Chapter 302 The talent of the show died, and Guo Jia came out!
In December, everything in Yangzhou was calm and entered a period of stable development. In such peace, another year passed in the blink of an eye.
The New Year has arrived and January has entered.
Yangzhou is still a little cold in January, but it is not as cold as December. Yangzhou is not so cold anymore, but Yanzhou is still chilly.
Xi Zhicai returned to Juancheng.
His body was swollen, his face was extremely pale, his eyes were dark and bloodshot, and he was breathing heavily. When he returned to Juancheng, a forced smile appeared on his face.
The journey back from Yangzhou was not easy, and he often fell asleep, and even passed out once, but Xi Zhicai managed to survive.
He is finally back.
Xi Zhicai returned all the way to the Prefectural Shepherd's Mansion. With the help of his attendants, he got out of the carriage and walked up the steps step by step, dragging his tired body.
Every step he took was extremely exhausted, as if he might collapse at any time.
When the porter saw Xi Zhicai's appearance, he was frightened. He didn't dare to delay, and rushed to report it. After a while, Cao Cao came. When he saw Xi Zhicai's appearance, he felt suddenly panicked and said quickly:
"Zhicai, why are you like this?"
Xi Zhicai forced a smile and said: "Lord, it's okay to be humble."
Cao Cao was anxious and seemed to have thousands of words to say, but it was cold outside. He helped Xi Zhicai back to the study, and personally took off Xi Zhicai's cloak. Looking at Xi Zhicai who was tired, he especially saw that Xi Zhicai had difficulty breathing.
, my heart was even more congested.
Cao Cao quickly asked: "What's going on? When you went south, nothing happened. Why did you suddenly do this?"
Xi Zhicai said: "My lord, my humble body is not important. This time I went to the south as an envoy and reached an agreement with Lu Xuan. As for Lu Xuan..."
"This is important."
Cao Cao interrupted Xi Zhicai's words.
He immediately ordered someone to call a doctor and asked: "Zhicai, what's going on with your illness? Is it caused by Lu Xuan? The distance from Yanzhou to Shuxian is not very far. But as soon as you go there, you two
It’s impossible for nothing to happen in three months.”
"It's not Lu Xuan."
Xi Zhicai looked a little depressed.
Very lackluster.
He took a breath and said quickly: "When Bei Zhi was heading south, he caught wind and cold on the way, and suddenly fell seriously ill, which delayed the time. Bei Zhi and Lu Xuan have already reached an agreement. He has sent 600 horses and 100,000 shi of grain."
"In addition, Lu Xuan allows people in Yanzhou to buy food."
"The price of food in Yanzhou is high. If Lu Xuan allows us to buy food, we can get food. Maybe Lu Xuan has a plan, but these are not important in front of food. We must get food now."
"Although one hundred thousand dan of grain is not a lot, it is of great help to Yanzhou now. With this batch of grain, the lord can survive the present and solve the current predicament."
After saying this sentence, Xi Zhicai was even more out of breath, his face became paler, and his eyes lost their former luster and brilliance.
Cao Cao said anxiously: "Inform Xun Yu to come."
The attendant went to inform again.
After a while, the doctor came first, diagnosed Xi Zhicai, and said that he was seriously ill and there was no cure.
Cao Cao was furious about this and cursed quack doctors.
Xi Zhicai persuaded Cao Cao and waved his hand for the doctor to step back. He was supporting his body with his hands and could not sit still.
Cao Cao quickly went to Xi Zhicai's side and helped Xi Zhicai lean on the couch. However, Cao Cao looked at the swollen Xi Zhicai and felt Xi Zhicai's rapid breathing, and his eyes turned red.
Cao Cao said regretfully: "If I had known this, I shouldn't have let you go south."
Xi Zhicai shook his head and said: "My lord, if I can get Lu Xuan to agree to provide food, I think it's worth it. It's just that I can't accompany my lord in my humble position, let alone see my lord compete in the world and truly stand on one side."
"I'm not willing to accept this humble position."
There was helplessness in Xi Zhicai's voice.
Cao Cao listened to Xi Zhicai's words and his heart was as sharp as a knife. Suddenly, he heard the sound of footsteps and saw Xun Yu coming. He quickly said: "Wen Ruo, you have many connections and know many people. Find one quickly."
When the miracle doctor comes, he must cure Zhicai."
Xun Yu saw Xi Zhicai's body and asked, "Have you asked a doctor to diagnose it?"
Cao Cao said solemnly: "The diagnosis of quack doctors is useless."
Xi Zhicai looked at Xun Yu, managed to cheer up, and explained: "Wen Ruo, my illness is hopeless. My life span is determined by fate. No wonder the doctor. Wen Ruo, I have reached an agreement with Lu Xuan, six hundred horses."
The war horses are exchanged for 100,000 stones of grain, and then people are sent to buy grain. You must handle these things."
Xun Yu said: "You just didn't listen to my advice and asked you to take care of your health, and you suddenly became so bad."
Xi Zhicai still looked at Xun Yu.
Xun Yu said: "I know, I will arrange it properly, you don't have to worry."
Xi Zhicai looked at Cao Cao again, grabbed Cao Cao's hand, and said loudly: "My lord, although Yuan Shao and you are good friends, Yuan Shao is unreliable. Lu Xuan is also unreliable."
"The Lord's method of suppressing the rich families in Yanzhou and recruiting people from poor families, I think it's advisable. It's just a means, it can't be too drastic. It needs to win over a group of people and suppress a group of people, but it can't be a complete suppression."
"My lord, Yuan Shao and Lu Xuan have to fight in the short term to gain time for further development."
Xi Zhicai's speech slowed down.
Suddenly, he coughed again. This cough affected his lungs and made his body feel even more uncomfortable. After repeated coughs, Xi Zhicai felt as if his lungs were about to come out. He opened his mouth and spat out a mouthful of blood.
Cao Cao saw this, his heart was as sharp as a knife, and he could only watch helplessly.
After a while, Xi Zhi stopped coughing.
However, he was even more out of breath and even fell into a coma.
Cao Cao and Xun Yu sat aside, looking anxious. Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere became more solemn. After a long while, Xi Zhi suddenly opened his eyes. He actually regained consciousness slightly, and his face was uncharacteristically rosy.
, his eyes were even brighter than before.
Xi Zhicai said: "Lord."
Cao Cao had something on his mind and said quickly: "Zhicai, don't be impatient. Speak slowly."
Xi Zhicai shook his head and said: "I can no longer accompany my lord in the war. I am unwilling and helpless. While I was serving my lord, I could not detect Chen Gong and Zhang Miao's rebellion. I could not plan Xuzhou and solve the chaos in Yanzhou. I am incompetent."
"The situation in the world is becoming increasingly clear."
"My lord, you must make preparations early."
Xi Zhicai spoke faster and faster. He was afraid that he would not be able to finish what he said, so he quickly said: "My lord, I will adjust my strategy next. The Four Battles in the Central Plains of Yanzhou are not enough to establish a foothold. Please go to my lord..."
At this point, Xi Zhicai's hand tightly grasped Cao Cao's arm, the look in his eyes suddenly dimmed, and the words disappeared as soon as he reached his mouth.
thump!
Xi Zhicai's hand fell instantly, his body went limp, and he lost his breath completely.
"gentlemen!"
Cao Cao shouted loudly.
His heart was like a knife, and he was in immense pain. Although he had Xun Yu, Xun You, Cheng Yu and others under his command, Xi Zhicai had a good temperament and outstanding strategy. He was very interested in Cao Cao's appetite, and his ability in Xi Zhicai was outstanding.
Now, it is gone.
When Xun Yu saw this scene, he sighed in his heart and felt even more heartbroken. He lost one of his friends. However, Xun Yu was more rational. He immediately said: "My lord, Zhicai died of illness. Death is a big deal, so we must arrange for him well."
, let’s rest in peace.”
After being silent for a long time, Cao Cao finally nodded, arranged for someone to prepare a high-quality coffin, and selected a location to bury Xi Zhicai. During the period when Xi Zhicai died of illness, Cao Cao ignored government affairs and was busy with Xi Zhicai's funeral.
After Xi Zhicai was buried, Cao Cao returned to the Prefectural Mufu.
In just a few days, Cao Cao lost a lot of weight.
After finishing his work on Xi Zhicai, he adjusted his mentality, called Xun Yu, and asked, "Wen Ruo, have you arranged the exchange of grain with Lu Xuan?"
Xun Yu said: "I have reported back to my lord that arrangements have been made. In addition, we have also arranged for merchants to go south to Yangzhou to purchase grain."
Cao Cao asked: "Wen Ruo, Zhicai passed away due to illness. I don't have a military adviser around me to make plans. Do you have someone to choose?"
Xun Yu said: "There is indeed one person."
Cao Cao asked: "Who and where is he?"
Xun Yu replied: "This man's name is Guo Jia, whose nickname is Fengxiao. He is from Yangzhai County, Yingchuan, and he is a guest in my house. He and Zhicai were good friends. Zhicai died of illness, and Guo Jia came to express his condolences in person.
"
Cao Cao's eyes lit up and he said quickly: "In that case, why don't you invite me here quickly?"
"I humble my duty and obey my orders."
Xun Yu made arrangements.
After a while, a thin, angular young man, wearing a black robe, aged twenty-six or seven, strode in. There was a faint smile on the corner of the young man's mouth, his demeanor was calm, his eyes were bright and thorough, and he looked like a man.
The appearance of holding a pearl of wisdom.
After he stood still, he cupped his hands and said, "Guo Jia of Yingchuan, pay your respects to Duke Cao."
Cao Cao said: "Sir, please sit down."
Guo Jia lifted up his robe and sat down directly.
Xun Yu stood up and left, leaving space for Cao Cao and Guo Jia.
Cao Cao sat upright and asked: "Mr. Guo, Yuan Shao in the north is getting stronger and stronger, and he will unify Jizhou, Youzhou and Bingzhou soon. Lu Xuanhu is in Yangzhou, occupying Xuzhou, and is rapidly stabilizing his foundation. He is also a fierce dragon crossing the river. I am caught in the middle, what should I do?
What? Please teach me, Mr. Guo."
Guo Jia said easily: "The way out for Mr. Cao is not in Yanzhou, but in Guanzhong."
Cao Cao raised his eyebrows. He had asked Xun Yu to contact Zhong Yao, but the progress was slow. Now Guo Jia also mentioned it, and Cao Cao asked: "Please give me some advice, Mr. Guo."
Guo Jia said: "The importance of Guanzhong has been greatly underestimated, at least to Cao Gong. If Cao Gong captures Xuzhou, there will be no fierce dragon like Lu Xuan in the south as a threat, so Guanzhong can be attacked slowly."
"However, Xuzhou fell into the hands of Lu Xuan, who was still showing off his skills, and Yuan Shao was watching from the north, who could become a tiger descending from the mountain at any time."
"The situation in Yanzhou is very difficult."
"At this time, the importance of Guanzhong has become highlighted. There are three reasons why I say this."
Guo Jia's eyes flashed with wisdom as he continued to analyze the situation.
He had already considered it.
"First, there are no powerful families in Guanzhong."
"The Guanzhong area has been fighting for years, and has been massacred by Dong Zhuo, Li Jue, Guo Si and others. It is sparsely populated. This problem seems to be difficult for Guanzhong to survive. In fact, it has the greatest advantage. All the powerful families in Guanzhong have been killed.
, is a land without one."
"Cao Gong captured Guanzhong. All the land belongs to Cao Gong and can be used for distribution."
"In the previous Yanzhou, there were too many powerful and powerful families, which caused Duke Cao to seize land and population. The powerful and powerful families were weakened and they were unhappy. Therefore, Chen Gong, Zhang Miao and others are against you."
"The establishment of Guanzhong by the Qin Dynasty laid the foundation for the unification of the world. Liu Bang established Guanzhong and laid the foundation of the Han Dynasty for four hundred years. If Cao Gong takes control of Guanzhong, it will also be the foundation of hegemony. Although it is slower, it is more stable than before."
"Secondly, the people in Guanzhong will have peace of mind."
"Guanzhong is in chaos, the place is in chaos, and the population is decreasing. Because of the chaos, people's minds are at peace, and the people who are fleeing are eager for a wise master to wipe out the rebels. After you go, you capture Guanzhong and implement benevolent government, and people will surely win over."
"This is what people want."
"Third, there are fertile plains in Guanzhong. As long as you farm in Guanzhong, there will be abundant food. If there is abundant food and grass, you can continue to fight and export without being restricted."
Cao Cao listened to Guo Jia's words and nodded in approval. Xun Yu mentioned it before, but there was no such detailed analysis.
Now, the analysis is clear.
Cao Cao's desire to seize Guanzhong was even more urgent.
Guo Jia talked eloquently and continued: "In addition to the above three points, Guanzhong also has the biggest advantage."
"The Emperor is in Guanzhong."
"Compared to Yuan Shao, Duke Cao does not have Yuan Shao's domestic reputation. Compared to Lu Xuan, he does not have Lu Xuan's food and wealth. So now, you need a backer, and this backer is the emperor."
"You need the Emperor, and the Emperor needs you. So as long as you have the Emperor in your hands, you have an extra talisman. Because you control the Emperor, whoever dares to attack you will be a disobedient person."
"Actually, Guanzhong still has many advantages. For example, if we capture Guanzhong, we can further capture Xiliang, forming a large rear area and strategic depth, so that it will not be like the place where Yanzhou was defeated in the Fourth Battle and cannot be established."
"For example, Xiliang has war horses, and they have constant energy to equip Cao Gong's cavalry. Xiliang's soldiers are brave. If you have these people in your hands, you can further build up elites."
"For example, after capturing Guanzhong, we can further capture Yizhou and control the real granary of Tianfu. Therefore, the arrangements for capturing Guanzhong cannot be delayed, and we must seize the time."
Guo Jia said loudly: "There is not much time left for Duke Cao. After Yuan Shao destroys Gongsun Zan, he will definitely break the already cracked relationship with you and go south to capture Yanzhou. After Lu Xuan stabilizes Yangzhou and Xuzhou, he will also
Going north."
"It can be as short as one year, or as long as about three years. It will definitely be a war."
"So, hurry up."
"Only by capturing Guanzhong and destroying Li Jue and Guo Si can we have a real foothold and not be afraid of the attacks of Lu Xuan and Yuan Shao."
Guo Jia cupped his hands and said, "Please give me a clear warning, Mr. Cao."
Cao Cao was very happy when he heard this and said in approval: "Mr. Guo said it very well. This is what I want to promote. I would like to worship you as a military advisor and ask for your help."
Guo Jia stood up, clasped his hands and said, "My lord is wise and powerful, and he is also the wise lord recognized by Guo Jia. Guo Jia, pay homage to my lord."
Cao Cao became happy.
He stood up and returned the gift, and quickly discussed with Guo Jia the strategy for further dealing with Guanzhong.