Liu Biao is quite proud of himself these days. Last year, Zhang Xian, the governor of Changsha in the south, rebelled and was put down by Liu Biao. After destroying Zhang Xian, Liu Biao used it to control Changsha County, Guiyang County and other places in the south, and gained control of the four counties of Jingnan.
Control.
Under Liu Biao's rule, Jingzhou enjoyed good weather and the people's lives were generally good.
What Liu Biao was most proud of was that he had left Zhang Xiu in Wan County and allowed Zhang Xiu to become a barrier to the north of Jingzhou, making the north of Jingzhou more stable.
If other people were arranged to serve in Nanyang County, they would still be related to Jingzhou's large families because of their intertwined relationships. However, arranging Zhang Xiu in Nanyang County broke the power of the powerful families in Nanyang County and weakened the large Jingzhou families.
The Jingzhou system became increasingly stable.
Liu Biao's prestige is also getting higher and higher, and his voice in Jingzhou is also more important.
This is what Liu Biao likes.
Zhou Mufu, in the study.
Liu Biao is reading a book. This is a new Confucian classic he got, "Gongyang Chunqiu" annotated by Zheng Xuan. The paper is new paper from Yangzhou. It has good quality and is easy to read.
Liu Biao looked through it carefully, and his well-maintained face was full of joy and approval. As he looked through it, he said to himself: "This kid Lu Xuan does have some skills, and he actually came up with such new paper."
"This book is really bookish."
"I just attracted Mr. Pang De, Sima Hui and others, and many celebrities from Jingzhou also went there. Originally, Xiangyang was the holy land of literature and art in the south, but now, it has been moved to Shu County."
"You brat, I've given you everything I've given you, but you've poached me."
Liu Biao snorted and cursed, feeling a little unhappy in his heart, but not too angry. After all, Lu Xuan was getting stronger and stronger, and he was not the Lu Xuan of the past.
If you really want to cause trouble for Lu Xuan, you are causing trouble for yourself.
While Liu Biao was reading, the sound of footsteps was heard, and the attendant reported: "President Mu, Cai Mao wants to see you."
"please!"
Liu Biao gave an order.
The attendant went to inform him, and within a short time, Cai Hao hurriedly entered the study.
The look on Cai Mao's face showed shock and panic, and he said loudly: "My lord, something serious has happened. After Lu Xuan invaded Runan County, he suddenly changed direction and went directly to Nanyang County."
brush!
Liu Biao's expression changed instantly.
Veins popped up on his forehead, his eyes widened, staring at Cai Hao, and asked word for word: "Is the news true?"
"true!"
Cai Mao answered again.
"Asshole!"
Liu Biao slapped his hand on the desk, picked up the penholder in front of him, and threw it out. The anger in his chest seemed to be exploding. He was pacing back and forth, breathing even slower and harder. This kid Lu Xuan, in front of him
He regards himself as a junior, and the relationship between the two parties has always been good.
Lu Xuan went to attack Runan County. Liu Biao knew about it and didn't care. He thought it was impossible for Lu Xuan to attack Jingzhou.
Unexpectedly, Lu Xuan actually attacked Nanyang County.
Liu Biao's eyes were filled with murderous intent and he said loudly: "Does Lu Xuan think that after winning a few battles, he can do whatever he wants?"
Cai Mao cursed in his heart.
Lu Xuan destroyed Yuan Shu and killed Lu Bu. He was extremely powerful and could indeed do whatever he wanted.
However, Cai Mao stood quietly and said nothing.
Liu Biao looked at Cai Mao and said in a deep voice: "Degui, what do you think we should do?"
Cai Mao immediately cheered up and said: "Reporting to my lord, I believe that I must fight back. Although Zhang Xiu is in charge of Nanyang County, Lu Xuan has strong soldiers and horses, and Zhang Xiu may not be able to defeat him. Therefore, I suggest that he immediately send an army northward to assist Zhang Xiu in defeating him."
Lu Xuan. If Nanyang is lost, Jingzhou will be in danger."
Liu Biao looked at Cai Mao with a deep look in his eyes and asked: "You said that this time Lu Xuan came with a fierce attack. Can our troops alone be able to stop Lu Xuan?"
Cai Hao did not dare to tell his true thoughts, and said quickly: "Master, our strength is not weak, and with Zhang Xiu, we will definitely be able to block it."
Liu Biao nodded slightly, but said: "Zhang Xiu is from the Xiliang Army. He is not a subordinate loyal to me, but just lives in Jingzhou. If the situation goes well, there will be no problem. Once the situation goes unfavorable, Zhang Xiu may surrender to the enemy. This
Fighting is not easy."
Cai Mao was also in awe of Liu Biao.
When Liu Biao first entered Xiangyang, he lacked prestige and strength. Today's Liu Biao is no longer the Liu Biao of the past. He has higher prestige and has a truly elite force.
Cai Hao bowed slightly and asked, "My lord, what do you think we should do?"
Liu Biao did not answer directly, but instead said: "Degui, the situation in Jingzhou is very complicated. The only person I can trust in Jingzhou is you."
Cai Mao said quickly: "My lord has spoken seriously, and everyone else also serves and is loyal to my lord."
Liu Biao sneered and said disdainfully: "Kuai Liang served as the governor of Xuzhou under Lu Xuan. Pang Tong also held important positions under Lu Xuan. Pang Degong went to Yangzhou and worked in Lu Xuan's Five Classics Hall. You said, Kuai Yue and
Can I trust the other major families in Jingzhou?"
Cai Mao was immediately speechless.
When it comes to the Kuai family, he can't say much.
The relationship between Cai Mao and Lu Xuan was quite ambiguous in the past, but of course, it was not as obvious as the Kuai family.
Liu Biao said in a deep voice: "So this time I am going north to help Zhang Xiu. I am not worried about anyone else going. Moreover, I cannot leave Xiangyang and must sit in the rear. This time, you must go on my behalf. What do you think?"
Cai Hao knew he couldn't refuse, so he clasped his fists and said, "I obey my orders."
Liu Biao continued: "I asked Wenpin to follow you and obey your orders. And let Yi Ji serve as a military advisor to advise you. You lead 30,000 elite troops northward, plus there are nearly 10,000 garrison troops in Nanyang County, as well as Zhang Xiu's
Troop strength, our troop strength will not be less than 50,000."
"Besides this, I will ask Cao Cao in the north for help and ask Cao Cao to send troops to help."
"Degui, you have a good relationship with Cao Cao."
"On the battlefield, build a good relationship with Cao Cao and listen to Cao Cao's advice. I am sure that Cao Cao cannot sit back and watch us be captured by Lu Xuan. Otherwise, the entire south will be under Lu Xuan's command, which will be a great threat to Cao Cao."
Liu Biao's cloudy eyes sparkled with light, and he said loudly: "We must win this battle to make Lu Xuan hit a wall in Nanyang County."
When Cai Mao heard that Cao Cao would be invited, he felt more confident.
Only with Cao Cao's intervention could he have a chance to block it.
Otherwise, he really has no confidence.
Cai Mao cupped his fists and said, "Please rest assured, my lord, I will do my best to help you."
Liu Biao said: "I believe in you."
Cai Hao stood up and left, quickly mobilizing troops and horses to go north. When Cai Hao sent out troops, there was a lot of discussion in Xiangyang City, and many people started talking, but no one dared to act rashly.
Liu Biao was sitting in the rear. Anyone who jumped out at this time would definitely be met with Liu Biao's thunderous wrath.
While discussions were going on in Xiangyang City and undercurrents were surging secretly, time passed day by day, and in May, Cai Hao led his army into Nanyang County, passing through Deng County, Xinye, Yuyang, Jiyang, and finally arrived at Wan County.
The army was stationed in the southwest outside Wancheng.
Cai Mao did not fully believe Zhang Xiu, after all, Zhang Xiu was not a direct descendant of Liu Biao.
When Cai Mao arrived, Cao Cao's army left Hulao Pass and went south, exiting Wuguan and entering Nanyang County, passing through Danshui County, then Liguo County, and stationed in the southwest outside Wancheng, not far from Cai Mao.
Cao Cao hid his whereabouts at first.
Liu Biao sent people for help with great fanfare, so Cao Cao revealed his whereabouts and directly set up his battle array. For Cao Cao, if he showed the whereabouts of his army, he could directly scare Lu Xuan away and defeat the enemy without fighting, which would be the best
the result of.
Cao Cao and Cai Mao had known each other for a long time, so as soon as Cao Cao arrived, his troops were stationed next to Cai Mao, and they even came to Cai Mao's military camp to pay homage in person.
Cao Cao saw Cai Mao with a smile on his face and said with a smile: "Degui, I haven't seen you for many years. I didn't expect to see you again. You are still as free and easy as before. It's a pity that I have more white frost on my temples now.
Starting to get old."
Cai Mao was also happy in his heart.
This is an old friend I met in Luoyang many years ago.
Cai Mao smiled and said: "Sikong is just too busy. On the other hand, I still look young because I have nothing to do in Jingzhou."
There was a look of expectation in Cao Cao's eyes, and he said: "If Degui is willing to become an official in the court, he can do it at any time. I know your talents. I also know your character. If you become an official in the court, you can also help.
I."
Cai Mao's eyes were erratic and a little moved.
Unexpectedly, as soon as he arrived in Wan County, he would be solicited by Cao Cao.
However, Cai Mao's expression remained unchanged and he said: "Sikong is joking. I have been entrusted by the lord to lead the army to resist Lu Xuan's invasion. We will talk about the rest later."
Cao Cao also smiled and said: "Yes, yes, we will talk about it later."
As long as Lu Xuan is blocked, with Cao Cao's current status, he has a great chance to win over Cai Mao. Previously, Cao Cao was only the Yanzhou Mu, and even he was the Yanzhou Mu by himself without the endorsement of the imperial court.
Now that he has the emperor's back, he can be appointed an official and make wishes.
Cao Cao asked in a deep voice: "How many people did De Gui bring this time?"
Cai Mao said: "I am going north to Wancheng this time, with a total of about 40,000 troops. Thirty thousand of them are brought from Xiangyang. Another 10,000 are brought from Xinye, Yuyang and other places. 40,000,
Assist Zhang Xiu to resist Lu Xuan."
Cao Cao looked overjoyed when he heard this.
Forty thousand people!
Coupled with his 10,000 people, this is not a small number. In addition, Zhang Xiu has a group of troops in Wancheng, at least 60,000 elite troops.
Cao Cao's heart was spinning even more.
He even had the urge to take this opportunity to instigate Cai Mao and then Zhang Xiu to do the same. However, Cao Cao immediately denied that he was going to do this, and his relationship with Liu Biao also had conflicts.
With Lu Xuan here, he can't take Jingzhou, so he can't make this arrangement for the time being, and he can't conflict with Liu Biao.
Only after Lu Xuan is completely suppressed and the rear is completely stabilized will there be a chance to deal with Liu Biao. Otherwise, breaking up with Liu Biao now will give Lu Xuan an opportunity to take advantage of.
Cao Cao smiled and said: "Degui, Liu Jingzhou asked me to help. Although I only have 10,000 people, the ones I brought are all absolute elites. Coupled with your strength, it will be easy to defeat Lu Xuan."
Cai Mao also gained confidence and said with a smile: "I naturally believe that Sikong is good at fighting."
He looked at Cao Cao, who was in a high position and was already majestic, and thought that although Lu Xuan was a hussar general, he was far behind Cao Cao. He had a close relationship with Lu Xuan at the beginning, but now, it is obvious that Cao Cao deserves to be closer.
Cai Mao said eagerly: "Speaking of which, when it comes to leading troops in battle, I am not as good as Sikong. This time against Lu Xuan, my army is willing to cooperate with Sikong to fight against Lu Xuan."
After hearing this, Cao Cao had a smile on his face.
This is the benefit of having a relationship.
Cai Mao said that it was cooperation, which was equivalent to handing over the command of the army to him. This way, it would be easier to confront Lu Xuan. Unfortunately, Lu Xuan was watching covetously from the side. If Lu Xuan had not been watching with covetousness, he could have taken this opportunity to further plan Jingzhou.
Now, all I can do is command without desire, try to bring the relationship between the two parties closer, and win over some people.
"Report!"
At this moment, soldiers entered and reported: "Report to Sikong that the army led by Lu Xuan has set up camp in the southeast of Wancheng."
"finally come."
A flash of light flashed across Cao Cao's eyes.
Cao Cao looked at Cai Mao and said: "Degui, you and I will take the army and go outside Lu Xuan's camp to meet Lu Xuan for a while. The war will not start so quickly, so there is no need to rush it."
"Now, go meet him for a while, bluff him, and suppress Lu Xuan's morale. Lu Xuan's number one tiger general, Huang Zhong, is sitting in Xuzhou. He lacks tiger generals. It is absolutely impossible to challenge Lu Xuan at this time.
Excellent opportunity.”
Cai Mao smiled and said, "Everything depends on Sikong."
Cao Cao became excited and nodded: "Then this is the arrangement."
He got up and left, returned to his military camp to mobilize troops and horses, and then joined Cai Mao's army. The army went straight to the east of Wancheng and stationed outside Lu Xuan's camp.
The rumble of the drums continued throughout the three-way drum.
After a while, Lu Xuan led people to the entrance of the camp. Lu Xuan's eyes fell far outside the camp. He saw Cao Cao and Cai Hao. His expression did not change. All this was expected.
Cao Cao also saw Lu Xuan. He rode his horse forward, escorted by Dian Wei, and came to a distance of sixty steps outside the military camp. He said loudly: "Lu Xuan, do you dare to come out for a while?"
Lu Xuan chuckled.
Under the protection of Xu Chu, he also arrived outside the camp and stopped about ten steps away from Cao Cao.
Cao Cao looked at Lu Xuan with a rather proud look in his eyes.
The last time Lu Xuan went to Yanzhou to rescue him, he was in a difficult situation and was in a miserable state. This time it was different. He was the Sikong of the imperial court and a person in power who relied on the emperor.
Lu Xuan's official position was General of Hussars, Kaifu, and Yitong.
Yi Tong Sansi is similar to Sikong, Taiwei and Situ, but it is a little different after all.
Thinking of this, Cao Cao became even more proud.
Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled and said: "My dear son-in-law, I did not stop you from attacking Runan County, nor did I interfere. Now, it is inappropriate for you to leave Yuzhou alone and suddenly invade Nanyang County. As Sikong of the imperial court,
His Majesty's confidants, the people who control the world, really have no choice but to not interfere."