Chapter 35 Section IX

One military report after another was sent to the prime minister's office together with the call for Cao Cao. Cao Cao suffered from a headache again in the past two days.Cao Pi and Bai Shao are on duty in the lobby.The Taiwan case is full of essays against Cao sent from various places.Bai Shao said to Cao Pi: "Do you want to report to the Prime Minister?" Cao Pi said: "Father suffered from a headache a few days ago, and he was cured after taking the medicine given by the imperial doctor Jiping. He committed it again yesterday, and today he lay down and said, except for the emperor's summons and the urgent report of military information." Don’t bother me.” Bai Shao said, “Isn’t this considered a military emergency report?” Cao Pi nodded and said, “Forget it, it’s just that the news is too bad, and my father is ill, is it appropriate to report it to him?” Bai Shao said: "Maybe."

Cao Pi nodded, picked up a copy of the call for Cao Cao, rolled it up in his hand and left. Cao Cao was lying on the couch in a daze, when he heard Cao Pi's voice coming in, he asked, "Why bother you?" Cao Pi said, "There is an urgent military report that I have to report." Cao Cao closed his eyes and asked, "Where did it come from?" Cao Pi said, "" All directions." Cao Cao said, "There are so many events. What is the military situation?" Cao Pi hesitated, and said, "Yuan Shao issued a letter to challenge Cao." Cao Cao still did not open his eyes: "So what?" Cao Pi said, "First in Yuan Shao The occupied states and counties were all over Zhang Hang, and then all the states and counties appeared. Then, they approached Xudu from north, east, south and west. The day before yesterday, I saw Zhang Hang at the intersection a hundred miles away from Xudu. The day before yesterday, I saw Zhang Hang at the intersection fifty miles away from Xudu. Today, this call to action also appeared at the intersection twenty or thirty miles away from Xudu." Cao Cao closed his eyes and said, "Why didn't it hang on the gate of Xudu city, why didn't it hang at the gate of my prime minister's mansion?" Cao Pi was at a loss for words.Cao Cao opened his eyes and said, "It can be hung twenty miles around Xudu, isn't it because his secret work came to my door? The defenses of all walks of life are so negligent, so they should be investigated."

Cao Cao asked: "How is the call to action written?" Cao Pi said: "Bewitching and stirring up people's hearts, you will do everything you can." Cao Cao said wearily: "Nian Nian." Cao Pi said: "It's too long." Cao Cao said impatiently: " Pick the words that are harsh and read." Cao Pi unfolded a notice as large as a notice, looked from top to bottom and said, "From the beginning, I will spoil my father's background and origin." Cao Cao closed his eyes again, and his love He interjected indifferently: "It's not as good as Yuan Shao's fourth generation and third son, who was born rich and noble." Cao Pi continued to look down: "And then, list the people who have been demoted and killed by my father over the years." Cao Cao still closed his eyes and interjected: "There are many people who want to be demoted and killed. He Yuan Shao may also be on the list." Cao Pi continued to look down, and said: "This sentence is a bit general: 'The ambition of the jackal and the conspiracy of the wolves are the desires. Destroy the pillars of the Han Dynasty, destroy the loyal and righteous, and only serve as heroes." Cao Cao still closed his eyes and said indifferently: "It's a cliché, it's been many years."

Cao Pi went on to say: "Going down, Yuan Shao boasted that he sent troops to fight against Cao this time: "Now we are stationed in Ao Cang, blocking the river as a solid, and want to use the ax of the praying mantis and the tunnel of the imperial chariot. The universe; there are millions of halberds, and thousands of horses; those who strive to win the Yellow River, cultivate, and win, gallop the momentum of the bow and crossbow; Bingzhou goes to Taihang, Qingzhou involves Ji, Luo; Wan and Ye followed behind: Thunder shakes the tiger's steps, if you lift the fire to fly the canopy, cover the sea with fertile charcoal, what is indestructible?'" Cao Cao opened his eyes slightly and commented: "I have listed my crimes before. It is nothing more than to say that he is straight and I am straight, and he occupies the truth; the latter is nothing more than saying that he is strong and I am weak, and he occupies the power."

Cao Pi looked down and said: "This passage is more poisonous: 'Again the military officials and soldiers, those who can fight are all from You, Ji, or the old camp. The people of Yu, Yu, and the rest of Lu Bu and Zhang Yang were overthrown and threatened, and they were obedient when they were in power. Everyone was devastated, and everyone was an enemy. If you go back to Yifang, climb a high hill and beat the drums, and Yang Su will use it to open the road, it will collapse. , not waiting for blood.'" Cao Cao nodded and said: "There is something in this passage. According to him, my troops are all mobs: those who are homesick, those who are looking forward to returning to the north, and those who are suspicious of each other. , the ones who have to live in peace are just living in peace. Up and down there are dangers everywhere. It's a little inflammatory."

Cao Pi continued to read: "'In the same day, the four prefectures of You, Bing, Qing, and Ji will advance side by side. When the book arrives in Jingzhou, they will show up their troops and cooperate with General Jianzhong. All the states and counties will organize righteous soldiers and collect them. It is very important to raise one's prestige and rejuvenate the country.'" Cao Cao's eyes widened. "Jianzhou advances side by side" and they all sent out troops. General Jianzhong only refers to Zhang Xiu. He said that Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu in Jingzhou would also help him. In this way, there are Yuan Shao, Liu Bei, Zhang Xiu, and Liu Biao. Is it true or not? There's a bit of momentum."

Cao Pi said: "What about the last part of the reward: 'Whoever wins the title will be given the title of Marquis of 5,000 households, and the reward will be 50,000,000 yuan. Don't ask me if the trilogy favors the generals and school officials. Guangyi Enxin, Banyan Reward the talisman and announce it to the world, so that the salty emissary will know that the Holy Dynasty is in trouble. It is like a law!" Cao Cao sat up when he heard it, and said, "I have a headache for a few days and want to sweat, but I can't sweat it. Now I sweat it. A reward is offered. If you want my head, the reward is 50 million. I ordered Xuzhou to attack Liu Bei a few days ago, and I offered a reward of 5 million for Liu Bei's head. It seems that my head is ten times more expensive than Liu Bei. This reward is not bad, not too low. If I want to offer a reward for Yuan Shao's head, perhaps the same price as Liu Bei, around five million."

Speaking of this, Cao Cao got up and went to bed, and said: "Who made this call to action?" Cao Pi said, "I heard that it was written by Chen Lin." Cao Cao smiled, "Those who have literary affairs must be helped by martial arts. Although Chen Lin's literary affairs are good, it is a pity that Yuan Shao's martial arts is not enough. Alright, tell the civil and military officials, Discuss to meet the enemy!" Cao Cao shook his spirits again, and convened a chamber of commerce with dozens of important civil and military officials in the hall of Xiangfu.In addition to Guo Jia, Xun You, Cao Pi, Li Dian, Xu Chu, Zhang Liao and others, Kong Rong and Yang Gang who had just surrendered from Yuan Shu were added this time.

Cao Cao pointed to the proclamation piled up on the case and said: "You may have seen the proclamation against me. Yuan Shao sent 400,000 troops to attack Xudu in several ways. You probably all know it. I heard that when he discussed sending troops, the hall Only one or two hundred civil and military officials were summoned, more than the number of people in Xudu Chaohui. Yuan Shao talked about pomp! In short, this time Gu offended Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, so it was considered an appointment. But before the fight started, Gu was somewhat hesitant. Gu is People with big ideas, if they make up their minds, will not be moved by the divergent opinions. But Gu is also a person with small ideas. If anyone opposes my opinion, as long as they are justified, Gu will be able to stand up. Let Liu Bei lead the army Xuzhou is really wrong. It is true to Liu Bei as you said. It is taken for granted. It is wrong. How to face the battle today, please make a bold statement. Unlike the past, Zhongcheng Yushi Kong Rong and Yang Gang who was once Yuan Shu's secret envoy I also joined today, they are all utterly loyal people, so it’s okay to say it bluntly.”

Kong Rong is eager to try.Cao Cao saw it: "Kong Rong is the first to speak when he arrives, please." Kong Rong came out and said: "We all know that Prime Minister Cao has a lot of talents, so-called strategizing and winning thousands of miles. Today, Rong is trusted by the prime minister to join this decision. But he spoke first, fearing that the prime minister would be displeased. Rong thought Yuan Shao was too powerful to fight against. We can only make peace. Just this one sentence, it's over." Xun You immediately came out and said, "Yuan Shao has no one who can use him, why bother to negotiate peace with him?" Kong Rong argued: "Yuan Shao has a vast land and a strong army, and his subordinates are like Guo Tu, Xu You and Shen Pei, the so-called three major military divisions are all resourceful men, General Fenwu Ju Shou and Bie Jia Tian Feng are all loyal ministers, Yan Liang and Wen Chou are the two tiger generals who are brave and champion the three armies, and the rest of the famous generals are innumerable. People." Xun You smiled: "Yuan Shao has many soldiers but not organized, Xu You is greedy and unwise, trial and appointment is dedicated but not scheming, although Ju Shou and Tian Feng are loyal and honest, Yuan Shao may not adopt them. These decision-making figures are mutually exclusive. Incompatibility leads to internal changes. As for Yan Liang and Wen Chou, they are nothing more than the bravery of ordinary people, and they can be captured in a single battle. The rest of the mediocre people, even if there are millions, what is the point?" Kong Rong was speechless for a while.Cao Cao laughed.

Cao Pi went on to say: "According to information, at Yuan Shao's pre-war meeting, General Fenwu Ju Shou once proposed a strategy of 'three steps': the first step was to propose a victory in Xudu; the victory report of Yuan Shao's conquest of Gongsun Zan was sent The imperial court presented prisoners of war and spoils of war to the emperor, practiced the triumphant ceremonial guards in the military training ground, and accepted the emperor's review. He estimated that his father would never agree." Cao Cao said: "I definitely cannot allow him to come here to show off his power." Cao Pi continued: "The first In the second step, on the grounds that his father prevented him from meeting the emperor, he marched into Liyang and put pressure on me to prepare for the war. Tired of parrying, tossing and tossing for three years, let us sit and wait for death." Cao Cao thought: "This move is indeed a bit vicious, and it is difficult to deal with." Yang Gang went on to say: "Prime Minister Qi, Yuan Shao has my insider, and it also came from Yuan Shu's side. He got the news that Ju Shou's proposal was rejected by Yuan Shao. The one or two hundred civil and military officials in the palace saw Yuan Shao's happy and angry behavior. Standing on the side that advocated sending troops immediately, only Jushou and Biejia Tianfeng were left to remonstrate. Jushou had no choice but to suggest "bluffing and sending troops to disturb our side" again and again. , and then directly attack Xudu." Cao Cao interrupted: "This one is also vicious." Yang Gang finished speaking: "Yuan Shao was furious, and he said that he could shake the morale of the army again, and he will be punished by military law." Cao Cao said: "It fits Xun You just now. As you said, Yuan Shao has such a loyal and reasonable person, but he can't use it, isn't that the way to defeat the army?" Kong Rong argued again: "Yuan Shao has Jushou and Tian Feng's remonstrances, and I have remonstrances here. I suggest that we temporarily make peace with Yuan Shao. When the prime minister's power grows stronger, we can fight again during the war." Guo Jia came out and said: "Ju Shou argues with everyone alone, which is different from the one argued by Master Kong today. You can't just say that you dare to argue alone, you must be right, it depends on what you say. There are many differences between Prime Minister and Yuan Shao. Don't say it In addition, although Yuan Shao had a pre-war meeting of 100 or 200 people, the situation of the meeting was only known here in one or two days; the prime minister held a meeting here, and Yuan Shao would not hear a few words in three months. Only this one, Yuan Shao is still undefeated The prime minister is still victorious?" At this point, Guo Jia took out a piece of paper from his sleeve, unfolded it and said, "I think Yuan Shao had ten defeats, and Ming Gong had ten victories." Cao Cao laughed and said, "You still have a small notice? "Xun You interjected: "Knowing that the Prime Minister has encountered difficulties in fighting Yuan Shao, Guo Jia stayed up all night thinking about it. Before five o'clock, he went to You's house to discuss it together." Cao Cao nodded.Guo Jianian said: "Yuan Shao's ten defeats and Ming Gong's ten victories are as follows: "Although Shao's troops are prosperous, they are not to be feared: Shao is full of rituals and manners, and the public is natural, and this way wins; This righteousness wins; since Huan and Ling, government failures have been lenient, Shao has used lenient relief, and public officials have used fierce corrections, and this rule has won; , this degree wins; Shao has more plans and less decisions, and the public has the strategy to do it. Shao listens to slander and confusion, public infiltration does not work, this Ming wins; Shao confuses right and wrong, public law is strict, this article wins; Shao Hao is vain, does not know the essentials of soldiers, public uses less to overcome the crowd, uses soldiers like gods, These are the victories of martial arts.' The public has these ten victories, and they are used to defeat Shao Wunan." Cao Cao said with a smile: "As the Lord said, why should I be lonely? Xun You, you are eager to speak again, what do you say?" Xun You said: "Guo Jia's theory of ten victories and ten defeats is consistent with my ignorance. Although Yuan Shao has many soldiers, why should he be afraid?" Yang Gang was eager to speak, looking left and right but stopped.Cao Cao said, "What does Yang Gang have to say?" Yang Gang said, "Brother Guo Jia's theory of 'ten victories and ten defeats' is really incisive. Like the prime minister said, I'm new here, but just by citing one, I know that Yuan Shao must Defeated, the prime minister will win. Yuan Shao, Jushou and Tian Feng died admonishing, if Yuan Shao is finally defeated, it proves that Jushou and Tian Feng's views are correct, Yuan Shao's decision is wrong, Yuan Shao can't hold his face, and he will kill them both; and the prime minister just said, It was my mistake to send Liu Bei to lead the troops to Xuzhou, and I confessed my mistake frankly, and I didn’t hesitate to say it.” Bai Shao had been keeping the secretary, then glanced at Cao Cao, and interjected: “The poor are afraid of people’s words. If you don't have money, you are afraid of being ugly when you are ugly." Everyone was puzzled.Cao Cao turned his head and asked: "What do you mean by the master?" Bai Shao said while writing: "The prime minister is usually resourceful, and the superiors have a lot of advantages. If you admit one or two mistakes, it will not damage the title of Minggong, and you will lose your name." In the name of 'humility and generosity'." Cao Cao was taken aback for a moment, then laughed.Yang Gang kept paying attention to Bai Shao, and after hearing this, he said: "As soon as Yang Gang arrived in Xudu, he heard that the master book's words were extraordinary, as expected." Cao Cao stood up and paced back and forth in thought, then stopped and said, "It seems that most of you suggest that I fight Yuan Shao resolutely. Li Dian, Xu Chu, and Zhang Liao, what do you think? General Tiger, how are you doing with the battle? Li Dian said first." Li Dian cupped his hands and said, "Zhang Fei's eight spears are afraid of others, but I am not. Guan Yu used a saber, and I also used a saber, a saber against a saber, and I defeated Guan Yu." Cao Cao said, "Where's Zhang Liao?" Zhang Liao clasped his hands and said, "Yan Liang, Wen Chou and I were learned from the same master, and they will surely be defeated by me. .” Just as Cao Cao nodded, Guo Jia fainted for a while, and Xun You supported him.Cao Cao asked: "Guo Jia, why is this?" Xun You explained for Guo Jia: "Guo Jia's mother was sick, and she guarded her night and day a few days ago, but yesterday her mother was just fine, and she planned to fight Yuan Shao overnight." Cao Cao nodded: "I'm tired " Guo Jiamen lowered his forehead, stood still, straightened his mind, and said: "Although Yuan Shao has a large land, many people and great power, but his reaction is slow, the Duke of Ming has a strong army, and he is resourceful and quick-changing. Only these two sides are facing each other. If you stay still for a long time, it is beneficial to Yuan Shao; if you move, the more chaotic the better, the prime minister can look for opportunities to change. At this time, you must not hesitate or miss the opportunity. Guo Jia is willing to fight to the death. If you attack, you will supervise the front army. If you retreat , I would like to supervise the rear army." Xun You said: "You are also willing to fight to the death with the prime minister. Don't miss this opportunity." Cao Cao nodded deeply, and then asked Bai Shao: "What do you think the master thinks about the outcome?" Bai Shao said: "I don't understand military affairs, but I feel that I can win." Cao Cao asked: "Why?" If one person walks, one will make friends.” Confucius commented on this saying: “One person walks, three people doubt it.” It means: it is relatively simple for one person to do things alone; Doubtful. The civil servants and military generals here are so united, because the prime minister is simple and simple, upright and balanced, and well-adjusted." Encouraged by Cao Cao, he said: "Okay, if there is a victory in the battle, I will immediately report to Xu Duzhu here. " Bai Shao said: "I want to join the army." Cao Cao was stunned: "I never thought of letting you join the army. The war is so dangerous." Bai Shao said: "I am not afraid. When the war starts, once you leave, the prime minister's mansion will be free Yes, it’s boring to be alone here, so it’s better to watch how the prime minister fights.” Xun You said: “If the master is with the army, it can really boost the morale of the whole army.” Cao Cao said: “Why?” Xun You smiled: “Rong You joked: The prime minister will take the town The treasures of the mansion are all brought, doesn’t it mean that the winning ticket is at hand?” Cao Cao smiled: “Xun You is a genius, and what he said makes sense. Okay,” Cao Cao said to Bai Shao, “You are the real master of the mansion, and now the chief of the Chinese army. You too." Speaking of this, Cao Cao sat down again, and solemnly said to everyone: "Gu decided to send troops to fight Yuan Shao. Now that the gains and losses have been weighed, and the victory and defeat have been settled, there is no doubt anymore. We must encourage the whole army to fight against the enemy!"