"Ahh

"Help!"

"We are innocent, let us go!"

Screams rang out one after another, and there were countless cries begging for mercy. However, no matter how much the speaker pleaded, their end did not change in the slightest, and in the end they were greeted by death.

This happened in a city on the border between Xuzhou and Yanzhou, and when Cao Cao entered Xuzhou with a vengeful rage, endless killings were already doomed.

Today's killing is not the first time, since Cao Cao's army entered Xuzhou, today is the fifth day, and it is also the fifth city captured by Cao Cao's army. The result of all five cities was the same, that is, the slaughter of the city, and no one was spared, not even the newborn child. After Cao Cao slaughtered the first city, the news had already spread in Xuzhou.

However, it is also funny to say that most of the people did not believe that Cao Cao would slaughter the city. Therefore, this is also the reason why Cao Cao was able to conquer five cities in five days.

The reason why the people didn't believe that Cao Cao would do this was because Cao Cao was quite considerate of the people when he attacked Xuzhou before, and the policy of the cities captured by Cao Cao was also extremely favorable. It is precisely because of this that the people do not think that Cao Cao will slaughter the city, and someone is deliberately smearing Cao Cao. Therefore, when Cao Cao attacked the city, the generals defending the city symbolically defended it, and then opened the city and surrendered. As a result, they had a nightmare. It was only at this time that they believed that the rumors of Cao Cao's massacre of the city were true.

In one of the tents of Cao Cao's military camp, the civil and military forces under Cao Cao's command were gathering together to discuss something.

"Xun Sima. An uncle's family died tragically at the hands of Tao Qian's thief, and a certain heart was also angry. However. This is Tao Qian's fault alone, but now the tired people of Xuzhou are implicated. The Lord's revenge is also understanding. However, if we continue to kill like this, I am afraid that it will affect the great cause of the lord. Xun Sima, on the Lord's fair day, he listens to your words, and it is better for you to persuade the lord. ”

The person who spoke was Cao Ren, and I saw Cao Ren's brows furrowed at this moment, and his face was worried.

Cao Song is Cao Ren's uncle, Cao Song was killed by Tao Qian, Cao Ren thought he was also very angry, and he wanted to take off Tao Qian's head immediately. So. Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou to avenge Cao Song, and Cao Ren also agreed with it very much. However, after Cao Cao invaded Xuzhou, he ordered the slaughter of the city, which caused Cao Cao's reputation in Xuzhou to plummet, and the reputation won by the previous attack on Xuzhou is now in vain. Cao Ren also agreed with revenge, but, relatively speaking, Cao Ren valued Cao Cao's great cause more.

Xun Yu shook his head helplessly. It's the same melancholy.

"I have persuaded the lord before, but the lord has not changed in the slightest, and I cannot now. What I can do now is to hope that the lord can vent his anger as soon as possible. Otherwise. Even if Xuzhou is taken, it will take years or even decades to rebuild. ”

The people in the tent were the military generals Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Li Dian, Le Jin and others, and the strategists were Xun Yu, Xun You, Man Chong, Lu Qian, Mao Jue and others.

But Cao Hong looked around at the people in the tent and asked puzzledly, "Why didn't the military advisor come?"

This time, Cao Cao's subordinates gathered together. Brainstorming in the hope of persuading Cao Cao to stop slaughtering the city. Therefore. Each of Cao Cao's henchmen was notified as Cao Cao's military advisor. Xi Zhicai was naturally notified. However, at this moment, Xi Zhicai was not present, and Cao Hong was a little puzzled.

"Now is the critical moment, how can the military advisor not come, isn't he thinking about the great cause of the Lord. ”

Cao Hong showed a trace of dissatisfaction on his face and complained in a low voice.

"Zilian, don't talk about military divisions. ”

Cao Ren listened to Cao Hong's words, his face suddenly changed, and he scolded in a low voice. Everyone has their own ideas, and it is also the freedom of others not to discuss it, so there is no need to blame others for this.

"It's not that the military advisor doesn't think about the lord, but because the military advisor knows that no matter how much persuasion is useless. ”

Xun You stood up and explained for Xi Zhicai: "The military advisor had already advised the lord when he gave the order to slaughter the city, but the lord did not listen. Therefore, the military advisor knew that no matter how much persuasion he tried, it would be in vain, so he did not come. The military advisor said, when the lord's anger is vented, it will be enough!"

Hearing Xun You's words, the brows of everyone in the tent furrowed even tighter.

On weekdays, Cao Cao listened to the words of the military advisor Xi Zhicai the most, but this time even Xi Zhicai's persuasion had no effect. Obviously, Cao Cao's determination was so strong. It seems that you can really only wait until Cao Cao has vented his anger as Xi Zhicai said.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Just when everyone was worried about Cao Cao, a heavy drum suddenly sounded. Everyone raised their heads and looked in the direction of Cao Cao's tent, but the drum was Cao Cao gathering everyone.

By the time everyone arrived at Cao Cao's tent, Cao Cao had already sat down in the tent. Seeing that his subordinates and martial arts were coming at the same time, Cao Cao only glanced at it lightly, and seemed to already know why his subordinates gathered together. Cao Cao didn't say much, and waited until everyone was seated before he began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the army has only advanced a distance of hundreds of miles these days and captured five cities, so the speed is too slow. I can't wait to take down the old thief Tao Qian immediately and pay tribute to my father. Therefore, I have decided that from tomorrow onwards, the troops will be divided into two ways. Under the leadership of General Cao Ren and General Xiahou Yuan, we will attack from Hexiang and Changxi, take Xuzhou as soon as possible, and avenge my father!"

Hearing Cao Cao's words, everyone in the tent was shocked.

It seems that Cao Cao's suggestion to divide the troops is not a problem, but, don't forget, this time to attack Xuzhou, Cao Cao's order is to slaughter the city as soon as he sees it. Originally, if you only walked one way, the most you could do was to slaughter the people in the city along the way. However, if the troops were divided into two routes, it would be necessary to slaughter the people of the two roads, and Cao Cao would occupy Xuzhou in the future, which would be much more difficult. Of course, if they disobeyed Cao Cao's order, it was okay not to follow Cao Cao's order to slaughter the city, just. Whether this will provoke Cao Cao's anger or not, that's bad.

Present. Cao Ren stood up and admonished in a low voice: "Lord." This time, our army only has 100,000 troops, and if these 100,000 troops are gathered to attack all the way, it will be easy to attack cities and plunder land. However, once the troops are divided and the strength is weakened, it will not be able to speed up the advance of the army, and I hope the lord will think twice!"

"I hope the lord will think twice!"

After Cao Ren, everyone stood up and persuaded him. As Cao Cao's henchmen, they are all thinking about Cao Cao's great cause. Therefore, everyone is on the same page.

Seeing that so many subordinates were so persuasive, Cao Cao's face suddenly sank, and he said with a slight anger: "I have a reason to divide my troops to attack, you don't need to say more, just carry out the order!"

Cao Cao, as a hero, has always been moody. Moreover, for the suggestions under his command, Cao Cao will think about it before making a decision. This time, however. Cao Cao was not only angry, but he didn't even think about it, and directly refuted Cao Ren's suggestion. That's a bit out of order, of course. Because Cao Song's death made Cao Cao like this, everyone knows it in their hearts. However, understanding is understanding. The persuasion still has to continue. In order to be able to better govern Xuzhou in the future, for the great cause of the lord. Even if they bear Cao Cao's wrath, they will not hesitate. This can be seen from this. The gap between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao.

Cao Cao's subordinates were all for Cao Cao's sake, and few people would dare not speak for fear of being blamed by Cao Cao; on the other hand, Yuan Shao's subordinates, except for a few or two, most of them were sparing their lives. From this point of view, Yuan Shao was defeated by Cao Cao, and there is a reason for him.

Although Cao Cao was angry, Cao Ren did not mean to give up persuasion, and was just about to continue persuasion, but one of them spoke first.

"The lord is wise, and his subordinates should obey. ”

Everyone was shocked, who would agree with Cao Cao's intention to divide the troops. When he looked up, the surprise on his face was even stronger, but he didn't expect that the person who agreed with Cao Cao's division of troops turned out to be Xi Zhicai, a military advisor.

"Haha, it's still Zhi who knows my heart. General Cao Ren and General Xiahou Yuan, the two of you will quickly go and prepare, and tomorrow, you will set off and dismiss the meeting!"

Cao Cao Lang made up his mind and did not give Cao Ren a chance to speak. Seeing this, Cao Ren and the others looked at each other, and then looked at Cao Cao's expression, there was no intention to discuss it again, and they could only put down the doubts in their hearts at the moment, and walked out of Cao Cao's camp one after another. After walking out of Cao Cao's camp, everyone walked towards the camp of the military advisor Xi Zhicai as if they had a tacit understanding. Cao Cao made the decision to divide the troops just now, which was not a good idea at all. It stands to reason that Xi Zhicai will not understand, but he still agrees, which makes everyone dissatisfied and a little confused, Xi Zhi is so unwise, let the lord make more killings, and affect the great cause of the lord? Obviously, this seems to be a little impossible, so everyone went to Xi Zhicai's camp at the same time, wanting to hear how Xi Zhicai explained.

"Huh!"

Seeing that Cao Cao's henchmen all ran to his camp, Xi Zhicai suddenly exclaimed. Then, with a smile on his face, he said cheerfully: "You all came to my tent together, don't you know that I have good wine? Alas, I didn't expect you to be so keen, so I will take out the treasured good wine and share it with you, and you can also tell you what this wine tastes like." ”

"Strategist, wait!"

Cao Ren stopped Xi Zhicai's move to get wine, and then asked with a puzzled expression: "Military advisor, haven't you seen the aftermath of the lord's division of troops, why don't you discourage the lord's approach, and still agree with the lord?"

After listening to Cao Ren, everyone focused their attention on Xi Zhicai.

"Tsk!"

Xi Zhicai sat back in his place and took a sip of wine unhurriedly. Then, with a straight expression, he said solemnly: "I naturally understand what the lord means, but you haven't understood it yet." ”

After listening to Xi Zhicai's words, the puzzlement on everyone's faces was even worse, could Cao Cao's words have any other meaning? However, why didn't they hear it? Everyone present, Xun You reacted the fastest, after listening to Xi Zhicai's words, his heart moved, and he seemed to have some clues, but he couldn't grasp the sudden flash. Immediately after Xun Yu, Xun Yu also showed a thoughtful look, as if the master's practice of dividing troops had other meanings. Except for Xun Yu and Xun You's uncle and nephew, the others in the tent were still confused.

"Strategist, I'm ignorant, and I hope the strategist will solve my doubts!"

Cao Ren bowed to Xi Zhicai and asked sincerely. For the respect for Xi Zhicai, in addition to the identity of the military advisor of Xi Zhicai and Cao Cao's importance to Xi Zhicai, there is another point. That is, the wisdom of Xi Zhicai conquered everyone. Otherwise, everyone present is all unruly. If the ability of Xi Zhicai is average, how can they be convinced? Even Xun Yu, who has the title of Wang Zuozhicai. and Xun You, who is the mastermind, how can he be so respectful of Xi Zhicai?

Xi Zhicai's fingers were dipped in wine, and he gently wrote a line of words on the desk in front of him, and everyone stretched out their heads curiously to look at the line of words on the desk. I saw a few words clearly written on the desk, "The general will not be subject to foreign military orders", a very simple sentence, but Cao Ren and others are still very puzzled.

"I see, I finally understand that the wisdom of the military advisor is beyond my reach!"

Cao Ren and the others didn't understand. After reading that line of words, Xun You suddenly exclaimed, and then shook his head at Xi Zhicai.

"Yes, that's it!

Xun Yu followed closely behind Xun Yu and also exclaimed. Like Xun Yu, Xun Yu also bowed to Xi Zhicai, looking respectful, obviously really respecting Xi Zhicai's intelligence.

Cao Ren and the others were confused, what kind of dumb riddle were Xi Zhicai, Xun Yu, and Xun You playing? Looking at the appearance of the three of them, they all understood. Yet, they still couldn't think of anything.

"Ahem, that, military advisor..."

Cao Ren glanced at Xi Zhicai with some embarrassment. I couldn't spit out a word for a long time.

"I'm drunk, if there's anything unclear, I'll ask Gongda, I'll rest for a while!"

Xi Zhicai did not answer Cao Ren's words. took a sip of wine, and then didn't continue to care about the people in the tent. It is lying on the couch directly with his back to everyone, not for a long time. A slight snoring sounded as it sounded.

Seeing this, Cao Ren and the others did not show anger or dissatisfaction. Xi Zhicai's behavior has always been like this, even when facing Cao Cao, Xi Zhicai is mostly like this, not because he looks down on them. Therefore, when they couldn't get an answer, everyone had to look at Xun You and Xun Yu, expecting them to give them an answer.

Xun Yu is Xun Yu's nephew, although he is not a nephew, his rank is lower than Xun Yu. At this moment, Xun You also consciously stood up and explained.

"The military advisor has made it very clear that there will be no military orders outside. General Zixiao and General Miaocai lead the troops, and it is entirely up to you to decide what the soldiers should do. ”

Cao Ren's eyes widened, and he seemed to understand what Xun You said.

"Since the invasion of Xuzhou, it has taken five cities and slaughtered more than 100,000 innocent people. Such an act will inevitably lead to the dissatisfaction of the people of Xuzhou, and the lord is so eloquent and strategic, and he naturally understands it in his heart. However, if the lord ordered the siege of the city and then slaughtered the city, if the military order was easily changed, it would affect the prestige of the lord. And. After these days of venting, the lord's anger may have weakened a lot. Therefore, the lord will propose a strategy of dividing the troops. Once the troops were divided, General Zixiao and General Miaocai could do their own thing, and there was no need to continue to obey the order of the lord to slaughter the city, thus reducing the impact on the lord's reputation. It's just that the lord can't pull his face and say this, so he said it in this way. It is also a loss that the military advisor understands the intention of the lord, otherwise, even if this Xuzhou is won, it is equivalent to not taking it. ”

After listening to Xun You's clear explanation, if everyone present still didn't understand what it meant, they could all find a piece of tofu and kill them. Of course, I have to say that they still admire Xi Zhicai very much, there are so many people under Cao Cao, and only Xi Zhicai understands what the lord means.

"We're leaving!"

Everyone bowed to Xi Zhicai, who turned their backs to them, and then walked out of the camp lightly. Now that they understood what Cao Cao meant, their mood was much lighter. Along the way, they came to slaughter five cities, and they naturally felt a little unbearable in their hearts. Now that Cao Cao has this meaning, they are relieved, fortunately, the lord has not been distracted by anger.

After everyone left for a while, Xi Zhicai, who was already snoring, sat up for a long time. looked at the line he wrote on the desk before he dipped in wine, and was silent for a long time.

"Ahem!"

Suddenly, a flush rose on Xi Zhicai's face, and then he coughed violently. Xi Zhicai took out a handkerchief, covered his mouth, and after the coughing stopped, Xi Zhicai stood for a long time with the handkerchief. If someone is by Xi Zhicai's side at this moment, they can find that on Xi Zhicai's handkerchief, a trace of red blood is so dazzling that it makes people a little distracted. This is obviously the blood that Xi Zhicai spit out when he coughed just now, could it be that Xi Zhicai has some kind of illness?

"Gongda is good at military strategy, and Wen Ruo is good at internal affairs. The two of them are rare talents in the world, and there are two people united, if the lord is guarding the house, it is okay, however, if he wants to dominate the world, it is a little insufficient. Now my time is short, and I do not know who will succeed me in the future. Originally, I was intended to be filial piety, but now Fengxiao is under the command of Yuan Chang, Wen Ruo told me not to mention Fengxiao in front of the lord, but I don't know what it means. In this way, except for filial piety, I don't know who can assist the lord in accomplishing great things. It seems that I should help my lord to speed up. It would be great if I could learn the rumored method of prolonging life, that is, I would definitely be able to help the lord win the world, but I have only heard of this method but have never seen it with my own eyes. ”

Xi Zhicai lowered his head and muttered to himself, it turned out that Xi Zhicai was really suffering from a dark disease, and he also knew that his life was not long. And Xi Zhicai was friendly with Guo Jia and Xun Yu at the beginning, and the three of them often talked about wine, talked about major events in the world, and talked freely about their ambitions. Therefore, the three of them are very understanding of each other's abilities. Originally, Xi Zhicai thought of letting Guo Jia serve as his successor. To dominate the world, what is needed is extraordinary strategy and strategy to look at the world. Xun Yu's ability is good at internal affairs, which is not in line with this. As for Xun Yu's nephew Xun Yu, his strategy is good, however, the overall situation of the world is a little worse. Moreover, Xun You may be because of his low status in the Xun family, and Xun You's character has had some humble feelings for a long time. If it is at a critical moment, Xun You will inevitably not be able to achieve a decisive attitude. As recorded in history, Xun You would give Cao Cao advice every time, but he did not insist on his own suggestions. Just like the Battle of Chibi, many of Cao Cao's advisors knew that they could not go to war, and they all made suggestions to Cao Cao. However, after Cao Cao's veto, these strategists did not continue to persuade them, but followed Cao Cao's orders. If they had their own insistence and did not let Cao Cao go to war, the result of Chibi might have been different. It is precisely because of this that Xi Zhicai feels that he has no one to succeed him after his death. Cao Cao's own ability is enough, but without a strategist who can control the overall situation by his side, Cao Cao may also become the overlord of the world, but it will take more time. Moreover, if you are not careful, maybe when Cao Cao hangs up, you will not be able to complete this great cause.

"Alas!"

A solemn sigh came from inside the tent, which did not disperse for a long time.

At midnight the next day, Cao Ren and Xiahou Yuan led an army of 50,000 to attack from Hexiang and Changshu to Xuzhou's Zhizhi Xiapi. As long as Tao Qian is taken, Cao Cao will not have to continue to move forward, and Cao Cao's killing will be stopped, so as not to cause great difficulty in ruling Xuzhou in the future.

"Forward!"

On Cao Cao's side, he personally led an army of 50,000 to advance and march towards Xiapi City.

Cao Cao killed all the way, the chickens and dogs were restless, and the slaughter continued. By the time he arrived in Lu County, Cao Cao had slaughtered more than 200,000 people, which was an astonishing number. For example, today's population is less than 20 million, which cannot be compared with the population of more than a billion before Yuan Chang crossed. Among these 200,000 people, there are young and strong children, and they are the main force of the future, but now they are dying because of the war. It is not difficult to see how painful the war has caused to the people. Moreover, this situation of war has lasted for decades, and no one can remove how many people have died in the war. The sharp decline in the population is also the main reason for the chaos in the future.

Lu County is the maiden home of Lu Pheasant, the queen of Liu Bang, the ancestor of the Han Dynasty. At the beginning, Lu Pheasant became the queen, and Lu Pheasant's son Lu Gong was made a marquis, and the fief was Lu County. Although the Lü clan was slaughtered when it was overthrown, there were still many children surnamed Lü in Lü County who survived and continued to be stationed in Lü County. With the passage of time, the Lu clan in Lu County has gradually developed, and because it is the mother of the founding queen, the status of Lu County is also very special.

Although it is rumored that Cao Cao is massacring the city, the children surnamed Lu in Lu County are not afraid. There is naturally no problem for Cao Cao to kill the other untouchables, but will Cao Cao dare to kill the people in their Lu County?

Looking at Lu County in front of him, Cao Cao's eyes flashed with a cold light, and with a wave of his hand, he roared angrily: "Attack!" (to be continued......