Chapter 52 second quarter

A military official held a red military emergency report roll in his hand, galloped his horse to the prime minister's mansion, got off his horse, and shouted: "Military emergency report!" The guards immediately stretched out their hands and let them go. Cao Cao was discussing important military affairs with civil and military officials, including Guo Jia, Xun You, Kong Rong, Chen Deng, Yang Gang, etc. for the text, and Xu Chu, Li Dian, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, etc. for the military.Bai Shao still serves as secretary.When the military officials entered the hall, they knelt down one by one, expressing their urgent military situation.Guo Jia stretched out his hand to take it to Cao Cao, Cao Cao raised his chin as a gesture, and Guo Jia took it apart to read it on his behalf. Prime Minister Tu, Sun Ce has already responded, saying that as long as Yuan Shaoxing troops attack Xudu, he will choose an opportunity to send troops to cooperate." Cao Cao glared, "This matter is no small matter, the little overlord Sun Ce is a lion, good at roaring and biting." Guo Jia He scanned the military dispatches again, and then said: "There is the latest information. Sun Ce was assassinated by his subordinates a few days ago. Before he died, he passed on the power to his younger brother Sun Quan. Sun Quan has taken over the control of the situation in Jiangdong." Cao Cao listened with narrowed eyes, and said: "God helped me, and killed a lion that was about to bite me from behind. Can I take this opportunity to attack Sun Quan and pacify Jiangdong? Afterwards, I will go north to fight Yuan Shao, and I will have no worries."

Guo Jia remonstrated: "The Prime Minister has always said that it is an injustice to take advantage of people's mourning. If you fail to do so, you will have deep hatred. Besides, although Sun Ce promised to form an alliance with Yuan Shao, Sun Quan may not be. Sun Ce is strong and warlike. Take advantage of the dispute between Yuan Shao and the prime minister to expand the territory. Sun Quan is weak and will surely succeed. The prime minister is worse than letting go of the past and appeasing him. This will end Yuan Shao's hope of alliance." Cao Cao nodded: "I can ask for an order to make Sun Quan a general in the name of the emperor. He also took charge of the prefect of Kuaiji, cast the seal of the general, the seal of the prefect of Kuaiji, and sent a special envoy to issue an order and deliver the seal. Sun Quan will be overjoyed. However, this matter requires an eloquent, wise and brave person to go to Jiangdong as an envoy."

The civil and military groups lined up on the left and right, waiting quietly for Cao Cao's order. Cao Cao stood up, took a few steps, stopped and said, "Gu Xiang has always been known to know people and make good use of them, and to make the best use of them. Is it okay for you?" Gu Wei is a little sorry for you." Yang Gang said with sincerity and fear: "Prime Minister, this villain can't bear it. I was originally a subordinate of Yuan Shu, and was sent by him as a secret envoy to contact the former Taiwei Yang Biao. The family of the villain, old and young, the villain is endlessly grateful, why can't you stand against the villain's words?" Cao Cao said: "You turned your back on the orphan and presented Yuan Shu's privately kept jade seal of the great man, which is not a small achievement. I will announce the jade seal to the world, and I don’t want to dedicate it to the court, so I can only bury your great achievements, and I can’t find a reason to ask for a seal for you.” Yang Gang said: “Yang Gang is enough to be the prime minister’s staff. Yang Gang’s writing is not as good as Guo Jia’s. The two military advisers, Xun You, have three secrets and nine strategies, and they are planning for the prime minister; generals such as Xu Chu, Li Dian, and Zhang Liao are better than Wu, and they are decisively victorious thousands of miles away. Yang Gang is enough to be an aide." Cao Cao shook his head: " For you, I have not done my best yet. Today I finally have a chance. I think you are the best candidate to go to Jiangdong. You used to follow Yuan Shu in Huainan, bordering Jiangdong. You must be familiar with the situation there, have courage and insight, You are eloquent and eloquent, so I decided to send you as an envoy to Jiangdong. Yang Gang, do you dare to take on this task?"

Yang Gang immediately stepped out, bowed his hands and saluted, "The villain dares to go if he wants to go." Cao Cao said: "When you go to Jiangdong, you think that you will fulfill your mission. First settle down with Sun Quan, and then transfer to Jingzhou to see Liu Biao. I want to ask you to go to Jingzhou as an envoy. The name of Jingzhou is justified. When Jiangdong and Jingzhou come back, I will go to Jingzhou as an envoy. On the grounds of your service as an envoy, please order you to be enshrined in the Ministry of Rites." Yang Gang cupped his hands again and saluted: "Yang Gang never wants to reward meritorious service, but just wants to make Sun Quan and Liu Biao turn their backs on Yuan Shao and stand by the prime minister."

Yuan Shao's mansion in Jizhou is magnificent.There is such a large conference hall in the mansion, and the front door is also guarded by tigers and tigers like tigers and tigers.The military adviser Guo Tu hurried to the back of the palace alone, and the guards let him pass.He hurried to the reception room at the back of the hall.Yuan Shao was talking to Zheng Kangcheng.Behind Yuan Shao stood several followers.Behind Zheng Kangcheng stood Chi Shao, who was disguised as a man.Guo Tu came in and hurriedly said, "General, something happened in Jiangdong." Yuan Shao asked, "Could it be that Sun Ce has changed his mind?" Guo Tu said, "Sun Ce promised to form an alliance with me. People." Yuan Shao said, "What do you mean by changing people?" Guo Tu said, "Sun Ce was assassinated by his subordinates, and his younger brother Sun Quan came to the throne, but Cao Cao sent Yang Gang as an envoy to Jiangdong in advance, coerced the emperor to order the princes, and made Sun Quan a general and leader. The prefect of Kuaiji. Sun Quan has already accepted the title of thank you, and he ignored his brother Sun Ce's alliance with the general, and formed an external response with Cao Cao." Yuan Shao was furious when he heard this: "I wanted to plan an impromptu attack on Cao Cao for a few more days. Cao Cao is so treacherous, I will raise troops immediately." Then he said to Zheng Kangcheng: "Duke Zheng, please go to the hall with me, and discuss with all the civil and military officials about raising the army." After that, he stood up with Zheng Kangcheng, Guo Tu, Chi Shao Followed behind, entered the hall from behind.

As soon as Yuan Shao climbed onto the high throne, all the civil and military officials who had been waiting in the hall bowed to the ground, and under the guidance of the head officials, they shouted in unison: "I wish General Yuan a thousand years!" Yuan Shao sat down and invited Zheng Kangcheng Sitting down at one side, he immediately said to the crowd: "You are in peace." After everyone got up and stood in line, Yuan Shao waved his hand and said, "Cao Cao couldn't wait to die, so he actually sent someone to Jiangdong to join forces with Sun Quan to fight against me. I just got the information from Guo Tu's army division. Since Cao Cao can't wait, I can't delay his funeral. I will immediately raise troops to attack Xudu and attack Cao Cao. This time, Ji, Qing, You, and the four prefectures all Sending 700,000 troops, plus the more than 200,000 stationed on the front line of Wuyang, can be regarded as a million troops. Just as Zheng Gong said at the reception banquet not long ago, attacking Xudu, destroying Cao Cao, and rectifying the country, it is in accordance with the heavens. People are determined to win, and they are bound to win. Do you understand?"

Everyone said in unison: "Understood." Military division Xu You came out.Yuan Shao condescended and asked, "What is the military division Xu You going to say?" Xu You said, "I'm reporting to the general, but there is still one person who doesn't understand." Yuan Shao asked, "Who is it?" Xu You took out a letter from his sleeve and said: "Tian Feng wrote a letter in prison and said: 'The general should wait quietly and wait for the time. Don't rashly recruit soldiers, or there may be disadvantages.'" Yuan Shao got angry and said, He stared.Xu You went on to say: "Ming Gong is a teacher of benevolence and righteousness, why did Tian Feng come up with such ominous words?" Yuan Shao was furious when he heard this: "Tian Feng stopped me from sending troops last time. He has been imprisoned, and now he is bold. Rumorous words, disturbing the morale of the army so much, they will be beheaded today." Ju Shou and several officials bowed down and begged for forgiveness.Zheng Kangcheng persuaded from the side: "When Duke Ming defeats Cao Cao, it will not be too late to correct his crime." Yuan Shao said bitterly: "It is not Mr. Zheng who spoke today, so he will be killed. According to what Mr. Zheng said, wait for me Defeating Cao Cao clearly proves his crime." Pointing to Ju Shou, who took the lead and knelt down to beg Tian Feng to be released, he said: "Ju Shou, you General Fenwu used to echo with Tian Feng, and only made words to disturb the morale of the army. What's the reason this time? ?”

Ju Shou said: "Ju Shou has already told Ming Gong, but now he is dizzy. Although he is with the army, he never speaks much, so as not to disturb Ming Gong's ambition." Yuan Shao said: "Seeing that you have become clearer later, you can still be allowed to accompany the army this time and serve in the tent of the Chinese army." Yuan Shao went on to say: "The last time I sent troops to attack Xudu, although there were minor setbacks and the loss of two generals, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, it was all due to Tian Feng and his like's confusing the army's morale. Although I lost Yan Liang and Wen Chou this time, I still There are a lot of talents, and there are brave generals like clouds. Cao Cao used to have Guan Yu, but now he has rebelled, so why not be afraid?" Yuan Shao looked down and said: "There are people who are better at fighting than Yan Liang and Wen Chou. Is Zhang He here?" General Zhang He came out, clasped his hands and said loudly: "The last general, Zhang He, is here." Yuan Shao called his name again and asked, "Is Gao Lan here?" Here you are." Yuan Shao said, "Let's nominate you two as generals for this Southern Expedition." Zhang He and Gao Lan bowed their hands in thanks and said, "I will fight to the death for Duke Ming." Yuan Shao waved his hand: "We will dispatch troops tomorrow."

On the second day, Yuan Shao urged the army to advance, with banners and swords everywhere. Traveling to Wuyang, Ding Zhaizhai, Yuan Shao summoned civil and military personnel to discuss the matter of attacking in the military tent. Jushou wandered alone outside the tent of the Chinese army, hesitating, and finally heaved a long sigh, ready to give up, but felt that it was wrong, finally gritted his teeth and shook his sleeves, and entered the tent of the Chinese army.Yuan Shao was discussing with the civil and military groups, and Zheng Kangcheng was sitting beside him, and behind Zheng Kangcheng stood Chi Shao, who was disguised as a man.As soon as Jushou came in, Yuan Shao said, "Jushou, why did you arrive so late?" Jushou said, "I had something to say beforehand. Although I was with the army, I kept my words to avoid disturbing Ming Gong's ambitions. But after thinking about it again and again, I still have a remonstrance." Yuan Shao As soon as he heard it, his face changed: "What remonstrance?" Ju Shou said: "Although our army is numerous, it is not as brave as Cao's army; although Cao's army is skilled, its food and grass are not as good as our army. Cao's army has no food, and it is beneficial to fight urgently; It is advisable to defend slowly. If the sun and the moon can be widened, Cao's army will be defeated without fighting."

Yuan Shao became angry when he heard it: "Tian Feng is slow in our army's morale, and I will kill him after victory. Ru'an dares to speak so nonsense! Come on, lock Jushou in the forbidden army, and punish him with Tian Feng after I defeat Cao!" Several knives and axes took Jushou down and took him away.Yuan Shao then ordered: "The new army of 700,000 will set up camps with the original 200,000 in the east, west, north, south, and east, and the communication can be as far as a hundred miles away." The crowd replied: "Get the order of the general." A military official held a red roll of emergency military information, galloped across the streets of Xudu, stopped in front of the prime minister's mansion, got off his horse, and ran towards the prime minister's mansion.The guards stretched out their hands to let them go.The military officer shouted "military emergency report" and entered the gate, passed the courtyard, and entered the lobby in front of Cao Cao, who was kneeling and sitting in the hall, and submitted an urgent military report.Guo Jia took over and handed it over to Cao Cao, and the military officials hurriedly retreated.

Cao Cao took a look at the seal and said with great joy: "Yang Gang really did not disgrace his mission. Sun Quan has accepted the title with pleasure, and he has clearly stated that he will submit to the Han court. Submitting to the emperor means submitting to my Cao. Yuan Shao's alliance with Jiangdong to isolate me Cao's plan, A wind blows. Yang Gang has already diverted to Jingzhou to communicate with Liu Biao." Just as he was talking, another military officer galloped on horseback, shouting "military urgent report" and rushed into the prime minister's mansion, bringing a red scroll of military urgent mail.Guo Jia took it again, and Cao Cao motioned Guo Jia to unpack it and read it.When Guo Jia unpacked the seal, his face became serious, and he said to Cao Cao: "Yuan Shao heard that Sun Quan had surrendered to Xudu and became a foreign agent, and he became angry from embarrassment. He has sent 700,000 troops to attack Xudu in advance. There are more than ten thousand soldiers, and the total is nearly one million, and the battle of life and death is imminent." When Cao Cao heard this, he also felt that the situation was urgent.Civil and military officials immediately became nervous.Today all important civil and military officials have arrived, including Guo Jia, Xun You, Kong Rong, Chen Deng, etc. for Wen, Xu Chu, Li Dian, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, etc. for Wu. Unlike before, Cao Pi is also standing in the ranks of generals.Bai Shao still sits as the secretary on one side of Cao Cao, and Zhu Liu stands on the other side. Cao Cao said: "It's too early to say it's too late. This great battle has finally begun. This battle is about life and death. You and I need to fight with all our strength." Xun You said: "At this time, there is no need to wait and see. The prime minister will order the deployment of troops and generals." Cao Cao nodded: "Gu Xian's deployment is as follows, military advisor Guo Jia." Guo Jia said: "This is a humble job." Cao Cao ordered: "You will lead 50,000 troops to stay in Xudu, coordinate all liaison matters at the front and rear, and control the communication with others. The diplomacy of Sun Quan in the east of the Jiang and Liu Biao in the south is to guard against the changes of Han Sui and Ma Teng in Xiliang." Guo Jia said: "Lead the order." Cao Cao then said: "Zhongcheng Yushi Kong Rong." Kong Rong said: "Rong is here." Cao Cao The order said: "You are in charge of the government with the power of Zhongcheng Yushi and deputy prime minister, and you must guard against the misconduct of Taiwei Fuwan, Cheqi General Fujian, and Minister of Rites Yang Xiu." Kong Rong said: "Lead the Prime Minister Jun's order "Cao Cao said again: "Chen Deng." Chen Deng went out and said: "Deng is here." Cao Cao said: "You are the prefect of Xudu. You must stabilize Xudu. Supplies needed." Chen Deng said: "According to the order." Cao Cao continued: "Master Xun You, Xu Chu, Li Dian, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang and other generals, as well as Cao Pi, you all go out with the lonely. The lonely generals Lead 200,000 soldiers, enter the Guandu line, and join the 50,000 troops stationed there, a total of 250,000 will meet the enemy." Everyone said together: "Lead the order." Cao Cao turned his head and glanced at Zhu Liu: " Zhu Liu, this time you will be the chief accountant of the Chinese army with the army, and you will be by Gu's side." Zhu Liu immediately cupped his hands and said, "The villain serves the prime minister day and night." Finally, Cao Cao looked at Bai Shao: "Master, this battle must be a bitter battle. Life and death are unknown. Whether the master will join the army or not is a matter of hesitation. You can decide for yourself." , flying arrows like rain, where there is a narrow escape, it is better for the master not to go." Everyone looked at Bai Shao. Bai Shao has been writing, at this moment she paused and said: "I naturally follow the prime minister." Cao Cao said: "Well, you will give up your life to be alone." After Cao Cao finished speaking, he stood up and walked around the desk to the center of the hall. He walked around in front of the two groups of people on the left and right. We all know that every time I come to a big battle, I just want to be at ease. The deployment of troops and generals is over, and the troops will be dispatched tomorrow. The rest of the matter is calculated while fighting, and there is no need to think about it in advance. Today, I am quite proud of one thing, you can see What's up?" Everyone looked at each other in blank dismay, not knowing why. Bai Shao sat there and said, "It's not a good employment." When Cao Cao heard this, he pretended not to be sure, and asked calmly, "Where is the right place to employ people?" Bai Shao was waving a pen to mend the record, and snorted disdainfully.Xun You guessed from the side: "The prime minister dispatches troops and generals like this, and he employs people properly everywhere." Cao Cao shook his head greatly.Xun You said: "Then it will be difficult for me to guess." Looking at Bai Shao again: "It must be the master's words." Raised his hands and sighed: "It's still the master who can talk about Gu's heart. Gu is proud to use Yang Gang as an envoy today. He is actually the best candidate. Yang Gang can reverse Jiangdong's attitude with one move, and it can be worth 200,000 troops." Cao Cao paused for a while. After a while, he took two steps and stopped, and then said: "As Yang Gang himself said, he is far inferior to Guo Jia and Xun You in terms of strategizing and strategizing. In terms of martial arts, he is by no means as sure as Xu Chu, Li Dian, Zhang Liao, etc. Ke, the battle must be won. As a censor, he is definitely not Kong Rong's talent. As a prefect, he is even more capable than Chen Deng. But when you go to Jiangdong and Jingzhou, you and others are not as good as Yang Gang. I use Yang Gang this time. It’s people doing their best.” Kong Rong said, "Is it okay for Rong to go to Jiangdong as an envoy?" Cao Cao said: "You can compete with the Confucians with your tongue, talk about the world, and be eloquent. Naturally, you are superior. But when you go to another country, you must not only be full of economics, literary and martial arts, and gentlemanly, but also be good at using the belly of a gentleman to measure the heart of a villain. Words of righteousness, small words of profit, and all kinds of methods can be used together to achieve success. Kong Rong is more elegant than vulgar, and it is not the whole material of an envoy." Chen Deng said: "If Deng is sent as an envoy, is it possible?" Cao Cao said: "If you are an all-rounder, although it is absolutely impossible for Yang Gang to be the eunuch on your behalf, it is okay if you are allowed to go to Jiangdong on behalf of Yang Gang. Only an all-rounder is an all-rounder, and the victory lies in many aspects. In one aspect, you and Yang Gang Compared with his talents, he is not as good at specialization. As far as the mission to Jiangdong is concerned, it is a pity to use you not only because you are broad but narrow, and the effect may not be as good as Yang Gang." Cao Cao waved his hand when he said this, and looked at the white Shao glanced, "Okay, that's all for Gu. Besides, the master should be ridiculed. Gu often brags in front of the master, which makes him more interested. Well, let's go our own way and prepare to go to war." Everyone said in unison: " promise", ready to disperse. Zhu Liu glanced at Bai Shao jealously and thoughtfully. On the second day, Cao Cao personally led an army of 200,000 to meet the enemy. Bing is expensive and fast, marching swiftly along the way.Cao Cao was in the central army and personally supervised the advance of the army on horseback.When we arrived at Guandu, there were old camps where troops were stationed, and new camps were built around them.As soon as Cao Cao sat down in the camp of the Chinese army, he received an urgent report from the military: "Yuan Shao's 700,000 soldiers have already marched to Wuyang to set up camp. Here." Cao Cao discussed with Xun You, Cao Pi, Xu Chu, Li Dian, Zhang Liao and others how to deal with the enemy.Bai Shao is still writing on one side.Zhu Liu stood behind the other side. Cao Cao asked, "How should we meet the enemy?" Xun You replied, "Although Yuan Shao's army has many horses, it is nothing to be afraid of. Our army is elite, and every single one is worth ten. But our army is fighting fast. If the sun and the moon are delayed, food and grass will not be enough. Next, things can be worrying." Cao Cao said: "What Xun Junjun said is exactly what I want. Tomorrow, I will march to challenge." Cao Cao led his army to attack Wuyang from Guandu, and Yuan Shao led his troops to fight.The two sides lined up and officially started the war. Before Yuan Shaolin went out into battle, the examiner said to the side: "I have ambushed 10,000 archers on each side of the formation, and 5,000 archers in the banner gate. It is agreed that they will rush out as soon as the cannon fires. All together, this battle is sure to be safe." Yuan Shao nodded: "Assessment is worthy of being my number one military adviser, and the planning is very thorough." Saying this, three drums are played, and Yuan Shao's golden helmet, golden robe and jade belt, and the flag are produced When they came to the door, Zhang Yun, Gao Lan and other generals were lined up in front of the formation immediately, with their banners and battle axes in strict order.On Cao Cao's formation, the gate flags were opened, and Cao Cao marched out. Xu Chu, Li Dian, Zhang Liao, Xu Huang, Cao Pi and others each armed with weapons and surrounded them.Xun You said softly beside Cao Cao: "After the generals on both sides have fought, I will order Li Dian and Xu Huang to lead 5,000 cavalry each to attack the other side. When their camps are in chaos, the prime minister can command the army to cover up and kill them." Cao Cao nodded, Then he rode his horse forward a few steps, pointed at Yuan Shao with a whip, and said, "I once protected you as a general before the emperor, why are you rebelling now?" Yuan Shao said angrily, "What qualifications do you have to protect me before the emperor? Ru Tuo is called Han Xiang, but he is actually a traitor of the Han Dynasty. His crimes are even greater than Wang Mang and Dong Zhuo. How dare the world's number one traitor accuse others of rebellion?" Cao Cao said, "I am hereby ordering you." Yuan Shao said: "You If there is any imperial edict to honor, it is all a false imperial edict made by the imperial court. In the past, Dong Cheng and others served you with an imperial edict and were killed by you. Now I accept your Majesty’s imperial edict to beg you, which is justified." Cao Cao also said. Angry, he sent Zhang Liao to fight. Zhang Liao came out with a saber, and Yuan Shao sent Zhang He to meet him with a spear.Fighting with swords and guns, the two fought for forty or fifty rounds, regardless of the outcome.Cao Cao nodded again and again when he saw it, secretly amazed.He also signaled Xu Chu to swing his sword and gallop his horse straight out to help the battle.Over there, Yuan Shao waved his sword, General Gao Lan took it with his spear, another pair of swords and guns fought, and saw four generals fighting in pairs. When it was difficult to solve the problem, Cao Cao drew his sword and Li Dian and Xu Huang each led five thousand cavalry to charge at Yuan Jun's camp. When the judge over there saw Cao's army coming to charge the formation, he waved the flag, and the trumpets sounded immediately. Thousands of crossbows were fired from each wing, and the five thousand archers who were ambushing in the Chinese army also rushed out of the formation and shot randomly.Cao Jun was hard to resist. First, the two iron cavalry that charged Yuan Zhen turned around and retreated. Then, Cao Cao, surrounded by the generals, withdrew southward with the entire army. Yuan Shao waved his sword to drive away the soldiers to cover up the kill.Cao Jun was defeated and did not stop until he retreated to the Guandu camp. Yuan Shao led his troops into the army and approached Guandu Xiazhai. The camps on both sides faced each other. The trial partner Yuan Shao remonstrated: "Now we can concentrate our troops at Guandu, build an earthen mountain in front of Cao Cao's camp, and then let the soldiers climb up to overlook Cao Cao's camp, and shoot ten thousand arrows, Cao Cao will not be able to stop it. If he abandons Guandu and retreats, we will If we get to this strategic intersection, we can drive straight in, and we may be able to break through." Yuan Shao nodded and obeyed.Therefore, strong and strong soldiers were selected in each village, and they used shovels and soil to build mountains of soil on the edge of Caoying village.Looking from Cao Ying, the opposite side is full of Yuan Jun.Seeing the growth on the dirt hill, Cao Cao and Xun You immediately sent generals to lead troops out to fight, but the crossbowmen arranged by the judges blocked the throat and couldn't advance.Cao Cao listened to Xun You's plan and built a mountain of earth in the camp to confront Yuan Jun.However, Yuan Jun had been digging soil and piled up the mountain for three days, and the number of people was large. In less than ten days, the earth mountain on this side was not half completed, and there were more than 50 earth mountains on the other side.Yuan Jun's crossbowmen were all shooting arrows on the earth mountain. Cao Jun was terrified. Whenever there was a sound of clapper on the earth mountain, arrows would rain down.Cao Jun all prostrated on the ground with their shields on their hands.Yuan Jun shouted and laughed wildly on the mountain, one after another, the momentum was shocking.Seeing that the whole army was in a panic, Cao Cao hurriedly gathered important civil and military officials to discuss countermeasures.Xun You said: "While continuing to supervise the army to build mountains with arrows and piles of earth, after the mountains are completed, they can shoot at them, and at the same time, they can be used as hair-rock artillery vehicles to destroy the enemy." Cao Cao immediately ordered hundreds of hair-stone artillery vehicles to be built overnight and distributed on the camp wall. Inside, facing the opponent's earth mountain and climbing the ladder, when the opponent's archer shoots arrows, the battalion here pulls the stone cannon cart together, the artillery stone flies into the air, and beats Yuan Jun's earth mountain indiscriminately.Yuan Jun had no place to hide, and countless crossbowmen were killed and injured.In a few days, the earth hills here have been piled up, and the archers have also ascended Gaoxiong to look in the direction of Yuan Jun.Therefore, Yuan Jun simply stopped climbing and shooting arrows. The judge also offered advice to Yuan Shao in the tent of the Chinese army: "You can order the soldiers to use shovels to secretly dig tunnels, go straight to Cao Ying, and call it 'Digger Army'. , attacked Cao Jun in the camp." Cao Bing saw Yuan Jun digging a hole behind the mountain from a distance on the earth mountain, and reported it to Cao Cao.After climbing the mountain, Cao Cao asked Xun You, "What is Yuan Jun doing?" Xun You said, "This must be because Yuan Jun was unable to attack the Ming and turned to attack the dark. This is digging a tunnel, trying to penetrate the wall of the village from the ground, and enter the We raided in the camp." Cao Cao said, "How do you know where and in which direction he dug tunnels?" Xun You said, "There must be hundreds of tunnels all over the place, and it is difficult to determine where they came out of." Cao Cao said: "How can we defend ourselves like this?" Xun You said, "We can dig a long ditch around our camp, and his tunnels will be exposed as soon as they reach the ditch. We can seal the openings of their tunnels in the ditch. Block." Cao Cao nodded, and immediately ordered the soldiers to go around the camp overnight to dig a deep moat. When Yuan Jun dug the tunnel to the edge of the trench, it was completely exposed, and he could no longer move forward, which was in vain. More than 20 days passed, and Cao Cao led his army to defend the Guandu camp. This night, the moon was thin and the stars were sparse. Cao Cao, Xun You, Cao Pi and others patrolled the camp together. Xu Chu and Li Dian led dozens of soldiers with swords and shields to protect the front, rear, left, and right.Bai Shao and Zhu Liu also followed Cao Cao.In the camp, there are soldiers resting in the military tents, and some soldiers are patrolling in the camp. You can see soldiers holding bows and arrows standing guard on the earth hills in Cao Jun's camp.On the opposite side, against the backdrop of the moonlight and starry sky, dozens of Yuan Jun's earthy mountains stood black. Seeing this scene, Cao Cao sighed: "We have been stalemate for more than 20 days, and it seems that we will continue to stalemate for a longer time." Xun You said: "You once proposed to the prime minister to fight Yuan Jun quickly, and the first battle was not planned for the prime minister. , was attacked by the archers ambushing in Yuan Jun's formation, which put our army in this predicament." Cao Cao shook his head: "The other soldiers have a lot of food, and my soldiers have few food, so it is right to fight quickly. Zhou, being ambushed by the crossbowmen in Yuan Jun's formation, he was careless, and the military commanders don't need to blame themselves. If a quick battle is not possible, a protracted battle will be needed for a period of time to dampen the enemy's spirit, and then look for opportunities to change. Xun You wanted to explain something else, Cao Cao waved his hand and said: "Winning or losing is a common matter in military affairs. We must remember the lessons learned from the past, but the medicine of regret is not to be taken. I don't have many skills. In addition to being suspicious, you don't have to use people. There is another one is to win." If you start, you can afford to lose." Cao Cao walked a few steps, then stopped and said to Bai Shao and Zhu Liu: "Master, and you, the chief accountant of the Chinese army, you must have never seen such a fierce battle." Bai Shao was not in a hurry to talk.Zhu Liuze immediately waited on him and said, "It is indeed the first time I have seen such a fierce battle. In those days, arrows were flying like rain on the opposite side of the mountain, and the stone cannon carts rumbling and boulders were like clouds here. The scene was really frightening." Cao Cao looked at Bai Shao asked again: "How does the master feel?" Bai Shao thought for a while and said, "I don't know why the prime minister has fought so hard all his life?" Cao Cao smiled: "The picture is a word of victory. The picture is a word of victory. If you win big, Just win the world." Bai Shao sighed disapprovingly: "I think of what the prime minister said about being addicted to gambling since childhood. In this life, you are going through life and death, and you gamble for your life." Cao Cao followed Bai Shao's words: "If you want to win the world, don't gamble with your life." It really won't work." Zhu Liu said flatteringly: "The prime minister is the world's most gambler, and the prime minister just said that he can afford to win, and he can also afford to lose, which is a grand gamble." Bai Shao glanced at Zhu Liu, did not speak immediately, followed Cao Cao and walked a few more steps, and then said: "I don't think the prime minister is like a gambler." Cao Cao asked: "What does it look like?" Bai Shao thought for a while: "Like People who do big business." Zhu Liu said: "A businessman and a gambler are the same thing, a gambler is a businessman, and a businessman is a gambler." Bai Shao said: "A businessman and a gambler have the same There are even more differences." Cao Cao asked: "How do you say this?" Bai Shao said: "Gamblers rely on gambling, and those who do big business sometimes gamble, but most of the time they don't rely on gambling. Big business , has its own rules to follow.” Cao Cao laughed: "The master's words are concise and incisive." Zhu Liu glanced at Bai Shao thoughtfully. Cao Cao led the troops to fight in Xudu, and Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty felt relaxed and comfortable when he went to court every day. On this day, he was in high spirits as usual, and ascended the throne with an imperial demeanor.After all the ministers kowtowed "Long live my emperor", he held his teacup condescendingly and said calmly, "You are all in peace." When the civil and military officials said "Thank you, your majesty" and stood up, he looked down calmly and said : "Today, when going to court, it is still the etiquette of reducing or exempting. The big ceremony has already been passed, and everyone who goes out to perform duties can just stand." Before all the ministers moved, Emperor Xian of the Han continued to eloquently say: "Prime Minister Cao led the troops to Guandu to fight Yuan Shao, and it has been dozens of days. Since Prime Minister Cao is absent every day, I feel quite deserted." Although he said the word "cold and quiet", he actually said it with full vigor and comfort, "Although the prime minister is not here, the prime minister has made arrangements for everything. The military is under the command of Guo Jia. The prime minister's office is responsible for all matters. There is Kong Rong and reasoning. Chen Deng managed the suburbs of Xudu in an orderly manner. There are also ministers of civil and military affairs such as Fu Wan, Fu Jian, and Yang Xiu. Speaking up and admonishing you made the court angry." Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty praised them one by one, and finally said: "Today there is a newcomer, and I want to reward him—Where is Yang Gang?" Kong Rong came out of the class and said: "Knock outside the hall Wait." Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty said: "Xuan him to come in." The head official of the palace immediately announced loudly: "Xuan Yang has just entered the palace." The officials in the palace continued to preach.When it was passed outside the gate of the palace, the official in front of the palace proclaimed loudly: "Xuan Yang just entered the palace." Yang Gang was kneeling and waiting at the altar in front of the hall. At this time, he went up the steps after bowing three times and knocking down nine times. After entering the hall, he bowed three times and knocked down nine times to Emperor Xian of Han.Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty said: "Aiqing is flat. You went to Jiangdong as an envoy, declared your decree to Sun Quan, and you were successful. Then you went to Liu Biao's office in Jingzhou and returned triumphantly. After hearing this, Prime Minister Cao asked you to be named Minister of the Ministry of Rites. It is ready to play." Then, an imperial official stepped forward with his head held high, pulled the yellow silk scroll in his hand horizontally, and loudly proclaimed: "Yang Gang, listen to the decree." Yang Gang immediately knelt down on the ground, and the imperial official announced: "When you write it, you will seal it." Yang Gang is the minister of the Ministry of Rites, and I respect you." Yang Gang bowed three times and kowtowed nine times again: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace." Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty said: "Let's be flat. It is an honor for you to be entrusted in front of the emperor." Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty pointed to Yang Xiu who was standing in the class again and said: "Yang Xiu, you, the minister of the Ministry of Rites, must have felt a lot better today. Now that the head of the Ministry of Rites has taken office, you, the deputy, don't have to carry so much as the deputy. "Yang Xiu is naturally jealous of Yang Gang, so he can only smile unnaturally: "The humble official thinks so." Han Xiandi said: "Since the chief officer of the Ministry of Rites has taken office, I can let you, the deputy, do an important matter. Prime Minister Cao and Yuan Jun held each other at Guandu for more than a month. It must have been a bitter battle for such a long time. I plan to send you to serve as an army on behalf of the Son of Heaven. Do you dare to lead the order to go to the front line at Guandu?" Dare." Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty said: "Then I will order you to be the imperial envoy of the labor army, go to the Guandu barracks to comfort Prime Minister Cao and the officers and men, and give you a hundred altars of imperial wine." Yang Gangqi said: "Can I also go with you? By the way, I would like to thank the Prime Minister and nominate my minister." Han Xiandi said: "You, the chief official of the Ministry of Rites, can just sit in the Ministry of Rites, and Yang Xiu, the servant, is enough to work on my behalf." Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty said briefly Raising his hand, the head of the palace immediately announced loudly: "That is to say, the minister of rites, Yang Xiu, will go to the government to cross the labor army on behalf of the emperor." Yang Xiu immediately said: "Let the order." When you arrive at the barracks, you must convey my condolences, deeply understand the difficulty of the battle situation, and report back to me, so that I can share our worries with the soldiers in front.” Guo Jia, Chen Deng, and Yang Gang paid attention to this. Yang Xiu understood it, and replied: "I understand."