In the twelfth year of Jian'an, in May 207 AD, Cao Ying went north to conquer the three counties of Wuhuan. In August, Wuhuan was defeated. Yuan Shang and Yuan Xi fled to Liaodong and were killed by Sun Kang, the prince of Taishou. In the thirteenth year of Jian'an, in the first month of 208 AD, Cao Ying returned to Ye, dug the Xuanwu Pond to train the navy, and began to prepare for the southern expedition. In June, the three dukes were dismissed, and the prime minister, the imperial historian, and Cao Ying were appointed as the prime minister. In July, Cao Ying raised the troops of Hebei, Qing, and Youzhong, known as 800,000 elite soldiers, and in the name of the Son of Heaven, he began to move south, preparing to invade Jiangdong.

Xiahou Yuan led the right wing of 100,000 troops, out of Dongjun, into Mount Tai, ready to run to Xuzhou. Cao Ren led 100,000 troops on the left flank, sent troops to Yingchuan, pointed at Jingzhou, and Nanyang bore the brunt. And Cao Ying led hundreds of thousands of Chinese troops from Wuping down Yingshui and went straight to Huainan. The three-way army is extremely powerful, urging forward, echoing each other, all the way is like a bamboo, unstoppable.

As soon as the news of Cao Ying's southern expedition reached Moling, the entire Jiangdong shook, and most people expected that Cao Ying would compete with Zhang Lang sooner or later, but they never thought that it would be so fast. Fortunately, Zhang Lang had already been prepared, and all roads assigned elite soldiers and strong generals to guard it, and Cao Ying didn't see any chance of winning for a while.

At this time, high-level personnel frequently discussed the military situation, and how to defeat Cao Jun became a key issue for everyone to frown and ponder.

In the governor's office, this is already the third day of the meeting.

Although a cadre of civil and military generals expressed surprise and dissatisfaction with Cao Ying's invasion, and all of them were enthusiastic and repeatedly asked for battle, when the blood was coldly cut, they remembered that Cao Ying claimed to be an army of 800,000, and everyone's heart was cold. Except for a few people who have great confidence in the regime led by Zhang Lang, those who generally have little understanding of Zhang Lang do not have any hope of victory.

Although Zhang Zhao is not very expert in military affairs, his vision is extremely unique, and he pointed out to the point: "Cao Ying's expedition has committed many taboos. On the surface, it seems to be extremely powerful, but on closer analysis, it is not visible. First of all: it is known as an army of 800,000, but in fact, the ones who can really participate in the war are none other than the Qingzhou soldiers who have been fighting with Cao Ying in the south and the north, and their number is only 120,000. And the Hebei army can only build momentum, once it really fights on the battlefield, I am afraid that it will be really vulnerable. Second, Cao Ying has just pacified the north, the people's hearts are unstable, and the Yuan family is in Hebei IV and the third duke, once anyone rebels, I am afraid that Hebei will fall into civil strife again, but I am afraid that Cao Ying also has deep scruples about this. Third, the Northern Army has never been accustomed to water warfare, although Cao Ying chiseled the Xuanwu Pool to train the water army, but sharpened his guns in battle, where is the opponent of the Jiangdong elite water army? This is precisely the shortness of the other, and the strength of attacking the enemy. Fourth, the northern army went south, traveled a long distance, experienced the cold, heat and dryness of the north, and could not adapt to the humid climate of the south for a while, and would inevitably be unaccustomed to water and soil, the spread of diseases, and the combat effectiveness was greatly reduced. Fifth, Cao Ying set out to fight the whole country, and the rear was empty, once a division was killed from the halfway, I was afraid that Cao Ying would not be able to sleep and eat. Sixth, although the north has sufficient supplies and surplus grain and grass, hundreds of thousands of troops set out at the same time, and the cost of money and grain is extremely huge. To sum up, this time Cao's army is not to be afraid, as long as it is used properly, our army will undoubtedly win. ”

Zhang Lang laughed, and said in a cheerful mood: "It's rare, when you fight, no matter whether you win or lose, the first one with a sad face is always you." Why did you suddenly change your surname this time, and analyze Cao Ying so thoroughly? ”

Guo Jia couldn't help but joke on the side: "Cao Ying's southward movement is not trivial, once the front can't withstand it, Moling will fall into a trap, and it is estimated that Master Zhang is also afraid that his head will not be guaranteed, so he is so diligent in making plans." ”

Zhang Zhaoping said that he was very serious, but occasionally, he would also play tricks, and smiled happily at this time: "As an important minister of the lord, of course he has to solve problems for the lord." To tell the truth, since the development of mineral deposits in Danyang, the financial aspect has also risen, and there is a surplus every year. In addition, the lord often teaches that there is no development without war, and Zhao also has to slowly change his image. ”

Zhang Langle said: "What kind of crooked truth is this, it is obviously the truth." Looking at the development of the historical era, isn't it a living history of war? Where did Qin unify the Six Kingdoms without war? Without the six kingdoms of Qin, how could coins and so on circulate throughout China? War has its negative side, but it also has positive effects. ”

Zhang Zhao nodded approvingly: "What the lord said is very reasonable. But the current matter, how to repel Cao Ying is exactly, if you can't repel the attack of the Cao army, I am afraid that this war will only have a negative impact on the lord and the people of Jiangdong. ”

Zhang Lang perked up and said loudly: "Yes, since Zibu has listed so many taboos in Cao Ying, do you have any good strategies to break the enemy?" If so, you might as well say it and refer to it together. ”

Zhang Zhao smiled and said: "Since this is because of his subordinates, then he will first offer advice from his subordinates." ”

Zhang Lang was really a little surprised this time, Zhang Zhao's performance was a little unexpected, but Zhang Lang was still very happy: "Then Zibu will tell me what you think." I have the impression that Zibu was the first time to give me advice in the war. ”

Although Zhang Zhao is also old, Zhang Lang's words made him feel a little ashamed, and his old face was hot red. He deliberately coughed twice to eliminate his embarrassment, and then said slowly: "Cao Ying's left and right wings of the army are just used to contain them. Cao Ying's real purpose should be Hefei Shouchun. Heqi is the front-line position of Moling, if this place is lost, Cao Ying can continue to put pressure on the Huaisi area at night, Huaisi is the face of Moling, and there is no room for a slight mistake here. If Cao Ying captures Shouchun, he can also open up the Hongze front to isolate Xuzhou. Therefore, the subordinates believed that one side sent a general to garrison Huaisi to resist the enemy's attack, and on the other hand, a mobile team was sent to cut Cao Ying's blind spot, constantly harass, ambush his grain route, and after a long time, Cao Ying's fatigue was fully revealed, and our army could repel Cao's army in one go. ”

Zhang Lang nodded approvingly: "What Zibu said makes a lot of sense. ”

Tian Feng said with a sneer: "Not only that, but our army should also lure the enemy to the Huai River, with the help of the advantages of the water army, break the enemy on the river, as long as the Cao army wins several battles in a row, the Cao army will inevitably be frustrated, and the momentum will plummet." Then I will be a sword, and a man will be a fish. Cao Jun is not going to be defeated yet, and it is not necessary that Cao Ying can be captured alive. ”

Guo Jiale said, interjected a leg and said: "It's best to make a false impression that there is a rebellion of Yuan's Yu tiller in Hebei, so Cao Ying is even more uneasy, restless, and out of shape." ”

"It would be even more remarkable if Ma Teng could be allowed to raise troops to enter the customs." Gu Yong, the old fox, laughed unexpectedly.

Tian Feng still didn't finish: "If Liu Bei can get out of the martial arts, he will be even more perfect when he enters Sankun." ”

Zhang Lang saw that everyone was full of interest, and he was not far behind, so he said: "When the Cao army is exhausted, there is suddenly an extra army under the banner of Jiangdong behind it, what kind of scene do you think it will be?" ”

Guo Jia's eyes lit up, and he asked, "I don't know how the lord can let our army sneak into the enemy's rear to carry out sabotage activities?" ”

Zhang Lang was just talking casually, but when he heard Guo Jia asking, he was curious: "Is this plan useful, and is it effective?" ”

Guo Jia Zhengse said: "Of course it is useful, and it is very useful, think about it now that the Cao army is pouring out of the nest, it is the most empty time behind it, usually 12,000 horses do not show much dew, but at this time it is the most deadly one." If the dispatch is good, it is entirely possible to directly let Cao Jun collapse from the rear. ”

Zhang Lang came to his senses when he heard this, and said energetically: "I have the ability to make a centaur god unknowingly transfer to Cao Junbeihou, but it will be longer, and the risk is greater, if I don't receive a proportional return, I won't use it indiscriminately." ”

Guo Jia knew that he was not blowing when he heard Zhang Lang's tone, and said extremely happily: "If you can really do this, the one who destroys the enemy is right in front of you." ”

Tian Feng couldn't think of any good way for Zhang Lang to transfer the army out unnoticed, and wondered: "Lord, my subordinates can't think of any good way for you to transfer the army to the rear of the enemy?" ”

Huang Xu said whimsically: "Could it be that Zhang Ning will cast a spell, and the moon will be shifted, and the universe will be reversed?" ”

Everyone burst into laughter: "General Huang's idea is too unique. ”

Xu Xuan itched and said, "What is the best way for the lord?" ”

Zhang Lang smiled mysteriously and said, "The secret of heaven must not be revealed." ”

Guo Jialuo was a little frustrated: "Lord, just say it and let your subordinates satisfy their curiosity." ”

Zhang Lang saw that everyone had a look of curiosity on their faces, and couldn't help but reluctantly: "Okay, General Ben will talk about it." But you are not allowed to talk about it. ”

Everyone was hung by Zhang Lang's appetite, and Zhang Lang whispered with satisfaction: "Ten large ocean-going models of the Mengchong fleet have just been developed in the wet dock, which is equipped with the latest models of equipment, such as compass, compass, automatic drainage, etc., although it has not been tested, but according to the preliminary estimate, under the condition of sufficient supply, it should be able to go to the ocean on the water for more than thirty years, and this is only a preliminary estimate." What kind of result would you say would be if you sent this ocean-going fleet to sail from the water with soldiers to the Qingzhou Prefectures? ”

Everyone was shocked, and Xu Xuan said with a face full of disbelief: "How long is the journey from the East China Sea to Qingzhou by water?" Moreover, this practice is really dangerous, the sea is unpredictable, and if it is difficult to encounter strong winds and waves, it is a kind of outcome of the ship's destruction and death. Lord, this seems to be ......? ”

Zhang Lang nodded and said: "Although there are some adventures, you have not seen the capabilities of the ocean-going fleet, if you are attached to the sea dragon who is proficient in the water surname, everything is not impossible." ”

Guo Jia pondered: "Since that's the case, let's try it." However, the lord should not use this fleet as a rescue, if he can really achieve his goal, even if it is a surprise, if it fails, it will not hinder his plan. ”

Zhang Lang didn't refute, but just smiled lightly: "I naturally understand this." ”

Speaking of this, everyone was in no mood to discuss it, but they just guessed who it would be to go to Huainan to help Xu Shu Shouchun.

didn't let the officials wait long, Zhang Lang spoke: "In this way, let Zilong lead 50,000 horses to Huainan to support Xu Shu to guard the Shouchun gate, and all the steps will be done according to the plan." Keep the enemy out. ”

Zhao Yun took on the heavy responsibility again, and he was already in a state of mind that was not shocked, he just said lightly: "My subordinates understand. ”

Zhang Lang said again: "Shouchun is the first line of defense of Jianghuai, if you can't hold it, we will be in a rather passive situation." Therefore, Zilong, you and Xu Shu have to work hard to get the enemy stuck here, and they can't advance half a step. ”

Although Zhao Yun didn't make a "snap" on his chest, he still felt his determination to win from that unwavering tone, and Zhao Yun said in a powerful voice: "Don't worry, my lord, my subordinates will definitely live up to the delay." ”

Zhang Lang was satisfied at this time: "If Zilong goes, I will be relieved." ”

Zhang Lang said again: "Since the three fronts are fighting at the same time, the pressure on us is quite great, no matter which one, we can't lose it, so I think that another task force should be established." In the unlikely event that there is a problem with one of the lines of defense, it is also convenient to provide support. ”

Tian Feng nodded and said, "The Lord thinks that there should be such a unit. ”

Zhang Lang said: "If you have no opinions, I will let Huang Xu lead 30,000 mobile troops and wait and see the development of the situation at any time." ”

Huang Xu ordered: "The subordinates obey the order." ”

Zhang Lang saw that it was almost over, and ordered: "Let's get here early today, everyone should go back to rest early, and I believe that it will not be peaceful in the future." If you suddenly come up with a great idea, don't forget to bring it up and discuss it. ”

Zhang Lang dissolved the meeting and returned to the mansion. After having dinner with his wives, Zhang Lang went to Zhen Mi's room.

Zhen Mi has been in a much more cheerful mood recently, although she still thinks of Guo Huan from time to time, but in the face of reality, she still adjusts herself very well. At this time, Zhen Mi had also had dinner and was about to go out for a walk, when she saw Zhang Lang coming in steps, and couldn't help but ask curiously: "Isn't the general busy today?" ”

Zhang Lang stopped and said with a smile: "I'm almost busy, I have something to discuss with you at night." ”

Zhen Mi said curiously: "What is there that General Lao is driving?" ”

Zhang Lang squeezed his eyebrows and said, "Miss Zhen is both intelligent and intelligent, you should know it." ”

Zhen Mi frowned, obviously still a little unaccustomed to Zhang Lang's flattery, and asked, "It can't be the problem of Cao Jun's southern expedition, right?" ”

Zhang Lang scratched his tongue and deliberately pretended to be surprised: "Sure enough, the woman didn't let her eyebrows be shaved, and she guessed it at once." ”

(To be continued)