When Cao Cao was still thinking, Zhang Han stood beside him, interrupting without saying much, but he couldn't help but thank Jia Xu in his heart.

That is, a person like Jia Lao, who usually has nothing to do, seems to be taking care of the elderly, but in fact, he has a lot of energy and time to study others, Zhang Han can't do it, Zhang Han still has to play everywhere, not as professional as Jia Xu.

No, although it didn't play a role last night, but as soon as I arrived at Sikong Mansion today, it had a miraculous effect, except for saying that I was lucky, I coughed otherwise.

"Actually, I have asked Fengxiao and Zhicai, and the two of them said that they killed him secretly and transferred him to another place, which is not as good as what you said, so he sent troops to Yangzhou together."

Cao Cao couldn't help but sigh, but in fact, he could faintly feel that this plan was not Zhang Han's style, and he had never paid attention to Liu Bei, and he had not mentioned it in the past year, of course it could not be what he thought.

Hmm, I guess it's Jia Xu's idea.

It seems that Jia Xu is already in Shaoqing Mansion and has begun to take charge of the secret intelligence matter, otherwise he would not have noticed this Liu Xuande.

Brother Xuande, it really makes people love and hate.

……

Liang Guo, Gushu County.

Liu Bei and his brothers settled in this office, and according to the common practice of various prefectures and counties, they irrigated their farmland with winter water to keep the soil moist in case of a major drought in the coming year.

At the same time, water conservancy, mountain ridges, and streams were built in Gushu County, and if this last county is completed, the whole territory will have been built and farming will be completed, and the next year's harvest will be even greater.

Liu Bei is because of his tireless work, regardless of his own image, day and night in the people to work and build together, and he knows a lot of knowledge of farmers, weaving straw shoes, straw mats, dustpans, back baskets, etc., all of which are handy.

It also adds a lot of closeness, and it is no different from ordinary farmers, and when doing things in the fields, they are all pulling up their trouser legs, putting a hat on their backs, and never complaining.

At this moment, they were drinking in the government office, Liu, Guan, and Zhang were all among them, Jian Yong was behind Zhang Fei, the four of them were wearing thick clothes, drinking soju, and all of them had a flush on their faces, and the heat drove away the cold.

"This year, the harvest is excellent, and it should also be a merit when it reaches the Son of Heaven in Xudu, our brother is amazing, and he can be admired anywhere."

"Third brother, it's serious, it's not my credit, we just continued to use Cao Gong's government." Liu Bei smiled frankly, touched a bowl with Zhang Fei, and then sighed: "However, it is not a good thing that this government can allow the people to live and work in peace and contentment." ”

"The merits we have obtained now are all insignificant, and we still have a lot to do compared to those sages who stabilized the court and swept away the thieves in Xudu."

Liu Bei knew in his heart that he was still far away from those princes, but he could win the hearts of the people by working hard and asking for his life for the people.

There is nothing wrong with such prudence in words and deeds.

"My lord, some time ago, I heard that many elderly gentry in the township sent the book of all the people to Xudu, and they also asked for merit for the lord."

"Oh, that's really, let the villagers think about love......"

"I heard that now that the situation in Xudu is stable, Cao Cao has already made a commonplace."

Jian Yong smiled lightly and nodded: "Yes, Cao Sikong is in charge of the government, with the support of most of the officials in the court, and the trust of His Majesty, there is peace in the court." ”

Liu Bei's eyebrows suddenly felt a sense of loss, and he suffered from gains and losses in his heart.

But it was only for a moment, and he was quickly suppressed by his relieved heroism, dispelled the gloom in his heart with laughter, and said loudly: "I met Cao Gong in my early years, and since the beginning of the Dong Alliance, I thought that he was a hero in the world, and he was definitely different from other princes. ”

"Now it proves that this is the case, he is the only one who chases the Han Emperor and welcomes the return of the Son of Heaven; Now he is the one who can govern the court in an orderly manner. ”

"I'm happy for him, it's just that I don't know if Cao Gong can still think of me when he is proud of the spring breeze! Hahaha! ”

Liu Bei laughed heroically, anyway, he has been ignored and forgotten too many times in this life, and he has long been accustomed to it.

Moreover, the princes all have the heart of self-reliance and do not follow the will of the court, Cao Gong does not know if he also has this intention, but Liu Bei does not dare to be completely dependent on Cao Cao, he is afraid of taking another detour.

"Harm, in this huge world, it is impossible not to have a place for the three of our brothers."

Zhang Fei raised his wine loudly, his face was black and red, but there was still a sense of pride.

"What the third brother said is extremely true."

Guan Yu echoed and raised his glass, his face was even redder, and the hall was also full of enthusiasm, although there were not many people here, but the three brothers had been friends of Jinlan since they were poor, and after many years of life and death, they had long since lost the distinction between you and me.

In this troubled world, between the rooms, I can talk with my best friends who have the right taste, of course, I feel comfortable and say everything.

When Liu Bei sighed, there were guards from outside the door who hurriedly came, it was Chen Dao, the commander of his guards, this person was brave and courageous, and he also rose from the small soldiers in the army, and protected Liu Bei from fire and water several times.

They were loved by their brothers.

Chen Zhi pushed the door in, shook the cold rain on his body, and said excitedly: "Lord, Xu has an order." ”

Well, the three brothers stood up and stared at him in anticipation.

It's coming so soon!

It seems that the petition of the elders and wealthy families in the township is really effective, at least it reminds Cao Cao of an old man in the Liang Kingdom.

"Where is the messenger?? But whose command is it? Liu Bei asked in a quick tone.

"Yes, Sikong Cao Cao."

Liu Bei was disappointed in his heart, but then hope emerged, at least Cao Gong still remembered me.

He originally thought that the Son of Heaven had already known his political achievements, and in his heart he was looking forward to the favor of the court.

After all, Liu Bei traveled through mountains and rivers and went through a lot of hardships to come here just for them to look at each other.

However, even if they have been walking on the cusp and on the cusp of the Han clan's reputation, those scholars are only praising rather than having any substantive friendships.

In Zhang Han's words: I have climbed all the way to the same level as you, but you don't want to call me a pretty boy.

Now, it has to be Cao Gong.

"What is Sikong's order?"

"Please send troops to fight against the thief Yuan Shu together!"

"Yuan Shu? Wow! I don't like them for a long time, I can't get used to them Yuan is arrogant, these years, Yuan Shao wants to usurp and rebel, Yuan Shu collects thieves, and he is basically harboring evil intentions! ”

Zhang Fei immediately smiled, Erlang's achievements must be on the battlefield, and these achievements are hard enough.

Because he did not have the qualifications to ascend to the court, even Zhang Fei would practice calligraphy hard in private, and asked himself that his calligraphy was much better than that of Zhang Han, the Marquis of Qingting.

"See you soon."

Liu Bei packed his clothes and went to the door to see the person who came to give the order, which was Zhang Liao, the old general of Lu Bu.

He and Guan Yu knew each other in the old days, and after they descended to Cao, they had a good conversation and fell in love with each other, so they were old acquaintances.

Guan Yu was overjoyed when he saw it, and hurriedly greeted him: "Who is the envoy of a certain way, it turns out that Brother Wenyuan came to give an order!" Hurry up and get into the hospital, you and I haven't drunk for a long time, today just finished pouring winter water, and there is no errand tomorrow, can you get drunk before you rest? ”

Guan Yu rarely treats a person so enthusiastically, it is really Zhang Liao's temperament that he likes very much, although he is secretly not ashamed of Lu Bu's trip, he is always loyal.

When he was captured by Cao Cao, he never surrendered, but was willing to die for the old master.

This man is willing to die for the mediocre lord regardless of his years and unwillingness, which is actually enough to show his integrity.

In Guan Yu's eyes, Zhang Liao is not a general, because he was returned to Cao Cao for the sake of the future of hundreds of his disciples after Lu Bu was captured and killed.

"Cloud Chief! Ah, Xuande Gong ......" Zhang Liao and Guan Yu first greeted each other, then hugged their fists towards Liu Bei to show respect, and finally nodded and smiled with Zhang Fei.

When the four of them strode into the courtyard, Zhang Liao had already quickly talked about the situation, "My lord has never forgotten Xuande Gong. ”

"It's just that the situation in the court was very chaotic at that time, and many of those ministers secretly communicated with Yuan Shao and wanted to plot to send the Son of Heaven to Jizhou, so it took a lot of energy to stabilize the court."

"At that time, my lord said that Xuande was a righteous man in the world, a member of the Han family, and it was not good for him to be involved in such disputes, so he could only wronged Xuande to be a minister of state abroad and accumulate merits."

"I see," Liu Bei smiled suddenly, and nodded hurriedly, "Wen Yuan's words are serious, Cao Gongji doesn't remember, Beidu has to fulfill his duties and ask for his life for the people." ”

"I just heard that a military order was going to be issued to send us and others to attack Yuan Shu, and Yuan Shu was usurping Huainan, what do you mean?"

Liu Bei's face was dignified, and his expression was quite solemn after deep thought, and he looked at Zhang Liao puzzled.

After a few people sat down, Zhang Liao was invited to the head of the guest seat, and Zhang Fei went to sit across from Guan Yu on the other side.

Zhang Liao stroked the tip of his sharp beard and said in a deep voice: "Since three months ago, the border guard has obtained military information, Yuan Shu has placed 100,000 soldiers and horses, Chen Yu near Guangling and Nanyang, and then entered Shucheng to capture Lujiang. ”

"As a result, the Lujiang Lu clan was defeated and fled, allowing him to go with Yuan Shu, so he placed his soldiers and horses on this line within a month."

Guan Yu and Liu Bei glanced at each other, and the two reacted almost at the same time, Guan Yu turned around and pointed out, and said softly: "This is ...... At the same time, guard against Nanyang, Xuzhou, and Jingzhou. ”

"That's right," Zhang Liao nodded slightly, his smile full of approval, "Yun Chang is still so good at judging the situation. ”

"Yuan Shu's actions like this show that he has bad intentions, so our army sent more than 2,000 open and secret agents, plus Bao Xuzhou to investigate day and night, and got the news that Jiujiang built a sacrificial temple and wanted to open an altar to worship the sky."

"The local people are not allowed to leave the country, and rumors are spreading, most of these rumors are put by people, and they are lying about the destiny of heaven for Yuan Shu, and there is no shortage of troublemakers, nursery rhymes, private wild history, etc."

"At the same time, most of the officials in Huainan were scholars, and they had sent their families out of the city privately, but no letters flowed out, so it can be asserted that Yuan Shu wanted to rebel and did not follow the orders of the Son of Heaven."

Zhang Liao looked into the distance outside the door and said thoughtfully: "So, more than a month ago, the Son of Heaven issued an edict urging him to pay tribute, but there has been no response so far, it should be to delay the opportunity and wait for the opportunity of the big event." ”

"I see, the usurper of the Han thief cannot be in peace, Liu Bei will definitely obey the order to send troops."

Liu Bei gave up his hand and immediately agreed decisively, without the slightest hesitation.

They raised more than 6,000 soldiers in the territory of Liang, of which 2,000 were old brothers who followed the south, and about 4,000 new soldiers were transferred to Guan Yu for training, and they were already fearless of battle.

If Yuan Shu really did something to usurp and rebel, heaven would not tolerate it, and such a feat would be equivalent to fighting against the rebels who rebelled back then, which was a famous achievement in the world, and no one would refuse.

It's just that Liu Bei hasn't figured out why Cao Cao specially sent Zhang Liao to inform him.

"Okay, Duke Xuande is really righteous," Zhang Liao showed admiration on his face, "The lord also said that after he heard this, he couldn't help but think of the princes who were famous in the world when he was courting Dong, and the ministers with the glorious lintels were all fighting with each other, watching from the wall, only fighting for territory, ignoring the holy drive of the Han family. ”

"There are only three people, who have always been responsible for exterminating the Dong thief rebels and welcoming back the Son of Heaven, one is my lord Cao Gong, Bian Shui was defeated and returned; The second is Jiangdong Sun Jian, who can be called a fierce tiger, chased and killed Dong Zhuo several times, fought endlessly, and almost won. ”

"The third is the Duke of Xuande, although there were no heavy generals at that time, and there was no reputation spread in the sea, but your three brothers lived in front of the first-class princes in the world, their faces did not change, their hearts did not hesitate, and they had the reputation of fighting Lu Bu with three heroes, and they never had selfish desires from beginning to end."

"Now, Yuan Shu is plotting against him, and my lord expects that the princes of the world will not come to help, and he is still watching from the wall, and he is the son of heaven in Xudu, but he has to fight; As a member of the Han family, Xuande Gong also had to fight. ”

Bang!

Liu Bei Mengran slapped the table, his eyes were bright, and he immediately said aloud: "Wen Yuan's words have won my heart!" Yuan Shu usurped and rebelled, if no one dared to suppress the thief, then the Han family would really die! In this world, I don't know how many new dynasties will come out! ”

"Bei, understand that Cao Gong is used, and we must be grateful to Cao Gong for leading the army to fight, so that we can follow closely and attack this thief!"

"Wen Yuan, please inform Cao Gong when you go back that Liu Bei is ordered and will never run away from laziness! I know that Yuan Shu has an army of 500,000 in Shouchun, but the courage of the puppet is iron-clad, and the three of my brothers will never back down. ”

"Huh,"

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei all laughed together, with no fear in their eyes.

"Okay, in that case, I will directly pass on the order of Sikong and His Majesty," Zhang Liao's face was overjoyed, "Actually, long before I came, the lord had already expected that Duke Xuande would never refuse, he knew your loyalty to the Han family." ”

"Cao Gong understands me."

Liu Bei smiled.

Zhang Liao took out a wide cloth from his arms, on which he simply drew a rough map from Yan and southern Xu to Yangzhou.

Pointing to the map, he said: "Previously, we had sent Chen Yuanlong to garrison Guangling, and now we ask Xuande Gong to lead the troops to Qiaojun, and then go south into the Lujiang River to capture the northern part of Yuanshu." ”

"Okay."

Liu Bei pondered for a while, nodded and agreed, the marching route here is intact, there are no difficulties and obstacles along the way, and it is easy to transport grain.

"As for the grain and grass, the main guild will build granaries along the way, and there is no need to worry about it."

"Good."

……

In the winter of that year, Cao's soldiers and horses slowly marched forward, and the cavalry was transported by amphibious and amphibious transportation, and rushed closely to the three counties close to Jiujiang.

All the soldiers who went out on the expedition almost did not pass the New Year's Pass, and only fed on each other in the army, and they had the right to spend this day.

Cao Cao's army began to march in November, and the march was slow and difficult, and halfway through, many soldiers were too tired to walk.

There are also places where the surface of the waterway is obstructed by ice, and it is necessary to dig ice to walk.

For a full month, the consumption of grain and grass was huge, but the march was not more than 100 miles, even so, the military spirit was still stable, at the end of December, through the difficult place, Zhang Han, Dian Wei, Gao Shun, etc., took the lead from Yingchuan to the border of Runan, and blocked the various main roads of Xia Anfeng.

At this time, under the climate, the merchant horses have long been different from their surnames, and there are no pedestrians on the road, only a lot of frozen bones in the mountain paths.

The north of Anfeng County is mostly plain terrain, there are not many river branches, and the south is the confluence of mountains and rivers, so Yuan Shu and Chen Bing are all in the north.

Therefore, when they arrive at the border of Runan, they lie dormant and wait for the beginning of spring.

……

In the same month, a letter was sent to Yuan Shao in Hebei, which was sent from Shouchun in Huainan, and Yuan Shu wanted to inform Yuan Shao in advance that he would not follow the orders of the Han court and invite Hebei to dominate together.

In this way, Cao Cao will definitely be defeated.

Yuan Shao read this letter, thought about it, and convened the three factions to discuss it.

(End of chapter)