Chapter 118 Let Xuzhou hide murderous intentions, Cao Cao thinks about a thousand miles
Cao Jun postponed the attack on the city... and set up camp. The entire Xiapi City was surrounded.
The situation here became increasingly tense.
Cao Cao, who returned to the stronghold, turned over and dismounted. His expression was solemn. Cao Ren quickly caught up with him, but his heart was full of curiosity. "Brother, why don't you order an attack on the city? We came here quickly just to make a big move."
Will we capture Xuzhou?"
Hearing this...Cao Cao paused, his shoes rubbed against the stone steps for a moment, eliminating the mud on the soles. He looked at his feet and sighed. "I found that Tao Qian, Tao Shang, father and son, are also very good at hiding.
, they are more powerful than I thought!"
At this point, Cao Cao continued while taking off his cloak and armor. "I just looked carefully. Although white flags were planted all over Picheng Pass, it was eerily quiet on the top of the city tower. Every soldier was waiting in formation, with a fierce look in his eyes.
…As expected, there is a strong bow and powerful crossbow hidden under every white flag…”
"You see, on the surface, the pottery merchant is groveling and begging for surrender. In fact, he is pretending to be secretive and hiding murderous intentions. If I had taken one more step forward, I might have been killed by random arrows!"
Ah...ah...
Cao Ren was startled. Is it so dangerous?
"Brother, since the Tao family is like this, they should order an attack on the city!"
"It can't be captured..." Cao Cao waved his hand and continued walking towards the main tent. "Although Tao Qian is seriously ill, Xiapi City is fully prepared to defend the city. In addition, most of the defenders in Xiapi City are
He is Tao Qian's most trusted Danyang soldier. Most of the clans and people here have received his favor, and the residents of the city will live and die with him!"
"Xiapi City is high and the moat is wide. The situation here is much more complicated than that in Pengcheng, and it is not that easy to capture."
Cao Cao sighed again...
Hearing this, Cao Ren shook his head. "Brother, what you said is wrong. No matter how stubborn Tao Qian is, he only has 20,000 defenders. How can we not defeat him with 100,000 fine armor? Why do we need to give him another ten days to think about it?"
It’s time!”
After saying this, Cao Cao paused and then turned around, "Zhicai, tell me? Why should I attack the city again in ten days?"
this…
Xi Zhicai hesitated for a moment, and then said: "Although Ming Gong led the army to win consecutive battles, the siege equipment has been damaged a lot. Today, when I look at it, Pi City is more than three feet taller, which is higher than Peng City."
It needs to be stronger, and a batch of new ladders need to be made quickly, and the rams must be strengthened. In other words, it will take ten days at least to arrive at the siege equipment!"
At this point, Xi Zhi paused for a moment, looked back at the solid Xiapi City, and continued: "It's just that Xiapi City is different from Pengcheng. This is because Tao Qian and the clans loyal to him are fighting with their backs against the odds. The so-called mourning soldiers.
We must win... This is a tough battle, it is not so important whether we surround three and leave one, the only thing that can determine the outcome is these siege equipment!"
Hahaha…
Cao Cao laughed out loud immediately after Xi Zhicai's words, but after the laughter, he turned his head to Xun You. "Gongda, what do you think?"
At this time, Xun You was thinking, but when Cao Cao suddenly reminded him, he immediately raised his eyes and expressed his thoughts. "Does Duke Ming really plan to capture Pi City in ten days?"
Well... Cao Cao was a little surprised when he said this, but... he still asked in a normal tone: "Does Gongda think I can't attack it?"
"No..." Xun You waved his hand. "What I'm most worried about is that the lord has captured it?"
Ah...ah...Cao Ren was startled...
Captured? Wouldn't everyone be happy? For a moment, he felt that he couldn't understand what these military advisors were saying.
Xun You's words continued, but...these words became serious. "Xiapi City is close to Yuan Shu's territory in Huainan. After capturing Xuzhou, Duke Ming will definitely return to Yanzhou to deal with Lu Bu. At that time...will Yuan Shu...
Will Xuzhou take advantage of the situation? Will Xuzhou, which was just plotted, resist desperately? Will Xuzhou start another war, and will the king's flag at the top of the city be replaced? These are all things Ming Gong needs to consider!"
Huo...Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Xun You with a little more approval in his eyes.
After a while, Cao Cao finally said: "Zhicai has true strategy, Gongda has true knowledge! Let's go... let's go into the tent and discuss it carefully. Ten days later, should we attack Pi City now?"
Admittedly…
Even if Xiapi City has to fight a desperate battle, even if Tao Qian and his son have made complete preparations.
But as soon as the siege equipment arrives, it will still be easy for Cao Cao to capture Xiapi City, but... it is still the problem mentioned by Tao Shang and Xun You. It is not wise to border Yuan Shu so early...
In today's world, although the speed of Cao Cao's rise is visible to the naked eye, in fact, the two strongest forces are still the Yuan brothers.
As the saying goes, it's easy first and then difficult. It's not wise to have a border with Yuan Shu so early, friction... or even a military confrontation.
Besides, who is Yuan Shu? Cao Cao knows best... He doesn't even look down on his eldest brother Yuan Shao. How can he look down on an eunuch like Cao Cao? Can he be willing to allow Cao Cao to secure Xuzhou?
This is no longer a risk, this is a huge threat!
It seems that using Xiapi City as a buffer zone between Cao Cao and Yuan Shu's territory is the most correct choice.
But... Cao Cao is worried about someone besides Yuan Shu and Tao Qian...
It was precisely because of this person that Cao Cao was unable to make a decision.
…
…
Xuzhou, Xiapi City.
Today, I heard that Cao Jun did not attack the city immediately, and Tao Qian's condition actually improved a bit...
After taking the medicine, he immediately asked his eldest son, Tao Shang, to invite Liu Bei. He intended to transfer the hot potato of Xiapi City to Liu Bei's hands.
While the pottery merchant sent people to invite him, he ordered Cao Bao to set up swordsmen and axemen outside the house.
In Xuzhou, Tao Qian was willing to give in, but the pottery merchant was not willing to give in. In his opinion... nothing would happen to Xiapi City in a short time!
And his opponent was not only Cao Cao, who was openly plotting against Xuzhou. Tao Shang had a vague feeling that Liu Bei's motives were even more impure. Recently, he had become very close to Mi Zhu and Sun Qian of the common people faction.
Today, I just want to test him with my father. If he dares to accept the seal and ribbon of Xuzhou, then... he will not be allowed to leave.
Not long after... Liu Bei came forward and looked at the pale Tao Qian who was leaning on the bed. Liu Bei immediately bowed his hands and bowed. "Greetings to Mr. Tao..."
"Xuande, I'm already like this, so don't be too polite."
Tao Qian stretched out his hand and motioned for Liu Bei to sit down... "Today, there are no outsiders here. I have a few heartfelt words that I would like to have a good chat with Mr. Xuande."
Hmm...are there no outsiders?
Liu Bei looked around. Indeed, Tao Qian and his eldest son Tao Shang were the only ones in this residence, but... what about outside the residence?
Liu Bei's senses have always been precise. His ears are very big and he can hear the sound of wind dozens of meters away. His senses are amazing and he can feel the murderous aura permeating everywhere...
How could Liu Bei not notice the swordsman lurking in the dark?
"Tao Gong, please take care of yourself..." Liu Bei bowed...
“Mr.
"Nowadays, the country is in ruins, and the system is often collapsed. The only person who can help the Han Dynasty is a hero like Xuande Gong!"
"Tao Gong..." Liu Bei seemed to have anticipated what Tao Qian was going to say and what he was going to do next, and stood up hurriedly. "Tao Gong, please listen to Bei's words. Bei has long known that among the great people in the world, Tao Gongzu, the Mu of Xuzhou, is the most powerful Liu Bei thought, if even a kind and virtuous gentleman like Mr. Tao cannot survive, then... what hope does the Han have? How long will it take for the Han to be revitalized? "
"Liu Bei has no great merits, only loyalty and courage. I help Tao Gong not only to save Xuzhou, but also to save the conscience of the world and save the Han Dynasty! Tao Gong must not praise..."
In a word, Liu Bei bowed his hands once again...
"Well said, well said..." Tao Qian seemed a little excited, and he hurriedly ordered: "Shang'er, get the seal ribbon quickly..."
"Yes, father." The pottery merchant agreed, and quickly took out a black brocade box from the back hall. Liu Bei had seen this brocade box, and it contained the seal and ribbon of Xuzhou Mu.
Just as Liu Bei was about to speak, the pottery merchant had handed the seal and ribbon to him, and Tao Qian's words came out one after another. "Xuan De Gong, now, I entrust you with the seal and ribbon of Xuzhou Mu and the 500,000 people of Xuzhou." …Tomorrow I will report to the imperial court and declare you to be the shepherd of Xuzhou!”
"No! It's often not possible!" Liu Bei suddenly backed down...and pushed the brocade box open. Although...he longed for it, but now, he can't...and he doesn't dare!
"Liu Bei never dares!"
"Why don't you dare?" Tao Qian pointed out the window. "Even... even a traitor like Cao Cao can sit in Yanzhou and control most of Xuzhou. Duke Xuande is a descendant of the Han Dynasty, and his moral conduct is royal, why can't he Command Xuzhou? It is said to be Xuzhou, but in fact it is no more than the two counties of Xiapi and Guangling now! I hope Xuande Gong will not delay..."
"Yes... Mr. Xuande." The pottery merchant humbly raised the seal ribbon and handed it to Liu Bei again. "This Xuzhou Shepherd is none other than Mr. Xuande!"
Liu Bei still postponed. "I...I am not Cao Cao. I am assisting Mr. Tao to save Xuzhou, not to plot Xuzhou. Mr. Tao... Mr. Tao, please do not trap me in an unjust situation?"
Hmm…
Hearing this, the potter's eyes rolled. Liu Bei didn't want Xuzhou, which was such a big temptation. Could it be that... he had wrongly blamed him before?
Tao Shang was still thinking, but Tao Qian was sincere. "Xuande, please think about the people of Xuzhou and take on this important task?"
call…
Liu Bei shook his head. In fact, he wanted to take this seal too much in his heart, and he also longed for the two counties of Xiapi and Guangling, but... now, he must restrain himself and restrain his desires.
"To Duke Cao..." Liu Bei handed over his hand again. "I, Liu Bei, have something to say here today. Once Cao Cao retreats and Xiapi City is out of danger, I will leave immediately and never stay!"
In a nutshell...Liu Bei slowly retreated...
This retreat is about generosity and righteousness.
Wait until Liu Bei goes away...
Tao Qian just asked Tao Shang. "Shang'er, let me tell you that you wrongly blamed Xuande? He is different from Cao Cao. He is a benevolent gentleman and will not plot against our Xuzhou!"
"Alas..." At this point, Tao Qian let out a long sigh. "Cao's army will attack the city in ten days. With the talents of you and Cao Bao, it is not enough to defend the city. For the current plan, send more troops to Xuande. The whole
In Xuzhou, he is the only one who can compete with Cao Cao! Ahem..."
"Father, don't worry..." Tao Qian started coughing again, and Tao Shang hurriedly patted his father on the back. "Kid, please remember..."
Although, some suspicions about Liu Bei have dissipated.
His father's Xuzhou was not given away, but this did not mean that Liu Bei was loyal... He still needed to try again.
But the pottery merchant was still a little worried, worried that Liu Bei was pretending to be...
The pottery merchant slowly left the house...
Cao Bao has been waiting here for a long time. "Eldest Young Master...why don't you 'throw a cup'?"
Huh... Tao Shang breathed out softly. "Liu Bei is a benevolent and righteous man and cannot bear to lose Xuzhou, but... to make sure nothing goes wrong, I plan to give him another try. This time you go..."
While talking, Tao Shang handed Xuzhou Mu's seal and ribbon to Cao Bao. "Just tell me, my father didn't think carefully during the day, but now it's dead of night. If Xuande agrees to accept this seal, you, Cao Bao, and all the Xuzhou soldiers will
, Danyang soldiers all obeyed his orders! Just say that this was secretly arranged by my father..."
At this point, Tao Shang curled up his lips. "I want to see if Liu Bei is truly benevolent or a hypocrite!"
Thinking of this, a flash of light suddenly appeared in the corner of the pottery merchant's eyes.
At this moment, Liu Bei had already returned to the post, and Sun Qian had been waiting here...
"My lord, most of Xuzhou's soldiers have successfully instigated rebellion, and now... they are all loyal to my lord." Sun Qian whispered.
Most of the soldiers in Xuzhou came from the lower classes, and had the closest relationship with the commoner faction. With the help of Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, and Sun Qian, it was not difficult to win them over... and this was Liu Bei's first step in planning to take down Pi City.
As for the second step, it is to divide the Danyang Sect and let Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun infiltrate the generals of the Danyang Sect as generals... to establish prestige!
In addition, the celebrity faction within Xuzhou must also actively win over...
Haha, from Liu Bei's point of view, Tao Qian told Xuzhou that he didn't dare to ask for it, and he didn't feel comfortable if he asked for it. Instead, he planned it by himself, and he felt at ease!
"Proceed as planned, be careful and don't let your voice slip!" Liu Bei's words were as plain as ever, there was no hint of joy on his cheeks, and his eyes were always like lake water - clear, quiet, and calm.
…
…
Outside Xiapi City, there is Cao Ying's tent.
At this moment, Cao Cao raised his concerns with a solemn expression.
"Zhicai, Gongda, I have never worried about pottery merchants. It is not impossible to leave Xiapi City and Guangling County as a buffer zone for Huainan... It's just..."
Cao Cao paused for a moment and then read out a name, a name that he valued very much. "It's just... Liu Bei is in Xiapi City! This man has always had great ambitions. I guess he must have some agenda when he abandons Gongsun Zan and joins Tao Qian...
"
"Although this Tao family father and son are not simple, they may not be Liu Bei's opponents. If Pi City belongs to Liu Bei now, then..."
"My lord, are you worried that Liu Bei will become bigger?" Xun You asked...
"Yes, I got acquainted with this person during the Dong Dynasty. He is full of heroic spirit. I have never underestimated him...and he may be a more terrifying problem than Yuan Shu!" Cao Cao said what he was thinking.
out…
This is why, even if capturing Xiapi City would do more harm than good, and even if it would border Yuan Shu's base, Cao Cao still threatened to attack the city in ten days.
this…
Both Xi Zhicai and Xun You fell into deep thought. The so-called two benefits, whichever is greater, and two evils, whichever is lesser. The Tao family and his son, Liu Bei, Yuan Shu... and even Xiapi City, Xuzhou's seemingly bright situation is actually an undercurrent.
turbulent…
Cao Cao and a group of counselors had to make a decision before taking action...but the complexity of the situation made them all weigh it!
"Ming Gong..." After thinking for a long time, Xun You, who was still puzzled, simply said, "Ming Gong, why don't you send your horse to ask Xun Sima for his opinion?"
Speaking of this, Xun You continued: "It is said that the authorities are confused and the onlookers are clear. Xun Sima was in Juancheng, Yanzhou. I must analyze it from his perspective and get a more correct decision... Moreover, Juancheng is not far from Chenliu County. Ming Gong asked Xun
Sima, he will definitely discuss it with Lu Gongcao..."
"The decision they make after discussion may be much wiser than the three of us remaining complacent!"
Ha...what a great idea!
Cao Cao slapped his forehead, thinking only about whether to attack Picheng or not. He forgot that there were two "masterminds" in Yanzhou, Xun Yu and Lu Yu! And they were both better at formulating macro strategies!
"If it weren't for Gongda's reminder, I would have almost missed something important!"
Cao Cao praised him and immediately wrote a letter in his own hand. Xun You hurriedly helped Cao Cao sharpen his ink.
Not long after, the letter was completed and the bamboo slips were rolled up...
Cao Cao greeted loudly: "Where is Anmin?"
"The general is here!" Cao Anmin had been standing outside the big tent door. Hearing his uncle's summons, he hurriedly entered.
"An Min, I'll work hard for you again and send this bamboo slip back to Yanzhou 700 miles away and hand it over to Xun Sima. After reading it, he will naturally know what to do!"
"Here..." Hearing Cao Cao's serious tone, Cao Anmin did not dare to hesitate, quickly stepped back and got on his horse...
"Da da da..."
Facing the slightly falling snowflakes in the late spring cold, Cao Anmin once again embarked on the journey back to Yanzhou. Similar to the last time, he still held the bamboo slips in his arms. The difference was that this time the bamboo slips became
Written by my uncle Cao Cao himself...
It seems that even Cao Anmin's horse is fully aware of the seriousness of the relationship here, and it gallops like a whirlwind...
Arrived in two days!
At this time, Xun Yu welcomed a special guest in Juancheng. Strictly speaking, he was actually a dead man!