June, Luoyang.

In the palace, Cao Pi and Cao Wei Shangqing sat and discussed, discussing the route of sending troops and soldiers and horses.

"The water thieves were deceived by our army and wanted to divide the north and the south. Now I want to take advantage of its unpreparedness, start troops from Luoyang, lead the division of the three armies to cross Huai, and take Hefei directly? ”

Cao Pi pointed to the map of Jianghuai and said with a smile: "The thief is good at water but not good at riding, encircling Hefei to lead the thief to rescue, and then riding heavily into battle, or you can get something." If Hefei goes down, there is no barrier in Huaixi, and then Heli United sweeps Huaidong County, then it can fully recover Jianghuai. ”

Liu Ye hesitated a little, and said: "Your Majesty, although Hefei City is small, it is close to the river, and it is an important town in the west of Huaixi. Our army marched south to Hefei, and the thieves must be stationed in Chaohu Lake, thinking that it was foreign aid. Under the reinforcements outside, Hefei has been defended for a long time, which is not good for our army. ”

"And our army went down to Huaixi, and Huaidong is a place for thieves to store food for soldiers, and I am afraid that the enemy will take the opportunity to go up against the Huaishui and intercept our army's food. When the thieves reinforced the Chaohu Lake, and sent another water division to enter the Huai from the ditch, our army was in danger of being attacked from the north and south. ”

"I sent Xiahou Shang out of Qingxu's troops to take down Pi and the East China Sea, can I stop the Huaidong thieves from going against Huai?" Cao Pi frowned and asked.

"Your Majesty, thieves are good at boats, not based on Xiapi and the East China Sea, but with Yuzhou as the city. The ministers heard about the citizens of the Eastern Sea, went ashore to farm in their spare time, and returned to the island by boat during the war. General Xiahou was ordered to march south to the two counties, fearing that he would be blocked from Huaibei, while the thieves would use boats to cut off Huai and disturb the Huaishui and grain routes. Liu Ye said.

Jianghuai was divided into Huaixi and Huaidong, and Cao Pi vainly tried to directly attack Hefei with a large army, and then ordered Xiahou Shang to contain Huaidong's soldiers and horses. When he broke Hefei, he then joined forces with Xiahou Shang and swept through the counties of Huaidong.

Liu Fang wrote and wrote Cao Pi's military orders through polishing and recording them on the silk.

"Your Majesty, Zhongli City is guarded by the thief general Xu Sheng, and there are 3,000 soldiers and horses in the city. Xu Sheng, a brave general under Huo Jun's account, is known for his courage; Huaiyin and Xutai were led by Quan Cong and Gao Chen, and the two cities combined with four or five thousand soldiers. Quan Cong, as the general under Huo Jun's account, is a powerful and heavy-handed person, can win the hearts of the army, and Gao Chen is under his supervision. ”

Cao Pi stared at the lesser-known city on the map and asked, "Who guards the three cities?" How many soldiers and horses are there in the city? How is it compared to Hefei? ”

As he spoke, Cao Pi commanded left and right, and said: "Order Xiahou Shangdu Qingxu Erzhou soldiers and horses, go down from Surabaya, capture Pi, and then take the East China Sea." I led the army down the Huai River, first pulled out Zhongli, and then conquered Huaiyin, and Xiahou Shang joined forces with Huaiyin, and then went to Jiangbei to see if I could find an opportunity to cross the river! ”

"Your Majesty!"

Cao Pi paced and thought about it, and said: "Lao Ge Liu Bei died, and Lu Xun returned to Wuhan. It is difficult for Bashu to send troops in a short period of time, and there is only the right horse super of worrying about Longlong at the moment! ”

Following Huo Jun through more than 20 battles, Quan Cong gradually grew into a general because of his calm temperament, thoughtfulness, and lack of wealth.

But it's a pity that Cao Pi's idea is very beautiful, but the reality is very skinny. Once he gathers the main force to cross the Huaishui and attack Hefei, the naval division of the Southern Army may go against the Huaishui, cut off his army rations, and destroy his grain routes.

Although Zhongli City suppresses water, it is not as heavy as Huaiyin City. Previously, because Xu Sheng guarded Sikou, Huo Jun let Quan Cong replace him, and Xu Sheng guarded Zhongli.

According to the information from Huaisi, Sun Zi said: "Compared with Hefei, the three cities are not as good as the soldiers of Hefei, Zhongli controls the water, and Zhongli controls Surabaya. Hefei is firmly guarded by Pang Tong, and there are seven or eight thousand soldiers and horses, and it may be difficult to rush down. ”

Cao Pi thought for a little and said with a smile: "Zi Yangguo is a high talent, Zhongli and Huaiyin are not defeated, and the enemy is in danger of going up the river." If you can break through the outer city, you should be able to sweep the Jianghuai and reach the Yangtze River. ”

In this southern expedition, Cao Pi was ambitious, not only eager to recover Jianghuai, but also wanted to take the opportunity to recover Xiangfan and completely restore the territory of Cao Cao's heyday.

Quan Cong served Sun Quan with his father Quan Rou in his early years, and after the second Liu destroyed the Sun family, Quan Cong surrendered with his father. After Quan Rou's death, Quan Cong regained Quan Rou's trilogy and was transferred to serve under Huo Jun's account.

"Your Majesty, the soldiers and horses of the general of the army are in order to guard against the enemy army in Hanzhong, Longyou, and the soldiers and horses in the pass are moving today. Wei Zhen said worriedly.

Cao Pi glanced at Liu Ye, slightly dissatisfied, and asked, "Ziyang is a Jianghuai master, but I don't know if there is a high view to teach me?" ”

"No!"

Cao Pi was much more relaxed and said: "Xiangfan is an important town for thieves, and I am afraid that Zhongda alone will not be enough to take Xiangfan, so I want to order Zidan to lead his troops south, and the two armies will work together to take Xiangfan." I don't know what you think? ”

"Zhongli, Xutai, and Huaiyin three cities?"

Liu Ye arched his hand and said: "If Your Majesty can obtain the three cities, you can get Huaiyin, you can control Surabaya on the top, and you can make a ditch on the bottom to cut off Huaibei." The thieves can go down without a fight, the two counties of the East China Sea can go down without a fight, Huaidong has no danger to defend, and His Majesty can lead the army to Sheyang, and then the army will come to the Yangtze River. ”

"Good!"

Liu Ye lowered his head, pointed his finger at Yutu, and said: "Your Majesty, Ye thinks that it is better to gather heavy troops to advance eastward along the Huaishui, conquer the three cities of Zhongli, Xutai, and Huaiyin, and seize Sikou." Then he rode south to Hefei, and the boat entered the river from Hangou, causing the enemy to retreat to the south of the Yangtze River. ”

After thinking for a while, Cao Pi said: "You can lead the border army and horses, recruit Xianbei Hu cavalry, and merge them into one army, so that they can go to Nanyang and obey Zhongda's orders!" ”

"Your Majesty, Kebi can be clear and dark, and it cannot be used for a long time. Tian Yu said unintentionally last month, Kebi can Yin Lian Xianbei Zhuhao, and it is forbidden to sell military horses and me. Later, Su Li sold more than 1,000 horses and me, and was threatened by Kebineng. If the state sergeants are reduced today, I am afraid that it will be difficult to stop. Liu put it on the report.

Cao Pi's face was slightly gloomy, and he said: "Kebi Neng is not as good as Wu Huan, and now he and Su Li protect each other and kill each other, won't they let our country benefit." The importance of the present should be the southern affairs first, where the southern affairs are peaceful, and then curb the ability to do more, it is not impossible! ”

Kebi can be clear and disobedient, how can he Cao Pi not know. But knowing is knowing, but compared to the developing Kebineng, the water thief who has become a great enemy is more important.

"No!"

Just as the monarch and ministers were discussing the content of the use of troops, the attendants walked in from outside the palace and announced: "Your Majesty, General Huya Xianyu is not assisted outside the palace, waiting for Your Majesty to summon you." ”

"Yu Ban?"

Compared with Xian Yufu on the return trip, Cao Pi is more interested in forbidden. And this interest is not joy, but more disgust. Yu Ban, as a general, surrendered to the thieves, and even received an official position, which is too disgusting.

Looking at Sun Quan, Cao Pi asked, "Yu Wen is returning to China, what does Zhongmou think he should do?" ”

Sun Quan hesitated a little and said: "Your Majesty, in the dispute between the former Jin and Chu, Xun Lin's father was defeated in Yi, and he asked for punishment after the war. Jing Gongming Xun Lin's father was defeated because of it, and he was not investigated; Qin and Jin fought for hegemony, Meng Ming was ordered by Mu Gong to lead his troops east into Caishan, the army was defeated and captured, Mu Gong thought it was his own fault, and restored his position. ”

"There are two things before, and Your Majesty does not blame you. The defeat of Fancheng, the flood, and the crime of non-war, were made public on the same day, so in the opinion of power, His Majesty should reinstate the official position and appease him with words. ”

Listening to Sun Quan's words, although Cao Pi's face was as usual, he was slightly dissatisfied in his heart. The defeat of the forbidden army is small, but the loss of discipline is big. After the surrender of the Han Dynasty, he also accepted the official position of the Southern Han Dynasty.

In order to maintain his demeanor, Cao Pi smiled and said: "What Zhongmou said is extremely true! ”

"Xuan Xian is in the auxiliary, and it is forbidden to enter the palace."

"No!"

Less, rarely in the auxiliary, in the forbidden to enter the palace.

Seeing Cao Pi, Yu Ban was ashamed, cried and paused, and said: "The crime will be captured in the defeat of the forbidden army, it will humiliate the country, and the crime should be ten thousand deaths." ”

Since he learned that he was going to be sent back to China by the Southern Han Dynasty, Yu Ban was worried, although he was ridiculed by others in the Southern Han Dynasty, at least most of them gave face. Now that he has returned to China, Yu Ban doesn't know how to meet Cao Wei's old friends, and he doesn't know how to face Cao Pi.

On the way back to China, Yu Ban was under too much psychological pressure, and his black and white hair turned white in a few days, and he was sluggish and haggard.

The monarchs and ministers in the palace were embarrassed when they saw the appearance of a generation of generals.

Cao Pi endured his dissatisfaction, barely squeezed out a smile, and said: "Qing was wronged in Nantu, and I am so happy to be able to return to the country today!" ”

Yu Ban kowtowed and wept, and said: "The defeat of the minister's division has caused the loss of Xiangfan City and the destruction of state affairs, I hope Your Majesty will surrender your guilt!" ”

Cao Pi stepped down the steps to help Yu Ban and said: "Father Lin and Meng Ming of the past are not punished. I rule the world, how can I not be as good as a small country? The loss of Fancheng is all due to the outbreak of mountains and rivers, how can you blame Yu Qing? ”

Saying that, Cao Pi seemed to be very pitiful to the ban, and said: "The former ancestor stripped off his clothes and gave Han Xin, and the ancestor Xie Shou and Li Zhong were all done by Lord Aiqing. Jun has made great contributions to my Cao family, followed the first emperor to fight in the south and the north, and did everything he could. I remember the merits of the old things of the king, and I specially give the king my old clothes and crowns, as a favor. ”

Seeing that Cao Pi was so kind, Yu Ban cried so much that he thanked him again and again.

Cao Pi sneered a little in his heart and said, "Yu Qing has worked hard, so let's go home and rest for the time being." Then you can go to the mausoleum of the first emperor to worship, and the first emperor died when he was worried about Yuqing! ”

"No!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness!"

Yu Ban wiped his tears and kowtowed.

Seeing that the monarch and the ministers were so harmonious, Sun Quan couldn't help frowning. He has been friends with Cao Pi for a long time and knows Cao Pi's clear character of love and hate. The act of serving the Southern Han Dynasty after the ban must have angered Cao Pi. Today, Cao Pi can be so kind to appease, I'm afraid it's not that there is a cat in it!

"Ahem~"

Without waiting for Sun Quan to think about it, Cao Pi looked at Xian Yufu and asked, "Jun went south to envoy the water thieves, can you get anything?" ”

Xian Yufu arched his hand to Cao Pi and said, "Your Majesty, because of the young age of the king in the country of water thieves, Huo Jun is mostly in charge, and Zhuge Liang is the auxiliary. Dividing the words between the north and the south, Huo Jun may have intentions, so he was sent to the forbidden return country and wanted to negotiate with my country. ”

"As for the cession of Xiapi and the East China Sea, Huo Jun refused with words, saying that he ordered my country to cut Shouchun and Yiyang, and divide the Huaishui and rule."

"Haha!"

Cao Pi raised his head and smiled, and said left and right: "Although Huo Junzong has a strategy to conquer the world, he is also in my strategy now. ”

Sun Quan was suspicious in his heart and asked, "How is it in the country of water thieves, how can Huo Jun promise to share the world?" And also sent to Jun Beigui first? ”

"Your Majesty, go back to Sun Jun!"

Xian Yufu replied truthfully: "When the minister arrived in Wuhan, Huo Junchu was in power, and when he heard that the thieves were in chaos in the western soil, Han Jia was too protective of Huang Yuan and plotted rebellion, the three counties of Nanzhong rebelled, and Yizhou was in turmoil. When the minister left Wuhan and returned to the north, Zhuge Liang was ordered to march west and conquer the three states of western soil. ”

"Therefore, I think that Huo Jun is afraid that our army will march south because of the chaos in the three states of Xitu, and there is a risk of losing the army, so he will divide the north and the south with my country, or he wants to delay the army, or he has the idea of stopping the war."

"Haha!"

Cao Pi's laughter became louder and louder, and he said: "The water thieves are in turmoil, Huo Jun is in the middle of the plan, it is really a godsend to me!" ”

Saying that, Cao Pi restrained his smile and said happily: "Dispatch troops in July, suddenly to Zhongli and Huaiyin, and under the lack of preparation, you may be able to go down in one go." ”

If the domestic situation in the Southern Han Dynasty is really as Xian Yufu said, it is undoubtedly a rare opportunity for Cao Pi. The Han army had the idea of talking about peace, and before the arrival of Huo Jun's army, if they could quickly clear Zhongli, Huaiyin and other cities along the Huaicheng, most of the battle would be won.

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

The flattering ministers then began to sing praises for Cao Pi.

"Hehe~"

Cao Pi pressed down with both hands, signaled everyone not to be too anxious, and asked, "I sent troops to fight in person this time, will Huo Jun meet the troops and fight in person?" ”

"Inevitably!"

Wei Zhen replied without thinking: "Your Majesty's personal expedition, riots in the Western Soil, and terror of water thieves, Huo Jun will respond to the whole country, and he will not dare to use the public to fight with him, but only order the soldiers to come in person and fight with His Majesty in Huaishang." ”

Liu Ye pondered for a while and said: "Your Majesty, the affairs of the water thieves are uneven today, Huo Jun will not dare to leave the center when he hears that all the troops are going down to Jianghuai and Xiangfan." As Ye expected, the one who fights with His Majesty first will be the commander of the army. ”

Cao Pi stroked his beard and said with a smile: "The water thieves will be Huo Jun the most terrifying, and now Huo Jun will not go to Jianghuai first, but will face the farewell." Most of the cities in Huaishang will be taken down by our army, and it is a great joy. ”

Saying that, Cao Pi instructed: "Order the great Sima (Cao Ren) and the hussar general (Cao Hong) to gather troops and horses, and I will gather all the generals to conquer Jianghuai in the south." ”

"No!"

(End of chapter)