Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3205 Wrong

 At Zhongtiao Mountain, the military camp of Cao Jun was in good order.

 There are no large groups of people or teams of chariots and horses in the camp, only capable soldiers.

 Cao Cao and Cao Xiu got in touch and were waiting for Zhang Xiu's surprise attack.

However, after Zhang Xiu wandered around Anyi for a while, he shrank back again and disappeared without a trace, leaving Cao Cao waiting in vain.

The last news is that Zhang Xiu led people to the north...

 But the question is, are you really going back?

 Or a feint?

  Or has it moved somewhere else?

These are all issues that Cao Cao must consider, and the information that can be provided to him is really too little.

Cao Hong retreated and asked for help and food, leaving Cao Cao sitting in the tent speechless for a long time.

 The failure of the branch is not a big deal, because since Cao Cao started the campaign, he has not always had the upper hand on local battlefields, but as long as he can win in the end, it will be fine.

 Cao Hong was severely frustrated, and Cao Xiu was also exhausted. Now his strategy of luring the enemy to disperse and disrupting his opponent has basically failed. What Cao Cao cannot understand is, is Fei Qian really so determined?

 He is not afraid at all?

According to the descriptions of the defeated soldiers who escaped from the front line, the hussars and horses that appeared were indeed the elite cavalry that Cao Cao had the most trouble with. The kind of elite cavalry that is strictly disciplined, well-trained, powerful, and well-equipped.

 Cao Cao couldn't help but sigh deeply.

If he has such cavalry, why worry about the world being unfair?

It’s a pity that such a sharp weapon fell into Fei Qian’s hands.

Cao Hong's letter stated that he ambushed Sima Yi's cavalry with nearly three times the force, but in the end he could only defeat it and failed to achieve the effect of total annihilation. Although Cao Hong did not discuss the matter, Cao Cao knew what Cao Hong meant. Cao Hong was reminding Cao Cao that the Hussars were more difficult to deal with than they originally expected.

Cao Cao understood what Cao Hong meant and couldn't help but feel angry and a little embarrassed.

 Zhang Xiu is missing, and Fei Qian's headquarters is still unknown.

Cao Cao originally wanted to lure Fei Qian to make a mistake, just like he was waiting for Yuan Shao to make a mistake when he faced Yuan Shao's powerful troops, but now Cao Cao suddenly discovered that there seemed to be some problems with his Montesquieu's tactics...

Of course, at this moment, Cao Cao can never say that it is his own problem.

Just like the ruling class will never say that there are problems with their policies or officials, even if everyone knows that there is a problem, and it is a big problem, they still have to be shy when faced with the emperor's new clothes and show that they look good. nice.

Cao Cao actually vaguely understood where his problem came from, but he couldn't admit it and could only make secret adjustments. It was absolutely impossible to publicize it everywhere...

 Simply put, Cao Cao started self-correction and self-examination.

As for the results of the investigation, I’m sorry, I have no comment and they will not be made public.

 …

 …

Yang Xiu is also thinking.

 He stood up, opened the cover of the messenger's canopy, and walked outside.

 The cold wind at night gradually cooled down Yang Xiu's head, which was a little hot from thinking.

The bonfire looks so small in the wilderness.

 The guard on duty came forward and asked if anything happened.

Yang Xiu waved his hand and said he was just coming out for some air, nothing important.

 The guards then withdrew.

Yang Xiu took two steps forward and stood outside the temporary camp.

Yang Xiu could feel the vague gaze coming from behind.

That is the surveillance gaze of Cao's soldiers.

 ‘Haha…’ The night wind blew, and Yang Xiu felt a little cold.

There was also a piece of clothing in his car, a parting gift from Fei Qian. The clothes were very warm, but he didn't dare to wear them.

Yang Xiu understood that Fei Qian was demonstrating or showing that he had abundant military supplies.

 And this piece of clothing is being used to plan...

Yang Xiu didn’t want it originally.

But what Fei Qian said made Yang Xiu have to bow his head to thank him and accept the robe.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ifies , 译者　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ifies , 译　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　ifies , means to follow people and officials , meaning to be hasty . Heaven uses timing, earth uses materials, and humans use virtue. If you think it's a mission, why do it privately? 』

To put it simply, Yang Xiu came from Cao Cao and conveyed Cao Cao's intention. Now that Yang Xiu went back, he also conveyed Fei Qian's intention. So the personal wishes of the envoy, whether he wants it or not, are not important. .

 The important thing is the duty of the messenger.

 There is naturally no inclusions in the robe.

 All of Fei Qian's strategies are on the table.

Therefore, Yang Xiu had to wear it to show his magnanimity and try his best to pretend that this robe is just a robe...

　　　"That's right, follow people, follow officials..."

Yang Xiu exhaled a breath.

The son of the fourth and third prince, now he is reduced to a lackey!

 Yuan Shang!

Yang Xiu!

Hahaha!

Yang Xiu wanted to laugh wildly at the sky and the earth, but in the end he just grinned and shook his face twice.

There is no way in heaven and earth, and there is no order in the universe. What can be done?

 This world should have been his, it was theirs!

 He is the proud man of heaven!

Fei Qian…

 Back then, what was Fei Qian like back then? !

Yang Xiu felt that he was no different from ordinary people. He had one nose, one mouth, two eyes and four legs. However, the splashing waves caused new changes in the whole world that were difficult for Yang Xiu to understand.

Yang Xiu raised his head and tried hard to prevent the tears from falling in his eyes.

When he was in Luoyang, Yang Xiu didn't even notice Fei Qian...

How glorious was Yang Xiu at that time? !

　　　『Luoshui slowly flows away, and catkins fly from the bridge. The fishing boats sing evening songs, only old friends are sad..."

Yang Xiu chanted slowly, his voice floating in the air.

 At the campfire, a Cao Jun soldier moved his ears slightly.

 …

 …

 Yecheng.

 Cao Pi was very uneasy and always felt that something big was about to happen.

 He calculated everything that happened in these days and what he had done, and then felt that he had done nothing wrong...

 What’s the problem with allocating grain and grass?

no problem.

 What's the problem with conscripting civilian husbands?

 No problem either.

 Looking at the officials and ministers, is there any problem?

 Similarly no problem.

So what is the problem?

 Cao Pi couldn't figure it out.

 It’s not his own problem anyway, it’s definitely not his own problem.

 But he vaguely felt that there was already a problem at the moment.

 This made Cao Pi feel chilly in his heart.

Although Cao Cao concealed some of the unfavorable news on the front line intentionally or unintentionally, Cao Pi learned more or less about it after inquiring.

The attack on Shangdang completely failed. Hedong was once defeated, and Youbei was beaten to the point where it could not hold its head up. It seemed that everything was far from what was originally expected.

 Cao Pi seemed to feel that in the past few days in Ye City, all the official houses of all sizes were chattering, and there were people rustling about something...

Cao Pi was flustered, but on the surface he still pretended to have everything under control.

 Cao Pi really didn't have much contact with the hussars and horses before. Perhaps the closest contact with the hussars and horses was the time when Fei Qian led the army to form an alliance with Cao Cao in Xu County.

 At that time, although Cao Pi thought that the Hussars were quite powerful, he never expected that the Hussars would develop to the point where they are today and would bring such great harm to Shandong and Jizhou.

　　"The hidden abyss sings and the Hanhai appears; the Kun strikes the water and the mysterious sea changes..."

  It seems to be a true prophecy.

 Is this a coincidence or a layout?

 Cao Pi hasn’t thought it through yet.

He just knows that there seem to be many gentry children in Jizhou and Yuzhou, including other places in Shandong, who have some unclear relationship with Fei Qian...

 Just like those guys secretly had a relationship with Yuan Shao back then.

"damn it…"

Cao Pi gritted his teeth.

  No matter what, since you are the heir apparent of the Cao family, you should naturally share your worries for the Cao family’s foundation!

It’s okay if you didn’t know before, but now that you know it, you should do something instead of just watching!

　　『Isn’t the school official Zhao here yet? ! ”Cao Pi asked the guards outside.

The guard replied, "Oh...oh, here we come!" Hurry up, the prince is calling! 』

Zhao Da hurriedly came forward to meet Cao Pi.

　　　『I want you to check...』

Cao Pi's voice deepened. Zhao Da's expression changed, and he replied in a low voice: "Prince...this is not easy to investigate..."

Cao Pi gritted his teeth.

 How did Fei Qian contact the people in Shandong? Or how did the people from Shandong get in touch with Hussar?

Cao Cao has obviously blocked the water and land roads and prohibited messengers from delivering news, but the people in Shandong know more and faster than his prince!

 It’s even possible…

There are people in Shandong who have long been colluding with Fei Qian and preparing to rebel?

At that time, there were many people in Yanzhou, Yuzhou who were flirting with Yuan Shao. This is a lesson learned from the past! It's hard to guarantee that none of these guys have evil intentions in their hearts...

　　　Thorough investigation! ” Cao Pi looked fiercely, tore off a piece of jade from his body, and threw it into Zhao Da’s hands, “This is a life-or-death moment! Feel free to check it out! 』

Zhao Da was stunned and then bowed deeply.

　　"I am terrified...I will obey the order of the Crown Prince..."

The voice seemed a little trembling, but if you look at it from the side, you can see Zhao Da hiding in the shadows and showing some cruel smiles when he prostrates himself.

Like a greedy jackal that sees a carrion.

 …

 …

The clouds were rolling in the sky, and finally, Yang Xiu, whose legs and feet were starting to feel numb, slowly stepped out of Cao Cao's tent, staggered slightly and turned around the tent, before letting out a long sigh.

The sigh seemed to contain frustration, helplessness, and a hint of fear.

 There was only a place for him to stand in the big tent, not a place for him to sit.

This was somewhat disappointing to him, but also somewhat natural.

In any case, Yang Xiu still belongs to Heluo at the moment. He is a subordinate general, a "subordinate", and a "subordinate official", rather than a good adviser and general who can participate in the core military meetings...

 Although I felt a little unhappy, in any case, this envoy's journey was over.

 It’s finally over.

 No, there is one more thing that Yang Xiu didn't say.

That dress.

 Because Yang Xiu saw a lot of similar clothes in the big tent.

After all, Guanzhong and Shandong have already done a lot of trade, and the middle and senior leaders of Cao's army, whether they are counselors or generals, don't need a few dollars to buy some good clothes to withstand the cold weather here, so what's the problem?

But if Yang Xiu took out that piece of clothing in front of everyone...

 Then something goes wrong.

Yang Xiu turned over his clothes to prove his innocence, but will the other people do so?

 It is inappropriate to hand it over, and it is equally inappropriate not to hand it over.

Those people dare not bear grudges against Cao Cao and Fei Qian, but what about Yang Xiu...

Yang Xiu sighed slightly.

No matter what happened to Cao Cao and Fei Qian, they are now something that the Yang family cannot afford to offend.

Although Yang Xiu knew that things were already like this, there was always something in his heart that he couldn't let go of.

 It feels like it's stuck in your throat, but you can't say anything.

Yang Xiu stood there and calmed down slightly, making his expression and actions appear more stable before slowly moving forward. He knew that he would definitely hear that person's name many times.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　.

Fei Qian…

 Even if Yang Xiu didn't want to hear it, he had to listen.

 From people, from officials…

 Perhaps this is indeed the case. From now on... no, from an earlier time, the authority of this world has nothing to do with the Yang family. The Yang family can only "follow people and officials".

Yang Xiu couldn't help but shook his head and sighed.

Yang's guards who were waiting outside came forward, but heard Yang Xiu's sigh. They couldn't help but be startled. Then they looked up at Cao Cao's tent and whispered: "Lang Jun, this is... Prime Minister Cao..."

Yang Xiu waved his hand, "Nothing." 』

As for that piece of clothing, let’s find another opportunity to explain a few things later. After all, there were soldiers of the Cao family in the queue going to Pingyang. When Yang Xiu got the clothes, he didn't receive them in his own hands immediately, but handed them to the soldiers of the Cao family.

 Whether there is entrapment or not, Cao's soldiers will naturally know.

 So, if you don’t mention this dress, it should be fine, right?

Yang Xiu said it was fine, but he felt a little unsure.

The guard obviously didn't believe it either. He glanced sideways at Cao Cao's tent. The object of his loyalty is not Cao Cao, but the Yang family and Yang Xiu.

Yang Xiu took two steps and realized that the guard hadn't followed him, so he turned around and shouted in a low voice: "Still not following!" 』

The guard responded and lowered his head, but the anger on his face was obvious.

From the guard's point of view, Yang Xiu traveled to Pingyang very hard, and it was hard work without mentioning credit. But now Yang Xiu seems to have been coaxed out...

 In other words, after using it, it is thrown aside.

Mr. Yang, the dignified son of the fourth generation and the third prince, is he like a chamber pot?

 Even if nothing else is mentioned, Yang Xiu went to Pingyang, and Duoduo was risking death. Who knows whether the hussar would be angry and cut Yang Xiu with a knife? But now that Yang Xiu is back, Cao Cao has neither rewards nor compensation. He just says a few words and drives Yang Xiu out of the tent, and then the other counselors and troops will stay in the tent.

Isn't this obviously excluding the Yang family?

You must know that this time Cao Cao marched into Guanzhong, Heluo also gave a lot of "support"!

Yang's guard was full of curses in his heart.

Yang Xiu, who was walking in front, felt a little relieved that the pressure had been lifted. He was indeed too tired from this line of work, not only physically exhausted, but also mentally exhausted, so he just wanted to have a good rest at the moment, completely unaware of the unhappy expressions on the faces of the guards behind him.

 …

 …

In Cao Cao's tent, Cao Cao squinted his small mung bean eyes, frowned his thick eyebrows, and was speechless for a while.

 Between Cao Cao and his left were Guo Jia and Dong Zhao, as well as a group of generals and generals.

Yang Xiu brought Fei Qian’s reply.

Guo Jia stood aside, looking at the reply written by Fei Qian on the desk.

　　　　If you want to fight, come and fight. 』

 The pen is as sharp as a knife.

 Cao Cao obviously didn't feel well after being poked.

 The lung tubes hurt a little.

 My head hurts too.

In front of all the generals and counselors, Cao Cao was too embarrassed to rub it in, so he could only resist with a frown.

"The Hussar sent troops to the Western Regions and then returned to the east of the river. This shows that this son had a premeditated plan... In other words, before the Hussar sent troops to the Western Regions, he may have expected...Ming Gong will march to Guanzhong..." Guo Jia said slowly.

　　　『Follow filial piety! This is wrong...Don't try to boost other people's ambitions and destroy your own prestige..." Dong Zhao said with some dissatisfaction, "The matter of Ming Gong sending troops is a secret. Who can know it before sending troops? 』

Guo Jia glanced at Dong Zhao and did not continue to explain. He seemed to understand naturally and did not understand even if he did not understand. Dong Zhao's expression changed somewhat. He lifted his beard and was about to say something. Suddenly I saw Cao Cao stretching out a hand...

　　　How to deal with this matter? ! 』

 Cao Cao's voice was deep and powerful.

 No matter how much you analyze, the key is still to respond.

Judging from the letter of challenge he responded to, Fei Qian indeed accepted the challenge and boldly invited it.

 But how to fight is still a huge problem.

If you only rely on a few words in writing, then rush straight to Pingyang. The king of both sides will face the king, and the general will line up under Pingyang. First, they will yell and curse, explain their own righteousness, then belittle the other party, and finally The three armies are dispatched to fight each other. The winner is the father and the loser is the son...

 But this was the operating mode of the Spring and Autumn Period, and was no longer used in the Warring States Period, let alone now?

 The war model of the Spring and Autumn Period was that of a true gentleman.

Later, the "gentleman" was spoiled by the "villain", which resulted in the absence of "gentleman". Who is the "gentleman" and who is Shabi? However, they have to sound good and look good in slogans and appearances, so it becomes more and more difficult. There are more and more "hypocrites" coming.

Cao Cao didn't mind being a hypocrite, but he definitely didn't want to be a Sabi, so he didn't believe a word of the reply written by Fei Qian, and felt that it was a trap set by Fei Qian, waiting for him to jump into.

　　　　　明公, wherever Pingyang comes, there must be an ambush! ” Dong Zhao said in a deep voice, “Now that our army has not established a foothold, if we rush forward greedily in order to finish the battle in one battle, we will have a restless army and may fall into the hands of the hussars!” How about we continue to advance with a hard camp and devour the whales? It won't be too late to settle Anyi first and then enter Pingyang! 』

 After Dong Zhao finished speaking, most of the generals nodded in approval.

 The news of Cao Hong's failure cannot be concealed.

Then even Cao Hong couldn't withstand the beating of an unknown Sima Yi under the Hussar, let alone their general who didn't even have a name? Sima Yi is so powerful, if he meets Zhang Xiu, or other generals with some reputation under Hussar, wouldn't it be...

Of course, it is safer to follow Cao Cao's thigh.

Of course you cannot say this. If you say it, you will be suspected of fearing war, so it must be called "safe" as Dong Zhao said.

 But according to the original plan, can it really succeed?

 Cao Cao has become suspicious.

 Not only do you doubt yourself, but you also doubt everything.

 After all, it is easier to doubt others than to examine oneself, and it will also give oneself a kind of relief.

 It’s not that the opponent is too strong, it’s that we are all pig teammates.

Guo Jia was on the side and more or less guessed some of Cao Cao's thoughts. Guo Jia believes that what Cao Cao is worried about is that he feels that he has lost the soil, the familiar Shandong soil, so Cao Cao seems to have lost his roots, showing a little panic and uneasiness.

　　　　　明公, don't fall for the hussar's strategy of provoking the general. ” Guo Jia said slowly. He did not agree to attack Pingyang directly now, but the reason was different from Dong Zhao’s.

"oh? ” Cao Cao responded as expected, “As a filial piety, please tell me. 』

“The tribes in the east of Hedong have always tried to steer according to the wind,” Guo Jia said in a deep voice. “They are happy when they see benefits and change their minds when they see new things. There is no certainty. Therefore, there are people with various surnames in Pingyang...but it is not enough to rely on it. 』

　　　　Not enough? "Cao Cao's little eyes suddenly lit up.

Guo Jia nodded slowly in affirmation.

Cao Cao pondered for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing, "Hahahaha... It's really a filial piety!" This is so wonderful, so wonderful! 』