Chapter 34 Section VIII

On the second day after Yuan Shao received Zheng Kangcheng's personal letter from Chen Deng, he called all civil and military officials to discuss the matter. Yuan Shao is now the most powerful faction in the world. Although he has not proclaimed himself emperor, he still holds the title of Great General bestowed by the imperial court, but in fact he is almost like an emperor.The scale of the meeting hall of his Grand General's Mansion is larger than that of Xudu Chaohui Hall.He presides over the meeting in the hall, just like the emperor sitting on the throne, but it is not called the dragon seat.When he was promoted to the hall, the scale of the guard of honor was the same as that of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, but the color was not the bright yellow used by the emperor.On this day, all civil and military officials in the main hall were already kneeling and waiting, and the steps were also full of civil and military officials who were not high enough to enter the hall.The time had come, and shouts of "the general is coming" came from far and near in the courtyard, and a general in golden armor appeared with a whip in his hand, and blew three times like an emperor going to court, and there was a sudden silence inside and outside the hall.With the sound of bells and drums and the sound of music, Yuan Shao entered the compound on a golden chariot, guarded by tiger and cardinal troops, majestic and majestic, and the guard of honor meandered without end.When he came to the front of the hall, Yuan Shao got off the golden chariot, and the officials in front of the hall shouted: "Major General—" All civil and military officials inside and outside the hall immediately bowed three times and kowtowed nine times and shouted in unison: "A thousand years old! Nine thousand years old!" Yuan Shao climbed up the steps, with a dignified appearance and a magnanimous appearance, entered the hall, passed through all the civil and military officials prostrate on the ground, calmly boarded the throne of the general, then looked around, stretched out his hand and said: "Your honor is flat." They all shouted: "Thank you, General, for your kindness!" Then they got up and stood neatly in line.

Yuan Shao calmly pointed to the officials below and said, "I have a cloud of civil servants, military generals and sages, far more than the number of civil and military officials in the court of Xudu, and even better than the group of civil and military officials in Cao Cao's prime minister's mansion." He said boldly and magnanimously. Then he said: "Although my meeting hall is not the Chaohui Hall of Xudu, it is better than the Chaohui Hall of Xudu. Although my throne is not called the Dragon Seat, the Tiger Seat is enough to dominate the world. Well, I have called you today to discuss a big matter , Chen Deng sent Zheng Kangcheng's personal letter, Liu Bei rebelled against Cao Cao, Cao Cao now wants to raise troops to attack Liu Bei, Zheng Kangcheng begged me to send troops to help. If Liu Bei should not be saved, he just killed my own brother Yuan Shu, and his crime is hard Forgiveness. But Zheng Kangcheng’s letter is unusual. This Zheng Gong was a minister when he was Emperor Huan, and he had close contacts with his ancestors and fathers. They all called him Zheng Shangshu. Participate in government affairs. I have invited Zheng Shangshu to be a guest here many times, but I have not been able to invite him. This time he wrote the letter in person, which is somewhat difficult to refuse."

Yuan Shao lifted the lid of the teacup and took a sip of tea, and then said with confidence: "Of course, if I send troops, it will not be just because of this kind of affection; although the affection is great, it is not as important as the benefits. Liu Bei can invite Zheng Shangshu to write a letter in person, It shows that this person should not be underestimated, otherwise he would not dare to betray Cao Cao and seize Xuzhou; it also shows that Zheng Kangcheng attaches great importance to this matter. Zheng Kangcheng said in the letter that Liu Bei betrayed Cao because he stabbed Cao Cao's confidant. Against the banner of Cao Cao; he also said that the one who fought against Yuan Shao for the world is really Cao Cao. If he can send troops this time, instead of saying that I, Yuan Shao, rescued Liu Bei, it would be better to say that Liu Bei will naturally become my helper in attacking Cao Cao; Time is not coming. If Cao Cao becomes bigger in Xudu Central Committee, I will be under the control of Cao Cao. Although what he said is to solve Liu Bei's urgent needs first, it is indeed reasonable. You know, I have always been brainstorming, broadening Collectors, today you can speak freely and express your opinions on whether I will send troops. Anyone who advocates sending troops," he raised his left hand, and there is a red pulpit in front of the left front of the throne, "can stand on this red pulpit and expound on the idea of ​​sending troops. This It is the right side in your eyes, the right is up, attacking, and advancing, and red is fighting and advancing." He raised his right hand again, pointed to a black pulpit that had been placed in front of the right front of the throne, and said: "Anyone who opposes sending troops , you can go to this black forum to explain why Chen opposes sending troops. This is the left side in your eyes, and the left side is down, defending, and retreating.

Hundreds of civil and military officials stood neatly in the hall, looking at each other in silence. After a while, a majestic general walked out and went straight to the front. Yuan Shao looked up from above and was happy: "It's General Fenwu Jushou. You command the three armies of the director. Should you be the main battle?" Jushou shook his head, and went to the left to board the black pulpit.Yuan Shaofa asked: "You are supposed to be a faction sending troops, why did you stand on the black pulpit where the main retreat and the main guard are? I, Yuan Shao, have a lot of land and a lot of food, and I have millions of soldiers. Throwing a whip is enough to cut off a river, and scooping up soil can make a mountain. One person, one mouthful The saliva also drowned that Cao Aman, now that Liu Bei is rebelling against Cao, God gave a good opportunity, why don't you agree to send troops?" Ju Shou said on the black rostrum: "The one who fights the world with Ming Gong is indeed Cao Cao. There will be a battle with Cao Cao. But Is it the right time to send troops now? Really not. Why? Recently, the campaign against Gongsun Zan has been fought for many years. The people are exhausted and the stores are scarce, which is a deep worry for the country. Therefore, it is not appropriate to send troops, and the outcome is unknown. If there is no way to win, then send troops here It’s okay to take a risk. However, there is a sure-fire plan. What is the sure-win plan? It’s a step-by-step approach. The first step is to send an envoy to Xudu to apply to the imperial court. Since we have defeated Gongsun Zan, we can offer Jie Tianzi, according to the practice of the Han Dynasty, to present a victory is to offer prisoners of war and spoils of war, to be escorted by the army, and to be inspected by the emperor on the training ground, before sending troops to practice. This way to and from Xudu, the momentum is prominent , Yangwei the world, Cao Cao will not tolerate it. If he does not tolerate it, we can apply to the court and declare to the world that Cao Cao will block my way of worshiping the Son of Heaven. In this way, we will gain a reason to attack Cao Cao and become famous. The second step is also It's not a full-scale dispatch, but a full-scale deployment, but marching into Liyang, gradually operating Henan, adding boats there, repairing equipment, and giving Cao Cao a state of overwhelming troops. The third step is to suppress the border without fighting, but to harass more. Dispatch elite cavalry and keep attacking its borders, making it hard for Cao Cao to care about things. Toss him like this for three years, while we recharge our energy and store up our strength, and finally we can sit down and rule the world. I hope you will learn from me."

Yuan Shao was displeased when he saw Jushou's objection to sending troops at first, but he hesitated when he heard these remarks, and he asked the following: "Who else is talking about it?" Two people came forward together and turned right onto the red pulpit advocating sending troops. Yuan Shao was delighted when he saw it: "There are two military advisors, Guo Tu and Xu You. I often say that there are two military advisors in Cao Cao's place, the so-called great and small wise men Guo Jia and Xun You. Don't you know he has Guo Jia and I have Guo Tu "What's the use of having a word Jia in the sky? It must be useful if you have a plan. Therefore, my Guo Tu is better than his Guo Jia. As for his Xun You, I have Xu You, Xu You, and many You. Wouldn't it be better?" Xun You better than him?" He talked and laughed like a king, and all the civil and military officials below laughed flatteringly.Yuan Shao said: "Guo Tu, Xu You, why do you two advocate sending troops? Guo Tu can speak first." Guo Tu said: "The law of war, ten people surround them, five people attack them, and if the enemy is equal, we can fight. Today The ratio of my military strength to Cao Cao is not ten to one, at least five to one, why not attack? Today, with the prowess of Duke Ming and the strength of Fuheshuo, it is easy to send troops to attack Cao Cao. The ancients said, God does not take, but accepts It's the fault. If we don't send troops to attack Cao Cao in time today, it will be a waste of time, and it will be difficult to succeed in the future."

Yuan Shao nodded and said, "Guo Tu, Guo Tu, when it comes to pictures and characters in the end, do you mean that it is better to use pictures now?" Guo Tu said, "Yes." Yuan Shao said, "Ju Shou, what's your argument?" Ju Shou said: "The whole world uses soldiers to save chaos and punish violence. They are called righteous soldiers. They rely on the strength of the crowd and are arrogant soldiers. The righteous are invincible, and the arrogant will be defeated. Cao Cao welcomes the emperor and builds Xudu as his capital. He has a moral name. The legitimacy of the division. Today, the army is only used to attack Xudu because of the struggle between Cao and Liu. It is against righteousness, and the division is unknown. And the strategy for the temple's victory is not to be strong or weak. Cao Cao is the most capable soldier in the world. He is not comparable to people like Gongsun Zan. If we give up the strategy that Wanan is sure to win, as we said just now, and promote an unknown teacher, I secretly think that Minggong will not take it." Yuan Shao obviously didn't like to listen to this passage, and said: "Say It is already inappropriate for Cao Cao to take the lead in morality and righteousness. It is said that he is the best soldier in the world, not to mention that I disagree, can this full court be convinced?"

On the red platform over there, Xu You raised his hand. Yuan Shao said, "What does Xu You want to say?" Xu You said: "It is inappropriate for Ju to grant the general's talent. King Wu's attack on Zhou is not unjust, and Zhou is a foolish king. Now Cao Cao is not even a king, but a treacherous minister who exercises power. Why is he unnamed? And I understand The courage of the great generals is famous all over the world, and all civil servants and military generals work hard. If they don’t send troops in time, they can set a great cause early. Just like what Guo Tu said just now, if God doesn’t take it, you will be blamed instead. The reason why it was destroyed is because of this. General Ju is known as Fenwu, and he should have been fighting. You are in charge of the three armies, but you come up with such a cowardly so-called "win-win strategy", which is really out of line with the general trend of the world."

Yuan Shao was obviously very happy when he heard this, and asked the following: "What else do you have to say?" Pointing to the two generals standing at the back, he said: "Yan Liang, Wen Chou, what is the attitude of the two generals? Against sending troops?" The two looked at each other for a while, then stepped forward to salute Yuan Shao together. Yan Liang said: "The last general, Yan Liang, listens to the general. If he is asked to send troops, he will send troops, and if he goes out, he will be killed." Drive the iron cavalry to flatten Xudu." Yuan Shao smiled: "Although the two generals didn't understand what they said, they understood what they meant. Did they support sending troops? If they support, stand on the red altar." The two turned right and walked up The red altar stood on both sides of Guo Tu and Xu You.

Yuan Shao said condescendingly: "Ju Shou, look, the main fighter and your opponent are now four to one. According to the law of war, five people will attack them, and one more person from the other side will attack you." Yuan Shao thought I laughed at my own wit.Ju Shou said: "Duke Ming, if the two armies are fighting each other, it is not about the number of people. In such a debate, especially the number of people can't judge the outcome." Yuan Shao said: "General Ju, you can speak again and again. We It's not a hindrance to gather ideas here and collect ideas from others." He pointed to the people below and said, "What's your opinion?"

People were either thinking or looking at each other, all silent.Yuan Shao said: "Let's see, this dispatch of troops is really of great importance. All the ministers may not speak at the altar, but they can express their opinions. Anyone who supports the dispatch of troops," Yuan Shao stretched out his hand to the red altar, "all Stand on the side of Guo Tu, Xu You, Yan Liang, and Wen Chou's red altar. Anyone who opposes sending troops," Yuan Shao stretched out his hand again, "can stand on the side of the black altar where Ju Shou is standing. All right, all you should stand in line now." Man There was a slight commotion among Dian Wenwu, many people stood on the side that advocated sending troops, only a few people stood on the side that opposed sending troops.Still others waver in the middle.Ju Shou said loudly to Yuan Shao on the black altar: "Reporting to Duke Ming, the important matter of raising troops must not be decided so hastily." To tell you the truth, although I am inclined to send troops, I am still a little hesitant, so I have to listen to everyone's words."

At this moment, a person hurriedly rushed from outside the hall. Yuan Shaoju was very happy when he saw it, and said in a loud voice: "Judgment, scrutiny, I have three military divisions in total, and today I only came to Guo Tu and Xu You. Why did you arrive so late?" All the people in the examination and distribution hurriedly came to Yuan Shao and bowed down: "Kowtow to the general." Yuan Shao said without waiting for him to explain: "Let's not gossip, now we are discussing whether to send troops to attack Xudu and punish Cao Cao. Those who insist on sending troops, you see Here, there are Guo Tu, Xu You, Yan Liang, Wen Chou and so many people; those who oppose sending troops, there are only a few of them, General Jushou. What's your opinion, whether to send troops or not?" The judge said: "Zheng Kangcheng I have heard something from Minggong yesterday. I have thought about it all night. If Minggong sends troops this time, he will use the many to overcome the few, use the strong to attack the weak, and punish the Han thieves to help the royal family. , and at the right time to use troops, they will be invincible in attack and invincible in battle. In a word, sending troops is the right thing to do." Yuan Shao leaned up and smiled when he heard this: "Ah, there are different opinions, and you will make a decision at the first trial. What you said just now is exactly what I want." After finishing speaking, he pointed to the bottom, "Those vacillating people in the middle, can they choose their own attitude now?" The civil and military officials in the middle saw what Yuan Shao and Shen Pei said, and they were all worried Standing on the side that advocates sending troops.Originally, among the few people who stood on Jushou's side and opposed sending troops, several others acted on Yuan Shao's face, and also stood in the team advocating sending troops.At present, the situation in the main hall is clear, the side that advocates sending troops has a large number of people, and the black platform that opposes sending troops is still only one person, Ju Shou, and there are only four or five people standing in the audience.Yuan Shao pointed at these four or five people and said: "Now only four or five of you still support General Ju's opposition to sending troops, why go against the crowd?" Hearing this, some of the four or five people thought about it again, and walked to the opposite side with their heads down among the crowd. There was only one person standing beside Jushou's black altar. Yuan Shaoju pointed down condescendingly: "Tian Feng, your position is not good, and I was about to promote you as the governor. Seeing that you are courageous in your actions, why did you stand with Jushou, who is so conservative and stagnant when it comes to sending troops?" Tian Feng simply boarded the black rostrum at this time, and said to Yuan Shao: "General Qi, what General Ju Shou said just now is the most reasonable. He said that the victory or defeat of the two sides in the battle is not only determined by the number of people, but the victory or defeat of the two sides is more important." It’s not about the number of people, but it’s also the most reasonable thing. I hope that the general will not rush to send troops.” He pointed to the crowd opposite, “Everyone acts based on the face of the general. But the ancients have a saying that it is better for a thousand people to promise than one person. So many people agree with the general's thoughts and advocate sending troops, it is better for General Jushou to say what he said is reasonable. Tian Feng hereby begs the general to think twice." Yuan Shao was very upset, his face was very ugly: "So many brains put together, it is not as good as you Two? Jushou Jushou, you were originally General Fenwu and the director of the three armies, but now Tian Feng is the only one following you. Aren't you depressed? It's okay for you to be depressed by yourself, but how can you make millions of us depressed? I can tell you to wait Two people, I will only win and not lose when I send troops this time, and within a year or two, Cao Cao will definitely be killed." Yuan Shao then raised his hand and pointed at the crowd: "Okay, I have gathered the best ideas, and I will decide to do so. Now I have decided to attack Xudu and punish Cao Cao. Jushou, you will not take the initiative to fight this time, and you will not take the initiative to advance. You are cowardly and frustrated. However, I have always tolerated dissidents, and I will still use you this time, but I will no longer let you be in charge of the three armies, which will hinder the morale of the entire army. I order you to supervise one of the three armies, and the other two Army, the first army will be supervised by military adviser Guo Tu." Guo Tu said loudly on the red platform: "Tu is ordered by the general, and I am willing to do the work of dogs and horses." Yuan Shao continued: "The third route army will be judged by the military adviser. I will serve as a supervisor." The judge also made a salute on the red rostrum, and said in a loud voice: "Waiting to lead the general's order, he must repay the Duke with victory." Yuan Shao continued: "Mr. Xu You, although you will not be sent to supervise this time The leader of the army, because what you plan and see is very close to my heart, so you stay in my tent and act as a counselor to plan the overall situation." Xu You said loudly from the red pulpit: "Lead the general's order." Yuan Shao pointed to the black pulpit again Tian Feng, who was standing beside Jushou, said, "Tian Feng, although you are ignorant of current affairs and what you say is ridiculous, I still use you. You are also a counselor in the Chinese army tent, and you are facing Xu You by my side. If you have different opinions, you can still speak freely. In addition," Yuan Shao continued, "Yan Liang and Wen Chou are generals." Yan Liang and Wen Chou responded at the same time on the red platform: "The last general takes orders." Yuan Shao continued: "This time Raise 200,000 horsemen, 200,000 infantry, 400,000 in total, and look forward to Liyang's advance." Guo Tu said loudly from the red rostrum: "To attack Cao Cao with the righteousness of Duke Ming, we must list Cao Cao's evils and issue a call to action. To sue the counties, to denounce the crime, will be truly justified." Yuan Shao said: "Okay, this remonstrance is very reasonable. Is secretary Chen Lin here?" Chen Lin stood up in the crowd and said, "Chen Lin is here." Yuan Shao said, "Chen Lin, you have a reputation for talent. You were the master's book when you were Emperor Ling. Because He Jin refused to listen to your admonition, you were rebelled by Dong Zhuo. I have taken refuge in Jizhou. I have always admired your talents, and this time you will draft the proclamation." Chen Lin said: "Chen Lin leads the general's decree. Now you can take paper, pen and ink, and write it right away." Yuan Shao was overjoyed and said, "What is it? Happy man. I have such literary talents and military generals, why worry about injustice?" Everyone congratulated in unison: "The general is wise!" Jushou was accompanied by only Tian Feng alone, standing alone on the black rostrum, at this time he said loudly to Yuan Shao: "I will report to the general, Rong Jushou has another deadly remonstrance." What do you want to talk about?" Ju Shou said: "Since Duke Ming has decided to send troops, can you wait a little longer? Let's bluff first, it can be regarded as a show to Zheng Kangcheng and Liu Bei, and an explanation is enough." Yuan Shao said: "What do you mean?" Ju Shou said: "I bluffed once, and Cao Cao must be on guard. After a few days, I bluffed again, and Cao Cao was on guard again. After a few days, I bluffed for the third time, and Cao Cao was on the third time." Take precautions. If you bluff like this again and again, Cao Cao will think that I really have no intention of sending troops, and everyone will be paralyzed. At that time, Cao Cao may directly send troops to Xuzhou to attack Liu Bei. When Cao and Liu are fighting hard, If I send another surprise attack directly to Xudu, there may be a 70% chance of winning." Yuan Shao said: "Since we can win by sending troops once, why bother? Besides, with such a bluff, repeated over and over again, how can we destroy Cao Fuhan's banner? Such a small skill, Wouldn't it destroy the prestige of my general and increase the ambition of others? Don't talk too much. If you confuse the army again, you must deal with it according to military law." Ju Shou was speechless. Someone had already moved the pen, ink and paper to the main hall together with the table case.Chen Lin took up a pen to write the essay on Cao Xi.Yuan Shao pointed to Chen Lin and said: "Extend your might and rectify the state, this is one action." Chen Lin wrote vigorously, and said: "The words of the general must be written into the call to action."