Upon hearing Wang Zheng's inquiry, Lu Su cupped his hands and said, "I am reporting to the Zhou Mu that the envoy of Marquis Wen plans to set off on his journey back to Wuxian in the near future. Does the Zhou Mu know about this?"
Wang Zheng nodded slightly, looked sideways and asked, "I just received Zhao Meng's letter of invitation this morning, so I naturally know about it, but what?"
Lu Su said: "It's because envoy Zhao planned to go back to Wuxian County. Before leaving, he wanted to bring some local specialties from Yangzhou. When Zhou Mu summoned Xiaguan, Xiaguan was outside shopping for him."
meaning is
Are you delayed until now because of this trivial matter?
Wang Zheng was stunned and looked at Lu Su blankly, feeling speechless for a moment.
Even his lord, who was indifferent to emotions and anger, reacted like this, not to mention the others. Not only Zhang Zhao sneered again and again, but the officials were also in an uproar.
"Shopping for specialties just for a messenger?"
Zhang Zhao stared at Lu Su and said solemnly, "Hey, Lu Fa Cao really distinguishes between public and private affairs and knows the importance."
Liu Ye's expression on the side also changed slightly. He didn't know how to help Lu Su, and he was even more surprised: "Zijing is a smart man, and Zhou Muyuan is not a narrow-minded man. If you come late, you will be late."
, that explanation just now was not bad, but?"
How come you are so stupid that you come up with such an excuse?
Compared to the "snuff" that made Wang Zheng wait for nearly two hours, this was really a small thing. Even Liu Ye couldn't help but secretly glance at Wang Zheng, secretly observing his expression to see if he was angry.
After being startled for a moment, Wang Zheng quickly regained his composure.
In fact, he is also a waiter. If he were an unknown person, he might be secretly sullen. But for a celebrity from the Three Kingdoms like Lu Su, Wang Zheng believed in his intelligence and level and would not leave a bad impression on him the first time they met.
good impression.
In his opinion, Lu Su's opening seemed to suggest that he wanted to advance before suppressing?
Thinking of this, he remained calm and said with a smile, "Oh? Then you have spent so long time and you must have tried your best to carefully select gifts for the people of Bingzhou. Are they satisfied with it?
?」
Lu Su was quite surprised when his reaction fell into Lu Su's eyes. He took a deep look at Wang Zheng who was sitting in the upper position, and was greatly impressed by the young monarch's city government. He bowed and said, "It is easy to satisfy the people of Bingzhou.
But it is difficult to win the hearts of the world."
There was silence in the hall, and Wang Zheng looked at Lu Su with a smile but not a smile: "How do you say this?"
"In recent years, Zhou Mu has repeatedly raised troops to attack cities and conquer countries. Although they were invincible and showed off their power, they were consumed a lot. Not only did the generals suffer heavy casualties, but the warehouses of many counties in Xuzhou were also exhausted; and in Yangzhou,
Bian has been ravaged by war since last year and is also in a dilemma. The cities in some places are now in ruins. Seeing that winter is approaching, although the state pastor has ordered the local governments to do their best to start providing relief to the people as soon as possible.
, but it’s a drop in the bucket and the effect is not expected to be great.”
Lu Su paused and continued: "Nowadays, the nine counties under the jurisdiction of Zhou Mu are actually in danger but seem to be safe. I dare to ask Zhou Mu, how should I deal with it?"
"Do you have any good ideas to help the soldiers and civilians of the two states overcome this difficulty?"
From the first sentence of Lu Su's answer, Wang Zheng felt something in his heart. Knowing that the drama was coming, he gathered his clothes, pushed the cups and plates on the table to the outside, and assumed a posture of listening attentively.
When he heard this, he became even more solemn and asked sternly: "What a "seem to be safe but actually in danger". In fact, before you came, I was discussing this matter with the princes. In your opinion, when faced with it,
How should we deal with the current crisis? I will listen to my instructions."
"The virtues of a low-ranking official are rare, and people speak lightly. I dare not speak nonsense at first."
Lu Su was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "The state pastors do not give up on each other, but are willing to boldly advance and serve as a stepping stone to attract the attention of the officials. If we want to overcome this difficulty, there is only one feasible strategy."
"What's the plan?"
"Using Fan Ju's old strategy of the Western Qin Dynasty, making friends from far away and attacking close by."
"Appreciate further details."
"In the past, King Zhao of Qin expelled Wei Ran who was monopolizing power, appointed Fan Ju as prime minister, and actively promoted Fan Ju's policies.
"Distant diplomacy and close attack" strategy. Far diplomacy and close attack first focus the struggle on Han and Zhao nearby, temporarily ignoring Qi and Yan who are further away, and stabilize Chu and Wei. Thus "the inch is the king's inch, and the ruler is the king's ruler."
"."
"Looking at the present time, if we talk about their power, Yuan Shao of Jizhou is the Yan and Wei of the past, and Liu Biao of Jingzhou is the Han and Zhao of the past."
Lu Su said: "After two years of fierce fighting in Zhoumu, all nine counties were wiped out. Even though they won, it was a miserable victory. Now that Yuan Shao is in power in Hebei, and his troops have reached Yijing, the day when Gongsun Bogui will be defeated is not far away."
"At the end of winter, it's freezing and snowy. When spring comes and the weather gets warmer, I think that if nothing unexpected happens, Yuan Benchu will go south in a big way, attacking Beihai first and Xuzhou later."
"I would like to ask Zhou Mu, if at that time, our army is weak internally but weak externally, and they want to be strong internally but strong externally, how should we respond? What are the chances of winning?"
Wang Zheng touched his nose and remained silent.
It has been three years since he traveled back in time. Because of his arrival, the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty has changed beyond recognition.
For example, Cao Cao, who had shown his ambition to be independent in the first year of Jian'an, was still keeping a low profile at this time. This also made the rift between him and Yuan Shao not big, and the two sides still maintained an alliance.
The boat of friendship has not capsized yet.
Another example is that not only Yuan Shu, but also Gongsun Zan was defeated two years earlier than before.
According to the original trajectory of history, in the first year of Jian'an, although Gongsun Zan showed signs that the situation was over, he still stayed in Yi Jing for two years. But now, at the same time that Wang Zheng showed his fangs to Jiangdong, Yuan Shao this year also
He personally led the army to attack Youzhou again. It could be said that he was unstoppable and invincible along the way. He had conquered the seven counties and sixty-two towns of Youzhou.
Although Yijing, where Gongsun Zan is now, has not yet fallen, it has become an isolated city because the surrounding counties and counties have fallen under the control of the Jizhou army.
The truth that an isolated city cannot be defended is known to all knowledgeable people. In the eyes of Wang Zheng and other princes, the mighty General Baima has entered the countdown to his life. No matter how hard he hangs on, he may not see the end of the second year of Jian'an.
It's sunny.
So after Gongsun Zan, who will Yuan Shao deal with next?
According to the original history, it would naturally be Cao Cao, but now this guy is still Yuan Shao's "number one horse boy". He behaves very obediently and does not pose much of a threat.
The younger brother is not easy to fight, which means that Yuan Shao will not go westward for the time being, so the only option is to go south to avenge his brother Yuan Shu.
Of course, if it was Yuan Shao alone, Wang Zheng might not have much fear even if he was short of food and clothing.
But if Cao Mengde, a black dwarf, also takes action, Wang Zheng will feel a little pressured.
After all, not all of his subordinates are system soldiers. Besides, even if system soldiers are loyal, they are still flesh and blood and have to eat.
Lu Su went on to say: "Therefore, I think that in the current situation, I should try every means to stabilize Yuan Shao first, make a good relationship with Yuan Shao, and more importantly, provoke and alienate the relationship between him and Cao Cao. This is the so-called distant friendship."
At this time, Zhang Zhao on the side intervened and said: "You are just talking in general terms. It is the right way to make friends from far away and attack close by. However, my lord destroyed Yuan Shao and his younger brother's foundation was first. He has already formed a deep hatred with the Yuan family in Runan, and he is not from a noble family.
If you don’t have any friendship with Yuan Shaosu, how can you make a good relationship?"
Hearing this, Lu Su smiled casually and said calmly: "In the past, when Gou Jian and Fu Cha were fighting for hegemony in the Spring and Autumn Period, they had national hatred and family hatred. They were still better than Zhou Mu and Yuan Shao today. But how could Gou Jian be on the side of Wu?
Recuperate your energy and recuperate by completing this task? This is a matter of human nature!"
As he spoke, he raised his hands to Wang Zheng and said solemnly: "Yuan Benchu was arrogant and arrogant, and he has been disobedient for a long time. The state pastor is willing to imitate Gou Jian, and he is willing to live on his salary and taste his courage. He does not hesitate in wealth and beauty, and he does not hesitate to flatter Yuan. His ministers force Yuan, and he offers his words to persuade him to come forward. It is worthy of him.
Take shelter from the enemy for now."
Do you mean to let me endure the humiliation and accept Yuan Shao as my eldest brother like Cao Ah Man?
Wang Zheng frowned slightly and was noncommittal. At this time, Guo Jia on the side suddenly asked: "Lu Fa Cao, since he is a distant and close enemy, why is it Yuan Shao and not Cao Cao? And not Li Jue and Ma Teng?"
Wang Zheng has now moved the center to Jiujiang, and Xuzhou has changed from the central hinterland to the frontline gateway. So Yanzhou cannot actually be regarded as a real neighbor of his power, so Guo Jia has this question.
Lu Su was slightly startled when he heard this. In his opinion, Wang Zheng started his career by rebelling against Cao Cao. The grievances between the two were too deep, and it was actually more difficult to form a good relationship. Furthermore, in terms of strength and momentum alone, today's Cao Cao
It is not as good as royal government. Where is the reason for the strong to submit to the weak?
However, these words cannot be stated clearly. After thinking for a moment, Lu Su said: "Since we are distant friends, those who are not beneficial to me should stay away, those who are beneficial to me should be close, and those who are of great benefit to me, I should make friends with them, that's all."
"In the eyes of my subordinates, Yuan Shao should be the first choice for the superiors, Cao Cao should be the first choice for the middle and inferiors, and the likes of Li Jue and Ma Teng should be the choices for the inferiors."
Wang Zheng became interested and asked sideways, "How do you say this?"
"I am a low-ranking official but I am not very talented. I am willing to tell the state pastor about the general trend of the world."
Wang Zheng raised his eyes slightly, and the guards immediately understood and stepped forward to quickly remove all the dishes on the table. He sat upright, flicked his robe sleeves, stared at Lu Su, and said concisely and concisely: "Please."
"Today's Han Dynasty is like a building that is about to collapse, with chaos in all directions and heroes rising together. Looking at the land east of the Yangtze River, backed by the Bohai Sea and close to the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers, to suppress private opinions, it is appropriate to stay here to watch the changes in the world's situation and gain something."
"The heroes in the north, such as Li Jue and Ma Teng, are all despicable people on the frontier. They are accustomed to the barbarian style and have no strategy. They can only be heroes for a while and cannot become great heroes. The only heroes in a country are Yuan Shao from Jizhou and Cao Cao from Yanzhou.
As for Liu Zhang in Shu, Liu Biao in Jingzhou, Shixie in Jiaozhou, and Zhang Lu in Hanzhong, they are just the heroes of one place, how can they be justified?"
Lu Su spoke eloquently: "If we talk about the situation alone, Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Liu Zhang, and Cao Cao are the most powerful. Among these four, two are in the north, one is in the south, and one is in the southwest. Yuan Cao has a strong army.
There are rich fields in Jingshu. Just talking about the present, these four people are Zhou Mu's powerful enemies. If we look to the future, Zhou Mu's powerful enemies will also be among these four people!"
Is my brother Xuande so hopeless?
Wang Zheng secretly complained and said with a smile: "Everyone knows how strong these four princes are. So in your opinion, if it takes three years, five years, or more than ten years, the last one of them will be alive."
Who?"
Lu Su said confidently: "Yanzhou is caught in the middle, with Li Jue and Ma Teng in the west, and Yuan Shao in the east. Although the emperor's famous weapons are in hand, both neighbors are strong. If there is no accident, they may be defeated first. As for Yuan
Compared with Er Liu, I am more optimistic about the former."
Guo Jia has always been very concerned about the general trend of the world. He shook his head when he heard this. He did not agree with Lu Su's views and interjected:
"Although Cao Cao is caught between the cracks, Lu Fa and Cao Fang didn't just say that Li Jue and Ma Teng are just humble people. They can't become great weapons, so how can they be considered strong neighbors? As for Yuan Shao, he also has shortcomings. If he uses them properly, he can be
After defeating them one by one, it seems to me that among the heroes in the north, Li Jue has brought trouble to the world and has become a rebellious minister. He will be the first to be destroyed. As for Cao and Yuan, it is still unclear who will win!"
"oh?"
Before Lu Su could answer, Wang Zheng had already turned around, looked at Guo Jia with interest, and asked with a smile: "Why does Feng Xiao have such an inference?"
Among those present, no matter whether they were civil or military, no matter how smart or confident they were, none of them knew the final outcome of these princes.
But Wang Zheng knew it!
Lu Su believed that Yuan Shao had a better chance, but it was not a mistake in judgment. On the one hand, this is the consensus of most people in the world today. On the other hand, in the original real history, Cao Cao actually won the battle of Guandu extremely well.
It was a close call, and even so, if Yuan Shao had not died too early, there might not have been no chance of turning defeat into victory.
In contrast, Guo Jia's opinions at this time belonged to the opinions of a "very small number" of people, and his sentence "It is still unclear who will win." In fact, it is not very different from the real history, so it is no wonder that Wang Zheng
Interested in asking why.
Guo Jia glanced at Wang Zheng, with a smile on his lips: "Have you met Yuan Benzhu, my lord?"
Wang Zheng shook his head.
Guo Jia looked around again and asked calmly: "Where are you guys?"
Everyone also shook their heads.
"I've seen Jia Ke before!"
Guo Jia's eyes showed a look of reminiscence, and he said slowly: "Before becoming Lord, I stayed in Yuan Shao's tent for more than half a year."
"Jia has nothing else in his life.
I have gained a little by observing people's ways, so I dare to boldly say that Yuan Benchu is a man with great ambitions and limited talents, and he is fond of scheming and making no decisions. He is not a wise master!"
"Lu Fa Cao said that Yuan Shao is a strong neighbor of Cao Cao, but in my opinion, it is Yuan Shao's great misfortune to have borders with Cao Cao!"
"Yuan Shao's army and horses are stronger than Cao Cao's, his land is bigger than Cao Cao's, his reputation and background are all superior to Cao Cao's, even..."
Having said this, Guo Jia paused and smiled: "When it comes to appearance, body and demeanor, they are far superior. It can be said that they are superior in everything, but only in terms of character and strategy, Yuan Benchu is superior.
Yuan Xun and Cao Mengde."
"Since ancient times, if you want to achieve great things, you have to rely on seven parts of human power and three parts of divine will. Among human power, the master is more important than the ministers. Inferring from this, how can Yuan Shao achieve great things?"
"Even if you are lucky enough to defeat Cao Cao, you will not be lucky enough to meet your lord in the future. You will not be able to escape destruction!"
Wang Zheng smiled slightly. It was expected that Guo Jia was optimistic about Cao Cao. Otherwise, how could he leave Yuan Shao in the first place?
If it hadn't been for fate and he was intercepted by his family on the Taishan Road, I'm afraid this genius would have really become Cao Cao's mastermind again.
However, Guo Jia decided that Yuan Shao was definitely not his opponent, which was a little surprising to Wang Zheng.
You must know that the current Yuan Shao, in the eyes of most people, is a being similar to the "True Dragon of Destiny".
Thinking of this, Wang Zheng stood up, raised his hands and stared at Guo Jia, his eyes sparkling, and asked with a smile: "Then if Cao Cao defeats Yuan Shao and then confronts me, Fengxiao will think that he will be the right one again."