Wang Zheng originally prepared a few moves to tempt him, but he didn't expect that Yuan Shu would immediately think of Liu Biao. He was secretly happy in his heart, but didn't show it on his face, and said with a faint smile:
"Why did Mr. Yuan say this? Zheng Zheng never took the initiative to contact Liu Jingzhou about this matter."
That's good...
Yuan Shu just felt relieved when he saw Wang Zheng calmly continue: "I don't know how Liu Jingzhou knew that Zheng was now in Shouchun. He sent an envoy here a few days ago and took the initiative to mention that Cao Cao had ulterior motives and wanted to blackmail the emperor.
The princes are traitors to the country and want to join forces with me, Xuzhou, in the Northern Expedition and defeat the traitor Cao Cao!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Yuan Shu's expression suddenly changed.
Liu Biao took the initiative to approach Wang Zheng and wanted to join Cao Cao in the Northern Expedition?
This was surprising when I first heard it. After all, Liu Biao was a member of the Han clan, and what about Wang Zheng? He was called a Hanchen, but he was actually a rebel.
But after Yuan Shu thought about it carefully, he felt that it was reasonable.
When Liu Biaodan rode into Jingzhou at the beginning, people in Jingzhou were very troubled, there were many thieves, and there was turmoil everywhere. Even if he killed fifty-five clan thieves at a banquet, he could only control the two southern counties of Jiangxia. So in Jian'an
In the early days of the separatist rule, Liu Biao and even the forces in Jingzhou behaved very calmly.
But things are different now.
Yuan Shu knew that Liu Biao had been very skillful in recent years in seducing and combining power and ambition, which caused the thieves in the territory to either be defeated or killed, or to take advantage of them. It can be said that he has basically pacified the resistance forces in the territory and controlled the Jing and Xiang Qi.
county.
Before, he was unable to attack externally, but now that his rear is secure, how could Liu Biao not have the ambition to expand his territory? At this time, his attention will naturally be on Yuzhou, Yangzhou, and Yizhou around Jingzhou, as well as fighting.
From a strategic perspective, the first choice is naturally Yangzhou, because Yangzhou faces the sea and shares the natural danger of the Yangtze River with Jingzhou. Once the two states are connected, they can truly form a calm situation in which they can advance, attack, and retreat and defend. Therefore, Sun Ce originally
When the rebellion started, Liu Biao was greatly moved.
But on the other hand, who is Liu Biao most afraid of? If given the opportunity, the one he wants to deal with the most is probably Cao Cao, who now controls Yingchuan County.
Without him, Yingchuan County is too close to Nanyang, Jingzhou...
As far as Liu Biao is concerned, Nanyang County must not allow any loss, and cannot even allow threatening forces to exist on its side!
Because this is the largest county in the world with a population of over 2 million, with three out of seventy counties!
Moreover, Jingzhou has become increasingly prosperous in recent years. A big reason is that the chaos in Guanzhong caused a large number of gentry talents to flee to Jingzhou. Liu Biao was overjoyed, treated virtuous corporals, recruited talents, and even set up official schools to show his respect for literature and Confucianism.
However, the good times did not last long, and after Cao Cao and Emperor Xian moved the capital to Xu County, brain drain occurred even further away in Xuzhou, with Jingzhou and Nanyang naturally bearing the brunt.
Not only are the original Guanzhong elites who have recently taken root in Jingzhou a tendency to return, but they are also bringing with them many local nobles. This has put Liu Biao under increasing pressure and a sense of urgency.
When people are under pressure, they naturally want to relieve it; when faced with threats, they naturally want to solve them.
Yuan Shu asked himself that he still had some understanding of this formidable enemy who had snatched Nanyang from him. Judging from Cao Cao's record in recent years, if Liu Biao was allowed to take the initiative to provoke a border provocation, he would probably hesitate and hesitate. But if
If you add Wang Zheng and Xuzhou Army, you will probably be moved.
In the original history, since Cao Cao moved the capital with Emperor Xian, Liu Biao and Cao Cao did start constant conflicts. For example, in the second year of Jian'an, Zhang Xiu betrayed Cao Cao. Liu Biao sent troops with Zhang Xiu to attack Cao Cao many times, and went to fight with him in person.
In the third year of Jian'an (198), Cao Cao attacked Zhang Xiu again. Liu Biao sent troops to rescue and block Cao's army's food routes, and even wanted to launch a massive counterattack. As a result, Zhang Xian, the governor of Changsha, led his troops to rebel, and Lingling and Guiyang responded together.
Liu Biao was completely blocked and unable to look outside.
When he finally put down the rebellion in the three counties of Jingnan, Cao Cao had already won the most important battle in his life, the Battle of Guandu, and then climbed to the pinnacle of his life by stepping on the corpse of his former eldest brother Yuan Shao.
Sheng was so powerful that Liu Biao could no longer compete with him.
So sometimes it is true that "every time comes, heaven and earth are united". Although Cao Cao was successful in the early stage of taking advantage of the emperor, he soon became the target of public criticism, because other princes were also jealous and wanted to grab the trump card of Xian Emperor.
Here, let’s enjoy the feeling of not being able to disobey the orders given to the world. Therefore, before the Battle of Guandu, Cao Cao was truly besieged both internally and externally. He was besieged on all sides and was only a hair away from defeat and death.
But he was really lucky. Liu Biao wanted to beat him, the three counties of Jingzhou rebelled, and Sun Ce wanted to steal his home, but he was assassinated. In the end, only Yuan Shao was left in the middle and faced him. Cao Cao also beat him and almost gave him a GG, but again
The rebellious guy Xu You came out...
The more Yuan Shu thought about it, the more he realized that this matter was very possible. He was secretly horrified in his heart, but he said with a smile on his face: "I see. But how do the imperial guards plan to join forces with Liu Biao?"
Wang Zheng said calmly: "Since we are attacking together, we are advancing in two directions. If we are successful, we will each get what we need."
"I would like to hear the details." Yuan Shu made a listening gesture: "How can we attack from both sides together, and how can each of us get what we need?"
"What Liu Jingzhou wants is to ask me, Xuzhou, to send troops from Mount Tai first, and launch a war to the west of Yanzhou to attract Cao Cao's attention. Now Cao Cao has sent a general to garrison south of Yingchuan, and from the road to the north of Lujiang River
It is already difficult to carry out, and the government originally intended to change direction and attack from the east to the west. If we want to attack Xudu, we will go to Yanzhou first, so this is naturally not a problem and we have already agreed."
"Liu Jingzhou's messenger has promised that once the main force of Cao's army is really attracted to the west, then the south of Yingchuan will naturally be empty. He will immediately mobilize the army and make a surprise attack on Kunyang and other places. Even if he cannot defeat Xiahou Dun for a while, he will definitely defeat Xiahou Dun first.
Wuyang, Dingling and other places were captured, and Cao's army was attacked on both sides. By focusing on both sides, at least our army was a little more confident in breaking through the western defense line."
"In this way, Zheng Xian raised troops in the west, echoing Liu Jingzhou, and then Liu Jingzhou also invaded in the south, which in turn responded to Xuzhou. This is two ways of advancing in parallel, echoing each other."
"As for everyone getting what they need, the political whip is beyond their reach. Even if they defeat Cao Cao, they will not stay in Xudu."
Wang Zheng smiled and said: "For Liu Jingzhou, this alone is enough."
Yuan Shu was silent for a moment and nodded. The biggest reason why Liu Biao wants to attack Cao Cao is because of the geographical location of Yingchuan. Whenever a powerful force occupies this place, it will naturally pose a threat to Nanyang. Therefore, Liu Biao's biggest interest appeal is
Yingchuan County.
This is in no way in conflict with Wang Zheng's interest demands. Xuzhou and Yingchuan where he currently occupies are far apart. Even if they are snatched away, they cannot occupy it. Even if they are occupied, it will not be easy to manage. As for Wang Zheng's interests demands,
Yuan Shu couldn't guess it, so he expected that Emperor Xian must be one of them.
After playing with the wine cup in his hand for a long time, Yuan Shu suddenly said: "So, the imperial bandit has not yet interviewed Liu Biao in person?"
Wang Zheng smiled and said: "Zheng is in Shouchun now. Even if he wants to see Liu Jingzhou's majestic face, he can't."
"Then have you met Liu Biao before?"
"I have never seen him before." Wang Zhengdao said: "But even though I have never seen him in person, Liu Jingzhou, a member of the Han clan, has long been known as the Eight Horsemen in the World. Everyone in the world says that he is eight feet long, has a majestic appearance, and has the demeanor of a gentleman.
"
"Haha, Liu Jingsheng is tall. At first glance, he does look quite manly. His appearance is not bad." Yuan Shu smiled and said, "It's just that the white jade is slightly flawed. Although his face is decent, there is only one difference.
good."
"Oh?" Wang Zheng looked sideways at Yuan Shu and asked cooperatively, "But I don't know which point it is?"
“This person’s cheekbones are high and sunken!”
A frightening cold light flashed in Yuan Shu's eyes, and he snorted coldly: "Zygomatic bones are the bones of power. It's a good thing to be tall, but it's not the case if they are sunken. According to physiognomy, this is an unbelievable look. People with such looks
, ambitious but cunning, suspicious, and unfaithful." After speaking, he patted Wang Zheng's arm and reminded him solemnly: "Yu Kou, you and I are both allies and close friends, so we have to say a few words.
, if you form an alliance with Liu Biao, you should be more careful."
"This man is completely different from me. He looks like a gentleman and a wise man, but he is actually not a good and trustworthy person."
Does it mean you are a good and trustworthy person?
Wang Zheng secretly complained, but he pretended to be surprised on his face, and asked with a smile: "Unexpectedly, Mr. Yuan is also proficient in physiognomy. As expected, those who are capable can do anything."
"Then I wonder what Mr. Yuan thinks I look like?"
"Forehead..."
Yuan Shu was at a loss for words. In his opinion, Wang Zheng's appearance could be described in eight words. He was very good and beyond reproach.
Because there are no comments similar to this kind of appearance in the photo books. After all, the appearance that can be recorded in the photo books, whether it is praise or criticism, is at least extraordinary and outstanding.
For example, if Wang Zheng, a mediocre public face, is not even qualified to appear in a photo book, then how does Yuan Shu know how to describe it and how to evaluate it?
Of course, no matter how stupid Yuan Shu was, he would not directly tell Wang Zheng the truth. After hesitating for a moment, he coughed dryly and thought of a satisfactory reply:
"Yu Kou is young and promising, so naturally he looks like a man of great wealth, wealth and longevity."
"Ha ha."
Wang Zheng naturally understood that this was a polite response, so he said nothing more and just smiled and said: "Come, Mr. Yuan, Zheng will give you another drink." He immediately changed the topic and turned to watch the singing and dancing in the hall.
The less he responded directly, the more uneasy Yuan Shu felt. Liu Biao was also his great enemy. The two of them had both old and new grudges. In addition, they had a competitive relationship across borders. Especially when Sun Ce rebelled, the Jingzhou Army
Yuan Shu was naturally aware of something about to make a move, so of course he didn't want Wang Zheng to really cooperate with Liu Biao's alliance!
Today, if the two of them can join forces to deal with Cao Cao, will the other dynasty deal with other princes again?
For example, Yangzhou...
Yuan Shu didn't dare to think about it anymore, but he had to think about it. The more he thought about it, the more frightened he became. Liu Jingsheng was known to put on airs and win people's hearts, but Wang Zheng was a brat, young and ignorant, so he might really be able to win him over with some clever words.
So what should we do?
When I was deep in thought, there was a sudden sound in the hall, and the whole hall burst into laughter and the music stopped.
Everyone hurriedly turned to look, but it was Zhou Tai who was under Wang Zheng's command and drank too much. He couldn't sit properly and fell to the ground. Liang Gang, Gan Ning and others beside him burst into laughter.
When Zhou Tai stood up unsteadily while holding on to the table, his face was red, and he didn't know whether he was drunk or angry. He looked at the other side sideways and suddenly shouted: "You rats, what are you laughing at!"
As soon as these words came out, everyone in Yangzhou changed their expressions. Liang Gang stared at Zhou Tai with a very embarrassed expression: "Who are you scolding?"
"Whoever was laughing at you just now is the one you are scolding!"
Liang Gang was about to get angry when he saw another person at the table next to him jump to his feet and shout: "Fuck your mother! Who is the rat?"
Everyone followed the sound and saw that it was Gan Ning. At this time, his eyes were raised with anger and his eyebrows were raised, clearly furious.
"Hey, you are so majestic and domineering at the banquet, do you show that you are a hero?" Zhou Tai sneered again and again: "When it comes to fighting on the battlefield and eliminating violence for the country, everyone shrinks their heads and no one steps forward to respond."
"Don't be too presumptuous!"
Gan Ning glanced deeply at Zhou Tai, flashing a strong murderous intention, and then suppressed it: "If you dare to talk nonsense again, do you really think that I can't beat the officials of Xuzhou?"
Sensing Gan Ning's murderous intention, Zhou Tai felt a chill in his heart. However, when the performance reached this level, there was no reason to give up halfway. Instead, he laughed more and more wildly, squinted at Gan Ning, and said every word:
"Did I say something wrong?"
Gan Ning wanted to argue, but he couldn't say a word, because everything Zhou Tai said was the truth.
Between Wang Zheng and Cao Cao, up until now, Cao Cao actually hated Wang Zheng more, because he was the one who always suffered losses. Wang Zheng, the one who took advantage, may not have much resentment. Now, in front of Lin Dong, under the continuous battles, Wang Zheng still feels guilty. They are preparing to launch a northern expedition to Xudu. Regardless of victory or defeat, at least they have a posture of pursuing victory in pursuit of victory, showing their willingness to fight.
On the contrary, Yuan Shu and Cao Cao were the other way around, because every time they fought, Yuan Shu was always the loser. Moreover, Xiahou Dun was already eyeing Runan, and Wang Zheng had just finished defeating Sun Ce and wanted to defeat Cao Cao. However, Yuan Shu refused to join forces and share the same fate. No matter what the reason was, in the eyes of the world, he was afraid of fighting. He even interpreted that he was afraid of being beaten by Cao Mengde and was defeated!
The lord was defeated, and these ministers naturally couldn't straighten their backs and were unable to refute or argue at all.
After drinking until now, Wang Zheng and Yuan Shu kept talking and didn't drink much. The Shouchun generals were deliberately coaxed by everyone in Xuzhou, but they were almost drunk. Gan Ning was a brave and proud man, and he was drunk at this time. , became increasingly unable to hold back, and immediately slammed the table, knocking over all the wine cups and dishes in front of the table!
Amid everyone's exclamations, Gan Ning attended the meeting proudly, walked over quickly, and stood in front of Yuan Shu and Wang Zheng.
First, he stared at Wang Zheng with an extremely threatening look, and then he cupped his hands to Yuan Shu and said: "Zhou Mu, Xuzhou Zhou Tai's words just now are really heart-breaking words. If you ignore them and spread them, what will Zhou Mu's prestige and military morale be in the future?" Where is the morale?"
He said with a stern voice: "Although Gan Ning is not talented, he has never been looked down upon and scorned by such people. I would like to be a pioneer and go north today to regain the lost land for our lord!"
Although Gan Ning was drunk, he did not completely lose his mind. He only talked about regaining the lost territory instead of attacking Xudu.
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Tai swayed behind him and fell to the ground, snoring loudly within a moment.
Now that the provocation has been successful, his mission has been completed. In order to avoid having to pay for what he just said later, the best way is naturally to get drunk and fall unconscious.
At this time, Wang Zheng also immediately frowned and shouted: "You are talking nonsense, it is simply making people laugh!" He waved his hand to signal to his guards to carry him out of the banquet.
Then he looked at Yuan Shu with an apologetic look: "Forgive me, Mr. Yuan. Taixin has not been here recently this week, and he has not yet gotten rid of his wild nature. He is arrogant and lies. If I have offended him, please forgive me."
After being humiliated by others, he couldn't get angry. No matter how well he cultivated, it was difficult to stay calm. Yuan Shu's face was already gloomy at this time. However, facing Wang Zheng, he couldn't help but laugh twice and said:
"This is the true nature of a warrior, so there is nothing wrong with it."
When he turned to look at Gan Ning, his smile suddenly faded and he waved his hand with a very impatient look: "Don't say more, don't back down!"
"State Shepherd!"
Gan Ning was greatly disappointed and shouted again sadly.
Yuan Shu was about to scold him, when another person in the hall stood up to attend, but it was Gu Yong: "I report to the state pastor, in my opinion, General Gan's words of military talent may not be entirely unworthy."