Chapter 305 The sword must finally be unsheathed! Wolf rides, leopard rides, welcome the first battle!
"Zhong Yao?"
Liu Bian searched carefully from the directory.
Shocking discovery.
Zhong Yao's performance was very eye-catching, and he was also credited with recommending Huang Zhong.
What's more, this person has also been a Sangong in history. There is absolutely no problem in terms of personal ability: "If he is appointed as the prefect of Runan, there will definitely be no problem."
"Zhong Yao is indeed a good choice."
"but......"
The Military Advisor Alliance did not directly deny it, but gave its own opinions for selection: "Judging from Zhong Yao's historical performance, placing him in Runan to deal with the Yuan family is somewhat overqualified."
"Experts' advice is to put Zhong Yao in Sili and serve as a captain in Sili, recruit disaster victims, open up wasteland for reclamation, rebuild the economy, and lay the foundation for our return to Luoyang in the future."
"After all, in history, Zhong Yao performed outstandingly in the Sili area. He not only had Xiao He's general internal affairs capabilities, but even had some Zhang Liang's power and scheming."
"also!"
Then, the Military Advisor Alliance emphasized again: "Zhong Yao is from the Yingchuan family. Like the Yuan family in Runan, he belongs to the Ruying family. Although the Zhong family is difficult to compete with the Yuan family, after all, they have similarities with the family."
"Experts' opinion is that we still want to find a capable person who has strong work ability and disdains the aristocratic family, or is deeply aware of the disaster of the aristocratic family, to serve as the prefect of Runan."
Liu Bian had to admit it.
The Military Advisor Alliance considers issues very comprehensively.
But......
He has gone through the entire performance appraisal form and still hasn't found a suitable candidate.
Or it should be said that although Liu Bian has begun to take exams to obtain scholars and has the beginning of the imperial examination system, for now, most of the people who really gain promotion through exams are the children of aristocratic families.
There are very few people from purely poor families, and they have not experienced farming in Nanyang. If they directly become the governor of Runan, they may not be able to convince the public.
Liu Bian was worried: "Who should we choose?"
The Alliance of Military Advisors immediately gave their opinion: "In fact, it is a very good choice to let the ministers and servants shoot and play virtuous people and become the prefect of Runan with two thousand stones."
"Xi Zhicai?"
Liu Bian naturally understood the intention of the military advisor alliance at once.
Xi Zhicai came from a poor family, and judging from his experience, he had no favorable impression of wealthy families.
In addition, Xi Zhicai's work ability is very strong. During the year he was here, he selected so many talents for the imperial court, which can be said to be indispensable!
"That's right!"
Liu Bian nodded with interest: "Xi Zhicai is indeed a good candidate, but if he is sent to Runan as the prefect, then who should manage the public transport department?"
The Military Advisor Alliance had already had an idea: "Master Bian, don't forget whose disciple Xi Zhicai is."
Liu Bian suddenly realized: "Sima Hui? But isn't he a hermit?"
The Military Advisor Alliance naturally knew this: "If you don't give it a try, how will you know if it will work? Let Xi Zhicai bring the paper developed by the imperial court and the edict of Master Bian to communicate and see what conditions Sima Hui has. Anyway, we still have
There is time."
"That's true..."
Liu Bian breathed a sigh of relief and thought: "Cao Cao has only won one battle now. There is still a certain distance before he can truly capture Runan County. We have enough time to prepare."
"That's right!"
The Military Advisor Alliance added: "If we can get Sima Hui, with his status in the Confucian Academy, our education may be able to develop further."
"good!"
Liu Bian nodded affirmatively: "Then let Xi Zhicai give it a try. It just so happened that an exam class just ended recently. If we want to organize another group, it will have to be at least ten days later."
"Come here!" Liu Bian shouted loudly.
"Here." Zhu Tong turned into the hall.
"It is said that the wise actor has come to the palace to pay an audience."
"Here."
Not long after.
Xi Xian rushed to the Wende Hall, stepped forward, bowed and raised his hands: "I, Xi Xian, would like to see your Majesty."
Liu Bian waved his hand to indicate to him: "Get up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Xi Xian then straightened up and asked tentatively: "I wonder what you mean when your Majesty calls me into the palace?"
Liu Bian did not hide anything and said directly: "Zhicai, you have been responsible for the affairs of the Public Transport Department during this period. It is true that you are overqualified and underqualified. Now that the examinations and admissions have become regular, you have done a great job."
"but......"
When the conversation changed, Liu Bian said softly: "Now, the imperial court has more important things that you need to do, so I intend to hand over the duties of the Public Transport Department to others."
"oh?"
Xi Xian frowned and hurriedly bowed his head and said: "Your Majesty, it's not that I don't want to let go of the Public Transport Department. It's just that this position, as you expected, has too many temptations."
"If I hand it over to anyone at will, I am afraid that the regulations and regulations that I have worked so hard to establish will be destroyed in one day. Therefore, I hope from the bottom of my heart that I can continue to work at the Public Transport Department for at least two years."
Damn it!
It is indeed a worry!
Liu Bidan smiled and waved his hand to interrupt Xi Xian: "I'd better ask in another way. If you want to resign from the Public Transport Department, can you recommend someone suitable?"
"this......"
Having said this, Xi Xian naturally understood that he had to relinquish his post at the Public Transport Department.
Therefore, Xi Xian frowned and thought deeply. After a long time, there was still no suitable candidate.
In fact, it’s not that there are no suitable candidates.
only......
A perfectionist like Xi Xian is also very picky when it comes to the selection of talents. If there is anything that is not satisfactory, he will immediately reject it. This is why he has been unable to choose a candidate.
"Think of it, Zhicai doesn't have a suitable candidate."
Liu Bian was too lazy to give Xi Xian time to think and interrupted directly.
"I'm so sorry."
Xi Xian bowed and held his hands in his arms, sighing: "Your Majesty..."
Before Xi Xian could finish speaking, Liu Bian exhaled and said, "Let's do this. I'll tell you that if you think it's okay, hand over the bus department to this person. If you're not satisfied, let's discuss it later."
Xi Xian bowed his head and said: "Your Majesty recommends it, how dare I..."
Liu Bidan smiled: "It doesn't matter. I know that you are studying for the imperial examination to obtain scholars to continue. You are sincerely thinking about the imperial court. I will never blame you. Just feel free to speak freely."
Xi Xian was so moved: "Thank you, Your Majesty. I wonder who your Majesty wants to conquer?"
"You know this person and have a lot of connections with him."
"Do you know me?"
"kindness."
Liu Bian nodded: "It's my respected master Sima Hui."
Xi Xian was stunned: "Family...teacher?"
"That's right!"
Liu Bian smiled calmly: "I don't know my talent, what do I think?"
Xi Xian nodded without hesitation: "It would be great if the master can come out of the mountain, but he is used to being idle, so I'm afraid he will refuse His Majesty's conquest."
Liu Bian naturally knew this, so he simply kicked the ball back: "Then it depends on your ability, Zhicai. I leave the face of the imperial court in your hands."
"ah?"
Xi Xian was stunned for a moment: "Your Majesty, I can't guarantee this..."
Liu Bidan smiled: "I believe in your ability! The imperial court needs talents like respecting teachers. It is not just about taking exams to obtain scholars. In the future, the imperial court will pay close attention to the education of students from all over the world. Everyone in Nanyang will study. This is just the beginning."
"My respected teacher has been teaching all his life, but it is nothing more than a private school and a fine house. If he can accept my conquest, in the future, all the people in the world will have enough food and can study. Wouldn't it be wonderful?"
Imperial examination and popularization of education.
This is a topic that can never be separated.
If we want to implement the imperial examination to select scholars, we must popularize education.
Now, Liu Bian has completed the papermaking, movable type printing and other hardware, only the key execution figures are missing.
Sima Hui is one of the candidates. Even if he enters the imperial court, he still needs to be investigated secretly before making the final decision. After all, he also has a noble family background.
In the eyes of experts from the Military Advisor Alliance, the best candidate is not Sima Hui, but Zheng Xuan, who lives far away in Qingzhou. He is a student from a poor family, but he has won the respect of scholars all over the world for his knowledge.
It’s no exaggeration to call it Taishan Beidou!
"That's it..."
Xi Xian was naturally aware of his master's ambitions, and also understood that if he relied on the power of the imperial court, it would be easier in advance, so he had the courage to agree:
"All right."
Xi Xian nodded: "I should do my best."
Liu Bian was delighted: "In that case, let's take advantage of the fact that this round of exams is over and set off quickly!"
Xi Xian cupped his hands and said, "Here."
Immediately.
Bowed and left the hall.
Looking at Xi Xian's leaving figure, Liu Bian had a thought in his mind and asked tentatively: "Teacher, I remember that Zhuge Liang should be studying under Sima Hui, right? If Sima Hui is conquered, will he follow?"
"Master Ben, don't think too much."
The voice of the Military Advisor Alliance followed: "According to historical records, Zhuge Gui passed away in 189. After learning about this, Zhuge Xuan returned to Langya to handle his aftermath, and then took over Zhuge Liang, Zhuge Jin and other five brothers and sisters."
"Although there is no record in the history books when Zhuge Liang entered Jingzhou, according to expert calculations, Zhuge Liang should still be in Langya, Xuzhou."
"certainly!"
The Military Advisor Alliance emphasized: "This is only a possibility. As for the specific situation, it is not certain. After all, it has been some time since Master Bian returned to the palace. Whether he will come to Nanyang is another matter."
"oh?"
Liu Bidan smiled: "It would be fun if we really come to Nanyang."
The Military Advisor Alliance said softly: "Genius children are worth cultivating. Maybe he can accompany you to truly sweep the world."
Liu Bian said sonorously: "It must be possible!"
******
Yuzhou, Chenjun.
Changping County.
City head.
Yuan Shu frowned and looked up.
But see...
Outside the city, there are two armies on horseback and foot, with clear formations, swords and spears like wheat ears, and swords and halberds like hemp forests.
In the middle, under the banner of a large banner, is a man sitting on a purple horse.
It's none other than Cao Cao!
"Cao Ahao!"
Yuan Shu's teeth were itching with hatred, and he clenched his iron fists tightly, wishing that the air would burst: "This kid came really fast, he really wants to press on you step by step, and he won't stop until death."
Yan Xiang nodded, twisted his beard and said: "This is Cao Cao's style. He finally won such a great victory, how can he not take advantage of the victory to pursue it and expand the results?"
"Judging from the speed of their arrival today, Cao Jun must not have had a hangover last night. If we really take the risk of a night attack, we may never return and die."
Yuan Shu was deeply convinced and secretly breathed a sigh of relief: "Zixiang, fortunately you are here, otherwise our army will be completely annihilated. What should our army do next?"
"this......"
Yan Xiang didn't want to damage morale, but he couldn't hold it back in the end, and said honestly: "I think our army should avoid its edge and adopt a defensive position, with deep ditches and high bases to resist it, which will consume the opponent's patience."
"If our army can hold on for two months, it will surely usher in a cold winter, when ice will cover thousands of miles. How can Cao's army fight in the severe cold? They will retreat without fighting, and our army will have a chance to breathe."
Although this strategy is relatively useless, Yuan Shu also understands the current situation and nods affirmatively: "This is the only solution for now."
"Brother Meng Zhuo!"
Immediately, Yuan Shu turned to look at Zhang Miao: "I wonder what you think?"
Zhang Miao had no choice but to stay here. He had completely lost confidence in fighting Cao Cao. He tried not to fight as much as possible. This was his original intention: "Of course I will follow Brother Lu's opinion."
"good."
Yuan Shu breathed a sigh of relief: "Where is Ji Ling?"
Ji Ling held up his hand and said, "The end will be here."
"Send the order! Hang up the no-war card. No one is allowed to fight without an order."
"Here."
Although Dian Wei beside Zhang Miao did not speak, he was secretly despised in his heart.
The opponent has just arrived and has not yet established a stable foothold. Isn't this a good time to attack?
They are all a bunch of guys who are scared out of their wits!
now.
Under the banner outside the city.
Cao Cao stared at the no-war card hanging high above the city, twirled his beard and chuckled: "As expected, Yan Xiang will definitely take a defensive stance in this battle to delay the opportunity."
"But it's a pity..."
Cheng Li next to him took up the conversation and said confidently: "Yuan Shu and Zhang Miao didn't expect that we also have siege-type ballistae. A small county like Changping simply cannot sustain it."
"Zhongde." Cao Cao ordered.
"Here." Cheng Li bowed his head.
"How long will it take for our ballistae to arrive?"
"About two days!"
"good!"
Cao Cao took a deep breath and his eyes flashed fiercely: "Then let Yuan Shu and Zhang Miao take a breather for two more days. After two days, when the siege-type ballistae arrives in Changping, we will launch a strong attack."
Cheng Li leaned forward and held up his hands: "Here."
"Remember!"
Cao Cao warned: "We must send heavy troops to protect the road to prevent the enemy troops who have retreated from Zhaoling and Fugou from raiding. If the crossbows are missing, we will never be able to enter Runan."
Cheng Li patted his chest and assured: "General, don't worry, leave it to Zihe and Zilie, there will be no problem."
"kindness."
Cao Cao finally let go of his hanging heart and continued: "Where is the son's filial piety?"
Cao Ren handed over his hand: "The general will be here at the end."
"You quickly send people to set up camp."
"Here."
"Zhongde, Yuanrang, Miaocai."
"exist."
"You lead an elite group and follow me to explore the city."
"Here."
Although the siege-type ballistae is very powerful, and a small county like Changping cannot support it at all, but even so, it is still necessary to choose the appropriate attack point, so as to get twice the result with half the effort.
"General, look here."
While everyone was sizing up the city, Cheng Li raised his finger and pointed to a crack in the direction of the east gate: "There is a crack there. I think it was caused by the city wall being in disrepair for a long time, so we should be able to use it."
"It's really..."
Cao Cao's eyes suddenly brightened and he focused on the crack: "This is indeed a breakthrough."
Cheng Li nodded: "General, I have something to say. I don't know whether I should say it or not?"
Cao Cao frowned: "Zhongde, is there anything else we can't say between you and me?"
"Although this siege ballistae is good, it will destroy the city wall. No matter who becomes the governor of Runan in the future, it will inevitably have to be rebuilt. Not to mention it is time-consuming and laborious, but it is still the weak point of the city defense."
hiss-!
Cao Cao gasped: "What do you mean..."
Cheng Li bowed his head and said: "If we can't use the siege-type ballistas, we will do our best not to use them. Once the city is breached, Yuan Shu and Zhang Miao will inevitably flee. We should find a way to deliver a fatal blow to them on the road."
"That makes sense!"
Cao Cao nodded with great interest: "But we only have a thousand cavalry under our command. No matter how good we are at fighting, I'm afraid it will be difficult for us to deal a fatal blow to Yuan Shu."
"General."
Cheng Li naturally knew this: "I heard that your Majesty appointed Lu Bu and Huang Zhong to form the elite Wolf Cavalry and Leopard Cavalry. If they can enter Yuzhou to assist in the battle, will they worry about being unable to eliminate Yuan Shu?"
Naturally, Cao Cao had heard about the equestrian competition.
He was also deeply interested in His Majesty's newly established Leopard Cavalry and Wolf Cavalry: "Okay! After we return to camp, I will immediately deliver a memorial to His Majesty, requesting the imperial court to send Leopard Cavalry and Wolf Cavalry to fight."
Cheng Li held up his hands: "If this is the case, Yuan Shu will definitely be defeated!"
Cao Cao waved his hand: "Let's continue reconnaissance."
Cheng Li: "Here."
******
Changping County.
Yuan Shu's camp.
At this moment, Yuan Shu and Zhang Miao were discussing military affairs.
Although they have already given the no-war card, if Cao Cao forces a war, they will still be forced to fight.
Moreover, this kind of thing is likely to happen, so they have to guard against it.
"My Lord, the reason why Cao Cao did not start a war is because the siege equipment has not yet arrived."
After Yan Xiang analyzed the current situation, he immediately turned back to the battlefield itself and continued his in-depth analysis: "Based on the distance from Xinji to Changping, it takes at most three days for the siege equipment to arrive."
Yuan Shu frowned: "That's true. What can Zixiang do?"
Yan Xiang bowed his head and said, "I think that my lord and the county guard should each send out messengers to let the two generals Zhang Xun and Wu Hao wait for the opportunity to destroy their siege equipment."
"Whether it's a strong attack or a surprise attack, even if the opponent is already prepared, we can delay it for a day. If we can restrain Cao Cao from sending troops back for reinforcements, we can even take the opportunity to launch a counterattack."
"kindness."
Yuan Shu nodded and said with deep understanding: "It makes sense. No matter which way is successful in the future, Cao Cao will never be able to continue to attack the city, and our crisis will be resolved."
"Brother Meng Zhuo."
Yuan Shu raised his eyes and looked at Zhang Miao: "What do you think? The sooner the crisis is resolved, the sooner you can return to Chenliu, right?"
Zhang Miao's wish was this: "Okay! I will send someone to inform Wu Hao, Brother Gu, don't worry."
Yuan Shudan smiled: "That's very good."
Yan Xiang was satisfied: "Then let's continue to discuss countermeasures."
"Report—!"
At this moment, a long announcement sounded outside the tent.
Yuan Shu and others looked up.
But seeing his own soldiers hurriedly enter the account, he leaned over and said, "My lord, Cao Cao is leading an elite force to inquire about the situation outside the city. He has been staying at the east gate for a long time."
"East Gate?"
Yuan Shu frowned, secretly guessing Cao Cao's thoughts: "Cao Cao must want to choose the city gate to attack mainly, but there shouldn't be any special damage in the direction of the east gate, right?"
The soldier raised his hand and said, "There is a crack."
"crack?"
Yuan Shu couldn't help but be surprised: "How big is the crack?"
The soldier thought for a moment and then gestured with his hands: "It's probably this wide."
Yuan Shu let out a scornful laugh: "That little gap is not enough for Cao Cao to take advantage of. I thought there was a gap?"
The soldier replied: "Changping City Defense is inspected every day, and there are absolutely no cracks."
Yuan Shu nodded: "That's good. Just let Cao Cao conduct reconnaissance at will. No matter which branch he chooses as the main attack direction, we can make targeted adjustments."
The soldier raised his hands and said, "Here."
Immediately.
Bow and leave.
Although conducting surveys before a battle was an extremely normal operation and Yuan Shu did not take it seriously, it aroused Yan Xiang's suspicion and even subconsciously made him nervous.
"Zixiang, what's wrong with you?"
Yuan Shu noticed the change in Yan Xiang's expression and asked tentatively.
"Oh, nothing."
"only......"
Yan Xiang quickly waved his hand and shook his head.
"Just what?"
Yuan Shu was worried and asked quickly.
At present, Yan Xiang is the only person he can rely on. Any idea of the other party may determine the direction of this war.
Yan Xiang did not dare to lie, so he had to answer honestly: "My lord, I have an unknown premonition. Cao Cao's move is definitely not as simple as it seems. If he doesn't care about the crack, why bother to stay for a long time?"
"this......"
Yuan Shu frowned: "Is it possible that Zixiang knows Cao Cao's plan?"
Yan Xiang shook his head and said softly: "Although I don't know what Cao Cao is planning, the continuous-fire crossbows reported back from Zhang Xun and the ultra-long-distance crossbows we encountered this time are enough to prove that Cao Cao has carried out all-round control of the equipment.
of innovation.”
"Well, that makes sense."
As long as Yuan Shu thinks of the defeat that day, he can't help but feel sad.
Especially when the blood splashed on his face, the fear in his heart completely burst out.
Yuan Shu took a deep breath, tried hard to suppress the churning memories, and said softly: "According to what Zi Xiang meant, could it be that Cao Cao also made innovations in siege equipment?"
Yan Xiang did not dare to answer directly, so he could only ask: "Isn't it possible?"
Now Yuan Shu is afraid of Cao Cao like a tiger: "It is indeed possible, but I don't know how to deal with it like Zi Xiang?"
Yan Xiang Nianxu pondered: "No matter what, we have to send people to fill the cracks first, at least to make simple repairs."
"Can!"
Yuan Shu nodded without hesitation and said, "Come here!"
General Ji Ling handed over his hand: "The final general is here."
"Immediately send an order to Changping to send people to repair the city wall. You must repair all the cracks in the city wall before Cao Cao's siege equipment arrives in Changping."
"Here."
Ji Ling responded.
Immediately.
Bow and leave.
Yuan Shu then asked: "Zixiang, do you have any other suggestions?"
Yan Xiang shook his head: "It's gone for the time being. I'll report it later after I think about it. How about it?"
"Can!"
Yuan Shu naturally agreed: "Zixiang thinks carefully and must understand Cao Cao's thoughts. If Changping is broken again, we will really have no way out."
Yan Xiang knew this well: "Don't worry, my lord, I will do my best to ensure that Changping is not lost."
Yuan Shu nodded heavily: "Please!"
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
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