Taishi Ci had surrendered, but it also announced that Wang Zheng's leisure time in Wancheng was over.
After drinking Zhou Yu's wedding wine, he led Qiao Wan, Lu Su, Tai Shi Ci and others to set off back to Shouchun.
The next day after returning to the palace, a minister asked to see him. He said before entering the palace: "My lord, I am very happy!"
"It's for filial piety." Wang Zheng took a quick look and saw that it was Guo Jia. He couldn't help but look sideways and asked, "Where does the joy come from?"
"Not long after my lord left for Wancheng, the envoy to Jizhou turned back. Yuan Shao has agreed to form an alliance." Guo Jia clapped his hands and said with a smile, "There is no need to worry about the north of Xuzhou for now."
"oh?"
Wang Zheng was overjoyed when he heard this, but his face was very calm, and he said calmly: "It's rare for Yuan Shao to be so happy. After all, I didn't give away the imperial seal in vain."
"Before, when Lu was analyzing the general trend of the world, he also said that given the terrain of Jizhou, it is more suitable to take Yanzhou to the west and even Guanzhong first." Guo Jia said: "Compared with the lord, everyone knows who is stronger and weaker, Cao Cao.
, this choice is not unexpected.”
"Yes." Wang Zheng nodded slightly and asked: "In that case, we can let go and prepare for the war south."
"On the day after I met the envoy, I went to see General Xu Fang and Duke Zhang, and suggested that the Bafu should immediately formulate a rough southward strategy." Guo Jia lowered his head and counted for a moment, and said, "I think we can meet within three to five days.
Presented to the lord for perusal, other than that."
Having said this, Guo Jia paused, glanced at Wang Zheng, and said seriously: "Although Liu Biao has a bad reputation and is not strong enough, he has been running Jingzhou for many years, and his rule is stable, the country is harmonious and the people are obedient, and there are many advisers and warriors.
It is difficult to shake easily. If the master wants to decide in one battle, he still needs to do three things."
Wang Zheng asked: "What three things?"
Guo Jia raised a finger: "The first thing is strict military discipline!"
What?
Wang Zheng was startled when he heard this, and then he stopped laughing, "The military discipline under my command has always been strict, why would Fengxiao say this?"
"My lord has given an order, and the three armies have promised to go through fire and water, but Jingzhou is connected to six counties, how vast is the territory?" Guo Jia reminded: "My lord, will the troops be divided into multiple routes, or will they be able to advance by water?"
"If the troops are divided into multiple routes, the old events in Lu'an and Wuxian will never happen again. And if the troops advance by water, whether the troops surrendered in Yangzhou can return to their mission and whether they can fight bravely will have a crucial impact on the overall situation."
After hearing this, Wang Zheng's expression became serious.
Although Guo Jia didn't say it clearly, he had already heard the implication.
What are the old events in Wu County, Lu'an? Naturally, it was the feud between generals Huang Zhong and Wu Sheng, and the feud between Wei Yan and Gu Jian.
These four people are all generals under his command, but they each have their own positions. Wu Sheng and Gu Jian both belong to the Qingzhou Army faction, but the former represents the Qingzhou Army of Zhao County, which is the original Qingzhou Army.
The Heavenly Army and Gujian inherited all the legacy of Zhang Rao's Qingzhou Yellow Turban, while Huang Zhong and Huang Zhong belonged to the Xuzhou Army's camp.
Their conflict is essentially a conflict between the various parties in Wang Zheng's army. The Tianjun considers themselves the direct lineage and looks down upon other tribes, while the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans consider themselves the second direct lineage. On the one hand, they stick closely to the Tianjun, and on the other hand, they
Disdain other parts.
Although the Xuzhou Army has less qualifications, because it currently has the largest number of people and has tiger generals such as Huang Zhong, Gao Lan, and Wei Yan as the backbone, it has been competing with the Tian Army and the Yellow Turban Army.
And now there is a third force, which is the local Yangzhou Army in Jiangdong. Gan Ning and Zhou Tai are both included in this camp. It is even foreseeable that Zhou Yu will become their leader in the future.
In addition to these factions that have preliminary rights to speak, Wang Zheng's army also includes the Taishan Army represented by Zang Ba and Chang Xin, the Yuzhou Army recruited by Gao Lan in Yuzhou, and the Bingzhou Army brought over by Zhang Liao, etc.
, because of their current weak power and low official rank, they currently choose one of the three major forces to get close to each other to show their goodwill, but if the situation becomes the same in the future, it may not be impossible to stand on their own.
"What Fengxiao said was true, but I was negligent."
After thinking for a moment, Wang Zheng said seriously: "You are right, military discipline must be further serious. This general established the rules when the uprising first started. Military orders are as high as the mountain. Anyone who disobeys military orders will be severely punished!"
If Mi Heng were here, you might take the initiative to correct him. My lord, what you said that day was not to punish severely. Disobedience to military orders and rebellion against superiors are one of the four taboos, and they will be killed without mercy!
Guo Jia, however, was very sensible. He just smiled and proactively suggested: "These are all smart people. A small punishment can be a big warning, especially General Wu, who is a close friend of the lord. If he is not spared by the lord,
A kind rebuke, if you can't escape punishment, will definitely make the three armies look awe-inspiring, boost their morale, and work together to defeat the enemy."
"Is this the second thing?" Guo Jia raised another finger: "It is to mobilize the people and actively prepare for war. I have already told Duke Zhang about this matter, and now the two counties and counties have started to do it.
"
"As for the last thing, of course, in view of the terrain problem in Jingzhou, we need to build more ships and train the navy to increase our army's offensive in the future. However, in terms of the commander-in-chief, it seems that the lord wants to use Zhou Yu as the commander-in-chief, right?"
"There is no need to worry about being a filial piety."
Wang Zheng knew what he was worried about. He laughed and said confidently: "Although Gong Jin is young, I know one thing very well. With a little experience, no one in this world who is good at water can be better than him!"
"yes."
Zhou Yu's people have all gone to Wancheng to take up their posts, and they have just married Wang Zheng's sister-in-law. Guo Jia originally knew that this fact could not be changed, so he just fulfilled his duty as a counselor and gave a final reminder. Hearing this, he said no more: "Zhou Yu is responsible for
Taking command of the newly established navy, what will the old military lord in Yangzhou plan to do?"
Wang Zheng pondered for a moment and asked: "Approximately how many people are there?"
"After reorganization and deployment, there are still about 5,000 troops, which are currently under the temporary control of Gan Ning."
"Let's all be transferred to Lujiang with the new army within the month."
Wang Zheng waved his hand: "There are ports in several Linjiang counties in Lujiang. Let them divide their troops and station them as a reserve team, just waiting for the war in Jingzhou to start. If there is a stalemate, or there is a lack of successors, these five thousand people can
Board the ship immediately and rush to rescue quickly."
Is that equivalent to handing over nearly 20,000 troops to Zhou Yu?
Guo Jia looked hesitant. He was hesitating whether to give advice, but Wang Zheng had already said to himself: "The battle between the two armies is nothing more than adapting measures to local conditions, exploiting strengths and avoiding weaknesses. The navy is indispensable, and it means adapting measures to local conditions. However, if Jingzhou is strong, it will
Our army is better at water, but our army is better at land, so the general’s intention is that the focus of this southward campaign must be here.”
As he spoke, Guo Jia looked sideways and asked: "Fengxiao, since Yuan Shao has agreed to form an alliance, do you think we can transfer Xuzhou's army over so that we can complete our victory in one battle?"
"No!"
Guo Jia immediately shook his head, "Forging an alliance does not mean that the Jizhou army has no chance of attacking Xuzhou. My lord, please don't forget that there are still nearly 20,000 Jizhou soldiers and horses in Linzi, and there is also Yuan Shao's son Yuan Tan, who is in command. If Jingzhou
The war situation is in a stalemate, and the door to my north is wide open. This boy is young and energetic, and he is very happy to achieve great success. Therefore, we have an alliance, and he may have different intentions!"
That's right.
Wang Zheng felt a little regretful, but he agreed with Guo Jia's point of view and said: "In this case, the troops stationed in Langya will not move. Where are the troops stationed in Xiapi and Pengcheng?"
"It's also impossible!"
Guo Jia said seriously: "My lord, this trip south is completely different from before. From Yichen's point of view, the most important thing is not to consider how to win quickly, but to take precautions!"
Facing Wang Zheng's astonished gaze, Guo Jia said one word at a time: "When my lord captured Xuzhou, Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan were fighting fiercely. Cao Cao also encountered a rebellion in Yanzhou, so he let my lord take chestnuts from the fire; my lord gained Shouchun too quickly, so that the princes
Neither of them had time to react, but this time Jingzhou is different."
"First of all, just talking about the territory and population map under his rule, my lord is now the head of the princes. If he gets Jingzhou again, with three states and half of it in hand, it will be enough to rule the world and cede territory and become king. Please think about this, lord.
Under such circumstances, other princes would be fine, heroes like Cao Cao and Liu Bei would never sit idly by and ignore it!"
"Secondly, Jingzhou's territory extends far beyond Jiujiang and Beihai. Not only is it connected to seven counties, but it is also crisscrossed by rivers. Even with the lord's wisdom and prowess, it would take several months to seize all this land. This gives them sufficient opportunities.
Time to react, prepare.”
Hearing this, Wang Zheng had fully reacted and couldn't help but raised his eyebrows: "Feng Xiao's words mean that if Ben leads his army south this time, Cao Cao and Liu Bei may take action?"
"Not maybe, but definitely, definitely!"
Guo Jia said loudly: "For example, Cao Cao has been recharging his energy and strength in recent years. His troops and horses are strong and his food is sufficient. Then he may take the opportunity to fully invade Yangzhou. But like Liu Bei, he is currently in Yuzhou. If he defeats Liu Chong, he will win.
The two counties of Chen Guo and Liang Guo can gather at least nearly ten thousand troops. When the time comes, they will either rush to help Jingzhou or attack Pengcheng and force the lord to turn back."
"So in my humble opinion, my lord can use up to four points of his force to attack Jingzhou this time, and the remaining six points should be placed in the defense of Xu and Yangzhou in case of any eventuality!"
"Six points?"
After reorganization and recruitment at the beginning of the year, Wang Zheng currently has a total of nearly 150,000 troops under his command, including 30,000 cavalry, 90,000 infantry, and more than 20,000 naval troops. However, if the garrison in important towns in various places is removed, the remaining troops will be
After that, the number of soldiers and horses that could be flexibly deployed was actually only about 100,000.
If Guo Jia's intention is to follow, the maximum number of troops he can mobilize to attack Jingzhou this time is only 40,000. After Zhou Yu's navy is removed, the number will only be 20,000.
With systematic blessings, plus hidden "upgraded" killer moves before battle, Wang Zheng still has the confidence to defeat Liu Biao with 20,000 horses, but a quick victory is almost impossible.
Besides, winning the war is one thing, but if we want to fully occupy Jingzhou, this small number of troops is really not enough.
However, if we want to guard against Liu Bei and Cao Cao, it is not unacceptable to leave 60,000 troops to guard the two states.
Wang Zhengruo thought for a moment, glanced at Guo Jia and asked: "Then how to use these six parts of power just right?"
Guo Jia smiled, with a confident look on his face: "Please spread the map, my lord."
After Wang Zheng took out the map and spread it on the lacquer table, Guo Jia lifted up his robe and walked to Wang Zheng's side, giving instructions on it: "The nine counties under the Lord's rule can be divided into three defense zones."
He first drew a line in Pengcheng Kingdom and said: "This is our army's western defense area. It is set up to guard against Liu Bei. It occupies one of the six forces."
"Ten thousand horses to defend Liu Bei?"
Wang Zheng frowned slightly: "Liu Bei's subordinates in Guan and Zhang are all brave and courageous, so they should not be underestimated."
"My Lord, you have only been married for a long time, and have you forgotten your father-in-law?"
Guo Jia laughed loudly when he heard this, "I estimate that the flying general should have arrived in Pei State by now. He and his lord have become a son-in-law. If Liu Bei commits a crime, how can he stand idly by?"
"Ahem, it's because I'm not thinking clearly." Wang Zheng laughed dryly, waved his hands quickly and said, "Fengxiao, please continue."
"The second line of defense is the northern defense area. According to my opinion, General Yu can lead his troops to sit in Kaiyang, and the ancient captain will lead the army in Dongguan. Yu Jin will be cautious and the ancient sword will be powerful. One will take charge of the general and sit in charge, and the other will charge in the field. The two
When people cooperate with each other, they can be said to complement each other.”
To the north of Langya, it was natural to be on guard against Yuan Tan from Linzi. Wang Zheng nodded and asked, "How many troops will be left here?"
"Also 10,000." Guo Jiadao: "Yuan Shao is a member of a high-ranking family and has a good reputation. Since he has agreed to form an alliance, as long as Langya guards the door and does not reveal any flaws, the possibility of Jizhou army's active invasion will not be too great."
"It's the intruders, and perhaps more of Yuan Tan's group. Kaiyang has been under the rule of the lord for many years, and people's hearts have long since surrendered. There are currently four thousand defenders in the city, plus Dongguan's defenders. The three of them are close to each other.
Twenty thousand may not be enough to counterattack, but it is enough for defense."
"As for this last road, it is naturally to guard against Cao Cao."
Guo Jia pointed to Shouchun on the map and said: "Shouchun is the capital, and at least 20,000 horses must be left." He then moved to the other two places, "Then Xiacai and Ping'a each have 10,000 horses, and the three cities are mutually exclusive.
If you use the river as a danger and the mountains as a barrier, and then send generals to guard it, you will be able to defend Jiujiang and keep the enemy at bay, without any risk!"
"Fengxiao really looks at Cao Mengde very differently."
Wang Zheng raised his eyebrows and said with a half-smile: "Yuan Shao and Liu Bei only arranged for 20,000 troops to respond. Hey, Cao Cao had to send a full 40,000 troops along the way."
Guo Jia did not refute, but took half a step back, cupped his hands and said, "I boldly guess how the lord will arrange it if he makes the decision himself."
As he spoke, he looked up at Wang Zheng and said with a smile, "I wonder if you guessed it right?"
The two of them smiled at each other. Wang Zheng clenched his fist, tapped Jiujiang County on the map, and said in a deep voice: "That's true."
"Not only is Cao Cao a greater threat in the general's mind, but Shouchun is the most important. In this case, the southern defense area is naturally the most important of the three defense areas and can be regarded as the top priority."
"As long as this line is maintained, the situation will not be completely out of control."