Three days later, the envoy set off for the Southern Xiongnu with Cai Ji's personal letter. At the same time, Zhang Liao's messenger brought Cai Ji the news that Jinyang City had been seized by Zhong Xuan. Jinyang is the seat of governance of the state, and most of the Han people in the state are concentrated in Taiyuan and Shangdang counties, and now the loss of Jinyang will undoubtedly affect Cai Ji's taxes in the state, and even Cai Ji's authority in the state will be weakened accordingly. Therefore, after learning that Jinyang fell into the hands of Cao Jun, Pang Tong immediately put aside his official duties and went straight to Cai Ji's study.

Facing the anxious Pang Tong, Cai Ji seemed quite calm, and saw that she was sending someone to serve tea, and asked him with a pleasant face, "What's the matter with Shiyuan looking for a lonely?" ”

Pang Tong didn't rush to answer Cai Ji, but waited for the attendant who served tea to exit the study before he lowered his voice and said to Cai Ji, "Jinyang is where the Northwest Dragon City is located, and the Lord must not give it to others!" ”

When Cai Ji heard that Pang Tong was here for Jinyang, he couldn't help but smile bitterly with both hands, "Why don't you know that Jinyang is precious." However, Jinyang's guard Zhang Yanxian Wenyuan and others took a step and gave Jinyang to Zhong Yuanchang, the captain of Sili, and he was helpless. ”

How do you know that Pang Tong doesn't care about what comes first and then comes, he immediately raised his eyebrows and said murderously, "This matter doesn't matter." As long as the lord gives an order, the commander will immediately lead the troops to raid Jinyang! ”

Seeing that Pang Tong ignored the in-law alliance between Cao Cai and directly instigated himself to send troops to seize Jinyang, Cai Ji couldn't help but fall into silence. And Pang Tong waited for a long time and didn't see Cai Ji respond, so he couldn't help but be anxious, gritted his teeth and asked, "Does the Lord care about Cao Cai's marriage?" ”

Cao Cai's marriage is undoubtedly a major obstacle that now restricts Cai Ji's development to the south. But at this time, Cai Ji did not clearly answer Pang Tong's question, but asked noncommittally, "How does Shiyuan plan to raid Jinyang?" ”

Cai Ji's rhetorical question made Pang Tong's heart suddenly happy, and then replied, "Yin selects elite soldiers." Day and night, attacking Jinyang. Thinking that Zhong Xuan guards the covenant, he must be unprepared, and the army will arrive, and it will be decided in one fell swoop! ”

Pang Tong's plan is not new to Cai Ji. In the original history, Pang Tong once offered Liu Bei three middle and lower strategies to seize Yizhou, of which the upper policy was "day and night, attacking Chengdu". It's just that Pang Tong has a closer relationship with Cai Ji in this time and space, so he didn't engage in gimmicks such as the middle and lower strategies, but directly put forward his favorite "top policy". It is undeniable that Pang Tong's plan does have a certain degree of feasibility. Especially after Zhang Liao took the initiative to withdraw from the army, Cao Jun was more likely to be careless. It's a pity that it is not Liu Zhang and others who are sitting in Jinyang at the moment, but Zhong Xuan, a Confucian general in the famous Zhenguan. This alone was enough to make Cai Ji dispel the idea of sneaking up on Jinyang.

It must be known that whether it is in history or in the current time and space, Zhong Miao has made great achievements. and guarded the northwest for a long time, and instigated Ma Teng and other Guanzhong princes to scheming. So that Cao Cao was able to lead his troops south to conquer the southern princes with peace of mind. How could such a resourceful character be as light as Liu Zhang. So after listening to Pang Tong's words. Cai Ji only pondered for a moment, then shook his head and persuaded him, "Zhong Yuan is often on the right side and captures Jinyang, he is by no means a mediocre person. The matter of Jinyang still needs to be considered in the long run. ”

"The Lord ......"

Pang Tong was unwilling to argue, but was interrupted by Cai Ji raising his hand. "The prelude to the Jingyang War has just begun, so why should Shi Yuan be in a hurry."

Although the trajectory of history has changed a lot due to Cai Ji's chaotic incursions, Cai Ji still firmly believes that Liu Bei, Sun Ce and other southern princes will not let Cao Cao's ambition to swallow Jing Yang succeed. However, in the autumn of the seventh year of Jian'an, there were very few people who could have this confidence. In fact, Mo said that it was the ordinary people of Jing and Yang. Even Liu Bei himself didn't believe that the few scattered soldiers and horses under his command could stop the tens of thousands of Cao troops who were coming straight to Shouchun.

At the end of August of the seventh year of Jian'an, Cao Cao ordered his general Cao Ren to lead 50,000 troops east to Shouchun to crusade against Liu Bei. Liu Bei, who had just experienced a fiasco in the south, dared to confront Cao Jun head-on, so he had to tell the people all over the place: "Cao's soldiers are coming, the lonely city cannot be defended, and those who are willing to go south with him, and those who do not want to stay." "On the one hand, he collected ships to cross the river and go south, intending to block Cao's iron hooves with the natural danger of the Yangtze River.

The people of Shouchun have experienced several disasters of Yuan Shu and Lu Bu, and only under Liu Beizhi have lived a stable life for a few years. At first glance, when they heard that the Cao army, who had slaughtered all over Xuzhou, was about to be killed, how could the people of Shouchun dare to stay any longer, they helped the old and the young, dragged their families and mouths, and followed Liu Bei to the south of Lujiang for refuge. For a time, the ranks of the people who fled south were several times larger than Liu Bei's soldiers and horses.

The large number of people who swarmed with him frightened Mi Zhu and Jian Yong, who were responsible for arranging the crossing of the river, into cold hands and feet. The latter rushed to Chengde overnight, and complained directly to Liu Bei, who was directing the retreat there, "Lord, the boats are limited, how can you carry 100,000 people across the river!" ”

Liu Bei stood on top of the high hill, looking at the continuous crowd at the bottom of the mountain, although he knew that fleeing with so many people would delay the speed of the march, he still could not abandon these people who followed him. Nearly twenty years of conquest have made Liu Bei experience too many failures and betrayals. It is rare that the people of Shouchun are willing to share weal and woe with him, how can he Liu Bei live up to the people's trust in him and their loyalty to him. So after being silent for a long time, Liu Bei shook his head and cut the railroad to the forefront, "The people have been with each other for a long time, be prepared to endure and abandon it!" ”

Perhaps some people in later generations will say that Liu Bei crossed the river with the people in order to use innocent people as meat shields. Or that Liu Bei is selling his reputation and reputation, because he can even throw away his closest wife and children, how can he really be good to the people. But there is such a person in this world, he will be filial to his elders, loyal to his superiors, righteous to his brothers, benevolent to his subordinates, and even enthusiastic to the point of sticking a knife in his ribs when he meets someone he doesn't know, but he doesn't take his wife and children seriously.

Jian Yong, who has followed Liu Bei for many years, certainly knows the temper of his lord better than anyone else, and knows that Liu Bei can't bear to live up to the loyalty of the people of Shouchun. It's just that the current situation is urgent, and how can Liu Bei be allowed to be benevolent to this woman. For the sake of the lord's hegemony, Jian Yong had no choice but to suppress his compassion and say bluntly to Liu Bei, "The lord is clear, Cao's army has arrived in Yangquan, and the army will be under Shouchun City in a few days." The lord is not full of kuài to cross the river, but he has to learn Xiang Yu to be embattled! ”

At this moment, thick clouds like ink obscured the distant sky, and sometimes dazzling flashes of light shuttled through it, bringing a burst of rolling thunder, indicating that a rainstorm was about to pour down. Liu Bei glared at Jian Yong and was silent, but Jian Yong was not to be outdone, glaring back at Liu Bei and refusing to take a step back.

Just as the two were at a stalemate, a rapid sound of horses' hooves suddenly came from the northwest direction. Liu Bei turned around and saw the military advisor Xu Shu excitedly stepping forward to report to him. "Congratulations! Shu Zhi has already broken through Cao's army with fire in Anfeng. ”

When Liu Bei'er heard that Chen had successfully attacked Cao Jun's baggage, he immediately stroked his palms excitedly and laughed, "Hurry! Uncle Zhi is really a lonely flying general! ”

Who knew that Jian Yong still snorted coldly with a blushing face, "How can a small victory hold Cao Ren's tens of thousands of troops!" ”

Xu Shu had never seen Jian Yong talk to his lord like this, and while he was surprised, he couldn't help but whisper to Jian Yong, "Xianhe, what's wrong?" ”

Jian Yong was not polite, and directly told Xu Shu about the dispute between him and Liu Bei just now. As a result, Xu Shu listened to what Jian Yong said, and also felt that the matter of bringing people to the south was extremely tricky. However, he did not work with Jian Yong to persuade Liu Bei to leave the people, but pointed to the people under the hillside and asked Liu Bei for proof, "The lord really plans to cross the river with 100,000 people? ”

"Since Lone has promised, he is willing to go south with his entourage, but how can he break his trust with the people." Liu Bei nodded in an unquestionable tone.

Jian Yong saw that Liu Bei was so stubborn. couldn't help but be so anxious that he stomped his feet again and again, "If the lord is caught up by Cao Jun." And how can you keep your promises! ”

Liu Bei glanced at Xu Shu. argued, "Xianhe doesn't need to worry, Yuan Zhi has set up an ambush inside and outside Shouchun City, and he will definitely be able to hold Cao Ren back this time." ”

It turned out that when Liu Bei withdrew his troops, he also set up a lot of flammable materials in Shouchun City, just waiting for Cao Ren to enter the city. He set fire to the city by setting fire to the city by setting ambush in advance, so as to buy time for Nandu. However, Xu Shu, who was the initiator, said again and again at this time, "The Shouchun fire alone can't delay Cao Ren for a few days." If the lord is really determined to cross the river with the people, he still needs the help of wizards. ”

"Wizards? Where did this wilderness come from? Liu Bei smiled bitterly.

"Ten steps. There will be herbs, and there will be faithful men in the ten chambers. If the lord is not looking for him, how can he know that there are no geniuses around? Xu Shu smiled at Liu Bei and smiled.

Liu Bei, who heard Xu Shu's voice, hurriedly turned over and dismounted, and bowed down to him, "Please also ask Yuan Zhi to guide Lonely!" ”

How dare Xu Shu accept such a big gift from Liu Bei, and hurriedly dismounted to help Liu Bei and said, "I can't help it, I can't help it." Don't hide it from the lord, the plan to burn Shouchun was not made by Shu, but taught by Zhuge Kongming. ”

As soon as Liu Bei heard the words "Zhuge Kongming", he immediately grabbed Xu Shu's arms and asked eagerly, "Zhuge Kongming!" You say that Zhuge Kongming is nearby! ”

"Exactly. It's just that Kong Ming is unyielding, and he still needs to be begged by the lord. Xu Shu explained to Liu Bei with a little embarrassment. To be honest, although Xu Shu is Zhuge Liang's friend, he also feels that Zhuge Liang has gone too far this time. After all, Liu Bei is at a critical juncture of life and death at the moment, and it is really not suitable for the drama of Taigong meeting King Wen. But Zhuge Liang repeatedly said that only if Liu Bei was determined to take the people to the south, he would be willing to meet Liu Bei.

However, Liu Bei, who was already so excited that his eyes lit up, didn't care whether Zhuge Liang's frame was big or not, and immediately flew on his horse and hugged his fist to Xu Shu, "Please also ask Yuan Zhi to lead the way quickly." ”

Seeing that Liu Bei didn't care about Zhuge Liang's shelf, Xu Shu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and even led Liu Bei and the others all the way to the direction of Shaobi. Shaobi is a water storage irrigation project presided over by Sun Shuao, the prime minister of Chu in the Spring and Autumn Period, in the Huaihe River Basin, and is named after its water flow through Shaoting. Shaobi is located in the northern foothills of Dabie Mountain, with high terrain in the east, south and west, and low-lying terrain in the north, inclined to the Huai River. During the summer and autumn rainy seasons, flash floods occur, resulting in waterlogging; When there is little rain, there are often droughts. According to the local topographical characteristics, Sun Shuao collected the streams flowing down from Jishi Mountain in the east, Longchi Mountain in the southeast and Longxue Mountain in Lu'an in the west. Five water gates were built, and the water volume was controlled by stone gates, "when the water rises, the door is opened to dredge, and the water is dissipated, and the door is closed to store", which not only irrigates the fields with water during drought, but also avoids flooding and flooding. Later, a meridian canal was opened in the southwest, which opened the Wei River to expand the irrigation water source of Shaobi, so that Shaobi reached the scale of "irrigating ten thousand hectares". Therefore, Shaobi is also known as the four major water conservancy projects in ancient China together with Dujiangyan, Zhanghe Canal and Zhengguo Canal.

After Liu Bei occupied Shouchun, he recruited the people to repair and irrigate the rice fields in Shaobi, so he was no stranger to the area around Shaobi. At present, the autumn water in the Huaihe River basin is high, and the Shaobei is full of lake water, and a blue wave ripples from afar. When Xu Shu led the group to a pavilion by the lake, there seemed to be scattered raindrops in the gloomy sky, and I saw a young man in white standing in the pavilion with his hands in his hands, looking at the water and sky in front of him.

Seeing this situation, Liu Bei turned over and dismounted without saying a word, and quickly stepped forward to bow down to the young man and said, "Mr. has repeatedly helped to prepare, but he has not had the opportunity to visit." Today, I can see the real body of Mr., and I ask Mr. to be prepared. ”

The young man turned around and bowed back to Liu Bei, "Liang is not a rural villager, how dare he accept such a big gift from the envoy." ”

Jian Yong followed behind Liu Bei and carefully looked at the young man in front of him who had repeatedly helped and walked away with his clothes. It is undeniable that Jian Yong was also suspicious of Zhuge Liang before he came, and even a little dissatisfied. However, at this moment, seeing Zhuge Liang's face like a crown of jade, his slender body, and a faint breath of immortal wind and bones against the background of the blue waves, Jian Yong couldn't help but secretly praise the other party in his heart - "Really the dragon among people".

As for Liu Bei, although he knew that Zhuge Liang was still young early on, after really seeing his deity, he still had to marvel at the other party's young age. But surprise is surprise, Liu Bei didn't mean to underestimate Zhuge Liang in the slightest. Because before this, Zhuge Liang had proved his extraordinary talent with practical actions more than once. Especially for Liu Bei, if Zhuge Liang hadn't promoted the alliance of the four families before and won Changsha City for him, then Liu Bei, who was being pursued by Cao Ren at this moment, would have already become a lost dog. So at this time, Liu Bei was full of expectations for Zhuge Liang, and wanted to find a clever plan from the other party to get out of the current predicament.

Who knew that before Liu Bei opened his mouth to ask for advice, Zhuge Liang had already said a word, "The envoy came today to seek a way to get out?" ”

Liu Bei, who was told the central matter, hurriedly bowed his hand, "That's right, please give me advice." ”

Facing Liu Bei, who sincerely sought advice, Zhuge Liang looked around at Xu Shu, Jian Yong and others, who were also anxious, and then raised his hand and pointed to Shaobi behind him and smiled leisurely, "The way to get out of the way that Jun seeks is far away in the sky and close in front of you." (To be continued......)