Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu chatted from time to time, talking about Wancheng's current situation and the rivalry between Cao Cao, Cai Mao and Lu Xuan, but most of the time, it was Zhang Xiu who spoke and Jia Xu listened.
Zhang Xiu looked serious and said: "Sir, Lu Xuan has come to station in Wancheng. Cao Cao and Liu Biao have sent troops. What do you think we should do?"
Jia Xu said calmly: "It depends on the general's choice."
When Zhang Xiu heard this, he frowned and said: "Lu Xuan traveled across Yangzhou, destroyed Yuan Shu, killed Lu Bu, and expelled Liu Bei. You are also from our Xiliang army. You all know how powerful Lu Bu is. A person who can kill Lu Bu is very difficult."
It’s scary. I’m afraid it will be very difficult to deal with Lu Xuan like this.”
Jia Xu's expression remained unchanged and asked: "What does General mean?"
Zhang Xiu asked: "I want to submit to Lu Xuan, what do you think?"
Jia Xu smiled slightly and did not answer directly, but asked: "Why doesn't the general submit to Cao Cao?"
Zhang Xiu snorted and said: "We in the Xiliang Army were all wiped out by Cao Cao, and many courtiers were oppressed by the Xiliang Army. Even if Cao Cao is willing to accept him, he will not be in a good situation if he goes under Cao Cao's command.
How good. But Lu Xuan has people from the Xiliang Army under his command."
Jia Xu asked: "General, won't you continue to follow Liu Biao?"
Zhang Xiu curled his lips and said, "This old guy Liu Biao is already in trouble. If you follow him, isn't that asking for death?"
Jia Xu laughed in her heart.
Although Zhang Xiu is a military commander, he can still understand the basic situation relatively clearly. However, although Zhang Xiu is attracted to Lu Xuan, he has not made up his mind. Once Cao Cao induces him, Zhang Xiu will be tempted again.
Therefore, Jia Xu did not persuade directly.
In some cases, it would be best to take advantage of the situation and let Zhang Xiu take the initiative to submit to Lu Xuan.
Seeing that Jia Xu did not express his position, Zhang Xiu asked: "Sir, by not speaking, are you leaning towards Cao Cao and want to submit to Cao Cao?"
"No, the general is wrong."
Jia Xu shook his head and spoke.
Zhang Xiu looked urgent and asked urgently: "Sir, don't wait any longer. Now Lu Xuan is coming to kill, and Cao Cao and Cai Hao's armies are outside the city. It's imminent. What do you think about it?"
Jia Xu cheered up a little and said with a smile: "General, according to my plan, whoever has the advantage will be favored. You live in Nanyang County, Liu Biao often beats you, and Liu Biao is weak, there is really no need to guard for him.
Nanyang.”
"So there must be a choice between Cao Cao and Lu Xuan. The two of them are not bad in strength. One is the overlord of Jiangnan, and the other is relying on the imperial court to control the emperor and order the princes. Let's take a look at the result first, and then make a choice."
Zhang Xiu looked convinced when he heard this and praised: "I am superficial and misunderstood you sir."
Jia Xu said neither humble nor arrogantly: "So, wait a moment."
"Report!"
At this moment, a burst of rapid footsteps came.
A soldier quickly entered and reported: "General Qi, Cao Cao and Cai Mao, together with the army, approached Lu Xuan's camp to challenge the battle, and the results were obtained."
Zhang Xiu said: "Don't be too pretentious, just tell me directly."
The soldier reported: "Cao Cao first sent Ma Chao to challenge Xu Chu, but he was defeated by Xu Chu, the tiger general under Lu Xuan. Then, Cao Cao asked Dian Wei to fight Xu Chu, but he was defeated by Xu Chu."
"In addition, Lu Xuan asked Guan Yu to come out to challenge, and Cao Cao asked Ma Chao to fight, but he was defeated again."
"Lu Xuan finally sent Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Chen Dao and Zhou Tai out to challenge the enemy. Cao Cao was so frightened that he did not dare to fight. In the end, Cao Cao was scared away."
When the soldiers mentioned Lu Xuan, they were all in awe.
Cao Cao was defeated without exception.
Lu Xuan made people challenge him, and he was so overwhelmed that Cao Cao didn't dare to breathe or even fart. This is how powerful Lu Xuan is.
Zhang Xiu waved his hand and said, "I know, let's go down."
He looked quite excited, looked at Jia Xu again, and said: "Sir, I didn't expect that Lu Xuan's strength was so strong that he could easily suppress Cao Cao and Cai Hao. Since Lu Xuan is stronger, we will surrender to Lu Xuan and attack with Lu Xuan
Cao Cao and Cai Mao."
"Speaking of which, people like Zhang Liao and Gao Shun who came from the Xiliang Army are highly regarded by Lu Xuan. I am not weak in martial arts, and I can still stand out under Lu Xuan's command."
Jia Xu shook his head and said: "The general is wrong."
Zhang Xiu scratched his head, with a look of doubt and confusion on his rough face, and asked: "What do you mean, sir? Don't be so pretentious, just tell me what you have to say."
Jia Xu originally wanted to persuade Zhang Xiu to surrender.
But, he didn't say it directly.
When Jia Xu does things, he always likes to stand in the perspective of the other party, so that the other party can do what he wants with sincerity and achieve his own goals.
Jia Xu said unhurriedly: "Lu Xuan will definitely accept the general's submission now. However, Lu Xuan will not take it very seriously, nor will he be very excited. Because such a submission is not a timely help, but just the icing on the cake."
"If the general wants to surrender, he must do so with great merit. This is a timely help, and will make Lu Xuan truly grateful to the general for his surrender. As a result, everyone under Lu Xuan's command can't say anything."
Zhang Xiu frowned and sighed, "This is going to be difficult."
Jia Xu said calmly: "I expected that after Cao Cao failed in the battle, he would send someone to ask the general to discuss the strategy of using troops. You take this opportunity to find out Cao Cao's plan, join forces with Lu Xuan to defeat Cao Cao, and destroy Liu Biao's army. In the first battle,
After coming down, Lu Xuan was able to easily annex Jingzhou, which is a huge achievement."
"Wonderful!"
Zhang Xiu's innocent face revealed a look of admiration, and she was even more convinced.
I didn't expect that it could be arranged like this.
"Report!"
At this moment, another soldier came and reported: "General, Cao Cao sent a message, asking you to go to Cao Jun's camp to discuss strategies to deal with Lu Xuan."
"I know, I'll go later."
Zhang Xiu answered directly.
After the soldiers retreated, Zhang Xiu became even more excited and said loudly: "Sir, your calculations are really clever and accurate. If you tell me about Cao Cao, Cao Cao's people are here. Now Cao Cao has asked me to discuss it, what should I do?"
Jia Xu said calmly: "General Zhang only needs to adhere to one principle. As long as you are not allowed to attack Lu Xuan head-on, there will be no problem. You can agree to Cao Cao's other plans."
Zhang Xiu nodded and said: "I understand!"
He was quite excited and said: "Sir, this is the news you have been waiting for from me."
Jia Xu said: "I am waiting for good news from the general."
Zhang Xiu got up and left the county seat, and then swaggered out of the city. He soon arrived at Cao Jun's camp and entered the Chinese army's tent. When Zhang Xiu saw Cai Mao and Cao Cao, he calmly clasped his fists in salute and sat down.
Cao Cao looked gentle and said with a smile: "General Zhang is here, let's discuss the strategy of attacking Lu Xuan. We have a total of about 60,000 troops. This is not a small number. We can attack directly."
He looked at Zhang Xiu and asked: "General Zhang, what do you think? If you have any strategies, you can put them forward and we will discuss them."
Zhang Xiu shook his head and said: "I have no objection, but my troops are not large and cannot be used as the main force. I will fully cooperate with you in other aspects."
After hearing this, Cao Cao felt normal.
Anyone in Zhang Xiu's right mind would not be willing to attack directly.
Moreover, Zhang Xiu was willing to cooperate and not compete for command. For Cao Cao, this was the best result.
Cao Cao nodded and said: "The main force in this battle is General Cai's force. He is responsible for the frontal attack. General Zhang is responsible for breaking through from the left wing of Lu Xuan's camp and containing Lu Xuan's force."
"The troops under my command broke through from the right side of Lu Xuan's camp and entered Lu Xuan's camp."
"Lu Xuan's camp is vast, with more than 30,000 people stationed there. The camps are entrenched on the open plains and spread out to cover several miles. We each take charge of one side and work together to break Lu Xuan's camp. We can obtain this
The victory of the battle.”
Zhang Xiu did not answer immediately. He glanced at Cao Cao and asked, "Cao Sikong, is it really that simple?"
"Yes, it's that simple."
Cao Cao answered with a smile.
Zhang Xiu nodded and replied: "I will make arrangements as promised and ensure that the left wing of Lu Xuan's camp is contained and even strive for a breakthrough. Of course, if you do not act according to the plan and intend to deceive me, I will not follow the arrangements in the future.
"
Cao Cao said firmly: "General Zhang, I, Cao Cao, have made a promise and it is hard to catch up. Whatever the plan is, it is the plan and will not be changed. After defeating Lu Xuan in this battle, we will rush into Yuzhou in one go and drive Lu Xuan out of Yuzhou.
At that time, I will go to the imperial court and request your majesty to appoint you as the governor of Yuzhou and take charge of Yuzhou."
"really?"
Zhang Xiu was a little moved.
He was quite excited.
The governor of Yuzhou was a high-ranking official in a border area, not a small place like Wancheng.
Cao Cao saw Zhang Xiu's excited look and said: "Of course it is true, and I believe that Liu Jingzhou is happy to see it happen and will not stop it. I will mediate on this matter, and I guarantee that everything will be properly arranged."
Zhang Xiu felt a little happy in his heart and immediately said: "Please rest assured Cao Sikong, I promise to break through Lu Xuan's camp."
A smile appeared on Cao Cao's lips.
It is easy to deceive people like Zhang Xiu. At this stage, defeating Lu Xuan is the most critical. First, give Zhang Xiu a cake and deceive Zhang Xiu. As for what will happen after the war is over, we will make further considerations and arrangements.
Cao Cao smiled and said: "In that case, I look forward to General Zhang's performance."
Zhang Xiu stood up impatiently and said, "Don't worry, Cao Sikong, I'll go back and make arrangements soon. Also, when will we attack?"
Cao Cao said: "The army will take a rest and we will launch an attack in the morning the day after tomorrow. On the one hand, we will prepare the army for war and adjust the condition of the soldiers; on the other hand, we will give Lu Xuan a break to weaken his morale."
"I see."
Zhang Xiu nodded again and said eagerly: "Cao Sikong, attack on time the day after tomorrow. I promise to complete the mission."
Cao Cao also smiled and nodded.
Zhang Xiu got up and left the military camp, hurried back to Wancheng, told Cao Cao about his plan to attack Lu Xuan the day after tomorrow, and told Jia Xu about Cao Cao's wish to be appointed an official.
Then, Zhang Xiu got a little excited, smiled and said, "Sir, Cao Cao asked me to serve as the governor of Yuzhou. This is a pretty good position. What do you think?"
When Jia Xu heard this, he couldn't help but sneered.
Zhang Xiu was a little confused and asked: "Sir, why are you laughing?"
Jia Xu said: "What I laugh at is that the general is so stupid that he doesn't even know how he died."
"ah!"
Zhang Xiu was surprised when he heard this.
He became nervous and said in a deep voice: "What do you mean, sir?"
Jia Xu stroked the beard under his chin and explained: "General, in such a challenging battle today, we can generally see the strength of Cao Cao and Cai Hao. Do you think the coalition of Cao Cao and Cai Hao can defeat Lu Xuan?"
Zhang Xiu hesitated for a moment and said, "I'm afraid it's a bit suspenseful, but at least it won't be easy, because Lu Xuan is really powerful. Of course, if I intervene and try my best to help Cao Cao, I still have a chance."
Jia Xu shook his head and said: "Lu Xuan's strength is not only the current thirty thousand people. I have studied Lu Xuan's situation and found that Lu Xuan still has two armies, one in Jiujiang County and one in Xuzhou. Once Lu Xuan takes over
When these two forces are mobilized to Nanyang County, can Cao Cao and Jingzhou Cai Mao stop them?"
The smile on Zhang Xiu's face was hidden, and he became more solemn.
The secret joy was gone completely.
Jia Xu continued: "In addition, if the general becomes the governor of Yuzhou, it means that Lu Xuan failed to fight for Nanyang County. With such a great hatred, will Lu Xuan give up revenge? With the strength of the general, do you think you can stop Lu Xuan's attack?"
"Can't stop it, can't stop it."
Zhang Xiu smiled.
Jia Xu's tone became a little harsh and he added: "When the general cannot stop him, he must turn to Cao Cao for help and let Cao Cao control Yuzhou. In the final analysis, Yuzhou still belongs to Cao Cao."
"As for the general, it was Cao Cao who attracted Lu Xuan's hatred and was the one who resisted Lu Xuan. General, are you willing to have such a result? Once the relationship between Lu Xuan and Cao Cao eases, how will you deal with it?"
Jia Xu let out a long sigh and said: "This is not asking for death, what is it?"
hiss!
Zhang Xiu took a breath of cold air when he heard this, and his whole heart trembled.
Damn thief Cao, he almost hurt me.
Zhang Xiu was a little confused and said, "Sir, what should we do?"
Jia Xu said: "There are still two choices before the general. The first is to submit to Lu Xuan and secretly support him. The second is to submit to Cao Cao. However, if you give up the governor of Yuzhou, you can become a caged bird in the court and obey Cao Cao.
Arrangement. No matter which choice I make, I will follow the general."
Zhang Xiu's face instantly became firm.
He gritted his teeth and said in a sincere voice: "Sir, there is no need to say more. Tonight, you and I will leave the city overnight to meet Lu Xuan. I am not good at words. When I see Lu Xuan, I will ask you to mediate and explain.
."
Jia Xu said: "Follow your orders."
A hint of smile flashed across his eyes, things were actually that easy, relaxed and simple.
Time flies by, and the evening approaches early morning.
After Zhang Xiu arranged the defense in the city, he quietly took Jia Xu out of the city and went straight to Lu Xuan's camp.
