Lu Su's idea was indeed unconstrained and extremely strategic. This idea was beyond Lu Xuan's expectations, but it was reasonable.
Lu Su is worthy of being a master of strategy.
A look of approval appeared on Lu Xuan's face, and he continued to ask: "Mr. Zijing believes that Liaodong is the key, why?"
Lu Su analyzed: "Since ancient times, it has been easier to fight from north to south. Although there is a natural cutoff on the Yangtze River, as long as the northern army crosses the natural cutoff on the Yangtze River, it will be a flat plain. It is not difficult."
"However, it will be quite difficult to fight from south to north."
"First, the climate is generally warmer where southern soldiers live. When southern soldiers go north, many of them are not adaptable to the bitter cold climate in the north. Once they encounter ice, snow, and sand and dust, they cannot adapt."
"Second, the water system in the south is developed, and there are waterways to transport supplies everywhere. However, when attacking north, more of the army's supplies will have to be transported by land. This consumes too much and will not be able to continue."
"Third, the southern soldiers are not good at cavalry. A large-scale infantry going north will be difficult to resist when encountering the brave northern cavalry. Once the infantry is defeated, it will be difficult for the large army to advance."
"Fourth, the north has more strategic depth, many mountains, and steep terrain, and its tactics are completely different from those in the south. When generals from the south arrive in the north, they may not adapt to the northern tactics."
Lu Su analyzed: "Of course, there are also various other reasons, and many reasons are superimposed. It makes it easier to go south and more difficult to go north."
Lu Xuan nodded in approval and said: "I also agree with Mr. Zijing's analysis. That's why I entered Yanzhou, helped Cao Cao destroy Lu Bu, and obtained all of Lu Bu's cavalry and generals, as well as more than two thousand horses. These
People are the foundation for my future journey north."
Lu Su agreed: "I admire Lu Shijun for taking precautions. However, there are no pastures or horse farms in the south, so war horses cannot be produced. Even if Lu Shijun has war horses, continuous consumption is not a long-term solution."
"So, Liaodong is very critical."
"In the land south of the Yangtze River, there are lakes everywhere, and there are ships everywhere, including some big ships going to sea."
"With these big ships, as long as Lu Shijun makes arrangements, we can go to the sea and go to the seaport in the southeast of Liaodong, lay a bridgehead, open up a position in Liaodong, and deploy Lu Shijun's strength."
"On the one hand, there are war horses in Liaodong. With the territory in Liaodong, we can continuously replenish war horses. On the other hand, if we can capture Liaodong completely and control it secretly, when Lu Shijun and Yuan Shao start a war, they can surprise Yuan Shao's rear by surprise.
Yuan Shao will be defeated."
"That's the key."
Lu Su clasped his hands together and said: "This is the Liaodong policy I have drawn up for Lu Shijun. I hope Lu Shijun will accept it."
Lu Xuan was filled with admiration in his heart.
As expected of Lu Su.
Zhang Zhao could not formulate such a strategy, Xu Shu could not formulate it, Pang Tong was not ready, and Zhou Yu's expertise was not in this area.
Lu Xuan's eyes were filled with joy, and he stood up and said: "Mr. Zijing has extraordinary talents and far-reaching vision, which is amazing. Lu Xuan, I would like to worship you as my military advisor and make suggestions for me."
Lu Su quickly returned the greeting and said: "Lu Su, pay homage to my lord."
Lu Xuan waved his hand for Lu Su to sit down, and said with a smile: "I have sir, like a fish in water, like a tiger with wings. With sir's plan, I have no worries."
Lu Su said: "My lord, you are so complimentary."
He changed the topic and said solemnly: "I am humble enough to submit to my lord, and I should fulfill my duties. I don't understand something about my humble duty. Please clarify my confusion, lord."
Lu Xuan smiled and said, "Please tell me."
Lu Su said: "My lord rushed to the aid of Cao Cao in Yanzhou, and faced Chen Gong's temptations. He was unyielding. He is a model of righteousness. When people in the world mention my lord, they will give a thumbs up and praise him. Lu Shijun is benevolent and righteous."
"But, my lord is so benevolent and righteous, why did he accept Lu Bu's family members?"
"This move is quite inappropriate."
"Now that the news has spread, people outside say that the master is lecherous."
"It's normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines. After all, everyone loves beauty. However, if the lord takes in all of Lu Bu's generals, but brings Lu Bu's family members into the backyard, and takes the mother and daughter together, it will make the surrendered
Lu Bu's soldiers are alienated from their moral integrity."
Lu Su looked solemn and said: "This is a serious matter. Please think twice, my lord."
Lu Xuan laughed after hearing this.
Lu Su looked puzzled and asked: "Lord, why are you laughing?"
Lu Xuan explained: "This matter is purely Cao Cao's slander. He didn't get Lu Bu's generals and prisoners, and he couldn't keep Lu Bu's family members, so he arranged for someone to spread the news and deliberately slander me."
"Lü Bu's family has been handed over to Lu Bu's confidant general Gao Shun."
"When I arrived in Jiujiang County, Gao Shun arranged for a group of soldiers to escort Lu Bu's family members to Shu County to live."
"This matter has been arranged."
"When I got Gao Shun, he refused to surrender. He would rather die than serve for me. This man is very stubborn, loyal and loyal, but also very capable, so I threatened Lu Bu's family members. If Gao Shun did not surrender,
Lu Bu's family members had no choice but to die together, forcing Gao Shun to surrender."
Lu Xuan said: "If I take Lu Bu's family as my own, it will be impossible for Gao Shun to submit to me, and it will be impossible to convince Lu Bu's generals."
Lu Su suddenly realized it and praised: "My lord is wise, it seems that people's words cannot be trusted, and my humble position has been misled. Since my lord knows, why don't you refute the rumors?"
"Don't refute rumors."
Lu Xuan shook his head.
Lu Su asked: "Why? People outside think that the Lord is lecherous."
Lu Xuan said: "People outside think that I am lustful and know that I have shortcomings, which is a good thing. This is what I let them know. Once they want to take action against me, I can predict their actions, so why not
Why not?"
"My lord is wise!"
Lu Su saluted with sincerity.
Lu Xuan asked: "Zijing has come to the camp this time. Should he follow me north to Xuyi County, or should he settle his family first?"
Lu Su replied: "The old grandmother at home has made arrangements to live in the countryside. After all, the old man doesn't like to leave her hometown. Everything at home has been arranged. Now I will go north directly with the lord."
Lu Xuan smiled and said: "With Zijing's help, everything will be easier. Come, let me tell you the general situation in Xuyi County and sum it up in advance."
Lu Su said: "I am humble enough to listen attentively."
Lu Xuan spoke carefully, talking to Lu Su about the situation in Xuzhou, analyzing Mi Zhu's situation, and considering the next step and prediction.
The two held candles and talked for a long time, tirelessly.
In the blink of an eye, one night passed.
Early the next morning, while Lu Xuan and Lu Su were still talking, Xu Shu came to the camp and was a little surprised to see Lu Xuan and Lu Su.
Lu Xuan introduced Lu Su and talked about his appointment as military advisor. When Huang Zhong, Jiang Qin, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun and others arrived, Lu Xuan introduced them one by one.
After the army was packed up, they headed north to Xuyi County.