Yuan Shao's crusade lasted for a year, and he returned to Xuzhou for autumn and winter. The forces of all sides have died down, rested their troops and horses, recuperated their combat strength, and the world has entered a rare temporary tranquility.

Gao Yun and his civil and military forces, as well as the Huwei Merchant Alliance led by Yu'er, were busy planning for the restoration of the land of Hebei. After a winter of planning and operation, Jizhou, Bingzhou, Youzhou and other places have gradually regained their vitality and order, and gradually freed themselves from the haze of war and the exploitation of the past. Production order, population, public security, economy, and trade have also gradually entered the right track.

Because of the surrender of a large number of prisoners of war in Hebei in the First World War, coupled with the increase in the huge population base of the three states, the strength of the Huwei army has also been greatly expanded. The total number of troops increased to as much as 600,000.

On this basis, Gao Yun made a major adjustment to the macro deployment of troops. In addition to Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Tai Shici, Zhang Liao, Gan Ning, Zhang Xiu, and the 800,000 soldiers and horses commanded by these eight generals, the Huwei Army newly established 200,000 Imperial Forest Army, which was directly commanded by Gao Yun.

According to the rules for the establishment of the Huwei Army, the Royal Forest Army is divided into four orders, three of which are adapted from the original "Tiger Town", "Tiger Hunting", and "Tiger Fighting" three brigades, and the commanders are still Zhang Huayan, Shalina and Zhang Tong.

The last order is to select the best of the best from all the Huwei army, and the culmination of 600,000 Huwei troops is named after "Huwei", which is directly led by Gao Yun, which is the highest combat power and absolute trump card of the Huwei army.

The development of the Tiger Wei Army to such a majestic situation has far exceeded Gao Yun's initial expectations. Standing on the platform of the general of the Huwei Army headquarters, looking at the new green of the willow branches in the distance, Gao Yun couldn't help but ask Guo Jiadao beside him: "Fengxiao, with your judgment, is the strength of the Huwei Army today enough to calm this troubled world?" ”

Guo Jia smiled and replied to Gao Yundao: "As long as it is used properly, it is enough to calm the world." Now that the spring is back to the ground, listen to the words of the eldest brother, but are you going to use the army? ”

Gao Yun nodded, "Well, when Emperor Ling was in power, the world was in turmoil. The lives are miserable, and the people are struggling to make a living. I am determined to calm the world and restore peace to the people. So he raised troops, broke the Yellow Turban, suppressed the Black Mountain, attacked Yuan Shu, and destroyed Yuan Shao, and it has been fifteen years since then. Now I am close to the age and am not confused, but in this world, it is still fragmented and the beacon fire is not extinguished. There can be fifteen years in life, and I am occasionally afraid that I will not be able to fulfill my promise to the people in the world in my lifetime. So, we need to step up."

Hearing Gao Yun say this, Guo Jia also felt a little sad, and persuaded Gao Yun to say: "Big brother is too worried, now that the Huwei Army has been completed, looking at the world, there is no one who is invincible." The younger brother will do his best to help the eldest brother achieve his wish as soon as possible."

"Well, I received news yesterday that Liu Biao made Zhou Yu a general, and stationed troops in Yucheng, it seems that he is going to war with Sun Ce. I want to take advantage of this time to send troops to the west to crusade against Cao Cao, what do you think? ”

"This Sun Ce newly occupies Jiangdong, his foothold is not stable, and his strength is far inferior to Liu Biao. According to the estimation of the younger brother, Sun Ce will inevitably be destroyed by Liu Biao. But that doesn't seem like a good thing for us."

"Oh? How so? ”

"Before Cao Cao invaded Xuzhou, Sun Ce led his troops to help in the battle, so it can be seen that although he rebelled against the Huwei army, he had no intention of being our enemy at the moment. However, this Liu Biao, who was defeated by the lord in the battle of Changsha in the past, must have resentment. If he breaks Sun Ce and occupies Jiangdong, he will inevitably endanger Huaisi. And Cao Cao's power is quite large, and it cannot be eliminated overnight. At that time, if the lord is on an expedition, Liu Biaopo and Sun Ce will go north, it will be a trouble for his henchmen."

Gao Yun pondered, "Well, listening to you say this, that's indeed the case. But if we send troops to the west, we don't have the troops to help Sun Ce relieve the siege."

Guo Jia smiled, "Why do we need our soldiers and horses, wouldn't it be a pity to let Liu Bei's hundreds of thousands of Sichuan troops in Yong'an?" ”

Gao Yun clapped his hands, "That's right! Last year, Liu Bei made Zhang Ren take Jiangling unsuccessfully, and he will definitely not give up. How did I forget about this?"

"Yes, although Liu Bei took Jingzhou and confiscated an inch of merit, the soldiers and horses only returned to Yong'an, and it must be necessary to take Jingzhou. Liu Biao had a grudge against Sun Ce for killing his father, and knew that Sun Ce would definitely take the opportunity to attack his back. That's why he made a preemptive strike, in order to clear his back so that he could concentrate on dealing with Liu Bei. If the eldest brother passed the edict at this time, he officially awarded Liu Bei the pastor of Yizhou, and then gave him the title and ordered him to crusade against Liu Biao. Liu Bei will inevitably be happy and obey his fate. In this way, Liu Bei, Liu Biao, and Sun Ce, the tripartite battle is stalemate, and it is difficult to decompose. The eldest brother can rest assured that he will march west and exterminate Cao Cao. As long as Cao Cao is eliminated, the general trend of the world will be determined! ”

"Hmm!" Gao Yun nodded again and again, "What a plan!" That's it! ”

The next morning, Gao Yun reported the matter to the Son of Heaven according to the plan. The little emperor Liu Xie was naturally obedient, and at that time he passed the edict and named Liu Bei as the pastor of Yizhou and awarded the title of Marquis of Jiangling. On the grounds that Liu Biao raised troops without authorization, defeated Sun Ce, and intended to rebel, Liu Bei was ordered to immediately raise troops and recruit Liu Biao.

Liu Bei had already gathered his soldiers and horses to Yong'an and prepared to attack Nanjun. When I received the edict from the Son of Heaven, I was overjoyed. It's just time to make yourself famous. He immediately received the order and marched eastward.

Liu Biao raised the three armies, and at this time he had already fought to Qichun. When I heard the news, I almost didn't die of anger. But after all, Jingzhou was important, so he had to leave Zhou Yu to lead the troops to defend the east and defend Sun Ce. He and Zhou Yu immediately returned to the army and defended Jingzhou.

Sun Ce was originally an anxious son, and he had long wanted to attack Liu Biao and avenge his father. At this time, I heard that Liu Biao and Liu Bei were at war, how could I let go of this great opportunity. Immediately gathered 150,000 troops and horses, made Pang Tong a military division, waved his army westward, and pointed directly at Changsha.

This series of news is exactly what Gao Yun wants, laughed, and said to the brothers: "Once these three families fight, I'm afraid it won't stop for a year and a half." Taking advantage of this opportunity, we just set out to march west and fight a decisive battle with Cao Cao! ”

The crowd below was suddenly excited, "Raise the army to the west!" Exterminate the Cao thief! ”

Gao Yun said again: "Cao Cao's soldiers are many generals, and he makes good use of soldiers, no better than Yuan Shao and others. We must be cautious in dispatching troops this time. Fengxiao, in your opinion, how should you enter the army? ”

Guo Jia replied: "Cao Cao occupies Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Sili, and Yongliang, spanning more than 3,000 miles from east to west. It is by no means a whole battle that can be exterminated, with the intention of the younger brother, it should be slowly drawn".

Gao Yun nodded, "You're right, if you want to destroy Cao Cao in one fell swoop, the chance is impossible." Therefore, our war with Cao Cao will definitely be a protracted process. In this process, the only factor that determines victory or defeat is the trade-off. In this battle, our goal is Yanzhou and Yuzhou, and we will advance the front to the Tiger Pass."