He froze on the spot, staring at Cao Cao in disbelief, but in his heart he had greeted Cao Cao's eighteenth generation of ancestors a thousand times in turn, so he just raised his fist and smashed the opponent in the face.
But......
He didn't dare to do this.
After all, Cao Cao was a well-known general under His Majesty the Nanyang Emperor, and this was the only way for him to avoid exams and enter his official career.
Although he has indeed caused a big disaster, it doesn't mean that he will be played by Cao Cao and sent back to Yuan Shao to deal with him, right? This mother-in-law is a bit cheating!
"Mengde, don't be joking."
Xu You suppressed his anger, and the muscles at the corners of his lips kept twitching.
How much he hoped that Cao Cao would show his iconic smile at this moment and smooth over the embarrassing moment in front of him, but unfortunately, Cao Cao was always serious and did not mean to joke at all.
"Ziyuan."
Cao Cao stared at Xu You with bright eyes and said with great solemnity: "It's okay if you don't go back, but I can only hand you over to the school affairs office to clear myself of suspicion."
"After all, the enemy and we are now facing each other, and the decisive battle is about to begin in the spring. Today's meeting between you and me will only bring disaster to me. There is no war left in the world, and I don't want to waste this final moment.
War exploits."
"As for the school affairs office..."
Having said this, Cao Cao's expression softened slightly, and he tried to remain calm and said: "You don't have to worry, it's just a routine inquiry, and at most a little punishment, that's all."
"As long as you insist that you are here to surrender, after the war is over, I don't think His Majesty will hold you accountable for whether you are here to surrender or to persuade you to surrender."
I have to admit that what Cao Cao said was ordinary, extremely indifferent, and vague in standard, but it was full of overtones, and always had a bit of a strange charm.
If you are an ordinary person, you may not understand the profound meaning of Cao Cao's words, but Xu You, who has known Cao Cao since childhood, really knows Cao Cao's temperament.
The more he is so calm, it proves that there is something wrong with this. He can only understand the unspeakable meaning. Xu You clearly understands that Cao Cao's words must be listened to in reverse to be the correct answer.
Don’t worry, that is, you must worry;
It’s just a routine inquiry, which means there must be additional packages;
At best, it's a little punishment, which means that he must be served with severe punishment and greeted in a series;
That's it. In other words, there are many other packages left. I can't explain them all. You can think of them yourself.
...
Xu You's body felt as if an electric current had passed through him. Every cell in his body seemed to have experienced the criminal law in his mind. Before he was even halfway through, he was frightened. The hairs all over his body stood up and big beads of sweat poured out.
It flowed all over the body.
My small body cannot withstand the tricks of the school administration. Once I go in, I will probably have to come out sideways. Even if I still have breath, I will have to lie flat for the rest of my life.
no!
Absolutely not!
Xu You's throat rolled and his face turned livid: "Meng De, is this really what you want?"
Cao Cao let out a sigh of relief: "I gave you this opportunity just for the sake of my friend."
Xu You was feeling bad all over. He came here with full confidence. He never thought that this place was not heaven, especially hell. The key point was that the way back was blocked now, so he had no choice but to move forward.
Cao Cao sighed and said: "You can think about it yourself."
Immediately.
Returned to the previous page.
At this moment, Cheng Li also came back from outside, leaned forward and said, "General, the news has been sent out, and we have also received intelligence from Jizhou."
Cao Cao waved his hand: "Send it up."
Cheng Li stepped forward and handed a piece of paper: "General, we may have to move."
"kindness."
Cao Cao seemed to have expected it. He nodded, took the letter, and started to browse: "Quickly order Xiahou Dun and Xia Houyuan to adjust their position according to plan No. 2."
"At the same time, Cao Chun is ordered to lead the elite cavalry and make advance deployment according to action plan No. 3 to prevent any unexpected events. The same goes for Cao Ren and Cao Hong."
Cheng Li leaned over and cupped his hands and said, "Here."
Immediately.
Leave the tent again.
This scene frightened Xu You below.
Is it possible that his departure has already caused such a huge impact?
If Cao Cao adjusts his plan and deploys troops at this time, wouldn't Xu Rong, Zhang Liao, Liu Yu and others all have to adjust their deployment plans?
Damn this!
He indeed created a problem for Nanyang Hanting.
If you enter Nanyang Hanting in this manner, I am afraid that as Cao Cao said, you will have to go to the prison of the school office and experience his severe punishment.
Gulu!
Xu You's throat rolled, and his eyes were filled with fear.
Our skinny little bodies cannot withstand the torture of the school affairs office!
At that moment, Xu You seemed to have decided to give up, and asked tentatively: "Meng De, you just said, let me go back to Yuan Shao, and make meritorious deeds. What do you mean?"
"It's very simple."
Cao Cao raised his eyes to look at Xu You and said with great solemnity: "You have been exposed, forcing the imperial court's strategic plan to change. It has made it more difficult for the imperial court to regain Jizhou. It means that you must be punished and meritorious."
Xu You naturally understood this truth: "But...if I go back, I want to pay for my crimes and perform meritorious services. I am obviously seeking death."
Cao Cao smiled faintly: "Zi Yuan, you should be aware of Ben Chu's temperament. As long as things are not as he imagined, not only will you not be guilty, but you will be meritorious."
"oh?"
Xu You frowned: "Mengde, what do you mean? Please speak frankly."
Cao Cao simply didn't hide it and said directly: "Actually, it's very simple. You just said you came to persuade me to surrender. The documents you took away were two, one was true and the other was false. You took the true away out of fear.
There is an informant from the school affairs office beside Benchu."
"Now, although you failed to persuade Cao to surrender, you have also succeeded in attracting the attention of the school affairs office. It is very likely that Cao will be temporarily replaced in the next battle, or someone will be sent to supervise him."
Xu You's eyes suddenly brightened, as if he understood something: "What's next?"
The corner of Cao Cao's lips raised slightly, and he broke into a faint smile: "The next step is easier. Find a way to get Yuan Shao to come to my place. After all, he is an old friend. Can't Cao see him off?"
Liu Yu, Gongsun Zan, Zhang Liao, Xu Rong, Cao Cao!
Cao Cao didn't even include the Montenegrin Army. The five main forces fought for one head without resorting to some despicable means. Is this like Cao Cao's style?
The answer is obviously no.
In the past, Cao Cao didn't have any particularly good solutions, but now that Xu You has taken the initiative to help, wouldn't the problem be solved? It's such a simple thing.
"this......"
Xu You frowned and pondered for a long time.
At this point, he already understood Cao Cao's intention.
Yuan Shao's head represents his military exploits. No matter how good the fight is, whoever has the head in his hand will be the winner.
Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief, but was too lazy to talk nonsense anymore, and said bluntly: "If you can handle this matter well, Cao will personally ask His Majesty the Emperor for credit, and maybe you can come to my Cao Cao account and become a long history or something."
"Others don't know about your Xu Ziyuan's abilities, so don't I, Cao Cao, know about it? Although such a position is a bit unfair, it's just the beginning. There will be many opportunities for promotion in the future."
Xu You gritted his teeth and thought for a long time.
Although this task is quite arduous, if you make a mistake, you will basically face certain death.
But......
In the current situation, if you don't perform this task, you will inevitably die.
If you fight to the death, you may be able to win a bright future, but if you are afraid and dare not take risks, you can only wait for death.
Xu You knew the stakes. He took a deep breath and nodded with difficulty: "Okay, I'll do it."
A faint smile appeared on Cao Cao's face and he said loudly: "Congratulations, Ziyuan, for finally making the right choice."
Xu You sighed: "But please, Meng De, remember your promise."
"rest assured."
Cao Cao patted his chest and promised: "We are friends. If I, Cao Cao, can deceive others, can I also deceive you?"
Xu You looked slightly disdainful and thought to himself: "Back then, when you followed Yuan Shao as your little brother, didn't you fool him enough? I am the elder! You are such a bad old man!"
but......
Xu You still nodded and bowed: "With Meng De here, You can rest assured."
Cao Cao smiled faintly and said softly: "In that case, you can go back. If you stay in my camp for too long, I'm afraid there will be no good. It will be difficult to explain after you go back."
"good."
Xu You nodded and said, "Then my things..."
Cao Cao hurriedly greeted: "Here comes someone!"
A guard came outside the tent: "General, what are your orders?"
"Go and call Zhongde back quickly, and bring something far away."
"Here."
The soldier responded.
Immediately.
He bowed and left the tent.
Not long after, Cheng Li rushed back and returned Xu You's things, not forgetting to add: "Exactly."
Xu You blushed with embarrassment and nodded hurriedly: "I'm really sorry for causing trouble to you."
Cheng Li looked at Xu You's fleeing back and finally laughed: "Haha, general, if Xu Ziyuan knows your true intentions, I'm afraid he will hate you to death in the future."
"Hate me?"
Cao Cao was quite disdainful and sneered: "Let him go! Leave him alone for now. Have you memorized all of Yuan Shao's troop deployment?"
Cheng Li nodded affirmatively, took out a folded piece of paper from his arms, unfolded it, and laid it flat on the handsome man: "This is a simplified diagram. I haven't had time to compare it with the map. The general will wait a moment."
"good."
Cao Cao nodded and hurriedly took the map and laid it flat on the map for easy comparison.
He just watched for a moment and then frowned: "From the map, Yuan Shao seems to have the idea of escape to Youzhou and go to Mobei, which is the same as our expected idea."
"yes."
Cheng Lishen nodded in agreement: "He deployed relatively few troops in Qinghe, Wei County, but relatively large troops near the river in Zhongshan, which is enough to prove this."
"However, with Xu You's incident, Yuan Shao's strategic plan is likely to change. If my guess is correct, he may turn to the northeast and go to Goguryeo, Fuyu and other countries."
Cao Cao frowned and felt unhappy: "Doesn't that mean that Gongsun Zan is getting an advantage? He just surrendered and has already established such great military exploits. How can we lose face?"
"I'm afraid Gongsun Zan won't be able to do it."
Cheng Li shook his head without hesitation: "His troops are too small. It may not be that easy to kill Yuan Shao. I guess Xu Rong will be given an advantage in the end."
"Xu Rong?"
Cao Cao frowned, expressing deep doubts.
Although Xu Rong's combat effectiveness is relatively strong, he does not have many cavalry under his command, and most of the troops and horses are adapted from the Qingzhou Yellow Turban. It is difficult to improve his combat effectiveness in a short period of time.
With such a team, we can intercept Yuan Shao's defeat?
The success rate will not be much better than Gongsun Zan's White Horse Yicon, and may even be worse. After all, the White Horse Yicon are all elite cavalry and are familiar with the terrain.
However, with Cheng Li's wisdom, he should not have failed to understand this: "Zhongde, why did you think of Xu Rong? But did I overlook any factors?"
"kindness."
Cheng Li nodded affirmatively: "The general has indeed overlooked a crucial factor."
Cao Cao frowned and exclaimed in surprise: "What is the reason?"
Cheng Li explained: "The general should understand that Xu Rong is from Liaodong."
Cao Cao looked extremely indifferent: "I understand."
Cheng Lipan smiled: "But the general may not know that Gongsun Du, the governor of Liaodong County, has a close relationship with Xu Rong. I think Xu Rong recommended him as the governor of Liaodong County when he was under Dong Zhuo's tent."
hiss-!
Cao Cao was shocked and couldn't help but gasped: "Xu Rong and Gongsun Du actually have such a relationship?"
Cheng Li nodded: "Yes, Xu Rong is the leader of Gongsun Du. As long as Xu Rong gives the order, I'm afraid Gongsun Du will definitely line up troops to intercept Yuan Shao. Then the credit will definitely belong to Xu Rong."
call-
Take a long breath.
Cao Cao was extremely grateful for his strategy: "Thankfully Xu You is here, otherwise the credit will not be with me, Cao Cao."
Cheng Li smiled: "General, should we report to the court?"
Cao Cao nodded affirmatively: "Yes, of course."
Cheng Lipan smiled: "Your Majesty, is he willing?"
Cao Cao frowned and pondered for a moment: "You should be willing, right? The north will definitely be unified, and it will be divided in the future. If there are no big and small kings, who can convince whom?"
"Well......"
Cheng Li naturally knew this: "But why are you the general? Xu Rong is also from the Northern Army after all. He has rich experience in commanding troops and has relatively senior qualifications."
"Zhongde, you still don't understand His Majesty."
Cao Cao was full of confidence, as if he had seen through the outcome: "Your Majesty is definitely not a person based on seniority, otherwise he would not have allowed Dong Zhuo to retreat to Chang'an, while he returned to Nanyang and established a new dynasty."
"Xu Rong is indeed experienced and cautious, but first, he is a bit old, and his development potential is far inferior to that of Cao Cao. Second, he is too cautious, lacks innovation, and cannot keep up with the development of the imperial court."
"But I, Cao Cao, am different."
As for this, Cao Cao was already extremely confident: "Among the many commanders, I am above average in age, on par with Xuande and Literary Master, but much younger than Xu Rong."
"Moreover, among the many commanders, I, Cao Cao, am the one who uses the Fire and Thunder the most. At the same time, I pay more attention to the skills of the generals and soldiers under my command. Among the troops directly under the imperial court, I, Cao Cao, also contribute the most."
"I believe that Your Majesty will definitely choose me, Cao Cao."
The corners of Cao Cao's lips raised slightly, revealing a faint smile.
Have to admit it.
Judging from the development of the current situation, Cao Cao is indeed the person who understands the emperor best and is the first person to feel the development of the times. On the other hand, Xu Rong is not the same. His thinking is slightly slow and rigid, and he still marches and fights according to the same old routine.
If the two armies were to face each other and test the formation of troops, Cao Cao would ask himself that he might not be Xu Rong's opponent, but if we consider it from a strategic level, Xu Rong is obviously not Cao Cao's opponent.
The future commander-in-chief of Nanyang Hanting will definitely be a person who can keep up with the rhythm of the times, rather than a military strategist with solid ideas. In this regard, Xu Rong obviously does not have any advantage.
Cheng Li just smiled: "The general is quite confident, but this may arouse the dissatisfaction of others. Even if the general becomes the commander-in-chief, he may not be able to convince the public."
Cao Cao didn't care about that much, he just said: "The imperial court selects the general of the cavalry, and the final step is to kill each other, let alone the selection of the general of the three armies."
"I, Cao Cao, just used some tricks of my own, and am I still in the way of their problems? Is it possible that Xu Rong is not planning to use the connections of Liaodong County Governor?"
Cheng Li nodded slowly: "Okay, I understand."
Cao Cao solemnly said: "I, Cao Cao, must become the general who conquers the west!"
*****
Jizhou, Handan.
State Shepherd's Office.
Today, Yuan Shao originally had a frown on his face, but after seeing the matchmaker, his eyes suddenly burst out with a trace of light, like a meter of sunshine tearing through the darkness:
"Zhengnan, what did you just say?"
Yuan Shao seemed to be unable to believe his ears, and asked again: "Do you have a way to break the Thunderbolt of Fuhuo?"
The judge nodded affirmatively: "Yes, it is indeed possible."
Yuan Shaoteng stood up with a look of disbelief on his face: "How sure are you?"
The judge paused for a moment and finally shook his head: "I don't dare to talk nonsense. After all, I haven't tried it yet. I'm not sure whether this plan will work, but it's definitely worth trying."
At present, Yuan Shao is in a state of giving up on himself. Shen Pei suddenly brings a glimmer of hope. How can he not hold on tight and treat a dead horse as a live doctor?
"Anyway, let's hear it."
At that moment, Yuan Shao waved his hand to signal the judges to sit down across from each other.
And his whole person seemed to be resurrected with full blood on the spot. Although his hair was disheveled, his eyes were shining with hope, as if all his energy and energy had returned in an instant.
"kindness."
Shen Pei was not polite and immediately sat down opposite Yuan Shao.
He took out the things he had prepared in advance from his arms, laid them flat on the handsome man, and said softly: "My lord, during this period of time, I have investigated many soldiers who have witnessed the fire and thunder."
"Especially those who returned from Bingzhou, I have learned about it in detail from them, so they have a very in-depth understanding of the tactics of Fuhuo Thunder."
"The whole process is like this..."
At that moment, Shen Pei carefully described the process of installing the fire and thunder he had mastered, lighting the fuse, etc.
I have to admit that although there are some discrepancies with reality, the vast majority of them are still relatively correct.
The commander of the trial squadron sighed and said with great solemnity: "In other words, the Fuhuo Thunder needs to be installed before it can attack. If the position changes, the effect will definitely be different."
"The reason why Nanyang Hanting chose the city gate hole is because the city gate in the city gate hole is the weak point in the city defense system and is the easiest to break through compared to the city wall."
Yuan Shao listened very carefully and did not dare to miss a single detail.
At the same time, it was also the first time that he truly understood what the fire and thunder was capable of destroying the city gate.
"You know it in such detail, I believe that you should be at least 30% sure of your cracking method."
Yuan Shao understands very well what kind of person Shen Pei is. Although he is a bit unsociable, his abilities are indeed outstanding. Among the entire Jizhou sect, he is a relatively unique existence.
"Thank you, lord."
The judge nodded and continued: "Actually, my idea is very simple. According to the method, it can be roughly divided into two types."
"oh?"
Yuan Shao asked anxiously: "Which two types are there? Please tell me quickly."
Shen Pei did not hesitate and said directly: "First, we can find a way to destroy the installation position of Fuhuo Thunder, so as to protect the city gate."
"Destroy the installation location of Fire and Thunder?"
Yuan Shao frowned, slightly confused: "Can you be more specific?"
Shen Pei nodded: "Of course! My lord can open a few small holes in the city gate. When the enemy's soldiers equipped with fire and thunder leave, push them down immediately. It is best to push them away from the city gate hole."
"As a result, the location of Fuhuo Thunder has changed, and the damage to the city gate hole will inevitably be greatly reduced. As long as we can defend the city gate hole, Fuhuo Thunderbolt will be exhausted sooner or later."
hiss-!
Yuan Shao pinched a strand of goatee under his chin, and a dynamic scene immediately appeared in his mind. He nodded slowly: "This plan is feasible. Unless Nanyang Hanting takes human life to block it, there is no way to break through our city gate."
Shen Pei followed up and said: "We can't even stop it at the cost of human life. We can attack these soldiers from the small holes with spears forged from fine iron, and we can kill them!"
"kindness."
Yuan Shao nodded: "It makes sense, what about the second method?"
Shen Pei took a deep breath and exhaled slowly: "Prepare a lot of water to extinguish the fuse they lit, or find a long bamboo pole with a blade attached to it and cut off its fuse."
"As long as the fuse cannot burn the Fire and Thunder Pack, the Fire and Thunder Pack will not be ignited. In this way, it will not explode and naturally it will not damage our city gate at all."
Yuan Shao's eyes suddenly brightened: "Yes, their fuses are dragging on the ground. We can definitely cut them off before they light them. We just need the bamboo poles to be slightly longer."
"Ha ha!"
At this point, Yuan Shao showed a long-lost smile, looked up to the sky and laughed: "Why didn't I think of such a simple method? If the Volcanic Fire Thunder can't explode, it can't do anything to us."
Shen Pei bowed and handed over his hand: "Yes, that's exactly the case, but Lord, we are still at a disadvantage after all. If we want to defeat the trend and win, we still need to plan a lot."
"this......"
Yuan Shao nodded affirmatively: "Of course I understand."
The judge said tentatively: "I heard that Cao Cao is your good friend. My lord, you can try to get rid of this person first. In this way, you can at least reduce the pressure of 100,000 people."