Although Zhao Yun hated Cao Cao's murderous nature and slaughtered the city at every turn, he had to admit in his heart that Cao Cao was a brave and resourceful master of the art of war. At least in Zhao Yun's impression, few people dared to fight back against opponents who were several times their own when their own vitality was greatly damaged. But Cao Mengde dared to do this. Relying on the reinforcements brought by Zhao Yun and the remnants of the city in Guandu, Cao Cao gathered 10,000 soldiers and horses to counterattack Yuan Shao's camp overnight. Yuan Shaobu, who was already heavily damaged in Guandu, was about to collapse in the face of Cao's army, which was pursuing while taking advantage of the victory. Yuan Shao's generals Yuanjin, Zhao Rui, and Han Juzi led their troops to surrender to Cao's army, and Yuan Shao's camp changed the king's banner at the head of the city overnight.

According to Yuan Shao's own statement, he led a total of one million troops and 100,000 elite soldiers to the south to attack Cao. However, more people of insight analyzed that Yuan Shao's southward soldiers and horses were about 200,000, of which the elite soldiers would not exceed 60,000. Regardless of the geometry of Yuan Shao's soldiers and horses. It is an indisputable fact that Cao Cao outnumbered the crowd in Guandu. The more soldiers and horses Yuan Shao boasted about, the more he could undoubtedly achieve Cao Cao's prestige.

Of course, some people may say that this is Cao Cao's luck. But Zhao Yun knew that Cao Cao's ability to get out of trouble this time was certainly due to luck, but today's impressive achievements were contributed by Cao Cao. It should be known that if Cao Cao did not immediately pursue Yuan Shao that night, but waited until the next day to gather troops and horses before attacking Yuan Shao's camp. That would inevitably give Yuan Shao a chance to breathe, so that he could gather the rout and gain a firm foothold. At that time, Cao Jun will attack Yuan Shao's camp again, but it will not be able to take it overnight and one day.

However, although Cao Cao turned the tide and achieved a great victory in Guandu, he also had a fly in the ointment. Yuan Shao's father and son finally escaped from Guandu under the protection of their relatives. And it was the two of them who blocked Cao Jun's pursuit. Although he was a scribe, he led a group of pro-soldiers to defend the Yuan Chinese army camp in the chaos of the army, so that Cao Jun mistakenly thought that Yuan Shaoshang was still in the Chinese army camp. If it weren't for this, Yuan Shao and Yuan Tan would have no chance to escape the pursuit of Cao Jun.

Rao was frustrated and once forced the generals into a desperate situation, and everyone had to be moved by his loyalty. Therefore, when the body full of arrows was carried to the school ground, a group of military generals, including Zhao Yun, cast awe-inspiring glances at him. Cao Cao even stroked the corpse in front of all the soldiers and shed tears, "There was no plan in the beginning." There is no need for the king, why should the king be martyred for the Yuan family. If you are lonely and get married, the world is not enough to worry about. ”

Cao Cao cried out in pain. The new generals present said that they were very concerned. The original frustration of the death battle just contrasted with the disloyalty of the generals such as Wei Yuanjin. But now when Cao Cao cries like this, the atmosphere is completely reversed. Far from being despised for their own behavior on the wall, Cao Cao praised him in disguise for abandoning the darkness and turning to the light. Even Zhao Yun, who originally despised shì 眭 Yuanjin and others. At this time, I actually felt some sympathy for them.

However, just when everyone was expressing regret for the death of Fu Zhu, Cao Cao wiped the corners of his eyes and stood up. Motioning to Dian Wei and Xu Zhu to carry a box full of bamboo slips in front of them. When the civil and military forces below saw Cao Cao crying and moving the box again, they couldn't help but look at each other, and they didn't know what their lord was selling in the gourd. On the other hand, Cao Cao stepped forward, picked up a roll of bamboo slips, and looked around at the crowd, "Yuan Shao's wolf bèi broke and fled, abandoning the book cart and fighting for the golden silk." Alone from Yuan Shao's books, he picked up a box of letters, which seemed to be books that Yuan Shao and others had communicated. ”

Cao Cao's words were not finished. The hearts of many people present invariably mentioned their throats. There is a way that no one in the world can understand Yuan, and the protégés of the fourth and third princes of the Yuan family are all over the world. Regardless of those who really harbor ghosts and secretly communicate with Yuan Shao, even ordinary official eunuchs may communicate with Yuan Shao for entertainment. If Cao Cao used disloyalty as an excuse, he killed the people who corresponded with Yuan Shao one by one. Then there will be a river of blood on the school floor today.

Compared with the anxiety of Wenwu below, Cao Cao did not open the bamboo slip in public and read out the name of the person who communicated in public, as some people imagined, but casually threw the bamboo slip into the box, and sighed abruptly, "Yuan Shaozhiqiang couldn't protect himself that day, what about others?" ”

After that, Cao Cao turned around and asked Dian Wei to fetch a torch and burn all the boxes full of letters in front of the civil and military scene. As tongues of fire burst out of the box. The boulder that the people were waiting for on their chests finally fell. At the same time, he was also grateful to Cao Cao, and he didn't dare to have two hearts again.

Compared with Cao Jun's civil and military forces, who are surrounded by amnesty, Zhao Yun, who is an outsider, has the feeling of watching a monkey show. Because before sending troops to aid Cao, Cai Ji had explained to Zhao Yun. He was asked to find an opportunity to search for Yuan Shao's letters, otherwise these letters would be burned by Cao Cao. However, in the midst of the chaos, Cao Cao finally rushed into Yuan Shao's Chinese army tent before Zhao Yun. In this way, the letter fell into the hands of Cao Cao like the original history, and was finally used by Cao Cao to perform the above "Cao Ying Burning Letter". Due to the psychological preparation before, Zhao Yun lamented Cai Ji's clever calculation, but also regretted in his heart that he could not be the first to rush into the Yuan camp to complete the task assigned by the master.

Just when Zhao Yun was annoyed, Cao Cao had already walked down the high platform, pointed to Zhao Yun's mount and asked, "The general's mount is a bloody horse?" ”

"Exactly. Chasing the wind is a gift from my lord. Zhao Yun replied with a fist clenched without humility or arrogance.

"BMW gives heroes. Qi Hou is really a Ya person. Cao Cao stretched out his hand to touch the horse's mane, but Chasing the Wind, like his master, brushed his head and didn't give Lord Sikong any face. Seeing this, Cao Cao didn't care, and instead asked people to put on a set of silver-white armor, and smiled at Zhao Yun, "A pair of unicorn armor was seized from Yuan Shao's tent, and it is worthy of a hero like General Zhao." ”

It is said that Cao Cao's coveting of Zhao Yun is not a matter of a day or two. As early as when he was in the eastward expedition to Lü Bu, Cao Cao greatly admired Zhao Yun's martial bravery. This time, Zhao Yun led his troops to help, and Cao Cao seized the opportunity to win over this general. However, Zhao Yun looked at the gorgeous armor on the plate, but only indifferently refused, "No merit will be punished." Sikong's reward was too rich, and Yun didn't dare to accept this big gift. This time the rescue officer crossed General Xiahou, and asked Sikong to give the Qilin armor to General Xiahou. ”

Although Xiahou Yuan on the side also coveted this set of unicorn armor, he knew that Cao Cao intended to win over Zhao Yun, so he still said for Cao Cao, "General Zilong should not refuse." If it weren't for the general to send troops to help, how would Yuan save Guandu? ”

"It was Qi Hou who sent troops to help." Zhao Yun corrected.

Cao Cao saw that Zhao Yun ignored the high-ranking officials and the reward of the treasure armor, and couldn't help but appreciate Zhao Yun's personality even more, "Haha, General Zhao is really loyal." This unicorn armor is a general and a subordinate. This is Lone's gratitude to the general, and there is no other meaning. ”

Zhao Yun saw that Cao Cao was so determined to give the Qilin Armor to himself, but he didn't make any more excuses. After all, Cai Ji had confessed to him before he set out on the expedition. "If Cao Sikong gives a heavy gift, it doesn't hurt for Zilong to receive it all." However, while accepting the Qilin armor, Zhao Yun still did not forget to urge Cao Cao. "Sikong, Yuan Shao's father and son can't run far. Yun is willing to pursue the two thieves for the vanguard! ”

That knew that Cao Cao was contrary to the eagerness to pursue last night. Instead, he patted Zhao Yun's shoulder leisurely and said, "General Zhao, don't worry. In last night's battle, our army suffered considerable losses and urgently needed to be repaired. What's more, the Marquis of Qi is the best sailor in the world, and Yuan Shao's father and son are sad about the Yellow River even if they have wings. ”

Regarding Cao Cao's excuse, Zhao Yun was also difficult to refute for a while. Indeed, Cao Cao almost collapsed in the first battle of Guandu. Even the soldiers and horses brought by Zhao Yun suffered a lot of losses last night. There is nothing wrong with trimming. It's just that Zhao Yun, who lowered his head, didn't notice the haze that flashed in Cao Cao's eyes when he said, "Qi Hou Sailor is the best in the world".

Under the same hazy sky, Yuan Shao's father and son galloped on the vast plain like lost dogs. April was supposed to be the season when the northern grains began to plump. However, the battle between the Yuan and Cao families, which lasted for more than a year, displaced the people on both sides of the Yellow River. The fertile land that had been reclaimed was also abandoned as a wasteland that no one cared for in the war. Only the Donglai waterwheel towering by the river shows that Yuan Shao and Cao Cao also spent energy to settle the people.

Yes, for the sake of Yuan's foundation, Yuan Shao has also made a lot of efforts to restore people's livelihood and tuntian grain. To this end, he also actively introduced waterwheels from Donglai to expand the scope of Tuntian. If it weren't for this, Yuan Shao would not have been able to afford a huge army.

However, in just one night, Yuan Shao lost the capital accumulated over the years. He once led more than 200,000 soldiers and horses to the south, but now he has less than 1,000 horsemen with him. What made Yuan Shaoshen even more frightened was the strength of the sailors that Cai Ji displayed when he attacked White Horse Port. Thinking that Cai Ji might be half-crossed and intercepted when he crossed the river, Yuan Shao couldn't help but feel a grievance that he couldn't return home.

"Your Majesty or cross the river from the white horse! There are still more than 1,000 defenders in Baima, and although the ships in Jinnai were burned by the Qi army, there is Jiang Yiqu on the other side of the river. Majesty, don't hesitate. Please make a quick decision. Guo Tu, who was following closely behind, said to Yuan Shaojian. In his opinion, Yuan Shao is very fragile at the moment, and it is imperative to join up with the nearest army and horses as soon as possible.

But without waiting for Yuan Shao to answer, Feng Ji on the side said in the opposite tone, "If Cai Anzhen sends the sailor to besiege Baima again." Isn't Majesty throwing himself into the net? ”

"Then where does the military advisor think His Majesty should cross the river from?" Guo Tu asked with a cold face.

"Your Majesty can go to Yanjin. There are not many ships in Yanjin. But it is not difficult to transport more than 1,000 soldiers and horses across the river. Feng Ji confidently retorted.

"Yanjin? The defenders of Yanjin were less than 1,000 people, and there were no soldiers and horses on the other side to respond. If Cao's army pursues here, his majesty is afraid that he will not even be able to cross the Yellow River. Guo Tu said disdainfully.

Feng Ji also-for-tat, "Your Majesty will definitely be able to cross the Yellow River before Cao's army under the combination of day and night." As soon as the Yellow River crossed, Cao Cao and Cai Ji were not afraid. ”

Yuan Tan saw that Guo Tu and Feng Ji were at a stalemate, so he helped Guo Tu and said, "Father, let's go on the white horse." The child will protect his father and cross the river safely. ”

It's a pity that Yuan Shao's impression of his eldest son has never been good. It's good that Yuan Tan didn't say this, but when he said it, Yuan Shao felt that crossing the river from Baimajin was too reckless. In contrast, although Yanjin made a little detour, it was better to avoid the edge of the Qi army's sailors and cross the Yellow River unconsciously. As Feng Ji said, once he crossed the Yellow River, he would be able to gather his troops and horses and make a comeback.

Yuan Shao, who had made up his mind in his heart, immediately retracted the reins and said, "According to what Yuan Tu said, you will rush to Yanjin to cross the river with me!" ”

"Father!" Yuan Tan said urgently.

was interrupted by Yuan Shao's strong hand, "There is no need to discuss this matter." The order went down, and the whole army turned around and went to Yanjin! ”

After that, Yuan Shao ignored the opposition of Guo Tu and Yuan Tan, turned the horse and led a remnant of the army towards Yanjin. It is said to be a detour, but in fact, Yanjin is not too far from Guandu, and it belongs to Chenliu County. Just last year, Cao Cao personally led his troops deep into Yanjin to ambush the baggage led by Wen Chou, and beheaded Wen Chou here to win the first victory of the Guandu War for Cao's army. After half a year, Yuan Shao fled to Yanjin in a hurry as a defeated army, and I have to say that some things have their own certainty.

However, Yuan Shao, who was bent on crossing the Yellow River as much as possible, did not consider what kind of ominous place Yanjin was for Yuan Jun. Two days later, Yuan Shao was connected to the water village by Guo Yuan, the general of Yanjin. As soon as he entered the Yanjin camp, Emperor Dachen breathed a sigh of relief from the bottom of his heart. However, entering the Yanjin Water Village is not a guarantee of safety, and crossing the Yellow River as much as possible is Yuan Shao's purpose. Therefore, Yuan Shao ordered Guo Yuan to collect all the boats, sampans, and even rafts near Yanjin that night for the need to cross the river.

In the early morning of the next day, the genius was bright, and more than 1,000 soldiers and horses under Yuan Shao's tent began to cross the Yellow River with the help of various ships. In fact, the warships of this era were relatively small except for the building ships, and a ship could often only fit a dozen or twenty people. It is simply not comparable to the large ships of 100 or even 1,000 people on a ship in later generations. Therefore, although Yuan Shao's soldiers and horses were only 1,000 people, it would take a lot of time to cross.

For the sake of safety, Yuan Tan was the first to cross the river and take the lead. After crossing the river, he would build a simple barrier on the bank to prevent the enemy from raiding, and then take Yuan Shao across the river, and finally be cut off by the Yanjin garrison general Guo Yuan. Yuan Shao's subordinates are all northerners, and when they crossed the river to the south last year, they took a larger military ship, and it is naturally difficult to adapt to returning north by sampan at this moment. Therefore, the scene of Yanjin was extremely chaotic as soon as the river crossing began. Many soldiers scrambled to climb onto the larger ships, but were often squeezed into the water by their own robes.

As the "king of a country", Yuan Shao naturally would not cross the river on a sampan with the soldiers below. After Yuan Tan on the north shore sent back the signal, Yuan Shao boarded the only building ship in Yanjin Port. Facing the cool river breeze and looking at the chaotic soldiers and horses around him, Yuan Shao was not only angry, but also had to calm himself down, and instead sorted out the soldiers and horses that he could mobilize after returning to Jizhou. Jiang Yiqu in Liyang still had 20,000 soldiers and horses, and 30,000 horses and horses were left around Yecheng. Although these soldiers and horses were not as elite as they were when they went south, they were enough to expel Cai Ji's cheap maid from Jizhou. In addition, Gao Gan stationed 30,000 foot cavalry in Bingzhou, and Yuan Xi's Youzhou soldiers also had more than 10,000 people. Coupled with the Xianbei and Wuhuan tribes in the two states, Yuan Shao thought that it was not difficult to gather more than 100,000 soldiers and horses. Only in this way his control zone will be significantly smaller than before. However, for Yuan Shao, who was bent on revenge, the temporary shrinking front was laying the cornerstone for the future conquest of the world.

Cao Mengde and Cai Anzhen, when I return to Jizhou, you and you are good-looking!

But just when Yuan Shao lowered his head and was thinking about how to rush back to Jizhou to gather troops and horses to fight in the Central Plains again, Yuan's soldiers, who were originally busy landing on the shore, danced towards the east one after another, and seemed to shout something in horror. Such a strange move made Yuan Shaohu turn his head to look east suspiciously, but saw that a round of the rising sun was rising from the Yellow River, and countless warships flying the big flag of Cai under the rising sun were connected in black. (To be continued)