In the second year of Jian 'an, in the middle of 197 AD, Cao Cao attacked Yuan Shu, the puppet emperor of Huainan, in the name of the Han Dynasty. At the same time, Sun Ce of Jiangdong, Lu Bu of Xuzhou, Liu Biao of Jingzhou, Liu Bei and Zhang Xiu of Wancheng, who were subordinate to Cao Cao's army, responded. The allied army was powerful and attacked from all five directions. For a time, the Central Plains was in turmoil, and a war was imminent.
Cao Cao's army moved extremely quickly. Two days later, they left the south of Yanzhou and headed straight for Shouchun. Cavalry Lieutenant Cao Ang led 700 elite cavalry to follow Xiahou Yuan's army to the south. When they were about to enter the Jianghuai region, Cao Cao ordered them to set up camp and hold a military meeting.
In the central tent, the civil officials and generals stood on both sides, while Chancellor Guo Jia was ordered to sit at the head of the advisors. Cao Cao saw that everyone in the tent was present and nodded lightly, indicating that the meeting could begin.
Pointing at the leather map behind the tent, Cao Cao slowly stood up and swept his gaze across the crowd. He said in a low voice,"Everyone, this southern expedition is no small matter. It concerns the Han Dynasty's national system and the foundation of our army.”
Military Advisor Guo Jia smiled gently and stood up.""Ming Gong, although there are five roads to the south, Yuan Shu has been managing Huainan for many years and has more than a million households. Moreover, the Jianghuai area was rich and their strength could not be underestimated. Yuan Shu would definitely shrink the main defense line to Shouchun this time. Shouchun City was nearly ten feet high and the moat was more than a hundred paces wide. It was a strong city and it would not be easy to attack. It was indeed a strong city. Our army does not have much food and grass. If we do not fight quickly and delay for a long time, the army will be timid if there is insufficient food and grass.”
When everyone heard this, they all nodded their heads. Cao Cao's expression darkened for a moment before he said slowly,""Fengxiao is right. In this battle, our army's rations are crucial. Because Yuan Shu was cruel and insidious, once things did not go well, he would certainly collect all the grain and grass to Shouchun City, burn the grain and cut off the seeds. To cut off our army's supplies. We must guard against this matter."
Guo Jia chuckled after Cao Cao finished speaking,"There are pros and cons. Yuan Shu didn't have the right timing to claim the throne. If he burned the rice for personal gain, he would be acting abnormally. Then the hearts of the people in Jianghuai will inevitably be lost. It was not a bad thing. The only plan now was to speed up the march and attack Huainan at lightning speed.”
"Guo Fengxiao is right. As for the grain and fodder, we can quickly send people to spread a message in the Jianghuai area. Just say that Yuan Shu wants to burn the grain and let the people take some. This way, we can preserve a portion of the grain seeds in case our army enters the Huai River in the future.”The person who spoke had a calm expression and his words were like a bell that could wake people up. It was Cao Cao's other mastermind, Cheng Yu. He was ruthless and fierce in his tactics. At that time, he was able to hit the nail on the head with one word and was deeply valued by Cao Cao.
After the two strategists spoke, Cao Cao made up his mind." That's right. The most important thing in war is to win quickly. If the two sides are locked in a stalemate, a long battle will be fruitless and will only increase the enemy's momentum. According to the report from the scouts today, Yuan Shu's forces are currently scattered. Zhang Xun is blocking Lu Bu, Chen Ji is blocking Sun Ce, Lei Bao is blocking Liu Biao, and Chen Lan is blocking Zhang Xiu. As for Shouchun, the one blocking our troops is Qiao Rui, who is under the rebel army. I will lead the army south as soon as possible, break Qiao Rui, and then attack Shouchun!”
"Father, I have an idea.”As soon as Cao Cao finished speaking, Cao Ang hurriedly left the class to offer advice. Cao Cao was slightly stunned before continuing,"What do you think, Zixiu?”
After hearing what Cao Cao and the others had said, Cao Ang had left the office in a hurry. If he did this, although it would be slightly different from the history, he was afraid that Qiao Rui would die. Yuan Shu would hurriedly retreat to Shouchun, and at that time, he would probably have to sacrifice the poor grain supervisor Wang Hou.
"Father, since we want to fight quickly, instead of forcing our way in, why don't we use a feint strategy to distract Qiao Rui and send another army to bypass Huaixi and Coir River to attack Shouchun. As such, the troops sent by the five roads of Huainan had not returned, and Yuan Shu could not hold on for long even if he hid in Shouchun.”
For a moment, the tent was shockingly quiet. Everyone lowered their heads in deep thought. Cao Cao stuck to his beard and closed his eyes, thinking about what Cao Ang had said. After a while, Cheng Yu suddenly said,""The five armies attacked Shouchun together, and Yuan Shu's troops were deployed, but it doesn't mean that he didn't leave a backup plan. I wonder if Eldest Young Master has ever thought that if Yuan Shu and the rest of the troops were to stay in the middle to help the five armies, then what would happen to this lone army that had penetrated deep into the city?”
Cao Cao slowly opened his eyes and turned to look at Cao Ang. Cao Ang looked at Cao Cao and Cheng Yu's questioning eyes and said softly after a while,"We'll deal with whatever comes our way."
Everyone couldn't help but feel relieved when they heard this, and some of the less shrewd generals couldn't help but laugh softly. Cao Cao sighed lightly,"Zixiu, military matters are not child's play. Your idea is good, but it's lacking in stability.”
Cao Ang said anxiously," Father, ever since the Yellow Turban war broke out in the Central Plains, even though you've changed the system to open up wasteland, it has always been difficult to supply food and grass. Huainan is rich. If we can get this place, our army will have a sufficient place to cultivate farmland and raise food. Once Yuan Shu burns the grain, even if our army defeats Yuan Shu, the grain in Huainan will not be available to our army for several years. Father! Besides Yuan Shu, our army will face many more enemies in the future!”
In history, before Cao Cao pacified the Ji, Qing, Bing, and You regions, his rations had always been in a passive state. During the battle of Guandu, it had even reached a point where it could affect the life and death of the entire situation. If it wasn't for Xu You's defection and advice, the Cao army would have been defeated without Yuan Shao even needing to make a move. If they could get the Jianghuai River that had not been destroyed by Yuan Shu, the Central Plains Army would have enough food and fodder in the future. Hearing this, Cao Cao couldn't help but be tempted.
"My lord, Cheng Yu thinks that this is inappropriate." Seeing that Cao Cao was moved, Cheng Yu could not help but leave his post to object." This matter is of great importance. I thought it was not the right time to talk about these distant matters.”
"Father, if one does not think far ahead, there will be immediate worries! This matter is of great importance. Father, please reconsider!”Cao Ang was also anxious. These people didn't know the predicament they would face when they fought Yuan Shao in the future, that was why they said so. After all, history had already deviated a little from its track. Cao Ang did not dare to bet his life and death on history. If Xu You had thought it through and did not surrender, or if Yuan Shao had not stored his rations in Wuchao on a whim, who would he reason with? Moreover, when he was in Xudu, Guo Jia had asked him to find an opportunity to make a contribution. After thinking about it, Cao Ang could only make a fuss about this matter.
"What do you mean by filial piety?" At the crucial moment, Cao Cao only turned his head slightly and looked calmly at Guo Jia, who was also in deep thought.
Guo Jia gently narrowed his brows, his wise eyes drifting. After thinking for a while, he heard Guo Jia softly say,"Just as Young Master said, a person who doesn't have long-term considerations will have immediate worries.”After Cao Cao heard Guo Jia's words, he finally nodded his head after a long while,"Alright, since that's the case, we'll do as Zi Xiu says.”
Cao Ang's heart that had been on tenterhooks was finally relieved. He then gently heaved a sigh of relief. At this time, Guo Jia continued,"However, this matter is of great importance. The leader of this surprise attack army needs to send an experienced and skilled general. This person must not only have a deep understanding of the art of war, but also be good at using surprise attacks.”
Hearing Guo Jia's words, the generals in the tent rubbed their fists, as if they wanted to fight for this credit. "That's right," Cao Cao said,"I must think carefully about the division of troops."”
"In my opinion, it has to be General Xiahou Yuan," Guo Jia said with a smile.”Xiahou Yuan was good at quick attacks and was famous for his quick use of troops in Cao Cao's army. After Cao Cao heard this, he nodded and said,""Filial piety is very good!"
As the deputy general of Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ang had to lead the army to follow the expedition. He knew that Guo Jia had helped him once again and hoped that he would make a contribution. He couldn't help but feel grateful to this wise man who had planned for the Cao Clan with all his heart. He was planning in his heart. This time, he would definitely think of a way to make a contribution.
After discussing the details of the surprise attack, Cao Cao announced that he would disperse the camp, leaving only Cao Ang behind.
Looking at the confused Cao Ang, Cao Cao was silent for a while before saying,"Weapons are lethal weapons, but there is no reason for a soldier not to take risks. Since you have made up your mind, I look forward to your performance. You must be careful in everything.”
Cao Ang lightly nodded and cupped his hands."Father, don't worry. I will definitely not let you down!”Cao Cao happily nodded and said,"Be careful. Don't just charge. Think about good plans."”Cao Ang lightly nodded. After a while, the father and son looked at each other and smiled.
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In Shouchun, Huainan, in Don Juan's magnificent new palace, Yuan Shu sat quietly on a high seat, his eyes full of anger. In terms of appearance, Yuan Shu had an extraordinary aura. He had a handsome and resolute face, thin lips, and tiger eyes. Coupled with his black and yellow dragon robe, he really had the aura of an emperor.
After a while, Yuan Shu suddenly slapped the dragon table and said angrily,""Cao Cao! Lu Bu! Sun Ce! Liu Biao! They are all against me! This was truly an unforgivable crime! What is even more hateful is that even Liu Bei, that mat weaving and shoe peddler, dares to come and attack me! What did he rely on?"
After a while, when Yuan Shu quieted down, his subordinate Yuan Yin came out of class and reported,""Even if Your Majesty is furious, you should still be cautious. Now that the five armies led by Great General (Zhang Xun) had all set out, there would be good news soon. However, just in case, His Majesty should order an army to be stationed in Huainan to prevent Cao Cao, Lu Bu, and the others from saying that we are empty and attacking Shouchun.”
Yuan Shu showed a rare proud smile."Hehe, I have been using troops for many years. Before Zhang Xun and the others set out, I arranged a group of strange soldiers at the mouth of Shouchun's Qianjiang River to act as five rescue emissaries and prevent thieves from taking advantage of the situation. How could you have expected it?"
Yuan Yin could not help but be surprised." Your Majesty's foresight in using troops is indeed impressive. It caught us off guard. I am deeply impressed. However, I wonder which general these five reinforcements are?" Why didn't we know?"
Yuan Shu laughed and said," The most important thing about war is that it is difficult to guard against. Moreover, this mobilization was not done by you. It was personally ordered by me. You don't know." As for these five rescue emissaries…" Yuan Shu paused for a moment. After looking at everyone with questioning eyes, he said word by word,"It is my beloved general, General Ji Ling!”
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