Cao Cao will probably not care about Runan now, at least not in the short term. This is the conclusion Chu Nan has come to.
Now Cao Cao has two choices: lead his troops to conquer Runan in person or sit in Xuchang and send generals to conquer the Xuzhou Army and the Jianghuai Army.
First of all, he chose to go on an expedition, so Xuchang would face the threat of his father-in-law at any time. Although it was the imperial capital and the most important place for the Han Dynasty, Cao Cao was likely to have someone from Legalism in charge, which would be very unfavorable to Lu Bu. But as long as Cao Cao left, Xuchang
It is true that the defense is empty. Even if Xuchang's laws can be used, the opponent cannot defend at all times, but Lu Bu can attack at any time. He only needs to attack Xuchang and steal the emperor and leave.
No matter how powerful the Legalists were, after losing the Emperor, most of their power would be reduced.
Therefore, what Cao Cao faced when he went on an expedition was that he might lose the emperor at any time. If things went wrong, his food routes would be seriously harassed by Lu Bu. As a result, he would not be able to attack Runan with all his strength or deal with Lu Bu, and the probability of failure of the crusade would be greatly increased.
If you are based in Xuchang, although Runan will be difficult to regain for the time being, you can remain undefeated in this battle. Moreover, not all Cao Cao's subordinates are losers. As Zhang Liao and Gao Shun, who are the focus of attention, if they want to break through, it will definitely be very difficult.
Difficult, at least not as easy as myself.
The two sides will reach a brief stalemate. As for Runan, Chu Nan judged that Cao Cao would probably send someone to deal with him. As for who to send, Chu Nan couldn't guess. It was a bit over the top, and his analysis method couldn't analyze it.
There are many things. The only thing that is certain is that the person who comes next time will be more powerful, and at the same time, he will not despise Chu Nan like Xiahou Dun did.
In fact, Cao Cao's analysis was similar to that of Chu Nan. After learning that Runan was defeated by Chu Nan, although he lost his temper, he also realized that Chu Nan was no longer the little person he looked down upon in the past.
Rather, he is a key figure who can influence the entire battle situation.
Must be treated with caution.
The next day after Lu Zhao returned, Cao Cao summoned his advisers to discuss countermeasures.
"Most of the generals in the army are now out to defend against the enemy. If we send another one at this time, not to mention whether they are Chu Nan's opponents, will they be directly killed by Lu Bu?" Cheng Yu analyzed the current situation for Cao Cao.
Now Xuchang City is not afraid of Lu Bu. Not only is Cao Cao, a commander who can command 100,000 people skillfully, but there are also four great counselors: Guo Jia, Xun Yu, Xun You, and Cheng Yu. Although they are not generals, they can be integrated into the army.
, every power that can be exerted is enough for Lu Bu to drink a pot, let alone four people?
In addition, there is a Legalist spokesperson in Xuchang City who favors him. In Xuchang territory, as long as it goes against the national law, he can use the power of the country to destroy it.
Regardless of Lu Bu's reason for coming to Xuchang, as long as he dares to enter the city, the first person he will face is Man Chong, who can mobilize the power of national destiny at any time.
In addition, Xuchang also has a great scholar named Hu Zhao. Although he is not a member of the imperial court, if Lu Bu invades Xuchang, he probably will not sit idly by.
There were also many famous Confucians like Kong Rong, so Cao Cao was not afraid of Lu Bu coming into the city at this time, and the city gates had not even been closed in the past few days.
But there is nothing to be afraid of in the city, but there is a problem with sending generals abroad. Lu Bu is right in front of him, appearing and disappearing. How many of Cao Cao's generals can compete with him?
Not to mention that Cao Cao's generals like Cao Ren, Xia Houyuan, Cao Hong, Yu Jin, and Le Jin have all been sent to fight. In fact, Cao Cao is now more worried that Lu Bu will suddenly come back to defeat his generals?
Although these armies are fully equipped, including not only generals, but also magicians, Confucian scholars, and counselors, facing someone like Lu Bu, if you find the right opportunity, you may not have time to prepare.
Nowadays, there are naturally generals in the city, such as Zhao Rong, Wang Zhong, Liu Ruo, Deng Zhan, Ding Fei, Lu Zhao, Yin Shu, etc. There are numerous generals with certain abilities. Cao Cao has no shortage of them. However, these generals
What's the difference between sending someone out now and delivering food? Maybe they were taken care of by Lu Bu before they even got there. Even if they got to Runan by luck, they couldn't even defeat Xiahou Dun. With these people, how could they defeat Chu Nan?
In the past, in Cao Cao's mind, Chu Nan was really at this level, not even as good as this level, but now, Cao Cao felt that he had to slow down.
"It's not that there is no one available, it just depends on whether the lord is willing to let him lead the troops." Guo Jia suddenly said.
"Oh?" Cao Cao heard this, looked at Guo Jia and said with a smile, "Who can recommend me to serve as a filial piety?"
"Did my lord forget those Liu Xuande and the others? With the abilities of the three of them, if they are assisted by the two counselors and sorcerers, even Lu Bu can't do anything!" Guo Jia said with a smile.
The three brothers working together are enough to resist Lu Bu. Now Lu Bu has no helpers around him. He is the only one. If he is paired with one or two counselors, then even if Lu Bu can't deal with him, Lu Bu can't help the three of them.
"The three Xuande brothers are enough to rival Lu Bu, but if the three of them leave, they may not be willing to come back!" Cao Cao said hesitantly.
The only problem is...the three brothers may run away. In fact, Liu Bei has expressed his desire to go out many times. He does not want to stay in the court or beside Cao Cao, even if Cao Cao treats his three brothers very well.
, but the three of them obviously had no intention of doing this, which is why Cao Cao has been unwilling to send the three of them into battle.
"My lord, please forgive me for speaking bluntly."
I will definitely help my lord resolve this matter before leaving. My lord must not hesitate at this time."
Now for Cao Cao, sending Liu Bei is actually the best choice, because the three Liu Bei brothers are indeed capable of breaking the situation, and staying in Xuchang is nothing more than because the three brothers may run away, but keeping the three brothers will not be able to exert their strength at all.
come out.
At this time, Lu Bu was attacking at home, and Runan fell. For Cao Cao, this crisis was no less than the time when Lu Bu took his retreat. If he still looked forward and backward at this time, he might miss the opportunity.
"That's fine." After hesitating for a moment, Cao Cao finally nodded and decided to appoint Liu Bei. He looked at the crowd and said, "But I don't know who to help them?"
"I'm going to Runan here because I have to deal with Chu Nan. I need to have enough prestige in Runan to mobilize forces from all over the country and help the big families from all over the country to solve the problem. Ordinary counselors may not be suitable even if they are very capable." Cheng Yu looked at him.
Cao Cao.
To put it simply, those who accompanied Liu Bei and the others to Runan must not only be capable, but also famous enough. Although there are many talents around Cao Cao, like Xun Yu and others, although they have outstanding abilities, they are not famous enough to make the place.
Hao Qiang is convinced that this thing... cannot be obtained in a short while.
this……
Cao Cao frowned and thought. When it comes to fame, Xuchang is most in need of people like this. Regardless of other factors, it would be good to let Kong Rong go. His reputation is big enough.
But this trip to Runan is not to give lectures, but to repel or even kill Chu Nan. On the way, he may be harassed by Lu Bu. The person sent does not know that he must have the reputation to convince the Runan gentry and have enough ability.
Just fine.
There are many capable people in the court, but there are very few who are both famous and talented.
Suddenly, Cao Cao was stunned. Seeing all four people looking at him, he hesitated and said, "Yuan Chang?"
"Besides him, there seems to be no one else." Everyone nodded.
"That's fine. Wen Ruo helps me to invite Yuan Chang. As for Xuande and the others, I will go and invite them myself!" Cao Cao understood and said to Xun Yu.
"Don't worry, my lord, I'll leave this matter to you!" Xun Yu nodded silently and agreed to the matter.
Now the plan was decided, Cao Cao ordered people to recruit Liu Bei's three brothers, Cheng Yu stayed with him, Xun Yu went to invite Zhong Yao, and Guo Jia took Xun You to the brothel.
Soon, Liu Bei was invited to the mansion.
"Xuande, I must have heard about the incident in Runan." Cao Cao looked at Liu Bei and sighed.
"I've heard about it." Liu Bei nodded calmly, but he felt a little emotional in his heart. It seemed that the last time he met Chu Nan was not long ago. It was only a year ago. He didn't expect that he was a young merchant at the time, but now he has done this.
Waiting for something shocking.
Looking at Cao Cao, Liu Bei's heart moved. He probably guessed why Cao Cao invited him over. It was probably related to this matter, but he couldn't open the door. Cao Cao had to open the door.
"The situation of the battle may be worse than Xuande knows. Yuan Rang and Cai Yang both killed Runan in battle. Chu Nan had two powerful generals under his command. They were quite powerful. Now the generals in the court and the central government are fighting outside. Outside Xuchang City, there are also
Lu Bu abused the nobles, and the other generals in the court may be their opponents..."
Seeing Liu Bei's "I don't know what you're talking about" expression on his face, Cao Cao sighed again: "That's why Cao Cao wants to ask Xuande to be the governor of Runan, and also to lead the general who conquers the south, and to command the troops to march to Runan."
Rebellion, I wonder what Xuande thinks?"
"It is my duty to purge the imperial court of those who rebel against you." Liu Bei accepted the appointment calmly. The governor of Runan and the general who conquered the south. If he can capture Runan, he will have a good foundation. He has no reason.
No answer.
"If Xuande can take action, I will feel relieved. Those troops and horses are already prepared. In addition, Yuan Chang and Xuande will go with him. When we get to Runan, it will be easier to win people's hearts with Yuan Chang's reputation." Cao Cao saw Liu Bei.
He responded with a relieved expression on his face.
"Mr. Yuan Chang is also going?" Liu Bei said in surprise.
"Well, in the land of Runan, there are many noble families. If there are no famous people like Yuan Chang, it may be difficult to accomplish anything." Cao Cao nodded and said, "Do you have any doubts about Xuande?"
"No, if there is nothing important, I will prepare my troops and horses and prepare for the expedition." Liu Bei shook his head, this was more than he expected.
"Xuande must be careful. There is a general in Chu Nan's camp who is good at shooting. Yuan Rang was defeated by this man. The other man has outstanding ability in commanding troops. With the troops of Jianghuai, he can actually compete with my Hundred Battles Division.
It’s definitely not unusual, don’t be careless!” Cao Cao warned.
Liu Bei nodded and saluted Cao Cao: "Thank you Sikong."
At that moment, he said goodbye to Cao Cao and went straight back to his residence in Xuchang. He wanted to tell his second and third brothers the news...