Chapter 540 Liu Bian was shocked! Where did you get so much food and grass?
"Master Ben, don't have too much hope."
Looking at Guo Jia's back as he bowed and left, the voice of the Military Advisor Alliance sounded: "From what we know, it has been more than five days since the Chang'an Palace Incident ended. Fan Chou was ready to enter the palace, but Zhang Ji did not respond."
"Based on Yuan Wei's caution, it will definitely arouse his suspicion. It is very likely that he has sent troops to receive it before we rush there. There are few soldiers in Wuguan and Zhang Ji cannot handle it."
Liu Bian naturally knew that the military deployment in Wuguan was only two or three thousand men, and they relied entirely on the rugged roads and steep mountains for defense:
"That's why I said that soldiers are valuable and quick. Let Lu Bu, the wolf rider, rush to Wuguan as quickly as possible. It would be good to bring Wuguan back. Even if not, he can still meet Zhang Ji's troops."
"Um."
The Alliance of Military Advisors deeply agreed: "Master Bian's measures are naturally correct, but don't get too high hopes. With Yuan Kai's intelligence, it is impossible for Hangu Pass and Wuguan to cause problems."
Liu Bian nodded affirmatively: "Don't worry, I'm mentally prepared."
The Alliance of Military Advisors said softly: "Yuan Wei's movements are very fast, which proves that he has already thought about how to control the court and the army. Then, he will definitely cooperate with Yuan Shao and march into Bingzhou."
"Master Ben."
The Military Advisor Alliance reminded: "We don't have much time left. Experts suggest that before Yuan Wei stabilizes Guanzhong, we should send Zhang Liao to send troops in advance according to the original plan."
Liu Bian had to admit it.
Yuan Wei's series of actions were indeed very rapid.
Even the recruitment of Dong Zhuo's army was beyond expectations.
In this case, Liu Bian cannot follow the rules and take steps step by step. Instead, he must take a risk and strive to gain the strategic initiative.
Of course, although Liu Bian understands the truth, he has to consider the practical problem: "But teacher, our food and grass are really not enough at the moment, I'm afraid we won't be able to support the army."
"Don't worry, Mr. Ben."
The Military Advisor Alliance has already taken this into consideration: "The current food consumption in Nanyang, Yuzhou, and Xuzhou is all within the normal range. We still have a certain surplus, just in case."
"ah?"
Liu Bian frowned and said in disbelief: "Is there any surplus? Where is it? Why don't I know?"
The Military Advisor Alliance explained: "The Changping warehouses in each county all stockpile a certain amount of grain and grass. This was originally to regulate grain prices and prevent them from soaring due to disasters."
"From the current point of view, the possibility of a large-scale disaster in Nanyang is too small. We can completely mobilize some grain and grass from Changping warehouse in each county and transport it to Heluo through the water network to provide support to the army."
"Master Bian, don't forget, Zhang Liao's soldiers and horses will be stationed in the fields for a year. I can't say how long the food and grass will last, but it shouldn't be a problem if it lasts for three months or even longer. By then, our follow-up food and grass will definitely be able to replenish it."
Thanks to last year's water network excavation, all eight major water systems in Nanyang have been connected. Moreover, it is currently in the rainy season, and the rivers are abundant, which is conducive to water transportation.
Although most of the Changping warehouses in Nanyang counties are 10,000 shi, and some large counties have 20,000 shi, there are 26 counties with a total of at least 260,000 shi of grain and grass, even if only half of the grain and grass is extracted
, which is as much as 130,000 stones.
Zhang Liao first entered Bingzhou with a small force and occupied the key terrain, then gradually sent troops in until the autumn harvest was no longer a problem. In this way, the problem of food and grass was easily solved.
This will not delay the normal operations of Nanyang, Yuzhou, and Xuzhou, nor will it delay Zhang Liao's attack. It is simply the best of both worlds.
The longer he serves as emperor, the more Liu Bian feels the correctness of this sentence: competition between big powers is by no means just a competition in armaments, but also a competition in comprehensive national strength.
When armament reaches a certain level, what restricts the display of your strength are often roads, bridges, communications, food and wages, and even more subtle things.
"good."
"I'll ask Xun or to do some calculations."
Liu Bian agreed in his heart, and then shouted loudly: "Here comes someone."
Zhu Tong pushed the door open and entered, bowing and holding his hands: "Your Majesty."
"Call Xun or come over quickly. I have something important to discuss with him."
"Here."
Not long after.
Xun or came to Wende Hall in a hurry.
At this moment, Liu Bian had come to the sand table nearby, staring at Bingzhou above, extremely fascinated.
Xun Ou hurriedly came up to greet him, bowed and cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty."
Liu Bian waved his hand to indicate that he didn't need to be polite, and went straight to the point without any nonsense: "If I am going to use troops against Bingzhou now, how much food and grass can you raise?"
Xun You didn't know the current situation. Yuan Wei's actions were too fast, far beyond Nanyang's expectation. His Majesty the Emperor would definitely take action.
Therefore, Xun was already mentally prepared for His Majesty's question: "To be honest, I have just been doing the summing up, and it should not be a problem to raise 500,000 stones of food and grass."
"Half a million stones?"
Liu Bian couldn't help but be stunned. He suddenly turned his head and glanced at Xun Yu: "Why are there so many?"
Xun Ou handed over his hand and hurriedly explained: "The Changping warehouses in various places can mobilize 80% of the grain and grass, totaling 250,000 shi, and the rest of the grain and grass are saved by me on weekdays."
"ah?"
Liu Bian was surprised: "Could it be that you didn't follow the plan we made years ago?"
Xun You shook his head: "Your Majesty, don't worry, all the plans for each township are complete, but your Majesty has always been generous and informal in the use of food, grass, and funds. Naturally, I need to be more detailed and cooperate with Zijing to save the court as much as possible."
"For example, last year's excavation of the Nanyang water network, the preparation of winter clothes for the army, the construction of new-style houses for the people, and this year's shipyard and aluminum alloy factory, etc., can all save a lot of expenses."
"In addition, Lu Su incorporated the Mi family in Xuzhou into the imperial court, and used its original business network to sell paper, glass, etc. produced by the imperial court to Jizhou, Yangzhou, Youzhou, Yanzhou and other places, and the income increased significantly.
promote."
This is really...
Accidents happen every year, but this year there are particularly many.
What is a good subordinate is someone who can expand his or her thinking and turn 1 into 2, or even into 10, 100, or 1,000. This is a good subordinate.
Liu Bian was able to fully delegate power and only grasp the strategic direction, while Xunhe was responsible for reducing expenditures and Lu Su was responsible for increasing revenue. When the two of them cooperated, the effect was simply incredible.
You know, Liu Bian originally thought that being able to raise 200,000 stones of food and grass would be his limit. Now, it was enough, with half a million stones of food and grass. This time Zhang Liao could attack boldly.
call-
The sadness on Liu Bian's face suddenly disappeared, replaced by excitement and unconcealable joy: "Haha! Wen Ruo, you really solved a big trouble for me."
Xun You's face remained calm, and he leaned forward and handed over his hands: "It is my duty to share your Majesty's worries. If Your Majesty decides, I will immediately mobilize manpower and material resources to transport grain to Heluo."
"Can!"
Liu Bian nodded affirmatively: "At the same time, give an order to Zhang Liao, asking him to quickly wipe out Hanoi, and invade Hedong while Niu Fu is busy with himself, laying the foundation for our army to attack Bingzhou in advance."
"In addition, Liu Bei was given the order of Xinye, and Sun Jian, the general of the war against the captives, was ordered to let Liu Bei lead his troops into Heluo to take over Zhang Liao's position in case Yuan Wei launched an attack from the direction of Hangu Pass, and Sun Jian was ordered to station in Xinye on the pretext of training his navy.
"
Liu Bei entered Heluo;
Sun Jian enters new territory?
Xun You suddenly understood the emperor's intention. It seemed that he had already been planning to attack Bingzhou. Otherwise, how could he have thought of such a comprehensive mobilization plan? He had obviously expected that Yuan Wei would join forces with Yuan Shao.
At that moment, Xun You bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will summon you as soon as possible."
Liu Bian waved his hand: "Go, hurry up."
Xun or nodded: "Here."
Immediately.
Bowed and left the hall.
Looking at Xun You's leaving figure, netizens in the live broadcast room suddenly became excited:
"Damn! This time I finally saw what Wang Zuozhicai is capable of."
"The cooperation between Lu Su and the Xuzhou Mi family is a bit like the prototype of a state-owned enterprise, isn't it?"
"That's right, Lu Su is progressing very quickly. He actually has this kind of awareness. That's okay!"
"Lu Su is very powerful. Among the governors of Jiangdong, he plays a connecting role between the past and the future."
"It's a pity that Zhuge Liang is still too young. When he grows up, he will probably be even more awesome."
"..."
*****
Wuguan.
Zhangji camp.
Central army, big tent.
Zhang Ji frowned and looked up at Jia Xu: "Wenhe, is that man named Zhang Quan reliable?"
Jia Xu always looked indifferent and said with certainty: "General, don't worry, we are all from the same country and we are all brothers outside."
"That's right."
Zhang Xiu patted his chest and promised: "Uncle, Brother Zhang Quan is a real person. He will definitely send the letter to Nanyang. Let's wait for the news from Nanyang with peace of mind."
"But......"
Zhang Ji was still a little worried, and said with a worried look: "After all, we were enemies of King Hongnong at the beginning, and the Prime Minister abolished him. How can this hatred be easily resolved?"
"this......"
Zhang Xiu frowned slightly and raised his eyes to look at Jia Xu opposite.
Jia Xu still had an indifferent expression, and he said confidently: "Yuan Wei can accept us, let alone His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang. This general can rest assured."
"The only thing we have to worry about now is whether Yuan Wei from Chang'an will send someone over in advance, who the general is, how many soldiers and horses the other party brings, and whether we can hold on and protect Wuguan."
Zhang Ji waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, Wen He. My general has sent out scouts. If there is any movement in Chang'an, he will definitely be able to send orders back. Don't worry."
"Report—!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a long report sounded outside the tent.
Zhang Ji raised his eyes and looked up.
However, he saw his own scouts hurriedly entering the tent. He leaned over and said, "General, a troop of soldiers and horses are coming from the direction of Chang'an. The strength of the troops is conservatively estimated at 8,000."
"So fast?"
Zhang Ji was shocked and horrified.
At this moment, he finally realized that Yuan Wei had never trusted them, otherwise the opponent would not have acted so quickly and directly sent eight thousand troops.
"That's right!"
The scout nodded affirmatively: "According to the information reported by the scouts, these 8,000 troops are probably just the front army, and the large army of troops is still behind them. The distance between the two sides should not be too far."
Jia Xu on the side asked hurriedly: "Is the general leading the army Huangfu Song?"
The scout hummed: "Military advisor Mingjian is none other than Huangfu Song."
"ah?"
Zhang Ji's head was buzzing: "Are you sure it's Huangfu Song?"
The scout was extremely certain: "Judging from the military flag, there is no doubt that it is Huangfu Song."
Jia Xu sighed: "If this is really the case, there is no need for us to hold on. Let's withdraw our troops. Reinforcements coming from the direction of Nanyang should be coming towards Wuguan."
"withdraw troops?"
Zhang Ji frowned, feeling unwilling to do so: "Wenhe, Wuguan Daoqi District is difficult to navigate, and the location is extremely important. Isn't it a pity for us to withdraw like this?"
Obviously.
If Wuguan can be dedicated to His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang, then Zhang Ji's uncle and nephew will have more say in Nanyang, and they will also gain the respect of His Majesty the Emperor.
But without Wuguan, their two thousand soldiers and horses would naturally not be so attractive to His Majesty the Nanyang Emperor. This would greatly affect the status of their uncle and nephew.
"General."
Jia Xu bowed his head and said softly: "The person who came is not someone else, but Huangfu Song, who was born as a general, and has an absolute advantage in military strength. I think Yuan Wei must have given a death order, and Huangfu Song will definitely fight to the death."
"There are only two thousand soldiers and horses in the small Wuguan. How long can we hold on? If we can't hold on for too long, we will lose our troops and generals, and the gain will outweigh the loss."
"General, don't worry."
Jia Xu said sincerely: "If His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang learns that his opponent is Huangfu Song, not only will he not blame us, but he will praise the general for his wisdom."
Zhang Ji did not believe in this evil: "Although we are a powerful enemy, if we retreat without fighting a single battle, wouldn't it make people laugh?"
Liangzhou people have a bloody spirit and are relatively reckless. Jia Xu is not surprised by this: "It is unwise to do something when you know it cannot be done. Your Majesty, the Emperor of Nanyang, is more inclined to this."
Since you can't defeat, don't waste this time. After all, everyone is very busy. Unless there is a reason why you must defeat, this is Jia Xu's consistent principled style.
Just like in history, when Cao Cao led troops to attack Wancheng, Jia Xu knew that Zhang Xiu would definitely lose, so he didn't bother to fight Cao Cao and directly persuaded Zhang Xiu to surrender.
But when Zhang Xiu had a reason to fight, Jia Xu would also help him make suggestions, delaying the entire war from the perspective of the weaker side for more than a year before finally surrendering again.
If Jia Xu's temper was followed, more than a year in between could be completely saved. The result would be the same anyway. With Zhang Xiu's capital, there was no way he could be Cao Cao's opponent.
"That's right."
Zhang Xiu on the side agreed: "His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang is indeed more sensible. Just like when he was at Dagu Pass, the Prime Minister laid many ambushes along the way, but the other party refused to attack and kept delaying the time."
"How can ordinary people have such patience, but His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang was able to do it, and it even lasted for more than a month. It was not until Sishui Pass suffered heavy losses, and the Prime Minister introduced troops to support, that he launched an attack and annihilated them in one fell swoop.
Destroy it."
Zhang Ji, Zhang Xiu and others were at Dagong Pass at the time, and the incident was still fresh in their memories. The ambush lasted for nearly a month, and they didn't even catch a fly leg, but it really annoyed them.
But...
After Dong Zhuo led his troops and left, something happened in the direction of Daguguan.
If you say this is a coincidence, not even the Ghost King will believe it!
And King Hongnong's original victorious army could endure more than a month without attacking. If this is not rational, what is it? Is it really because of his passion that he dared to attack?
"this......"
Sure enough, Zhang Ji hesitated again.
This old guy is quite stubborn, but he has a completely different attitude towards Zhang Xiu.
Jia Xu took the opportunity to add fuel to the fire: "General, if we lose our troops and generals and still fail to defend Wuguan, wouldn't that make His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang even more heartbroken? Rather than doing this, why not leave now, at least we can save these two thousand people?"
Soldiers and horses.”
"And I heard that a riding competition is being held in Nanyang recently. If General Zhang goes, he may be able to make it to the finals. In the future, he may be able to enter the leopard, wolf, or tiger riding."
"Information..."
Jia Xu emphasized: "Back then, even our Xiliang cavalry was no match for King Hongnong's fine cavalry. Now two years have passed, perhaps Nanyang's cavalry is even more powerful."
Zhang Xiu heard about the equestrian competition and suddenly became excited: "Uncle, what the military advisor said makes sense. Huangfu Song is not that difficult to deal with. We still have time to leave now."
"In any case, these two thousand cavalry can be regarded as elites. It is better than our uncle and nephew going to Nanyang alone. If we lose the battle and then go to join them, we will probably be laughed at by others."
Zhang Ji pondered for a long time and nodded slowly: "My nephew is right. Such a compromise is indeed the best. In this case, then quickly send an order to the entire army to push out of Wuguan and enter Nanyang."
Zhang Xiu bowed and raised his hands: "Here."
Not long after.
The whole army left Wuguan and entered the boundary of Nanyang.
After walking slowly for about half an hour, a scout reported that Huangfu Song's army had occupied Wuguan and no troops were sent to pursue it.
In the early morning of the next day, when Zhang Ji's army continued on its way, a torrent of smoke and dust came from far to near. On the fluttering banner, the big word "LV" was particularly conspicuous.
call -
Lu Bu restrained the red tug, raised his head and looked at Zhang Ji's army: "Where is Zhang Ji?"
Zhang Ji hurriedly rode forward: "The last general, Zhang Ji, has met General Lu."
Lu Bu got off his horse and asked, "Could it be that Wuguan has been captured by Yuan Wei?"
"this......"
Zhang Ji was a little embarrassed, but he still answered honestly: "Yuan Wei sent Huangfu Song to lead his troops. The number of troops may be tens of thousands. We knew we were outnumbered, so we retreated first."
What shocked Zhang Ji was that Lu Bu didn't have the slightest look of disdain on his face, but nodded affirmatively: "Okay, if Huangfu Song comes behind the gate and comes quickly, he will definitely fight to the death. It is a wise move for you to withdraw."
"ah?"
Zhang Ji was stunned for a moment.
In my impression, Lu Bu had a fiery temper and never looked down upon anyone. Even if his opponent was the Lord of Hell, he still dared to hug his beard and play with it.
But who would have thought that Lu Bu's personality would change so much just after he had taken refuge with King Hongnong. His whole body was less violent, and instead he restrained his sharpness and became deeper.
"Can Huangfu Song send someone to chase him?"
Lu Bu continued to ask.
"No."
Zhang Ji shook his head, still looking confused.
"As expected of the queen of generals."
Lu Bu sighed with regret and said softly: "If he dares to chase him out, we can just strike back and maybe capture Huangfu Song alive."
"What a pity!"
Lu Bu gritted his teeth and secretly resented: "What a pity."
Zhang Ji breathed a sigh of relief: "Huangfu Song is the queen of the generals. He is proficient in the art of war and has good plans. Since he knew that Nanyang was outside the pass, he naturally did not dare to act rashly and did not pursue him. It was reasonable."
"Um."
Lu Bu nodded: "General Zhang's words make sense. In that case, let's leave and return to Wancheng. Your Majesty was very surprised when he heard that the general had surrendered. He ordered me to come as soon as possible to meet him."
Zhang Jicheng was horrified: "I'm flattered, I'm really flattered!"
The troops returned.
Nanyang, Wancheng.
Emperor's palace.
Hall of Wende.
When Liu Bian heard that it was Huangfu Song who was leading the troops, he couldn't help but be surprised: "It's actually Huangfu Song?"
Zhang Ji nodded affirmatively: "Yes, it is Huangfu Song, the general who conquered the west."
"Yuan Wei is indeed treacherous."
Liu Bian sighed, although it was a pity, but this kind of handling method was the level that Yuan Wei should have: "He actually sent Huangfu Song to conquer at the first time. You didn't stick to it, which was quite wise."
hiss-!
Zhang Ji was surprised and couldn't help but gasp.
He really didn't expect it.
The reaction of His Majesty the Emperor of Nanyang was really guessed by Jia Xu. The other party did not feel that he was cowardly, but that he was wise.
However, the look of surprise on Zhang Ji's face did not escape Liu Bian's eyes: "General, this is..."
Zhang Ji did not dare to hide anything and quickly bowed his head: "To be honest, the last general originally wanted to hold on to Wuguan, but because of the dissuasion of military advisor Jia Xu, he gave up and led his troops to withdraw from Wuguan."
"Where is Jia Xu?"
Liu Bian naturally did not forget this person and tried to ask.
"Ah, this..."
Zhang Ji bowed and held up his hands, saying softly: "Wen He felt that he was not qualified to meet His Majesty, so he was still in the army and did not follow. However, in fact, it is all because of this person that the general was able to abandon the dark side and turn to the bright side."
hehe.
Gou God is indeed the Gou God.
Others wanted to rush to the emperor and show their faces, but he wanted to bury his face in the dirt.
However, since it falls into my hands, Liu Bian, how can I allow you to receive empty pay and not work!
I, Nanyang, don’t raise people who eat salty rice!
"His Majesty."
Zhang Ji bowed his head and said, "Should we summon Jia Xu to the palace to see him?"
Liu Bidan smiled and waved his hand: "No rush! Since he doesn't want to come, you don't have to force him. I have ordered the Food Supervisor to prepare a banquet. I am hosting a banquet for the two of you today. I will take care of you."
They both raised their hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"His Majesty."
Then, Zhang Xiu took a step forward, bowed and raised his hand: "General, I heard that a great equestrian competition is being held in Nanyang. General, I asked myself if I am proficient in bow and horse, and I am not inferior to everyone else. Is it possible to participate?"
Liu Bian nodded without hesitation: "Although it's a little late, fortunately it's just a rematch and we haven't entered the finals yet. General Zhang, a young talent, can naturally go. I'm sure."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Zhang Xiu was ecstatic in his heart and handed over his hand again: "If the final general can win the championship, will it be possible?"
Liu Bian felt that Zhang Xiu was arrogant, but he nodded after all: "If you really can win the championship, I will make the decision for you and promote you to the rank of Wolf Cavalry general. But if it is difficult for you to get into the top three, I will not be able to help you."
At that moment, Zhang Xiu patted his chest and promised, "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will not embarrass you in the end."