Chapter 35 give it a go

"Oh! Is it Brother Ziyuan who came here?" Cao Cao was so overjoyed that he didn't even bother to put on his shoes, and ran out of the tent barefoot. Xu You was caught as a secret agent, tied with ropes like a rice dumpling, and was escorted by four soldiers. When he saw him come out, he curled his lips and said, "Oh, oh, you are still called a good brother... You made a mistake Yes, I'm a spy." "Ziyuan is willing to come, and I'm done!" Cao Cao knew that he had always been arrogant and domineering, so he hurried over to bow to him, "Don't make fun of me... Untie and untie!"

"Wait a minute..." Xu You said unhurriedly, "The boys in your army can keep saying that I'm a spy, you can figure it out." Cao Cao wanted to ask him about Yuan Shao's military plan, so he quickly helped him: "Who says Mr. Xu is a spy? Give me twenty slaps!" The soldiers were wronged, and they arrested a living ancestor and dared not disobey him. Order, with Xu Chu taking the lead, everyone slapped himself across the face.Cao Cao personally went to untie the rope for Xu You, but he couldn't untie it for a long time. After a closer look, he found that the knots were all dead knots. This guy must be dishonest, so he took a weapon and cut him for a long time before letting him go.

Xu You moved his arms and legs, and then bowed and said, "Your Majesty is the mainstay of the imperial court, and I am a commoner. Why should you be so humble?" Cao Cao listened to his good words, but with a bit of a sour taste, he smiled and said: "We are old friends, how can we be distinguished by fame and honor?" As he spoke, he held his hand tightly, "Let's go, Let's go in and catch up." "Wait!" Xu You turned to ask Xu Chu, "Where's my sword? And my horse?" Although Xu Chu didn't like him, he still had to swallow his anger because of Cao Cao's face: "You can't ride horses in the big tent, so I'll keep it for my husband."

"Don't lose it to me." "Who cares about your broken sword and bad horse?" Xu You glared: "Fart! I only have this little property left when I beat Yuanying out. How can I take advantage of others." He is in his forties, and he is still so tricky in dealing with others. Cao Cao sounds shameful: "Hey, don't worry about such trivial matters. There are so many war horses in my camp. Which horse do you want later? Which horse should I lead?" Then he dragged the chattering Xu You into the big tent.Xu You was really rude, and sat down beside Cao Cao's couch.

A soldier came in to light a lamp, and Cao Cao sat down next to Xu You, so he could take a closer look at him——Xu You still looked ugly, with thinner brows, a narrow nose and thick lips. There are seven upward and eight downward mouse whiskers, and those big round and bright eyes are full of energy, the eyeballs are rolling around, a few crow's feet have been added to the corners of the eyes, and a few gray spots have also appeared on the cheeks.He was wearing a gray-black cloth, but his body was covered in dirt, and his hair was fluffy in a bun.Cao Cao secretly laughed in his heart: Judging by your virtue, it is likely that Yuan Shao was annoyed by something and came to me when he was cornered!

Cao Cao's expectation was right, Xu You did come because of a falling out with Yuan Shao.Since he followed Yuan Shao, he has devoted himself to starting a business in Hebei, but he still can't get rid of his arrogance and greed for money.Later, Yuan Shao's power expanded, and all the nobles in Hebei came to join him, especially the most powerful landlord in Jizhou, who appointed Yuan Shao as a military adviser. How could he tolerate Xu You, a foreigner, occupying his land and plundering property?Therefore, the two have secretly competed and have been stumbling each other for several years.

The previous Cao army raided Han Meng and burned a large amount of food, grass and supplies. Yuan Shao sent a trial agent back to Hebei to prepare for re-transportation.After being dispatched to Yecheng, he took the opportunity to retaliate. He arrested Xu You's nephews and nephews on charges of oppressing good people and occupying land, and wrote a letter to Guandu to enumerate his various crimes.It happened that Xu You proposed to Yuan Shao a second surprise attack on Xudu. Instead of accepting it, Yuan Shao took out the trial letter and scolded him severely, and demoted him to be a military official to join the army.The more Xu You thought about it, the more aggrieved he became. He expected that even if he defeated Cao Cao, he would have a hard time in the future. With the help of a judge, it would be impossible to save his family and nephews. Angrily, he left Yuan Ying to join Cao Cao.

Xu You expected that Cao Cao would treat him courteously if he wanted to destroy Yuan Shao, so he put on his airs and said arrogantly, "I've come all the way and I'm still hungry, get me something to eat Let me rest for a while." After saying that, he lay down on the couch, never mentioning the use of troops. Cao Cao was begging him, so he dared not offend him, so he allowed him to occupy his couch, and quickly ordered someone to prepare food.After a while, steaming hot soup cakes were brought up, as well as a few mustard cakes and a lot of dried dates.Xu You threw off his cheeks and shook his back molars. After eating a large bowl of soup cakes, he rubbed his stomach and said, "I'm full... I'm full..."

Cao Cao also felt that the fire was almost ready, and said politely: "Ziyuan has worked so hard, but he came here to surrender to the court?" Xu You is a face-saving person, but Yuan Shao refuses to speak out when Yuan Shao suspects it, causing people to laugh at him.Hearing Cao Cao's question, he neither admitted nor denied, but asked in a strange voice, "Does Duke Ming want to destroy Yuan Shao?" Is not this nonsensical?Cao Cao knew that he was arrogant and liked to compliment, anyway, he couldn't lose his meat by saying good things, so he coaxed him to be happy.Thinking of standing up to this point, I bowed deeply to Xu You: "There is an ancient saying that 'meat eaters are contemptible'. Although brother Yu is the commander-in-chief of the three princes in the dynasty, he is not as talented as my brother, who is far-sighted. One or two, if you can defeat Yuan Shao and make great achievements, not only will you be grateful to Brother Yu, but it will also be a blessing to the court and the people of the world..." Cao Cao has never been so flattering to anyone since he took the post of Sikong, and he said such a thing today, he would be ashamed Feel sour.

But Xu You was very useful. He squinted his eyes and shook his head as if listening to a wonderful song. When his vanity was satisfied, he pinched his mustache and said, "Acceptance and acquiescence. It's not difficult to break Yuan Benchu, but I'll ask my brother a question, can you Answer truthfully." "Zi is far away, but it's okay to ask." "I don't know how much food and grass there are in the army?" Cao Cao smiled slightly, twirled his beard with his hand and said, "Barely, I can last for a year." "No!" Xu You rolled his eyes at him, "I want to tell the truth."

Cao Cao didn't want to reveal the truth in the army easily, so he prevaricated: "It's enough for half a year." Xu You stood up suddenly: "Since half a year is enough... then I will come back in half a year." "Don't, don't..." Cao Cao hurriedly stopped him. "I'm afraid there are not so many?" Xu You smiled and sat down. "Ah!" Cao Cao sighed intentionally, "Don't be angry, Ziyuan, let me tell you the details, the food and grass in the army are only enough for three months." Xu You sneered and said: "Cao Aman, Cao Aman, I think Chen Kongzhang's essay is not fake at all, you old boy is treacherous! I came to help you with good intentions, why don't you even tell me the truth? ?” "Hahaha... don't you hear that 'soldiers never tire of deceit'?" Cao Cao whispered into his ear, deliberately lowering his voice, "To tell the truth, there is only enough food and grass in the army for more than a month." "Don't lie to me!" Xu You stared, and grabbed a handful of dried dates, "If there is food for the full moon, can you eat this in the cold winter?" Cao Cao's heart trembled - what a powerful Xu Ziyuan!Don't dare to tell lies anymore: "Your brother's predictions are true, the army's food and grass can barely last for half a month, and this is a gift from the general's private granary." "Well, that's about the same." Xu You stuffed the jujube into his mouth and chewed a few mouthfuls, "Brother is fighting the enemy alone, there is no rescue outside, and the food and grain are exhausted, so don't seek a quick way to win." , this is the way of death!" "Brother Yu doesn't know this truth, but Yuan Shao's tight defense of the camp has no flaws, how can I break it?" Xu You chuckled: "My little brother has a plan. Within three days, Yuan Shao's 100,000 troops will be destroyed without a fight. I wonder if my brother will listen?" "Stop teasing me, if there is any way to tell me quickly." Xu You's expression became serious, and a bright light burst out of his round eyes: "My brother robbed and killed Han Meng before, and burned a thousand trucks of his grain. Yuan Benchu ​​sent a commissioner to return to Hebei to transfer the second batch of military grain. This time, there are more than ten thousand trucks of grain and grass. , all of them were stationed in Wuchao, 40 miles northeast of Guandu, and Chunyu Qiong led more than 10,000 people to guard it. If the elder brother sent light troops to attack, he would be caught off guard, and all the grain would be burned. Yuan Shao's army would immediately run out of food, and within three days Yuan's army There must be chaos!" Cao Cao was joyful and worried at the same time: "The strategy of looting food has been implemented before, how can we use it again?" "I have to use it again just because I have used it once!" Xu You slapped his thigh, "Yuan Shaoshi is a mediocre person. Even though his younger brother and Ju Shou conspired, he couldn't use it. You succeeded in robbing food last time, and he thought you must Don't dare to come again. If I can go there a second time, it will be no less than falling from the sky. Besides, don't you know what kind of virtue Chunyu Qiong is?" In the old days, Chunyu Qiong and Cao Cao belonged to the Eighth School Lieutenant of Xiyuan, and Cao Cao knew that he was brave, resourceless and fond of drinking.Even so, he still hesitated a little: "Although Chunyu Qiong is not talented, how could he pass Yuan Jun's interrogation after traveling forty miles?" "It's not difficult. You can choose an elite soldier, pretend to be Yuan's army, and falsely say that 'Yuan Gong fears that Cao Cao will plunder the rear, so he sends troops to garrison Wuchao. Then Xu You raised his finger and pointed to the outside of the account, "It's not yet the time of Hai, if you can send troops immediately, you can accomplish great things before dawn! If you wait until tomorrow, Yuan Shao knows that I must be on guard when I run away, then it will be difficult to rob food! Don’t come again when the opportunity is too late, you have to think clearly.” Cao Cao suddenly stood up and shouted to the outside: "Zhongkang, light the lamps, beat the drums and raise the tent!" The generals of the Chinese army gathered in the camp and drums sounded. After a while, all the generals and subordinates arrived, even Xun You, the military commander who was sick.Guo Jia, Zhu Ling, Lu Zhao and other people who had served in Hebei were all stunned when they saw Xu You. When Cao Cao revealed his plan to surprise Wuchao, the whole camp opposed it in unison. Yu Jin was filled with righteous indignation: "Wuchao at Guandu is more than 40 miles away, and Yuan Jun's scouts are constantly traveling with other troops. Even if they can penetrate into the enemy's territory, if Yuan Shao sends troops to reinforce, our army will be killed by the enemy before and after. There is no place to die! Besides..." He glanced He glanced at Xu You, "Besides, this person came here in the starry night with unpredictable intentions, the Lord still needs to investigate carefully." "What do you mean by unpredictable intentions?" Xu You argued, "All my family members have been coerced by Yuan Shao, how can I hide this deep hatred from you? Besides, I will go with the army, and I will not be punished if I make mistakes. !" "Get out of here, you bastard!" Cao Hong stared, "Slaying or not killing you is a small thing, but the master's safety is a big risk. If there is a mistake, there is no use in killing you?" Before Xu You could retaliate, Zhu Ling came out again: "I think Xu Ziyuan's words are credible, but Yuan Shao must be more cautious because he has already used the strategy of robbing food. My lord should not rashly risk his life. It is not allowed in the army. If you don't have a handsome man for a day, I hope the lord will think twice." "I hope the lord thinks twice!" All the civil and military officials echoed in unison, but Yu Jin, Zhu Ling, Zhang Liao, and Li Dian, who were usually at odds, rarely agreed at this moment, and all looked at Cao Cao with pleading eyes. Xu You's decision to join Cao Ying was impulsive, but only now did he realize that he had simplified things. Even if Cao Cao agreed with his strategy, it would not be easy for all the generals in Cao Ying to accept him as a traitor from Hebei.As a surrendered man, he couldn't speak too much, and looked at Cao Cao anxiously.And Cao Cao also seemed to have some doubts. He glanced at Zhang Wenwu one by one, and everyone he looked at shook his head. Even Guo Jia frowned and said nothing.At the moment of desperation, Xun You who was sitting by the side said weakly: "I think Ziyuan's plan is feasible..." "Oh?" Cao Cao finally found a voice of approval, "The military adviser thinks it's feasible?" Xun You really had no energy to get up, so he sat there sickly, and said slowly: "Yuan Benchu ​​didn't know the art of war, so he might not be able to rescue him in time, even if he led his troops to rescue him with the power of the Lord, he would not be invincible. Besides, it's winter, and Wuchao is in the northeast. If you can set the fire with the wind, Yuan’s army at Guandu is far away. At that time, the army’s morale will be scattered and the soldiers will have no fighting spirit, but it can be decided at one stroke. Such a good opportunity, the lord should try...” He spoke very slowly because of his illness. "That's right! Gongda's words are the words of a wise man!" Xu You got excited. Cao Cao looked left and right, but no one agreed except Xun You, and the huge Chinese army tent was silent for a while.The doubts in his heart are getting heavier and heavier, although the opportunity is rare, but what the generals said is not unreasonable, if this surprise attack fails, it may be difficult to come back to guard Guandu.Since it was decided that there should not be many troops for a surprise attack, I would send at most 5,000 cavalry, thanks to the horses sent by Zhong Yao, and Chunyu Qiong alone had 10,000 defenders. Will be more.No matter from which angle you look at it, this strategy is very risky...and should this risk be taken... Everyone stopped talking and looked straight at Cao Cao, waiting for him to make a final decision.There was silence in the big tent, only the crackling of firewood in the charcoal basin. After a long pause, Cao Cao suddenly stood up: "I want to go out for a while, everyone, wait here for a while, and make a decision when I come back." .” After saying that, he left the surprised generals and walked out. "Cao Ah!" Xu You was really anxious, "What are you going to do at this critical moment, I will go with you." "No need," Cao Cao didn't even turn his head, "You wait patiently, I will come as soon as I go, and I won't delay things." After leaving the large tent of the Chinese army, a gust of cool wind hit, Cao Cao felt a lot more awake, strode out of the gate and went to the forward camp.Xu Chu and other guards didn't know what he was going to do, and they didn't dare to ask more questions, so they followed closely behind to protect him.After passing through two village gates, Cao Cao slowed down until Zhang Xiu's camp at the front. A young general guarding the gate saw him from a distance, and quickly knelt down: "The last general sees the lord, my family, General Zhang, is patrolling the camp. Now General Liu is waiting to be dispatched in the tent of the Chinese army, and I will pass it on to you at the end..." Before he finished speaking, he saw that Cao Cao ignored all his arguments and walked through the door with his own soldiers. He didn't go to the big tent of the Chinese army to look for Zhang Xiu and Liu Xun, but went straight to the southwest corner of Dazhai; when he came to a small lonely tent, he saw the curtain was hanging down, and a ray of light was shining from the gap, so he turned his head and told Xu Chu: "You guys wait outside, no matter what happens, don't disturb." After finishing speaking, he straightened his armor and shirt again, then reached out to lift the curtain, cleared his throat, and said, "Brother Wenhe, why are you still here so late?" rest?" "Who is it?" Jia Xu was wearing a fur coat, wearing clogs, and was sitting in front of a charcoal basin warming up with a book. The light was dim and his eyes were blurry. Only when the visitor came close did he recognize Cao Cao, and he was about to get up. He saluted, but Cao Cao pushed his butt back before he lifted it up: "Sit down and talk, let's chat casually." "I thought Duke Ming was still discussing matters in the big tent, and he didn't want to come to my broken tent." Jia Xu didn't dare to look up, and only scanned the ground with his corner of the eye, and saw that Cao Cao was sitting opposite him. "I've been planning everything these days, and I forgot that there is a wise man like you hiding in the camp. Hahaha..." Cao Cao stroked his beard and smiled. "Don't dare." Jia Xu had a humble attitude, keeping his head down and clutching the book. "Originally, I declared that you were in charge of Jinwu, but before the edict was issued, war broke out again, and you had to go out with Zhang Xiu, and Xudu didn't enjoy the Qingfu. It's a pity, a pity." Jia Xu couldn't figure out why he came here, and didn't know how to answer these words, but said softly: "Serving the country should be like this." "Brother Wenhe, do you think..." "What virtue and ability do you have, how dare you be worthy of brother Minggong." "Hey, there are no outsiders now, so what's wrong with the two of us calling casually." Cao Cao said with a smile on his face, "I have been in a stalemate with Yuan Shao for a long time and have not been able to win. Do Brother Wen He have any plans?" Jia Xu shook his head: "Duke Ming has led troops and horses for a long time with great wisdom, and I feel that everything is in order, and there is nothing wrong with it." Most of Cao Ying's resourceful men are from Yingchuan, the generals are from Peiguo, and most of the officials are from Yanzhou. Under such a system, Jia Xu, a Liangzhou native, would not dare to participate in it.Moreover, he is neither a direct descendant of Cao Ying, nor a person who has committed a terrible crime, let alone speak casually. Cao Cao saw that he was tucking his tail, rolled his eyes, and said with a half-smile: "Brother Wenhe is too humble. I couldn't sleep last night and I pushed my pillow and thought about it. It's a bit humiliating for you to be a Jinwu who has nothing to do. , people like you should decide one side to benefit the imperial court, so I plan to submit a petition to the imperial court to appoint you Jizhou Shepherd." "Ah?!" Jia Xu was astonished, his hands trembled, and the book was thrown into the charcoal basin, and he quickly fell to his knees, "I have little virtue, I can't take on this important task, and I hope that Minggong will take it back." " Now that Jizhou is in Yuan Shao's hands, if he becomes the shepherd of Jizhou in name only, won't he have a deadly enmity with him?Although Li Fu had already had a grudge against Li Fu in the previous refusal, there was still room for maneuver. If Cao Cao was defeated, it would be a big deal to return to Liangzhou and stay behind closed doors, and Yuan Shao might not be able to do anything to him.But if he had a death feud with others, once Cao Cao was defeated, how could Yuan Shao keep him alive?Jia Xu has been tempered like walking on thin ice, and she doesn't want to go into this muddy water anymore. "What are you doing? Get up quickly." Cao Cao forced him to have no way out, and smiled smugly, "Appointing you as Jizhou Mu is because the court trusts you, and I trust you. As long as Brother Wenhe knows everything , are you still worried about not being able to destroy Yuan Shao?" Jia Xu was at a loss for words, and sat back on the couch tremblingly, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "Minggong... really want to hear what I have to say." "I came here just to hear your high opinion." Cao Cao did not mention Xu You's strategy, but sighed deliberately, "Everyone says that I am better than Yuan Shao in using troops, but how can we win with such a huge disparity?" Jia Xu seemed to have regained his composure, and looked down at the charcoal brazier. After much deliberation, knowing that there was no escape, he opened his mouth: "Mr. Cao is wiser than Yuan Shao, braver than Yuan Shao, employing people better than Yuan Shao, decisive than Yuan Shao." , Do you know the reason why you have won four victories but have not been able to win for more than half a year?" Cao Cao clasped his hands together, and said in a more humble tone, "I would like to listen to Jia Gong's advice." "Don't dare..." Jia Xu quickly pushed his hands away, "Forgive me for speaking out boldly, I think that Duke Ming's inability to win is due to lack of wisdom and courage, but because he was frightened by the enemy and I dare not take action, demanding a perfect strategy." "You said that..." Cao Cao wanted to defend himself, but after thinking about it for a while, he felt that what he said made sense, and he flinched in fright at one point, and even wanted to retreat. Seeing that he did not refute, Jia Xu let go of his courage: "There are always risks in the battlefield, and there has never been a perfect plan. You think about the emperor and the court at the same time. The more you think about it, the more you can't let it go. How can you fight?" Fortunately, you can correct your thoughts immediately and persevere. This is the first step to success. If you didn’t persist in the battle of Xingyang in the past, how could Gaozu rule the world? If you didn’t persist in the battle of Kunyang, how could Lord Guangwu defeat Wang Mang’s 400,000 people?” "Persistence alone is not enough to defeat the enemy." Cao Cao sighed, "Victory or defeat through the ages is always a matter of an instant." "It's true, all victory and defeat in the world is a matter of an instant, but not everyone can persist until that instant happens!" Jia Xu, who has always been gloomy and dull, actually laughed, " Ren Jun came an hour ago and said that the food crisis has been resolved, but we don’t know whether it is resolved or not, but you know it very well in your heart, right? At this time, no matter how slim the opportunity is, you must seize it! The ancients said, “A gentleman fights Although there is a battle, courage is the foundation', it is not easy to persevere until now, if you try, you may still have a chance of winning, if you don't try, you will only lose!" "Thanks for teaching." Cao Cao felt that he had benefited a lot from listening to his speech, so he quickly came up with Xu You's strategy, "Now I have a strategy, I plan to fight lightly..." "Needless to say," Jia Xu waved his hand, "Just do it boldly." "You haven't listened yet?" "Is Ming Gong a mortal who has been on the battlefield for a long time? Now, at this juncture, you can make your heart beat, shouldn't you try it?" Jia Xu has no expression on his face but deep eyes, staring at Cao Cao's face closely, as if He has fully seen through his mind. "Hey hey..." Cao Cao smiled slowly, "Brother Wen He is truly an amazing person. After hearing what you said, all doubts in his stomach disappeared, and he is here to teach you!" After saying that, he stood up suddenly, turned around and walked out. Jia Xu hurriedly called out: "Minggong wait a minute, I'm going to be changed to Jizhou Mu..." Cao Cao chuckled: "Forget it. Brother Wen He will join the army as Sikong, and he will be transferred to the director of my camp tomorrow." Looking at his back, Jia Xu heaved a sigh of relief—Jizhou Mu avoided him, but he was still dragged into the shogunate, because he played a trick on Li Jue back then, which made him uneasy for the rest of his life!When will I be able to untie this horse that is hitched to the cart... Cao Cao left the front battalion, and took his soldiers back to the big tent of the Chinese army with strides. As soon as he stepped one foot in, he issued an order: "Zhang Liao and Xu Huangle entered to listen to the order. Hurry up and gather five thousand cavalry. Each of them will hold a horse and wrap his hoof, and each will carry a piece of firewood. Bundle, this old man will personally lead the surprise attack on Wuchao!" The generals looked at each other in blank dismay, not knowing why his attitude changed so much the moment he went out, Yu Jin took a step forward and clasped his fists and said, "My lord is determined to do this, I dare not stop, but please let the last general lead the troops to do it for you. Going deep into the enemy's territory is unpredictable, and there is no sword or gun If there is a mistake in the eye..." "Needless to say." Cao Cao pulled out the green sword and cut the curtain into two sections, "I have made up my mind, and there will be others like this curtain! This surprise attack requires everyone to sacrifice their lives bravely. The old man must go to encourage the soldiers in person. Why should the two armies fight each other, people should die naturally! Even if you die in battle, I, Cao, will still have a reputation for bravery! Hurry up and order troops." "Promise." Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, and Le Jin rushed out. Xu You raised his thumb: "Okay! You, Cao Aman, are much happier than Yuan Benchu! Don't worry, I will protect you, and you will surely win the battle!" Cao Cao returned his sword, looked around at the generals and said, "No one else can either. Let Zi Lian and the military division lead the camp to guard the camp. If Yuan Shao learns that our troops are attacking Wuchao, he will mobilize the army to attack our camp if the rescue fails. It must be crazy. You must keep the camp for me at any cost!" "Promise." The generals gritted their teeth and bowed their heads in response. The doubts in their hearts had not been completely dispelled. When they looked up, they saw Cao Cao holding Xu You's hand and striding away...