The next day, Liu Bei urgently summoned his advisors for a meeting. Jia Renlu immediately went to see Liu Bei. Liu Bei's face was full of fear as he said,""Xu City has sent news that Cao Cao's army is split into two groups. One group is going to Liyang to defend against Yuan Shao, while the other group is heading straight for Xu Prefecture with fifty thousand troops. This army was actually carrying the banner of Prime Minister Cao, but Li Yang's army did not have the banner of Cao Cao. I wonder which army Cao Cao is in? Who was the commander of this army? If Cao Cao came in person, how should he deal with the enemy?”
Jia Renlu laughed." Don't panic, Lord Ming. There are only two famous extras in the army, Liu Dai and Wang…" He knew that his words were inappropriate and quickly covered his mouth.
Everyone was stunned. Liu Bei was very surprised and asked,""How did Renlu know the name of the commander-in-chief?”
Jia Renlu's old face turned red. He coughed twice and said,""I knew that Cao Cao wouldn't let this matter rest. He would definitely come looking for trouble and steal territory. So I secretly sent my confidants to Xu City to inquire. I have many good friends in Xu City. They told me the name of the general who will go on this expedition.”
Everyone was relieved. Liu Bei said," Since the commander isn't Cao Cao, why is he still using Cao Cao's banner?"”
"This is Cao Cao's trick to confuse the enemy," Xu Shu said with a smile.”
"That's right," Jia Renlu said."Liu Dai and Wang Zhong should know what they're capable of, so they won't dare to enter rashly." We don't have to make a fuss. The horses are still running, the dances are still dancing, and we're still doing what we should be doing. We don't care about him. Cao Cao has so much food that he doesn't have a place to put it. If he wants to waste some, we can't care.”
"Renlu seems to be a little too careless." Since the enemy had arrived, how could they not make preparations?”
"Cao Cao has so much food that he can't finish it," Jia Renlu said. We have just taken over Xuzhou, and we are short of rations. However, we can't afford to waste them. Otherwise, Cao Cao would have no rations to use. Why don't we give him a nephew to light the lamp, so that they don't know what we're going to do. They are bluffing. Let's show them that we are not surprised and see what Cao Cao can do to us.”
Xu Shu nodded and said,"Although Renlu's words are a little bold, they are indeed reasonable." I expect that this army will not dare to go deep. They will camp somewhere outside the border and wait for news from Hebei. If you are loose on the outside and tight on the inside, you will appear to be in danger but actually be safe.”
Jia Renlu laughed." Haha, Yuan Zhi said that I'm bold. I have an even bolder plan, but I'll know Cao Cao's intentions after trying it."”
"Please speak, Renlu," said Liu Bei.
"We can send an envoy to Cao Cao's army to request for battle and observe their movements," Jia Renlu said.”
Liu Bei asked,"Isn't asking for a fight a provocation and anger?"”
"Otherwise, the 300,000 Yuan troops in Hebei would be Cao Cao's main target of defense." Now, Cao Cao seemed to be in danger from all sides. In fact, as long as we respond to him, the rest are not worth worrying about. Although Yuan Shao had many advisors, they did not obey each other and did not command each other. Yuan Shao was also a fickle person, often changing his decision because of a few words from others. Seeing that the counselor's plan is not harmonious, he must have doubts in his heart and dare not rashly advance. As long as Cao Cao blocked the enemy's advance, he would not fight with them. Once Yuan Shao ran out of food and fodder, he would certainly retreat, and Zhang Xiu and Sun Ce would also return empty-handed.”
"This army of Xu Prefecture is Cao Cao's bluff to scare me off. It was an attack, but it was a defense. Liu Dai and Wang Zhong were not veteran generals. They did not have Zhang Liang's strategy in civil affairs and did not have Lu Bu's courage in military affairs. They would not dare to attack rashly. I think Cao Cao also doesn't want to waste these fifty thousand troops, so he must first order the two of them not to enter lightly. If I send an emissary to send a letter of challenge, they will know that I am prepared. I am afraid they will violate the Prime Minister's order. How can they dare to attack easily?”
Jia Renlu nodded his head and said," Yuanzhi's words are very reasonable. I originally thought that I could make Cao Cao flustered and make a fool of himself. I didn't expect him to settle it so easily."”
"Since Renlu and Yuanzhi both want to send an envoy to Cao Cao's army to issue a letter of challenge," said Liu Bei,"I don't know if they will go with their wishes?"”
"I'm willing to go," replied Sun Qian.
Liu Bei said,"You should be careful on this trip."”
"When the two countries are at war, they don't kill envoys," Sun Qian said."I have been ordered to go on an envoy mission, and Liu Dai won't dare to do anything.”
Liu Bei nodded and said,"Then let Gongyou go."”
"Yes," Sun Qian replied.
"Now that victory and defeat are all in Hebei," said Xu Shu,"you can send someone to investigate Yuan Cao's movements. It was good to make preparations here. Once Yuan Shao retreated, Cao Cao would personally come to Xuzhou and there would be a fierce battle.”
"Who wants to go to Liyang?" asked Liu Bei.”
"I'm willing to go," said Jian Yong.
Liu Bei smiled and said,"Let Xian He go."”
Although Yuan Shao had sent out 300,000 troops, it was all talk and no action. It was not until the midsummer of the seventh month that all preparations were completed. Yuan Shao led a group of strategists and generals, leading an army of 300,000. The scorching sun above their heads, braving the high temperature, they advanced wave after wave, majestically charging towards Li Yang. The low efficiency of Yuan Shao's side and the seriousness of the bureaucracy could be seen from this. At that time, Cao Cao had already arranged his camp to defend the strategic point. He dug deep trenches and built high fortifications. He hung up the "no war" card and did not fight with Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao challenged the enemy several times but failed, so he had to dig deep trenches and build high fortifications to hold a stalemate with the enemy.
In Yuan Shao's army, Ju Shou hated Yuan Shao for not using his plan, and no longer used his warm face to stick to his cold buttocks. He did not do his best during the military discussion, but was submissive and did not plan for him. Xu You did not like Shen Pei to lead the army. He often played tricks and went to Yuan Shao to give Shen Pei eye drops and greedy words. Shen Pei was not polite either. He picked the bones in the egg, found Xu You's fault, and ran to Yuan Shao to report him.
Yuan Shao's subordinate strategists ignored the big picture for their own interests. He actually regarded marching and fighting as a child's play. At this critical moment, it was pleasant to fight among ourselves. Yuan Shao has always been indecisive, relying on others to rise and fall. Seeing this scene, he had no choice but to turn a blind eye and pretend that nothing had happened.
During the military meeting, the sound of the strategists quarreling could be heard, and it was as lively as entering a vegetable market. Often, they would argue for four to four hours, but no result could be achieved. Yuan Shao was annoyed and often left in anger, and the military discussion was thus left unsettled. Because of the disagreements among his advisors, he was suspicious and did not dare to enter rashly. He could only hide in the camp, drinking and making merry, wasting food.
The two armies confronted each other from August to October, and neither side fought. When Cao Cao saw Yuan Shao's behavior, he knew that Yuan Shao was incompetent. He laughed and said to Guo Jia,"As expected. The scouts reported that Sun Ce of Jiangdong did not dare to attack rashly because Yuan Shao had stopped him. Now he had returned to Chaisang, leaving Cheng Pu to guard Lujiang. Jiangdong is not worth worrying about. I have ordered Zhang Liao to withdraw to Xudu. Seeing that Yuan Shao couldn't do anything to him, Zhang Xiu gave up on Xiang City and retreated to Wan City to defend. There's no need to worry about this road."
"Yuan Shao is useless now," Guo Jia said."You shouldn't be in a long-term stalemate with him. It's pointless to waste food like this. It is better to leave a small number of soldiers to defend, and you will lead the army back to the court to recuperate.”
"I have the same idea," said Cao Cao. It seemed that Liu Bei had picked all of this out. He had been the only one who had not moved. He actually sent Sun Qian to Liu Dai's camp to issue a challenge. That idiot Liu Dai was tricked by Sun Qian and revealed a flaw in his words, letting Liu Bei know that I was not in the camp. However, he was quite honest and did not dare to act on his own. He sent someone to ask for instructions on how to do things. I asked him to station his troops a hundred miles away and not move. Now Yuan Shao has been on the expedition for a long time, but he can't advance. The soldiers are complaining and their morale is low. I think he will return soon. I want to attack Xuzhou and destroy Liu Bei. What do you think?”
Guo Jia said," Please think twice, Lord Ming. This is not the best time to attack Xuzhou. Our army has been stationed outside for a long time. Our soldiers are tired and we don't have much rations left. It's better to return to the court first." When the soldiers have finished resting and the food and grass are ready, you can personally lead an army to attack. Xuzhou is very close and will arrive sooner or later. You are not afraid that Liu Bei will escape.”
Cao Cao lowered his head and pondered for a moment before saying,"Filial piety makes sense."
Cao Cao discussed with Guo Jia for a while and made up his mind. He called Zang Ba, the general of Lu Bu, to guard the two cities. Yu Jin and Cao Hong were stationed on the Yellow River. Cao Ren led an army to guard Guandu, while Cao Cao himself led an army back to Xudu.
Liu Dai and Wang Zhong obeyed Cao Cao's orders and led 50,000 troops to camp 100 miles away from Xuzhou. They did not move and sent people to constantly scout for news in Hebei. When the people of Xuzhou first heard that Cao Cao's army was coming to attack, they were very frightened. Thanks to Xu Shu and Liu Bei, they were able to appease the people and stabilize the situation. The commoners did not see any movement from the Cao army and gradually did not care. Liu Bei adopted Xu Shu's suggestion. He looked relaxed on the outside and tight on the inside. It seemed no different from usual, but in fact, his defense was extremely tight. Jia Renlu knew nothing about defending and attacking cities, so he couldn't interrupt at this time. He could only pretend to be honest and sit there in a daze without saying a word.
On this day, Liu Bei and Xu Shu discussed how to defend the city for a long time. Suddenly, he felt that something was missing. He looked up and saw Jia Renlu sitting on the ground with his head lowered and dozing off. Shaking his head and smiling bitterly, he recalled that Jia Renlu was always chattering non-stop when they were discussing matters. Suddenly, he couldn't hear him speak, and his heart really felt a little empty.
Xu Shu turned around and shook his head.""Renlu, tell me about it."
Jia Renlu was in a daze when he heard someone calling him. He jumped awake and cried out involuntarily,"What? Cao Cao's army has invaded? Then run!" After saying that, he stood up and wanted to escape.
When everyone present saw this scene, they all snickered. Xu Shu shook his head and said,"Cao Cao's army did not enter the city."
"Oh, then what happened?" Jia Renlu asked.”Feeling that he had made a fool of himself, he quickly returned to his original position and sat down.
"I don't know if there's anything left out from the strategy I just talked about," Xu Shu said.”
Jia Renlu said awkwardly," Very good, very good. What you said is very good. I've seen enough details. I don't need to add anything."”He thought to himself, What do I know? I don't know what to add even if I want to. He had thought that it would be exciting to discuss the matter of defending the city. He didn't expect it to be even more boring than class. Where to loosen, where to tighten. How to send spies to scout? This was truly a profound course. Sigh, it's a pity that I have a problem. I want to sleep every time I go to class…Why is Xu Shu like the old politics teacher? He talks like he's hypnotizing me. As I listen, I fall asleep…"
Liu Dai and Wang Zhong had set up camp without moving, and they had been facing off against Liu Bei for two to three months. On this day, the two were drinking and chatting in the big tent when they suddenly saw a small soldier reporting,""Cao Gong ordered the general to quickly advance without delay!”
"Oh!" Liu Dai cried out in shock.”After a moment, he said,"I know, back off!"”After the pawn left, Liu Dai said to Wang Zhong,""Now that the Prime Minister is urging us to attack the city, you can go first.”
"The Prime Minister sent you first," said Wang Zhong.”
"I'm the commander," said Liu Dai."How can I go first?”
"How about we go together?" Wang Zhong said.”
Liu Dai smiled." We're both drunk today. We're not thinking clearly. We'll discuss it tomorrow."”
"That's good." Wang Zhong nodded.”
The next day, the two of them discussed in the tent for a long time, but they still couldn't decide who should go first. "We can't continue discussing like this. I'm afraid we'll delay the Prime Minister's plans," Liu Dai said. How about this, I'll draw lots with you, and the one who draws will go.”
###################################
The next day, Liu Bei urgently summoned his advisors for a meeting. Jia Renlu immediately went to see Liu Bei. Liu Bei's face was full of fear as he said,""Xu City has sent news that Cao Cao's army is split into two groups. One group is going to Liyang to defend against Yuan Shao, while the other group is heading straight for Xu Prefecture with fifty thousand troops. This army was actually carrying the banner of Prime Minister Cao, but Li Yang's army did not have the banner of Cao Cao. I wonder which army Cao Cao is in? Who was the commander of this army? If Cao Cao came in person, how should he deal with the enemy?”
Jia Renlu laughed." Don't panic, Lord Ming. There are only two famous extras in the army, Liu Dai and Wang…" He knew that his words were inappropriate and quickly covered his mouth.
Everyone was stunned. Liu Bei was very surprised and asked,""How did Renlu know the name of the commander-in-chief?”
Jia Renlu's old face turned red. He coughed twice and said,""I knew that Cao Cao wouldn't let this matter rest. He would definitely come looking for trouble and steal territory. So I secretly sent my confidants to Xu City to inquire. I have many good friends in Xu City. They told me the name of the general who will go on this expedition.”
Everyone was relieved. Liu Bei said," Since the commander isn't Cao Cao, why is he still using Cao Cao's banner?"”
"This is Cao Cao's trick to confuse the enemy," Xu Shu said with a smile.”
"That's right," Jia Renlu said."Liu Dai and Wang Zhong should know what they're capable of, so they won't dare to enter rashly." We don't have to make a fuss. The horses are still running, the dances are still dancing, and we're still doing what we should be doing. We don't care about him. Cao Cao has so much food that he doesn't have a place to put it. If he wants to waste some, we can't care.”
"Renlu seems to be a little too careless." Since the enemy had arrived, how could they not make preparations?”
"Cao Cao has so much food that he can't finish it," Jia Renlu said. We have just taken over Xuzhou, and we are short of rations. However, we can't afford to waste them. Otherwise, Cao Cao would have no rations to use. Why don't we give him a nephew to light the lamp, so that they don't know what we're going to do. They are bluffing. Let's show them that we are not surprised and see what Cao Cao can do to us.”
Xu Shu nodded and said,"Although Renlu's words are a little bold, they are indeed reasonable." I expect that this army will not dare to go deep. They will camp somewhere outside the border and wait for news from Hebei. If you are loose on the outside and tight on the inside, you will appear to be in danger but actually be safe.”
Jia Renlu laughed." Haha, Yuan Zhi said that I'm bold. I have an even bolder plan, but I'll know Cao Cao's intentions after trying it."”
"Please speak, Renlu," said Liu Bei.
"We can send an envoy to Cao Cao's army to request for battle and observe their movements," Jia Renlu said.”
Liu Bei asked,"Isn't asking for a fight a provocation and anger?"”
"Otherwise, the 300,000 Yuan troops in Hebei would be Cao Cao's main target of defense." Now, Cao Cao seemed to be in danger from all sides. In fact, as long as we respond to him, the rest are not worth worrying about. Although Yuan Shao had many advisors, they did not obey each other and did not command each other. Yuan Shao was also a fickle person, often changing his decision because of a few words from others. Seeing that the counselor's plan is not harmonious, he must have doubts in his heart and dare not rashly advance. As long as Cao Cao blocked the enemy's advance, he would not fight with them. Once Yuan Shao ran out of food and fodder, he would certainly retreat, and Zhang Xiu and Sun Ce would also return empty-handed.”
"This army of Xu Prefecture is Cao Cao's bluff to scare me off. It was an attack, but it was a defense. Liu Dai and Wang Zhong were not veteran generals. They did not have Zhang Liang's strategy in civil affairs and did not have Lu Bu's courage in military affairs. They would not dare to attack rashly. I think Cao Cao also doesn't want to waste these fifty thousand troops, so he must first order the two of them not to enter lightly. If I send an emissary to send a letter of challenge, they will know that I am prepared. I am afraid they will violate the Prime Minister's order. How can they dare to attack easily?”
Jia Renlu nodded his head and said," Yuanzhi's words are very reasonable. I originally thought that I could make Cao Cao flustered and make a fool of himself. I didn't expect him to settle it so easily."”
"Since Renlu and Yuanzhi both want to send an envoy to Cao Cao's army to issue a letter of challenge," said Liu Bei,"I don't know if they will go with their wishes?"”
"I'm willing to go," replied Sun Qian.
Liu Bei said,"You should be careful on this trip."”
"When the two countries are at war, they don't kill envoys," Sun Qian said."I have been ordered to go on an envoy mission, and Liu Dai won't dare to do anything.”
Liu Bei nodded and said,"Then let Gongyou go."”
"Yes," Sun Qian replied.
"Now that victory and defeat are all in Hebei," said Xu Shu,"you can send someone to investigate Yuan Cao's movements. It was good to make preparations here. Once Yuan Shao retreated, Cao Cao would personally come to Xuzhou and there would be a fierce battle.”
"Who wants to go to Liyang?" asked Liu Bei.”
"I'm willing to go," said Jian Yong.
Liu Bei smiled and said,"Let Xian He go."”
Although Yuan Shao had sent out 300,000 troops, it was all talk and no action. It was not until the midsummer of the seventh month that all preparations were completed. Yuan Shao led a group of strategists and generals, leading an army of 300,000. The scorching sun above their heads, braving the high temperature, they advanced wave after wave, majestically charging towards Li Yang. The low efficiency of Yuan Shao's side and the seriousness of the bureaucracy could be seen from this. At that time, Cao Cao had already arranged his camp to defend the strategic point. He dug deep trenches and built high fortifications. He hung up the "no war" card and did not fight with Yuan Shao. Yuan Shao challenged the enemy several times but failed, so he had to dig deep trenches and build high fortifications to hold a stalemate with the enemy.
In Yuan Shao's army, Ju Shou hated Yuan Shao for not using his plan, and no longer used his warm face to stick to his cold buttocks. He did not do his best during the military discussion, but was submissive and did not plan for him. Xu You did not like Shen Pei to lead the army. He often played tricks and went to Yuan Shao to give Shen Pei eye drops and greedy words. Shen Pei was not polite either. He picked the bones in the egg, found Xu You's fault, and ran to Yuan Shao to report him.
Yuan Shao's subordinate strategists ignored the big picture for their own interests. He actually regarded marching and fighting as a child's play. At this critical moment, it was pleasant to fight among ourselves. Yuan Shao has always been indecisive, relying on others to rise and fall. Seeing this scene, he had no choice but to turn a blind eye and pretend that nothing had happened.
During the military meeting, the sound of the strategists quarreling could be heard, and it was as lively as entering a vegetable market. Often, they would argue for four to four hours, but no result could be achieved. Yuan Shao was annoyed and often left in anger, and the military discussion was thus left unsettled. Because of the disagreements among his advisors, he was suspicious and did not dare to enter rashly. He could only hide in the camp, drinking and making merry, wasting food.
The two armies confronted each other from August to October, and neither side fought. When Cao Cao saw Yuan Shao's behavior, he knew that Yuan Shao was incompetent. He laughed and said to Guo Jia,"As expected. The scouts reported that Sun Ce of Jiangdong did not dare to attack rashly because Yuan Shao had stopped him. Now he had returned to Chaisang, leaving Cheng Pu to guard Lujiang. Jiangdong is not worth worrying about. I have ordered Zhang Liao to withdraw to Xudu. Seeing that Yuan Shao couldn't do anything to him, Zhang Xiu gave up on Xiang City and retreated to Wan City to defend. There's no need to worry about this road."
"Yuan Shao is useless now," Guo Jia said."You shouldn't be in a long-term stalemate with him. It's pointless to waste food like this. It is better to leave a small number of soldiers to defend, and you will lead the army back to the court to recuperate.”
"I have the same idea," said Cao Cao. It seemed that Liu Bei had picked all of this out. He had been the only one who had not moved. He actually sent Sun Qian to Liu Dai's camp to issue a challenge. That idiot Liu Dai was tricked by Sun Qian and revealed a flaw in his words, letting Liu Bei know that I was not in the camp. However, he was quite honest and did not dare to act on his own. He sent someone to ask for instructions on how to do things. I asked him to station his troops a hundred miles away and not move. Now Yuan Shao has been on the expedition for a long time, but he can't advance. The soldiers are complaining and their morale is low. I think he will return soon. I want to attack Xuzhou and destroy Liu Bei. What do you think?”
Guo Jia said," Please think twice, Lord Ming. This is not the best time to attack Xuzhou. Our army has been stationed outside for a long time. Our soldiers are tired and we don't have much rations left. It's better to return to the court first." When the soldiers have finished resting and the food and grass are ready, you can personally lead an army to attack. Xuzhou is very close and will arrive sooner or later. You are not afraid that Liu Bei will escape.”
Cao Cao lowered his head and pondered for a moment before saying,"Filial piety makes sense."
Cao Cao discussed with Guo Jia for a while and made up his mind. He called Zang Ba, the general of Lu Bu, to guard the two cities. Yu Jin and Cao Hong were stationed on the Yellow River. Cao Ren led an army to guard Guandu, while Cao Cao himself led an army back to Xudu.
Liu Dai and Wang Zhong obeyed Cao Cao's orders and led 50,000 troops to camp 100 miles away from Xuzhou. They did not move and sent people to constantly scout for news in Hebei. When the people of Xuzhou first heard that Cao Cao's army was coming to attack, they were very frightened. Thanks to Xu Shu and Liu Bei, they were able to appease the people and stabilize the situation. The commoners did not see any movement from the Cao army and gradually did not care. Liu Bei adopted Xu Shu's suggestion. He looked relaxed on the outside and tight on the inside. It seemed no different from usual, but in fact, his defense was extremely tight. Jia Renlu knew nothing about defending and attacking cities, so he couldn't interrupt at this time. He could only pretend to be honest and sit there in a daze without saying a word.
On this day, Liu Bei and Xu Shu discussed how to defend the city for a long time. Suddenly, he felt that something was missing. He looked up and saw Jia Renlu sitting on the ground with his head lowered and dozing off. Shaking his head and smiling bitterly, he recalled that Jia Renlu was always chattering non-stop when they were discussing matters. Suddenly, he couldn't hear him speak, and his heart really felt a little empty.
Xu Shu turned around and shook his head.""Renlu, tell me about it."
Jia Renlu was in a daze when he heard someone calling him. He jumped awake and cried out involuntarily,"What? Cao Cao's army has invaded? Then run!" After saying that, he stood up and wanted to escape.
When everyone present saw this scene, they all snickered. Xu Shu shook his head and said,"Cao Cao's army did not enter the city."
"Oh, then what happened?" Jia Renlu asked.”Feeling that he had made a fool of himself, he quickly returned to his original position and sat down.
"I don't know if there's anything left out from the strategy I just talked about," Xu Shu said.”
Jia Renlu said awkwardly," Very good, very good. What you said is very good. I've seen enough details. I don't need to add anything."”He thought to himself, What do I know? I don't know what to add even if I want to. He had thought that it would be exciting to discuss the matter of defending the city. He didn't expect it to be even more boring than class. Where to loosen, where to tighten. How to send spies to scout? This was truly a profound course. Sigh, it's a pity that I have a problem. I want to sleep every time I go to class…Why is Xu Shu like the old politics teacher? He talks like he's hypnotizing me. As I listen, I fall asleep…"
Liu Dai and Wang Zhong had set up camp without moving, and they had been facing off against Liu Bei for two to three months. On this day, the two were drinking and chatting in the big tent when they suddenly saw a small soldier reporting,""Cao Gong ordered the general to quickly advance without delay!”
"Oh!" Liu Dai cried out in shock.”After a moment, he said,"I know, back off!"”After the pawn left, Liu Dai said to Wang Zhong,""Now that the Prime Minister is urging us to attack the city, you can go first.”
"The Prime Minister sent you first," said Wang Zhong.”
"I'm the commander," said Liu Dai."How can I go first?”
"How about we go together?" Wang Zhong said.”
Liu Dai smiled." We're both drunk today. We're not thinking clearly. We'll discuss it tomorrow."”
"That's good." Wang Zhong nodded.”
The next day, the two of them discussed in the tent for a long time, but they still couldn't decide who should go first. "We can't continue discussing like this. I'm afraid we'll delay the Prime Minister's plans," Liu Dai said. How about this, I'll draw lots with you, and the one who draws will go.”
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。