"General, are we really going to let these bandits go?”In the tent, Cao Ang raised his head to look at Sima Yi, who had a suspicious expression on his face." It's fine. At least we saved them this time and won their favor. Now, they at least owe us a favor…The most important thing right now is to make arrangements for Gan Ning's group. After all, if we recruit too many bandits at once, it'll make father feel bad. We just need to temporarily maintain a good relationship with Zhou Cang and the other famous bandit leaders.”
Sima Yi nodded and asked,""Young Master, are you going to recommend Gan Ning to Lord Sikong?”Cao Ang shook his head." No," he said." Gan Ning will be my general for the time being. I'll recommend him after he has rendered meritorious service."”
In the 3rd year of Jian 'an, Cao Ang and Xu Huang retreated south and Cai Mao invaded. They also formed a good relationship with the leaders of the Ying and Huai tribes. Of course, what made Cao Ang happy was that he had accepted General Gan Ning and gained a powerful helper.
After reorganizing the troops in Wan City, Cao Ang, Xu Huang, and the others returned to Xudu. Gan Ning had personally gone to Ba County to recruit his 800 pirates.
Not long ago, Duan Wei and Cao Ren, who had set out from Xu Capital, had finally returned with good news. Chang 'an had fallen and Li Jue had died. The Xiliang Army, which had dominated Guanzhong for eight years, had finally perished after several changes of masters. After many twists and turns, Chang' an, the western capital, had finally returned to the embrace of the Han Dynasty in name (but in fact, it was in the hands of Cao Cao).
Not long after Cao Cao recovered Guanzhong and Cao Ang retreated Cai Mao, a letter from Hebei arrived in Xudu. Yuan Shao was finally ready to go north to attack Gongsun Zan. The content of this letter was almost the same as in history. Yuan Shao's words were arrogant and sharp, asking Cao Cao for food and soldiers.
After carefully examining the letter in his hand for a long time, Cao Cao slowly threw it down. His eyes flashed for a long time before he said,"Yuan Shao is so shameless. His words are arrogant and rude. He is really hateful. I want to punish him, but I regret that I can't do it.”
As soon as Cao Cao finished speaking, the first reaction of his five most resourceful strategists was: The opportunity had come! Yuan Shao, the descendant of the four generations of the three dukes, had dominated northern Hebei. He had countless well-known officials and generals under him. He was the number one dukedom in the south and had always been pressing down on the Cao army like a mountain. He had also made some seemingly shallow mistakes. For example, when he attacked Dong Zhuo, he hesitated to advance for his own benefit. Later, he plotted against his brother Yuan Shu and lost the advantage of the Yuan family's alliance to seize the world. However, there were flaws in the jade. Since Yuan Shao could be ranked as the number one vassal in the world, he naturally had his own strengths. Even Cao Cao had privately said to his trusted aides, Yuan Ben was familiar with military books at first, and his military strategy was also excellent. Although he looked generous on the outside and was jealous on the inside, his wisdom and strategy were higher than ordinary people. His military strategy was not inferior to Zhu Jun and Lu Gong. You can say you're my enemy.
For several years, Yuan Shaohu had occupied Hebei and restrained Cao Cao on the south bank of the Yellow River, so that he did not dare to collect taxes from all directions. But now that Guanzhong had been settled, Yuan Shu in the south was on the verge of collapse, Zhang Xiu had submitted, and Liu Biao could be suppressed with Cao Ang's plan. As long as Lu Bu in the east was destroyed, Cao Cao would be able to fight Yuan Shao with all his might! Now that Yuan Shao was attacking Gongsun Zan, it was a godsend opportunity!
Seeing Cao Cao's question, Guo Jia naturally played the role of an old analyst. He smiled and said,"Ming Gong, don't worry. Back then, when Han and Chu fought for the world, Gaozu won with his wits. Although Xiang Yu was brave and powerful, he was ultimately defeated by Gaozu. Now Yuan Shao has ten defeats and you have ten victories. Although Yuan Shao's army is strong, there is nothing to fear. Yuan Shao's etiquette is complicated and multi-instrument, and the public body is natural. This is the victory of Tao. Yuan Shao used rebellion to act, and you used obedience to lead the army. This is the victory of righteousness. Since Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Ling of Qi, the government has been lax. Yuan Shao has been lenient and has been successful. You have been fierce and correct. This is the victory of governing the country. Yuan Shao is lenient on the outside and jealous on the inside. Most of the people he appoints are relatives. You are simple on the outside and smart on the inside. You only use talents. This is the best measure. Yuan Shao is resourceful but not decisive. You can act as soon as you get a plan. This is the victory of strategy. Yuan Shao is good at collecting fame, and you treat people with sincerity. This is the victory of virtue. Yuan Shao is close and distant, and you have no inconsiderate consideration. This is the victory of benevolence. Yuan Shao listened to calumny to confuse the people, and the public did not listen to it, which was a clear victory. Yuan Shao's right and wrong are confused, and the public law is strict, which is better than this article. Yuan Shao likes to use empty forces and does not know the key points of war. You can defeat many people with few people and use troops like a god. This is a military victory. With these ten victories, it is not difficult to defeat Yuan Shao.”
Cao Cao chuckled and looked down at a bamboo slip on the table. It was sent by Cao Ang to Sikong Manor the day before yesterday. When he heard that Yuan Shao wanted to attack Gongsun Zan in the Northern Expedition, his father's resourcefulness was extraordinary. He sent troops to imitate Sun Quan and Wu. He used his troops like a god, and his wisdom was full of tricks. The way of war makes me look up and down, but it's hard to look up and down. If Yuan Shao could be said to be a hero of the time, then his father would be the ruler of the world, unparalleled in the world. If you fight with Yuan Shao, I am willing to advance and retreat with you, live and die together, and live up to the name of Cao Cao. However, the southeast is not yet peaceful. If our army confronts Yuan Shao and Lu Bu sends troops to invade Xudu, the damage will be great. I hope father will think about it carefully."
Thinking of what Cao Ang had said in the letter, especially the line 'to advance and retreat together with my father', Cao Cao was shocked and said solemnly,"Fengxiao's words are in line with my heart. Yuan Shao and I will fight sooner or later. But Lu Bu of Xuzhou is a great worry for me! Now Yuan Shao is going to attack Gongsun Zan. I should take this opportunity to destroy Lu Bu first, seize Xuzhou, and then plot against Yuan Shao. This is the best plan!”
Xun Yu, Xun You, Cheng Yu, and the others were secretly surprised. They did not expect Cao Cao to have already made a decision. Only Guo Jia and Jia Xu didn't say much, but they were thinking about something. Suddenly, Cao Cao took out Cao Ang's letter and ordered the attendant beside him to read it aloud.
After reading it, Xun Yu nodded and praised,""General, you really have the demeanor of a general. I didn't expect that before he arrived in the capital, you would suggest taking advantage of Yuan Shao's northern expedition to pacify Lu Bu.”
Guo Jia chuckled." Haha, the schemes that General and General used to drive up the Cai Clan and other large clans in Jingzhou by the orders of the Emperor are also very impressive. General's 'ghost talent' is not inferior to mine!"”
Although Cao Cao was still expressionless, his voice was filled with joy,""Tomorrow, this brat will arrive in Xu City. Don't mention this in front of him, lest this brat gets too complacent.”
Guo Jia giggled." General, you have pacified the south twice and have made outstanding contributions. Guo Jia requests to go to the south of Xudu City tomorrow to welcome you. I wonder if you will allow it?"”Cao Cao shook his head and smiled lightly." You prodigal son, don't bring my son into a bad situation. Tomorrow, you have nothing to do. If you can get up, go to the south of the city to welcome him."”
Guo Jia rubbed his nose and said,"Alright, since Ming Gong has spoken, this Guo will endure for a night and drink less wine to welcome the general.”Everyone laughed when they heard that. Xun Yu shook his head and said,""Not drinking for a night has been hard on you, Chancellor Guo.”
————
At noon the next day, when Cao Ang and Xu Huang's army had already entered the city gates, Guo Jia, who reeked of alcohol, came galloping over on his horse. Seeing Guo Jia, who was still on the verge of falling off his horse, Cao Ang could not help but smile bitterly. He hurriedly went forward to support him and said,"Chancellor Guo, there was another big battle last night, right?”
"It was a great battle," Guo Jia chuckled,"Old Guo's legs are still a little weak." Hehe, since the last time we drank, it has been a long time since the general and I drank to our heart's content.”
Cao Ang scratched his head in embarrassment and said,""Brother Guo, please forgive me. Cao Ang has been promoted many times since that time. He still has to practice martial arts with uncle. This time is really…It's a little tight."
Guo Jia waved his hand casually." It's alright. The general wants to look for me every day. I'm afraid I don't have time yet!"”Cao Ang smiled knowingly. The two chatted while walking into the city.
"General, the strategy you proposed to suppress Jingzhou is indeed brilliant.”Cao Ang shook his head and laughed." Brother Fengxiao, you flatter me. The plan was offered by Sima Yi, the chief steward of my residence. It was not Cao Ang's credit."”
Guo Jia was stunned when he heard that.”Cao Ang chuckled." That's right. He is the Second Young Master of the Sima Clan in Hanoi. Although he is young, he is quite resourceful. He is currently the Chief Supervisor of my residence."”
"Such a talented person, isn't it a pity that he's only a steward?" Guo Jia asked with a puzzled smile.”Cao Ang only shook his head and smiled, not saying anything. Seeing that Cao Ang didn't say anything, Guo Jia didn't press him any further. He only said softly,"General, you should know that a storm is about to rise in the Central Plains. From today onwards, I'm afraid that General and I won't have a day of leisure.”
Cao Ang knew that Guo Jia was talking about Lu Bu of Xuzhou, so he said softly,""If we were to take it so easily, then he wouldn't be the number one fierce general in the world.”"During the Battle of Puyang, General was still in Qiao County. I guess you haven't met Lu Bu yet, right?" Guo Jia laughed leisurely.”
Cao Ang nodded lightly. He couldn't suppress the curiosity in his heart and asked in a deep voice,"Brother Fengxiao, you met Lu Bu in Puyang, right? What kind of person was he?”
Guo Jia's smile disappeared when he heard that. A rare seriousness appeared on his face."Lu Bu is a hero for a time. If he were to have a peaceful life, he would be another Huo Qubing. Unfortunately, he was born at the wrong time.”
Cao Ang couldn't help but feel strange. Wasn't Lu Bu a villain who would betray his master for profit? Why did Guo Jia give him such a high evaluation? "You're just a servant of three families. How can you be as famous as Huo Qubing?" he pretended to be disdainful.”
Guo Jia revealed his usual prodigal smile."General, you have never met Lu Bu, so you will naturally act like this." Before he could finish his sentence, Guo Jia's face suddenly turned red. He held his chest as if he was out of breath, and then he suddenly started coughing.
Cao Ang couldn't help but be shocked. He hurriedly stepped forward and held Guo Jia's chest to calm him down. After a while, Guo Jia slowly raised his head. His face was still red. Cao Ang frowned and said,"Brother Fengxiao, are you not feeling well?"
Guo Jia smiled and patted his chest. He panted heavily and waved his hand."It's fine. It's an old problem. General, don't worry about it.”After he finished speaking, he saw Guo Jia cough twice again and then let out a long sigh of relief. However, he did not see Cao Ang's deep and unfathomable eyes looking at him with worry.
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