A day later, Lu Bu was about to rush through the mountain range. Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly noticed that something was wrong on both sides of the mountain path. Birds were flying high in the forest.
This scene caused Lu Bu and Chen Gong's hearts to pound with fear. The two of them understood the principle of caution.
At this moment, they were in the valley. There were forests on both sides, and there were birds flying out. There were pursuers behind them.
After walking on the winding mountain path for a day, could it be that there were still soldiers blocking their way ahead?!
That was absolutely impossible.
Could it be that Xu Zhen's Snowy Dragon Riders were flying? Otherwise, how could he be so fast?
"Fengxian, I think there might be an ambush ahead!”
Chen Gong carefully examined the surrounding terrain.
As soon as he finished speaking, the two sides suddenly lit up with the reflection of gold and iron under the sunlight. Then, arrows flew out, turning into raindrops from the sky and falling down.
It sprinkled on the ground.
"Marquis Wen, Lu Bu, I am Zhao Zilong from Chang Mountain. I have been waiting here for a long time under the orders of the Marquis!”
Zhao Yun's figure appeared at the entrance of the valley. Before Lu Bu could reply, a second wave of arrows came from all directions. Lu Bu was like a target, trapped in the gourd.
" Zhao Zilong! Zhao Zilong!"
Lu Bu continued to block, and the soldiers around him used their shields to block him. Lu Bu, who had lost his morale, had no choice but to lead his troops to break out of the encirclement.
"Charge, Chen Gong!"
"Stop talking, you mouth!”
He turned around and glared at Chen Gong, wishing he could rip his mouth off. He had just said that unless they could jump down from the mountain, Chen Gong really did jump down from the mountain.
It was even possible that he had flown over. Otherwise, how could he appear in front of him after a day of rapid marching? There was no other explanation other than crossing the mountain.
And just now, when they said that there was an ambush, the ambush immediately came.
What kind of mouth was this?
At this moment, Lu Bu charged straight at Zhao Zilong. The two of them exchanged a blow. Zhao Yun's spear turned around and took advantage of Lu Bu's halberd to stab at his throat like a snake.
As such, Lu Bu did not dare to brandish his halberd anymore. He could only pull on the reins and turn Red Hare's horse's head, slightly changing its direction.
At this moment, Zhao Zilong pulled out his saber and slashed down at the halberd.
Clang!
With a loud rumble, a hole appeared in the halberd in Lu Bu's hand. However, he could no longer exert any more strength. This strike had numbed the area between Lu Bu's thumb and forefinger.
"Damn it!"
Lu Bu roared and charged into the crowd, not daring to fight Zhao Zilong.
Then, the Tiger Wolf of Bingzhou turned into a sharp sword and charged into Zhao Zilong's Snow Dragon Cavalry.
By noon, when the sun rose, Lu Bu had already escaped.
However, more than half of his soldiers had remained in the valley. At this moment, Lu Bu had truly become a stray dog.
Moreover, Zhao Zilong had captured Chen Gongtai.
This person who had betrayed Cao Cao in Yanzhou had escaped and accompanied Lu Bu for a long time before finally returning to Cao Cao's hands.
At this moment, Xu Zhen appeared from afar and slowly rode his horse over. Beside him was the black-robed Guo Jia. The mastermind behind all of this was Guo Jia.
Arranging soldiers and horses, using military equipment to pull ropes down the mountain and hook claws up the mountain.
The Concealed Shield Technique, the prediction that Lu Bu would break out from the west, and so on, all came from him. Chen Gong had no way of calculating this. The two of them were still quite different in terms of talent and strategy.
Guo Jia could think of several similar plans that Chen Gong would need a long time to achieve overnight.
In fact, if he spent more time, he could think of something better.
This was the difference in ranking, the difference in talent and agility.
The moment Chen Gong saw Xu Zhen, he was lost in his memories.
The last time he saw Xu Zhen was when he brought thirty to forty Changshan local soldiers to seek refuge.
But now, when they met again, it was in such a situation.
Xu Zhen had already become a famous Marquis, and Zhao Zilong was also ranked second on the list. He was a fierce general who could fight against seven thousand people. Time had passed, and the difference was like heaven and earth.
"Chen Gongtai, long time no see."
"Hmph! I have nothing to say to you! Xu Zhen, you are also considered a formidable figure in the world. You are on the Brave General Ranking and the Advisor Ranking. You are not a hero to throw yourself into Cao's camp just for Liu Bei!”
"When did I say I wanted to be a hero?" Xu Zhen sneered.”
"If you don't want to be a hero, what's the point of living in a chaotic world? " Struggling at death's door just to take a breath in your heart? Then you can rest easy now. Why did you come to Qingzhou to participate in this battle?" Liu Bei was regretful. The scholars of the world laughed at him. The only way he could turn things around was for you to be defeated here. If you came, wouldn't you be giving him a chance?”
Chen Gong laughed coldly. He had thought of Xu Zhen as such a person because he was certain that Xu Zhen had left Liu Bei for Cao Cao to vent his anger. However, he had not expected to be dragged into the Battle of Guandu, so he was in a dilemma.
"Hehehe, you also know that you were wrong, but you are unwilling to admit your mistake. Only by doing your best to help Cao Cao win this battle can you preserve your reputation, right?”
Chen Gong panted heavily. The weapons around him were like a black cloud pressing down on the city, giving him immense pressure. He was afraid of death because he had yet to achieve his goal.
Xu Zhen didn't comment on his words. Liu Bei probably had nothing to do now. Regret was his business. Since he had come this far, he naturally couldn't turn back. If he turned back and went into seclusion, he would have to give up a lot.
The generals under his command already had feelings for him. If he left, who would guarantee them?
It was not that easy to be the boss.
Not only was he a hero in front of others, but he also had responsibilities behind others.
"You won't understand. Kill him."
Xu Zhen waved his hand, and an arrow landed on Chen Gong's body. His expression froze, and he stared down in disbelief.
"You, you killed me…"
Chen Gong spoke with difficulty and pointed at Xu Zhen." You actually dared to kill me!" I was Cao Cao's original adviser."
Xu Zhen shook his head." Tsk, sigh, can you just die quietly? Have some dignity. I will help you take care of your family. I will take care of your wife."”
Chen Gong's face turned red when he heard that. His eyes were bloodshot.
She didn't know if she was angered by that sentence or if she said that he was shameless.
It could also be that his wife wanted someone else to raise her.
Chen Gong did not have any children and only had a beautiful wife.
Then, with an expression of death, he fell to the ground.
Xu Zhen called someone over and pointed at Chen Gong."Send this person's head to all parts of Qingzhou and tell the generals to stop trying to defend. Then send it to the East County camp and tell the Prime Minister that this is a gift from the Snow Dragon Cavalry.”
"Here!"
……
Guandu Camp.
The Golden Roll shook again.
This time, everyone could feel that the two rankings in the sky had shaken a little and were emitting powerful fluctuations.
Therefore, Yuan Shao opened the rankings with extreme worry.
With a closer look, Chen Gong was completely removed from the Golden Roll.
Xu Zhen, on the other hand, had moved up by one, reaching 107.
The new 108 was called Shixie.
He was both a strategist and the ruler of the south.
At the same time, Lu Bu, who was ranked second on the Brave General List, fell to third place.
Zhang Liao, who was ranked 14th, had already lost his name.
In the entire camp, the soldiers who were reporting the military situation did not dare to speak anymore.
Because it was already dead.
No one dared to say anything. Even the advisors only looked at each other and shook their heads secretly, not daring to say a word.
Yuan Shao's heart ached endlessly. He only felt that at this moment, the situation did not seem quite right…
"Chen Gong, Zhang Liao's name has disappeared, and Lu Bu has fallen from third place. What does this mean…"
" Explain." Xu You stood up and cupped his fists." Explain that Chen Gong, Zhang Liao, was captured, and Lu Bu was defeated and escaped. Judging from the situation, he should have been defeated by Zhao Zilong, which is why he reached the second place on the list."”
"Second only to Xu Zhen."
Xu You spoke bluntly about the current situation. Yuan Shao only felt terrified when he said those words.
"You, continue."
Yuan Shao pointed at the soldier.
The young soldier was stunned for a moment before he immediately continued,"We burned down most of the grain wagons of Cao Cao's camp, but we were soon chased by the nearby cavalry. General Gao Lan defeated Yu Jin and Li Dian, then fled back to the camp.”
"Okay, go ahead."
Yuan Shao waved his hand, then sat down on the praying mat and sank into deep thought. At the same time, he rubbed his head, feeling extremely uncomfortable.
At this time, even though they had burned the provisions, they still felt that something was missing. They could not be happy at all. Also, Number Four did not have the effect of raising morale.
The Brave General Heaven Ranking and the Advisor Heaven Ranking were enough to explain everything.
This small victory wasn't enough to shake the disappearance of his ally. It was obvious that Lu Bu had lost.
No wonder Xu Zhen didn't appear on the battlefield. Cao Mengde was stalling for time while he led his troops to attack Qingzhou.
What if I send troops to Qingzhou now?
Would it change?
But now, the line from Baima to Yanjin was filled with defenses and could not be easily removed.
Sigh, this is troublesome.
If he had known earlier, he would not have fought this battle.
Xu You…is messing with me.
"My lord, a general is no longer brave, but wise.”
"Lu Bu obviously has no wisdom and is brave but not resourceful. That's why he was defeated. My lord is wise and has so many strategists to plan for him. How could he lose because of the rankings? I suggest that we launch an all-out attack and fight Cao Cao head-on. I have several times more troops than him, so why should I be afraid?”
The person who spoke was Guo Tu. At this moment, he knew that he had no choice but to speak, so he immediately stood up and cupped his fists.
When Xu You heard this, it was exactly what he wanted. He immediately cupped his hands and said,"My Lord, Guo Tu is right. My Lord, think about it. Why is it so easy to attack their rations this time?”
"Maybe Cao Cao let them pass on purpose.”
"He wants to stall for time, stall for time for Xu Zhen. If we wait for Lu Bu to fall from the rankings, our morale will suffer an even greater blow.”
"I feel that Xu Zhen, who has never appeared on the battlefield, is like a butcher's knife that can take our lives at any time. Therefore, we can't wait any longer.”
"Why don't we fight directly and not give them a chance to wait? The reason why Cao Cao is waiting is because he is afraid of a quick battle. If we fight quickly, he won't be able to provide his soldiers, rations, and supplies in time.”
"If they don't come, Cao Cao will lose a few of his generals and 50,000 elite soldiers. This is a good opportunity for us.”
At this moment, Yuan Shao's face lit up. He waved his hand and said to his left and right,""Alright, immediately spread this news to the entire army. Three days later, we will wait for the rations to enter Wuchao and fight Cao Cao!!!”
"Here!"
……
Two days later, in Cao Cao's camp.
Cao Cao was lying on his bed, exhausted.
Suddenly, Cao Ren came in with a gift box in his hand.
"Haha, my lord, Bowen has sent you this gift from Qingzhou.”
Cao Cao raised his head and looked at him, saying indifferently,""What is it? The various official seals of Qingzhou?"
"It's still Lu Bu's head."
" Oh, I almost forgot. Lu Bu is still on the list, but he has dropped one place." Cao Cao curled his lips and waved at Cao Ren." Open it and take a look."”
"Hey."
Cao Ren opened the box curiously and didn't take any precautions. After opening it, the stench of blood and decay filled his face. Cao Ren couldn't help but close his eyes and exclaim.
"Ah?"
"What is it?"
"Heads."
Cao Cao opened his eyes and his hands trembled.
"Chen Gong."
"Good!"
He shouted, then sat up and said to Cao Ren,""Immediately take it to the various camps and spread the news that Chen Gong has been executed. Then send this head back to Xuchang and hang it at the gate of Xuchang's inner city until I return!”
Chen Gong was the one who had betrayed Cao Cao, and he had almost lost everything. Who would have thought that after two years, he would finally be beheaded?
Getting rid of this person was a huge matter in Cao Cao's heart, making him feel much more relaxed.
"Hey, I'll go now."
"In addition, order the entire army to send troops tomorrow to fight Yuan Shao. Just now, his troops have already moved, so I have no choice but to fight.”
"Ah? Here!"
Cao Ren's body trembled as he immediately passed down the order. He then sent the heads to the entire army, boosting the morale of the army once again. They were waiting for the next day's battle.
At this moment, Cao Cao's eyes narrowed as he looked at the brazier in front of him. He stretched out his hand to roast the brazier for a while and thought of the Snow Dragon Cavalry and countless famous generals.
However, four of the top five were related to Xu Zhen.
Our Cao Clan's generals are all outside the top five. Yuan Rang and Cao Ren are only ranked eighth and ninth.
Moreover, he had actually taken Qingzhou. It was too fast.
Although speed was important in war, it wasn't something that could be done in half a month. In this province, Lu Bu had 50,000 soldiers, as well as the rations and weapons that Yuan Shao had given him.
No matter what, it could have lasted for three months, but within half a month, it completely collapsed.
Chen Gong was killed and Gao Shun and Zhang Liao were captured.
Lu Bu, on the other hand, had fled.
Xu Zhen was really getting braver and braver.
I must not lose the battle tomorrow.
Cao Cao closed his eyes and pondered.
……
On the second day.
When the war started, the two counties would face each other head-on. At this time, there should be no more schemes.
However, Cao Mengde still placed two canopies, two chairs, a table, and a blanket that was large enough on the battlefield.
I'd like to invite Yuan Shao over for a chat.
At this moment, Yuan Shao led his army forward with Xu You beside him.
He looked into the distance and was slightly moved.
"Cao Mengde, what are you doing?"
"My lord, this person is full of tricks. It's best to ignore him. Just send the army over to avoid more trouble.”
Xu You quickly tried to persuade him. Although he didn't know what Cao Mengde was going to do, based on his understanding of Cao Mengde, he wouldn't do such a ridiculous thing before such a big battle.
There must be a ghost. There must be something strange about this.、
"What are you afraid of? Such a great battle is unprecedented. Will there be such a formation of millions of troops in the future? Cao Mengde arranged such a battle formation before the battle because he wanted to have a chat with me.”
Yuan Shao sneered," Do you think I don't know him? Since young, he has liked to show off and seek charm. Perhaps this person thinks that being fearless in front of the army and chatting with the three armies is where charm lies. How can I allow him to be so impudent?”
"My lord, it's better not to go!"
Xu You pulled Yuan Shao's reins again.
Yuan Shao turned around and glared at him, saying,""It's fine. Watch me tease him!"
After saying that, he rode his horse and arrived in front of Cao Cao. He dismounted and sat on the cushion opposite him, looking at Cao Cao with disdain.
"Meng De, long time no see."
"That's right! It's been four years since we last met."
Cao Cao squinted his eyes under the sun, his face wrinkled and drenched in sweat, looking rather pathetic. On the other hand, Yuan Shao was like he was bathing in a spring breeze, his expression relaxed.
"I didn't expect that four years later, you and I would meet like this.”
"Humph."
Yuan Shao coldly snorted.
" Hehe…" Cao Cao saw that his expression wasn't good and laughed," The battle is about to begin. It's not a bad thing for us to have a chat. Regardless of the outcome, one of us will lose. However, no matter what, history will remember this battle. Both of us will leave our names in history.”
"You, Yuan Benchu, brought millions of people to hunt with me at Guandu, but I didn't expect the Golden Roll to appear and give me such a strong capital. Three days ago, Chen Gong, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun's names disappeared.”
"Brother, if you continue to fight, I'm afraid you'll suffer even more losses.”
Yuan Shao narrowed his eyes and said," You called me here just to talk about this? If that was the case, it was better for them to return to their respective armies and fight!”
" Hehehe…" Cao Cao grabbed Yuan Shao's hand and smiled apologetically,""Don't be anxious, brother. Listen to me first. I didn't come here to show off my gains. Instead, I want to use this as capital to beg brother to surrender.”
"Oh? How?"
"Do you know about the Snow Dragon Cavalry?"
"Of course I know about Xu Zhen's army.”
Yuan Shao rolled his eyes at him, not knowing what Cao Cao wanted to say.
"Mm, not bad. What do you think of Xu Zhen?”
"Liu Xuande is with me, crying every night. He doesn't think of his two brothers, but only of the person who was chased away.”
Liu Bei was not around. If he heard this, he would probably curse again.
These old things mentioned it every day.
Cao Cao smiled." That's right. Xu Zhen, the Brave Warrior Champion and the Advisor. Such a person who is both skilled in both martial arts and literature has helped me seize Xuzhou, Yangzhou, and Qingzhou.”
"It can be said that he and his Snow Dragon Cavalry conquered the three prefectures in the world. Dian Wei, Xu Chu, and Zhao Zilong are all in his Snow Dragon Cavalry.”
"No wonder!"
Yuan Shao was shocked. He only knew that Zhao Zilong was there, but he thought that General Dian Wei and General Xu Chu might be from Jiangdong or Xichuan. They were not very famous in Cao Cao's camp, and he had not even heard of them in several battles.
However, it was not strange that these two people were with Cao Mengde.
"Hmph, what good luck. Liu Xuande is really a stupid man.”
"Foolish beyond measure. You pretended to be benevolent all your life, but you lost such an important person.”
When Yuan Shao said this, he could not help but sigh." Forget it, it's fate. Why are you telling me this?”
Cao Cao was stunned for a long time, as if his heart was aching.
He leaned closer to Yuan Shao and said," I want to give Xu Zhen and the Snow Dragon Cavalry to you, brother. In addition, I want to give Liu Xie, the Emperor of Han, and the Imperial Jade Seal in exchange for peace in my territory. How about it?"”
"Peace?"
Yuan Shao was stunned. Xu Zhen, you're actually willing to give it to me?
"Cao Mengde, do you think I'll believe you?”
Cao Cao leaned back and curled his lips before waving at the army behind him.
A moment later, the army made way for a carriage to be pushed out. In the luxurious carriage sat a youth wearing a python robe.
He looked to be about thirteen or fourteen years old. His face was pale and aggrieved. He blinked his eyes and looked over warily.
At this moment, Yuan Shao immediately stood up in extreme shock. He bowed deeply from afar and respectfully said,"I am Yuan Shao. Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Alright, he can't hear you."
Cao Cao pulled Yuan Shao back to his seat.
"Isn't this sincere enough?" As long as you promise me to write an alliance letter and not use your sword for three years, I can give you the emperor and Qingzhou, where Xu Zhen is.”
"You can also declare your victory in this battle. I, Cao Mengde, beg for mercy and only hope to live.”
Cao Cao's eyes drooped down and he looked bitter, as if he was afraid that Yuan Shao would not agree. He quickly said,"During this time, I can send my second son Cao Pi to Ye City for you to take care of.”
"Brother, Brother Benchu, do you still remember our friendship when we were children? We've known each other since we were young, and we've known each other for decades. We were still brothers even when we were both officers of the West Park.”
Yuan Shao's eyes flickered.
"Last month, when you attacked my camp, you were very fierce."”
"That is to show my determination. Brother, you have seen my determination. If we continue to fight, both sides will suffer. Even if we win, you will win miserably.”
"He still has at least 400,000 soldiers, more than a dozen famous families in the territory, and millions of people. He has sufficient rations and excellent armor. Moreover, he is a descendant of the Han Emperor.”
" By then, all the vassals in the world will have to listen to your orders. Only in your hands will the Son of Heaven have its true value. It's much better than in my hands. To be honest, brother..."
Cao Cao once again held Yuan Shao's hand, and his expression gradually became aggrieved." After the Golden Roll appeared, those old officials of the Han Dynasty actually wanted to kill me in secret! If Xu Zhen hadn't gotten the information in advance, I would have died! How could I be here today to chat with you? Taking this Tian Zi is simply a disaster.”
"Take it, take it. After that, give me three years of peace. After I've tidied up everything and made all the officials obedient, I'll ask your brother to take over. I'll conquer the world and unify the Great Han.”
Yuan Shao's face was filled with doubt, but he was stunned by Cao Cao's words.
In fact, he didn't intend to believe it, but because of this, the atmosphere became a little strange.
"Then, what about the Snow Dragon Knights? What are you thinking? You want to give me the Snowy Dragon Riders? Are you going to send Xu Zhen away again?"
"To tell you the truth, I can't control him anymore. Xu Zhen is a double-edged sword. He's on the list and famous in the world. He also has a traitor like Liu Bei. He's ready to ask Bo Wen to return to his side at any time.”
"How can I trust this person completely?!”
"If Xu Zhen is a divine sword, a divine sword that can cut through the heavens, then who can hold this sword? Only you, Yuan Benchu."
" Heh…" Yuan Shao really couldn't hold it in anymore and laughed. Then, he put on a stern face and said in a deep voice,""It's good that you know. Now that Qingzhou is given to him, it's no different from letting him sit on the throne.”
"How can you, Cao Mengde, have such a Divine General?”
"Yes, yes, yes…"
Cao Cao smiled and took out a map,"" If Brother is interested, then listen to my plan. I am doing this to make peace and to share the glory with Brother in the future. I have a plan that I have long wanted to offer to you. However, we are both heroes in one side and have enemies on our sides. Only now do we have the chance to talk about it.”
Yuan Shao's face was expressionless and cold. He kept his mind clear as he listened to Cao Cao's detailed introduction.
As the map unfolded, Cao Cao pointed to the Jiangdong and Jingzhou regions, as well as the largest Sichuan and Sichuan regions, Xiliang.
These were all lands that had yet to be subdued.
However, there was a special characteristic.
They occupied their own terrain and had the geographical advantage, especially in Xichuan. The road to Xichuan was extremely difficult. In the past, Liu Yan only wanted to be a local overlord in Xichuan. That was why he suggested that the various prefectures implement the state shepherd system and enter Xichuan Yizhou.
The current Liu Jiyu was also the same. He could be called the emperor in Yizhou and had not paid tribute for many years.
Thus, Cao Cao spoke from morning to noon.
When the sun was at its most dazzling.
Yuan Shao was getting more and more engrossed as he listened. He even felt that if Cao Mengde could become his strategist, he would definitely be in the top three on the Advisor Rank.
This person's plan was so far-reaching that it was rare in the world.
"Yes, I know your plan. I agree now, but I have another request.”
Yuan Shao's face was stern, and he had a haughty look. He was already certain that Cao Cao was asking for peace, and with his actions, he was already prostrating himself in front of Cao Cao, not daring to refute.
" You must cede your East County to me, and then-"
Speaking up to this point, Yuan Shao suddenly stopped.
He looked at Cao Cao in confusion.
Because he saw Cao Cao grinning.
His smile was filled with disdain, pride, and mockery.
"What are you laughing at?"
Cao Cao looked left and right before raising his head again. At this moment, Yuan Shao was drenched in sweat and could only squint his eyes under the sunlight.
On the other hand, Cao Cao was as relaxed as a spring breeze, his beard fluttering in the wind.
" Hahaha!"
"What are you laughing at? Give it up and you agree?”
Cao Cao laughed as he jogged back to the army. At this moment, the cavalry quickly moved out to escort the lord back to camp. Yuan Shao was dumbfounded when he heard Cao Cao's shouts again.
"Yuan Benchu, if I were you, I would never negotiate peace with Cao Mengde!!! Cao Mengde was a traitor, a moth thief! Cunning villain! If you are so stupid, won't you be fooled?!”
" Hahaha!"
"You! You! Cao Aman!"
Yuan Shao turned pale with fright, looking extremely wronged. He stood up and scolded Cao Cao, but the sunlight was too bright, so bright that his eyes were dazzled.
Finished, finished!
At this moment, he immediately understood something. Originally, the sun was shining on the Cao army, and they were the ones who benefited from it. Now that Cao Cao had dragged them to the west, the sun was shining on their army!
"Charge! Release the arrows!"
When Cao Cao returned to the formation, Cao Ren immediately shouted and fired tens of thousands of arrows.
The Yuan army also immediately moved, and countless soldiers came to rescue Yuan Shao, but many of them were shot by arrows, and the army could not even move.
He could only get beaten up.
They could only watch as Cao Cao took the lead.
"Aiya, aiya! Cao Mengde, I'm going to skin you alive!!”
" You traitor, evil traitor!!"
At this moment, Yuan Shao was already numb from anger.
He was finally rescued back into the army, only to find that his troops had long been in chaos.
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