
He came with them on horseback.
"I didn't expect that a wonderful talent has a delicate side." Cao Cao said in surprise. Xiahou Yuan and his clan brother Xiahou Dun were both famous for their bravery in battle. Xiahou Yuan valued bravery over strategy. Although he was a good general, he was not as stable as Cao Ren. Originally, Cao Cao wanted to kill Xiahou Dun.
He and Cao Ren were brought to him, but they had already become county guards. Cao Cao couldn't bear to abandon them lightly, so he left them in Guandong. At this time, hearing Xia Houyuan's performance, Cao Cao was deeply pleased, and an idea he had thought about for a long time was
Maturity slowly emerged: "You all should learn from Miaocai."
Cao Cao, who was smiling, immediately straightened his face and taught Cao Hong and others a lesson: "You can't be careless at any time. What about the three assistants? If something changes and you are not in the army, who will be responsible for the troops?"
Instructing?"
Cao Hong, Le Jin and others all lowered their heads, looking ashamed.
So after Cao Cao gave a few words of training, he sent his generals back to the camp, while he took Dong Zhao, Wang Bi and others with him. After looking at the Jingshui River for a while, they lost their energy, and then they rode towards the camp dozens of steps away.
Go.
On the way back to the camp, Dong Zhao suddenly picked up where he left off and said, "Actually, it's not difficult to send out troops to compete with the generals for credit." He rode on his horse and looked back at Cao Cao: "Listen here.
Said that according to the new military system established by the imperial court, the expedition to the west, the east, the south, and the north are collectively called the four generals. They are above the generals, second only to the generals of Wei, and the four generals on the left and right. Cao Gong is now
The general who conquers the west is in the land of Yongliang. He is only under the general Hussar and leads the generals to conquer the west. Why not?"
"This is turning against the guest." Wang Biman said disapprovingly: "Huangfu Gong is a famous general in the world and is valued by the court. Ming Gong is a foreign general, how can we take away his prestige?"
Dong Zhaohun smiled nonchalantly, glanced at Wei Zhong who said nothing, and finally looked at Cao Cao: "It depends on whether Duke Huangfu is willing to take away his power from Duke Cao."
Wang Bi was stunned for a moment, as if he understood something, but also as if he had encountered a layer of fog that could not be cleared away.
Cao Cao frowned and pondered for a long time. He was not in a hurry to speak, but carefully listened to Wei Zhong's mouth about what he had seen in Chencang. Now that the war between Yongliang and Liang was coming to an end, Cao Cao wanted to decide whether to send troops.
The question of participating in the war and to what extent could not be circumvented by Huangfu Song.
According to Wei Zhong's retelling, although he entered Chencang, he had no chance to see Huangfu Song, who had made great military achievements. Even Sima Yi, the military supervisor who was temporarily in charge of military affairs, was seriously ill, so he only entrusted his brother, Chencang, to Sima.
Lang came to meet him. Sima Lang was so concerned about Huangfu Song's health that he didn't even give him a chance to chat, so he sent an order on his own. He asked Wei Zhong to pass it on to Cao Cao, ordering him to lead his troops north to Qixian County and rush to the nearest place.
Anding County, Zhang Ji, Xu Rong and other soldiers entered Jincheng from the north road.
When we talked about this again, everyone finally understood why they felt so weird when they heard this military order. People like them traveled thousands of miles from Hebei and finally reached Guanzhong, but they didn't even see the general.
He will be assigned to the battlefield when he arrives, which is a bit contemptuous.
"Mr. Cao!"
"Lord!"
The generals addressed each other one by one. General Cao Hong was the closest to Cao Cao. The leader immediately said: "Mr. Cao, the camp has been set up. It's windy by the river. If you want to discuss something, you might as well go back and discuss it."
"The water in this river is not as clear as the water in Xuzhou, and there is nothing interesting to see... Lord, it's better to go back!" Le Jin, the captain of the anti-bandit camp, said loudly.
"Just chatting by the river, if we want to discuss matters seriously, why don't we call you?" Cao Cao said jokingly. He narrowed his glasses and scanned the crowd: "Where is the talented person?"
"Miaocai said that the army cannot be unmanned, so we are guarding the camp." Cao Hong reached out and patted the restless head of the yellow gelding under the seat, and said disapprovingly: "In my opinion, there is no need to be so cautious. We are all right now.
In Sanfu, there is no more stable place in the world than here, so why do you still need to stick to the camp? He is too worried."
Wang Bi seemed to be about to speak, but Dong Zhao noticed it in time and gently stretched out his hand to stop him. His round eyes flashed with insight, and Wang Bi unconsciously closed his mouth and listened quietly to Cao Cao and Wei Zhongzhong.
interrogation.
Cao Cao narrowed his eyes slightly and asked specifically: "So, even you have never seen Duke Huangfu?"
"Not only have I not seen him, but I have never seen him, even the one who oversees the army." Wei Zhong looked at Cao Cao frankly, cupped his hands and said, "It is said that the person who has overseen the army has been having a high fever for the past few days, and he is also seriously ill. There are all kinds of things in the city.
, are all temporarily handled by his brother Sima Lang."
"As a hussar general, Huangfu Gong doesn't have other long history and chief records around him?" Cao Cao stroked his beard and asked doubtfully. As a general who conquered the west, he was able to open a palace with the emperor's permission, while a hussar general opened a palace.
The government is a privilege stipulated in the system. If the illness is serious, the person who oversees the army will act as the agent. If the person who oversees the army is also seriously ill, the chief minister should act as the agent. If the situation fails, he should report it to the court in time.
Behind all this illogic, there must be another kind of logic running.
After many years of fighting, Cao Cao developed excellent leadership skills and insight. He realized that this matter was not simple, so he couldn't help but be vigilant: "There may be something fishy about this matter, so don't be careless."
They returned to the camp, and Xia Houyuan, Cao Hong, and others who were stationed in the central army came up to them. Cao Cao casually handed over his mount to his soldiers to take away, and led the generals into the tent to sit down. After greeting each other and discussing the chores, Cao Cao felt that
Having made up his mind, he glanced at Dong Zhao, who was smiling but silent. His heart moved slightly, and then he briefly explained Huangfu Song's military order, and then said:
"The current war situation in Yongliang is like this. If you slack off a little, Han Sui and Cheng Gongying will teach others. We are just fighting in vain, wasting our energy and making the world laugh." Cao Cao sat upright with his sword in his hand.
Although he is small in stature, it is difficult to hide his majestic power. He looks around: "The country has entrusted me with important responsibilities. If I don't give up on my past misdeeds, how dare I live up to it!"
"The last general is willing to follow Duke Cao's order and lead his troops to destroy the bandits and repay the imperial court!" Xia Houyuan and others said in unison.
"Good!" Cao Cao shouted softly, and then said: "The battle of Yongliang is imminent. I intend to dispatch an elite army as the vanguard to enter Anding first, contact Zhang Ji, Xu Rong and other generals, and wait for an opportunity to break through Jincheng and march directly into Huang
middle!"
Cao Hong, who was sitting on the bed, couldn't wait to straighten up, looking eager to try; Le Jin on the other side also wanted to stand up impatiently, but he was short in stature. Although he kept moving on the bed, he couldn't move as much as Cao Hong.
People pay attention.
"This battle must be fought quickly, and we must not neglect it." Cao Cao first stated the requirements for selecting generals, scanned the generals, and finally focused on one place: "Wonderful talent!"
General Xia Houyuan of the Dian Army shuddered, as if he couldn't believe it, and as if he had been destined for some time. He raised his head and met Cao Cao's gaze. He seemed to be infected by Cao Cao's eyes full of encouragement and expectation.
Xia Houyuan hurriedly raised his hands and said: "The general is here!"
"Everyone in the army said that you were 'five hundred in three days, and one thousand in six days'. This is all praise for your ability to use troops to deal with emergencies." Cao Cao said loudly. In fact, he had already considered it and could not act like a pawn.
You have to follow a group of generals to charge into battle, but you can't just sit back and watch without making any progress.
After much deliberation, the only choice was to detach an elite force from his own command and rush to Yongliang, so that he could gain something without being too ostentatious, which would arouse the resentment of Zhang Ji and other generals.
"This time I order you to be the vanguard, leading three thousand elite infantry and cavalry soldiers, and act according to the opportunity!"