Early in the morning, outside the city.

Xu Ji took Le Yi and Gao Shun to stand on the opposite side of the river and looked at the heavily guarded Wenxi City, beaming with joy. Especially Leyi, in the past two days, this reckless man has been very happy because of "borrowing arrows from grass boats".

"It's infuriating!" Le Yi suddenly scolded: "There is no fog this morning, doesn't that mean that you can't borrow arrows?" Le Yi was indignant, quite a bit of a stubborn posture.

Xu Ji smiled when he heard this: "Fenwu, haven't you heard the truth that 'greed is not enough to swallow an elephant'?" This kind of opportunistic strategy can only be repeated and repeated, and even if the fog does not disperse today, we cannot play it again today, otherwise the enemy in the city will definitely suspect it. ”

Le Yi said with a smile: "Judging from Wang Kuangjun's quality, how can such a highly intelligent person appear? Otherwise, how could it be defeated by Yu Fuluo's army in Shangdang County three times in a row? ”

Gao Shun shook his head and said: "General Leyi does underestimate the enemy a little, I and Xu Gongming have communicated about this matter, Xu Gongming thinks that there is a very clever leader in Wang Kuang's army, otherwise the army will not break through under that disadvantage, you must know that Lu Dao was in Fuluo at that time in Wang Kuang's southward route to arrange a lot of troops, on the surface, retreating to the north is the best choice for Wang Kuang's army, if so, it will fall into the encirclement set up by Yu Fuluo in the north, but Wang Kuang's army unexpectedly chose to go south, I'm afraid that this eyesight is not under a few generals in Yanzhou. ”

Xu Ji also nodded when he heard this: "That's true, although we can't be sure if the general guarding in Wenxi City is this person, but just looking at Wenxi City's attacks on my fleet in the past two days, we know that the person who led the other party in Wenxi City is not an ordinary person." So whether it is the person Xu Huang suspects or not. Our 'straw boat borrowing arrows' can no longer be used, and its three times are just right. ”

Le Yi looked at Xu Ji inexplicably. Gao Shun explained: "On the first day, when we used this strategy, the other party would think that we were attacking it unprepared and wanted to attack Wenxi City. The next day we repeated the trick to make the enemy think that we were a fluke, and wanted to try it once to see if they were careless because they were no longer prepared for the previous day's victory, and on the third day we used it again to make the opponent think that we were angry and wanted to try again. After three days of using this plan, of course we can't use it again, because there are no such stupid people in this world. ”

Xu Ji nodded, and said, "It's still Zihe who has been following me for a long time and knows me so well." Fenwu, don't forget, the enemy does not know the actual situation of our army now, in their hearts, Zi He and the army under his command have now gone crazy, and for anyone who provokes them, Zi and his army will attack with all their might, so it is really normal for us to use this strategy for three consecutive days in their eyes. ”

Le Yi suddenly realized this, Xu Ji smiled: "The sky is sunny today." Of course, the effect is better, we don't have to use this trick anymore, there is no fog to lock the river, and the river can be seen at a glance. I'm afraid that everyone can see our every move on this side, then we won't use this strategy, and the other side will think that our army has nothing to do. In this case, it is easier for us to plan for the next step. ”

Leyi nodded. Seeing that the iron arrows were being loaded into the carriage in bundles, he smiled: "It's okay." Anyway, these days, we have used this channel to get no less than 100,000 arrows, although these bows and arrows can't match the weapons of our Yanzhou army, but they are just right to give to Yan Rou, anyway, the Bingzhou cavalry is good at horse archery, but they don't care so much. It also saves us a lot of effort and money. ”

Xu Ji remembered something and said with a smile: "Do you know what the guards on the other side of the road will think when they see our carriages entering and leaving the camp in groups from a distance?" Le Yi was stunned when he heard this.

Gao Shun was also stunned, and then smiled: "I'm afraid that we still think that we are sending a carriage back to Bingzhou or Jizhou to ask for grain and grass, right?" Ha, it would be wonderful if they went out of the city to borrow food. ”

Xu Ji smiled and said, "That's the problem, do they dare?" Even if we were sure we were delivering food, they wouldn't be out of town in that case. But in two days it doesn't have to be. ”

Gao Shun and Le Yi were very surprised, and didn't understand why Xu Ji was so sure, and looked at Xu Ji, but Xu Ji smiled and said to the two: "Let's not care so much about it first, just act according to the original plan." I have my own way of getting them out of town. ”

The two nodded and followed Xu Ji back to the camp.

In Wenxi City, on the wall of the East City, two generals were standing on the top of the city looking across the river, looking at the carriage team sent by Gao Shun to transport those borrowed arrows to Bingzhou, they both frowned and were silent. The person on the left is about thirty years old, with a white face and a slight beard, and there is a rare majestic righteousness between his eyebrows, and his eyes are as clear as a lake, but at this time he is full of worry.

The young man on the right is not very old, but he does not have the flying and jumping of ordinary young people, but his face is calm and capable, his face is dark, he has strong muscles, he is extremely agile between actions, and his calm and vitality are perfectly unified in his body, giving people a sense of calm but not hot-blooded. But the young man, like his companions, was now frowning.

After a long time, the young man sighed and said: "The Yanzhou army is really the first elite soldier in the world, I thought that the enemy would be demoralized after repeated defeats in the past three days, but now look at it, people are still not in a hurry to do what to do, and even send people to urge food, it seems that they are going to fight a protracted war with us." ”

After a pause, he said: "But Yanzhou can afford to consume energy, but we can't afford it, Yanzhou is the richest state in the world, and no matter how big the strength of our Hedong County is, I am afraid that there is no way to compete with others." Look, now that people are going to transport grain and prepare for a long war with us, how can it not be chilling? What do you say, Brother Du Ji? ”

The middle-aged man named Du Ji nodded and sighed: "Brother Han Hao, what you said is right, the Yanzhou army is really not my enemy, no wonder the Gao Shun army dares to go deep alone and directly attack Wenxi, in order to make Anyi such a hard encounter with no one in his eyes." ”

After a pause, Du Yi said again: "But Brother Han Hao, don't worry too much, I see that the so-called grain transportation army in front of me is just a suspicious formation of the Yanzhou army." Hum! It would be a big mistake to try to trick our army into going out of the city to attack their grain army. ”

Han Hao was stunned when he heard this. Strangely said: "But I think that the other party's team is to transport grain and grass, after all, Gao Shun's army came from afar." There will definitely be problems with the delivery of their grain and grass, and the front is stretched too long. Now it is very normal to go to transport grain and grass. ”

Du Yi shook his head and said: "Although I have only arrived here with General Wang Kuang in the past few days, I know that the Yanzhou army is different from the ordinary army, and the grain transportation troops in Yanzhou are only afraid that they are also elite and abnormal, and they are not comparable to the grain transportation teams in the ordinary princes' armies." Gao Shun can do it in two ways, on the one hand, it is really to transport grain, on the other hand, it is to earn us out of the city, if we are not fooled, it is not too late to transport grain. ”

Han Hao was stunned. nodded and said, "Brother Du Ji has a point, there is no mistake in what should be the case." So we can't hold out, just in case. ”

After the words came out, he found that Du Ji was still frowning and silent, and then said strangely: "Since Brother Du Ji has already thought about this, why is he still worried?" ”

Du Yi sighed and said, "I'm observing the other party's grain truck. ”

Han Hao looked at the grain truck of the Yanzhou Army in the distance, and said inexplicably: "Grain truck? Is there something wrong? ”

Du Ji frowned and said, "Didn't you find out?" The grain trucks of the Yanzhou army are very light and very fast, which means that the time for transporting grain is greatly reduced, which will greatly reduce the consumption of unnecessary manpower and material resources. ”

Han Hao was stunned for a moment, and then he realized what Lu Dao Du Ji was worried about. Before he could speak, Du Ji said again: "I have long heard that the Yanzhou system is different from other places, and Xu Ji attaches great importance to the hundred workers, thinking that they are people with 'Mude'. They were also given civilian qualifications, recognized their independent status, and some were awarded military ranks because they invented things that were used in warfare. The status is respected, although there is a lot of criticism about this matter. But I have to admit that this is indeed in line with the new 'Five Virtues and Beginning Theory' founded by Xu Ji, and this small grain truck in front of me is a proof of this. The so-called 'glimpse and know the whole leopard', just this small detail, we know that the strength of Yanzhou is not without reason. ”

Han Hao also sighed and said: "That's true, I also heard that Yanzhou has always encouraged commerce, even during the war with the princes, the merchants of Yanzhou are also trading with other states and counties, and Yanzhou is very protective of these merchants, Xu Ji actually made a new industry in Yanzhou called 'dart game'?" The mission is to be hired by the merchant as a guard to escort goods on the way. ”

Du Ji nodded and said: "I have also heard about this matter, I heard that Xu Ji began to train a large number of militias when he started the army in Changshe, of course, Xu Ji's strength was still weak at that time, although this idea was wonderful, but it was a last resort." Now that Yanzhou is extremely powerful, where can we still use these militias that have also been rigorously trained? According to common sense, gradually, the people of Yanzhou will become comfortable, but now? Xu Ji used the industry of 'dart bureau' to carry forward Yanzhou's 'militia system' even more. In the process of engaging in this profession, the militia of Yanzhou gained experience in actual combat, after all, bandits are rampant now, and the belligerent habits of the people of Yanzhou have been completely preserved. This is really terrifying, that is, Yanzhou has a steady stream of soldiers to replenish. In other words, Yanzhou will never lose its combat effectiveness because of its own battle losses, otherwise why would Yanzhou become stronger and stronger? ”

Han Hao's mood became heavy by Du Ji's words, and after remembering something, he reluctantly smiled: "Fortunately, Xu Ji has disappeared, and there are even rumors that Xu Ji is now in Jingzhou, caught in the trap of being chased and killed, if Xu Ji dies, everyone can take a breath." ”

Du Ji snorted and sneered: "I'm worried that it's just a fool's dream, who is Xu Ji?" The storytellers in Yanzhou are now all over every inch of my Han land, although there are many stories in their mouths that are not credible, but these things probably will not change, the Linzi Rebellion, the Luoyang Rebellion, the battle of the princes, the plain battle, and the plot to seize Jizhou, these many things Xu Ji didn't spend safely on the cusp of the storm that time? Do you know that Xu Ji can't come back alive this time? ”

Han Hao nodded and said: "That's right, this Xu Ji is known as the god of the Yanzhou army, with his head alone, I am afraid that there are few opponents in this world, not to mention that this person's martial arts should not be underestimated, he can almost be called the most powerful person in the world, although it can be imagined that there are not a few people who chase and kill him, but they may not be able to stop him." ”

Du Yi slapped the city wall with his hand, stirring up heavy dust. said to Han Hao: "What if Xu Ji is killed? Hum! Xu Ji had left too much to Yanzhou, as long as Xu Ji's successor continued Xu Ji's policy. Yanzhou is still extremely powerful, and people only see it on the battlefield. The demeanor of Guo Jia, Gao Shun, Chen Zhi and others in Yanzhou, but they did not see the strong economic support behind Yanzhou, and the equipment and training of the soldiers of this army in front of us that were not Gao Shun's descendants, if it were calculated by the same people, it would be absolutely astronomical. Hum! Now there is indeed a problem within Yanzhou, on the surface, Guo Jia and others have different intentions towards Xu Ji, but I think that Guo Jia is just making political capital for himself, and he doesn't dare to really confront the Yanzhou government when he gives him the courage, let alone the loyalty of the soldiers under his command to Yanzhou. is that Guo Jia really dares to do this, as long as Yanzhou cuts off Guo Jiajun's supply, what tricks can Guo Jia come up with? ”

Then he sighed and said: "Confucius is no longer in the world, but his doctrine has survived in the world, Xu Ji is afraid that it is the same, right?" From this point of view, Xu Ji has long been a model in the world, and just saying that the creation of the doctrine is enough to discuss the merits with the sages. ”

If Xu Ji was here, after listening to Du Ji's words, he would definitely feel like a confidant.

Han Hao was in a heavy mood. After Du Yi said this, Han Hao realized what a wrong thing it was to fight against Yanzhou, and couldn't help but say: "Doesn't that mean that we are defeated and invincible?" ”

Du Ji said that he had a headache and pressed his head with his hand. He smiled helplessly: "So our victory is only temporary, unless we can completely defeat the Gaoshun army, even if we have been inflicting heavy losses on the other side for three days." But what's the use of that? ”

Pointing to the Yanzhou carriage procession outside the city that was heading towards Bingzhou, he said in a deep voice: "I want to rob the other party's grain and grass more than you." But now is not the time, I'm waiting for the right time. If you can cut off the other party's food and grass. At the very least, it can make the opponent retreat temporarily. We won't be attacking us for a few months, and we can do a lot of things during this time. ”

Han Hao's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he said eagerly to Du Ji: "Oh? Let's hear about it. ”

Du Yi said in a deep voice: "Although the Yanzhou army has suffered a setback in my Wenxi City, the Yanzhou army will definitely not give up, and they will definitely find another way to break through the defense line of our cities." At that time, it will be the time for us to attack the grain and grass of Gao Shun's army. ”

Han Hao was surprised when he heard this, but put down the problem of grain and grass, and thought: "The problem is that I Wenxi City has no chance to take advantage of the defense, even if we go around the river, the Yanzhou army does not have the ability to attack us, we have already fortified in the dense forest on the bank of the narrow river, in that kind of terrain that is not conducive to the Yanzhou cavalry, if the cavalry under Gao Shun comes, it can only bring humiliation on itself." ”

Du Yi snorted lightly and said, "Han Hao, your vision should be on the overall situation of the entire Hedong County. If I am Gao Shun and see the situation of Wenxi City, then I will definitely not stay here again, Wenxi and Anyi and Xia County are connected from end to end, even if I storm a certain city, but in the absence of reinforcements, where is the qualification to hold the city? Don't forget that Gao Shun is now alone in the depths, and the few remaining cities of our army have sufficient soldiers to continuously besiege the cities occupied by Gao Shun's army. Therefore, Gao Shun's only choice now is to give up on the three cities to the east of us, and turn around to attack Xinjiang and Pishi in the north, as long as these two cities are attacked, he can penetrate deep into the rear of our army. ”

Han Hao sneered: "If Gao Shun thinks so, it is absolutely stupid, we have seen through this, how can we give him a chance, if he wants to attack Xinjiang, then he will have to move the whole army to Pingyang County, and travel a long distance, how can there be a surprise attack?" ”

Du Yi shook his head and said: "That's not stupidity, but people have done a good job in intelligence work, now it is Wei Gu and Fan Xian who defend Xinjiang, and it is Gan Sheng who defends Pi's, do you need me to say more about the incompetence of these three people?" Gao Shun will know this sooner or later, since the domineering Yanzhou army can't directly attack Xia Anyi and Wenxi and capture Lord Wang Kuang, then of course retreat. ”

Han Hao's face immediately became very ugly, and he snorted coldly: "Wei Gu, Fan Xian and Gan Sheng are three despicable villains, and they have long wanted to kill the three of them, but unfortunately Lord Wang Kuang trusts the three of them very much, I made a suggestion to Lord Wang Kuang, hoping that he would alienate the three of them, who knew what happened, but was told by Lord Wang Kuang, if it is not good, these two counties may really be lost in the hands of these two people." ”

After a pause, he said: "It's a pity that we can't participate in the affairs of these two counties, otherwise we will definitely fall under the mouth of these two villains." ”

Du Yi said with a smile: "Han Hao, you don't have to worry, we can just take this opportunity to get rid of these guys, we will first remind Lord Wang Kuang, and ask him to order the three of them to pay close attention to the dynamics in the north, these three people must have a grudge against Lord Wang Kuang, saying that we have a lot of troubles, and we are secretly sending troops to target the grain of the Yanzhou army, as long as the army of Gao Shun appears in Xinjiang City or the north of the Pi clan, we will plunder the grain route of the Yanzhou army." Forced the Yanzhou army to retreat. ”

Han Hao was overjoyed when he heard this, and couldn't help but admire: "This plan is wonderful, you can get rid of traitors from within, and you can retreat from strong enemies, Brother Du Ji is really a genius." ”

Du Ji shook his head and said: "With my ability, I can only retreat the soldiers in front of me, and now it is the time when the Central Plains is shaking and the situation is changing, even if I retreat the soldiers in front of me, I think Lord Wang Kuang will not be able to last." If possible, I still hope that General Wang Kuang will defect to Benchugong as soon as possible. ”

Han Hao was silent for a while: "There is no way to do this, it seems that Lord Wang Kuang has the secret order of the First Prince, so he and Lord Zhang Yang have stayed in this place for so long." By the way, Gao Gan, the nephew of Ben Chu Gong, is now in Anyi City, maybe that's the reason, right? But that's beyond the reach of me, an outcast. ”

Du Yi snorted coldly and said: "Han Hao, don't blame me for being too talkative, although I am temporarily sent to General Wang Kuang's place, but I really don't have a good impression of Ben Chu Gong, Ben Chu Gong and Yuan Highway have failed the Yuan family of the fourth and third dukes in vain, where have you done anything outstanding over the years?" Ben Chu Gong is somewhat better, but Yuan Highway now dares to call himself the emperor, which is really ridiculous. ”

After a pause, he said earnestly: "I'll say more, you listen to me, wait for this matter, brother, you should leave here and find another job, this is really not your safe place." ”

Han Hao smiled bitterly and said: "I am not as free and easy as my brother, Lord Wang Yun ordered you to go to Hanzhong Mansion, you don't go, you all abandon the official and abscond, I really can't leave here, after all, Lord Wang Kuang is not kind to me." ”

Du Yi shook his head and said: "How can I have my brother you said so extraordinary, there is no way to do this, I am only a low-level official in Chang'an, of course, it is impossible to know the inside story of the high-level of Lu Dao, but I can see that it will not take long for Chang'an to use troops against Hanzhong, if we are wrong, the leader is Chang'an's first army division Jia Xu and Chang'an's second master Zhang Xiu." ”

Han Hao nodded and said, "This is also normal, Zhang Lu's Five Doumi Sect in Hanzhong is actually a branch of the Yellow Turban Thief, how can my brother stoop to be a thief?" It is also a very normal thing for Lord Wang Yun to send troops to attack. ”

Du Yi shook his head and said, "I'm afraid that attacking Zhang Lu is fake, and dealing with Liu Yan is real." Therefore, Hanzhong is not a safe place. Otherwise, how could I have temporarily sent food to Lord Wang Kuang? Once the defeat of the Gaoshun army, after the road is smooth, I will go to Xuzhou Guangling, the previous period of Chang'an rebellion, I saw Guangling too shou Cao Cao, this person is eloquent, I don't see Xu Ji under the top, want to defect. ”

Han Hao read Cao Cao's name twice, and when he was about to ask, Du Ji stopped talking about this topic and said to Han Hao: "Our current task is to send people to find out the grain route of Gao Shun's army and prepare to start. ”

Han Hao nodded, but couldn't help but ask, "The problem is that now that the Gaoshun army on the other side is heavily garrisoned, what can we do so that we don't be discovered by the other party?" ”

Du Ji sneered: "The Yanzhou army is most willing to play is to stabilize the army, they will only quietly evacuate, leaving some empty camps and soldiers on the other side of the bank to hide people's eyes and ears, there is nothing to fear, we have to pass through the defense of the Yanzhou army, it is not difficult to find out the other party's grain route." ”

Han Hao nodded excitedly and said, "Then we will wait for the other party to withdraw and attack Xinjiang to the north." ”

"Humph! Since Gao Shun's army has decided that we will not take the initiative to attack, then we will take him by surprise and take him by surprise. Du Ji said coldly.

Han Hao nodded, looked at the Yanzhou carriages outside the city, and felt happy for a while.

However, the two of them didn't know that their calculations had fallen into Xu Ji's calculations. (To be continued......)