Xiaoqi

A sigh revealed Lu Bu's helplessness and hesitation at the moment, quite a bit of the desolation of a hero's end.

Indeed, thinking back when Lu Bu ruled the world, he never put Yuan Shu, Liu Bei and others in his eyes, but now Yanzhou has been captured by Cao Cao, forcing him to have nowhere to go, and he has to humbly ask for help Take in.This kind of embarrassment and helplessness made Lu Bu feel suffocated, it was really hard to save face, it was hard to say!

However, it is not difficult to hear from his words that there is only one person in the world who can make him bow his head and is willing to do so, and that is Li Li from Xiliang.It's a pity that he and Li Li had deep grievances and had many worries. He was afraid that if Li Li refused to take him in, he would lose his life instead.Therefore, even though he was congenial, he didn't dare to take this step lightly. After all, this step was too dangerous, and if he made a slight deviation, he would die at the hands of the Xiliang army.

As for Liu Bei in Xuzhou, as Lu Bu said, there is indeed no convincing record and status right now, and he is at best a lucky one in troubled times.He took advantage of Tao Qian's serious illness to send troops to assist Xuzhou, opportunistically, and took over Xuzhou after Tao Qian's death.

Looking at Fang's world today, which of the princes is not a territory created by real swords and guns, this is a manifestation of strength.Only Liu Bei has neither a prominent background nor an outstanding record, but he occupied the six counties of Xuzhou without bloodshed;In the final analysis, what really convinces people in troubled times is strength, not luck, and there is no room for luck.Otherwise, even if there is a huge territory, no one will come to seek refuge, because the truly smart people know that luck is unreliable, and if you want to gain a firm foothold in the troubled times, you must have excellent strength.

Don't look at Lu Bu's downfall now, but he looks down on Liu Bei from the bottom of his heart. On the contrary, Li Li from Xiliang, who has repeatedly defeated him, makes him admire him even more.

Chen Gong could hear the deep meaning behind Lu Bu's words, and knew that Lu Bu looked down on Liu Bei, and would never be willing to take refuge in Liu Bei and send him under the fence.

"Yuan Shu is stingy, I'm afraid he can't tolerate us. Xiliang Li Li is strong, maybe he didn't pay attention to me at all, so we can't do it knowingly. In this way, we have no choice but to wait. We can only go straight to Pengcheng to meet Liu Bei, and ask him to take him in for a while. When the situation changes in the future, we can act accordingly, and we will be able to make a comeback and re-establish our fame and dominance.”

As soon as Chen Gong finished speaking, Lu Bu answered, "Why don't we join Yuan Shao? During the Battle of Sili, I got along well with Yuan Shao. If I go to join him at this time, he probably won't refuse."

Chen Gong shook his head immediately, and said with a light smile, "Now Yuan Shao can't protect himself. Even if he takes us in, he just wants to deal with Gongsun Zan of Youzhou with the help of my lord. However, the grievances between Yuan Shao and Xiliang Li Li have not yet been settled, and Li Li is busy right now. Conquer Zhang Lu in Hanzhong. I have no time for him. When he frees up his hand after capturing Hanzhong, he will definitely seek revenge from Yuan Shao. In this way, I will attack Gongsun Zan for him first, and then face Li Li's Xiliang army. Such a thankless task Things that the wise don't do.

In contrast, Liu Bei has occupied the six counties of Xuzhou for more than half a year. Not only has he made no achievements, but he has lost troops and generals.Really mediocre people.However, Xuzhou is rich and prosperous, and it is the best place for our newly defeated army to recuperate and reorganize the army, once the time is right.It may not be impossible to replace it and separate Xuzhou. "

"Oh?" Lu Bu was surprised when he heard the words, and there was an unconcealable surprise on his brows. He pondered, "Why is Gongtai so sure that Liu Bei will take me in? If he refuses, so what?"

Chen Gong stroked his beard and smiled: "Liu Xuande claims to be a benevolent and righteous gentleman, a hypocrite seems to be true, a traitor is like loyalty, mediocrity and a good name, how can he die without saving us? So he will definitely take me in, but the lord still has to wait." Forbear for a while, don't act too hastily."

"Uh, yes, yes. Very good!" Lu Bu was stunned, and after thinking about it for a while, he felt that what Chen Gong said made sense.Immediately swept away the decadent air, applauded repeatedly, and then waved his hand: "I'll go to Xuzhou, let's go!"

small dividing line

"Hahaha!" Cao Cao, who stepped into the mansion again after a year in front of Dongjun State Shepherd's Mansion, laughed loudly, exalting his eyebrows, and the depression that had accumulated in his heart for a long time was swept away.

"For fourteen months and twelve days, I, Cao Cao, have returned! Lu Bu's villain took advantage of my unpreparedness and stole Yanzhou. Even if he was a hero for a while, he was not Cao's enemy. Now that the villain is running for his life in a hurry, I, Cao Cao He is the Lord of Yanzhou! Hahaha"

"My lord's words are true. Lu Buxiao is a small disciple, with the courage of an ordinary man. His resourcefulness is like a child in front of the lord. How can he be undefeated? Now that the lord is in charge of Yanzhou again, it can be said that the hearts of the people want it, and he will achieve great things!" Followed behind Cao Cao Cheng Yu said with a smile.

After Cao Cao heard the words, he laughed heartily and was very relieved, while Xun Yu, who was walking side by side with Cheng Yu, turned his head to look at Cheng Yu with a surprised expression, frowned slightly, and remained silent.

The party strode into the lobby of the State Shepherd's Mansion, saluted again and took their seats, and then discussed the post-war military and political deployment of the counties and counties and the restoration of agricultural and mulberry taxes.

The battle of Yanzhou lasted for three months. Cao Cao led an army to counterattack Yanzhou, and he was invincible all the way.Only at the foot of Puyang City did Lu Bu's army resist tenaciously and fought fiercely for more than 60 days. Finally, Xun Yu recommended Cao Chun as the former general of the army and led his troops to attack the city.However, Cao Chun lived up to his trust and challenged Lu Bu on a single rider under the city. He fought undefeated for more than [-] rounds, greatly boosted his morale, and then conquered Puyang City in one go, forcing Lu Bu to lead his troops to abandon the city and flee.

Afterwards, Cao Chun served as the chief general, and Cao Hong, Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu, and Le Jin were the deputy generals. They led more than [-] cavalry and [-] infantry troops to follow and pursue them all the way, defeating Lu Bu's army steadily.Finally, they invaded Taishan County three days ago and defeated Lu Bu's army again, causing Lu Bu to lead the remnant troops to flee in a hurry and leave the border of Yanzhou.

So far, after a lapse of one year, Cao Cao returned to the state pastoral mansion again to regain the foundation of Yanzhou.At present, most of the counties and counties in Yanzhou have been recovered one after another, and there are still some bandits who have not been wiped out. However, as Lv Bu fled Yanzhou, these remnants of stubborn resistance are insignificant, and they can all be wiped out afterward.

The loss and recovery of Yanzhou enabled Cao Cao to consolidate his foundation and further strengthen his control over the counties and counties of Yanzhou.While regaining Yanzhou, Cao Cao's army strength increased greatly, and tens of thousands of infantry were taken down one after another. The number of soldiers and horses under his command once again exceeded 13, increasing to [-] troops.Moreover, this number is still increasing, because when Lu Bu's remnant army fled Yanzhou, all the soldiers accompanying them were from the old Bingzhou army, and the Yanzhou soldiers did not flee with him.

Therefore, Cao Cao, who recaptured Yanzhou, became stronger and stronger than when he attacked Xuzhou a year ago, and he was not much worse than Yuan Shao in Jizhou, who was greatly weakened.After going through a lot of hardships, Cao Cao not only has not lost his strength, but is even better than before. This is the real elation.

It can be said that there is no one who has been a hero since ancient times than Cao Mengde of Yanzhou!

Chapter 872 Yangping Pass

Nanzheng City, outside the south gate.

A few days ago, Zhang Lu, the prefect of Hanzhong who was still stranded at Yangping Pass, was waiting at the gate of the city to welcome the arrival of the Yizhou army.

Before that, Zhang Lu had never paid attention to the staff in Yizhou. Even if Liu Zhang, the shepherd of Yizhou, came in person, he would not look at him directly.Zhang Lu even attempted to attack Yizhou with all the Hanzhong army, drive Liu Zhang out of power, and take charge of the nine counties and three kingdoms of Yizhou by himself.However, as he missed his sneak attack on Chang'an, everything came to naught in a blink of an eye. On the contrary, Hanzhong under his rule was in danger, and he had to turn to Liu Zhang for help.

At this time and at that time, the situation is compelling!

Now that Hanzhong is in danger, the thirteen counties under Zhang Lu's rule are empty of troops, and the defense seems to be in vain. All the troops have been transferred to Yangping Pass to resist the Xiliang army.As long as the Yizhou reinforcements arrive, Zhang Lu will return all the four counties and more than a dozen towns that seized Berkshire last year to Liu Zhang, and also supply the Yizhou army with all the food and supplies needed.

This is the reality. If you want something from others, you have to bow your head!

Fortunately, according to scout reports, the leader of the Yizhou army who came to Hanzhong to help this time was Shi Zhao Wei, the governor of the prefecture, Wu Yi, Zhang Ren, the deputy generals, Leng Bao, Deng Xian, Zhang Yi and others, all of them It was Zhang Lu's old acquaintance, especially the general Zhao Wei had a good personal relationship with him, and Wu Yi also had a good relationship with him.

Back then, when Liu Yan entered Shu, Zhang Lu was also one of Liu Yan's arms. He fought side by side with Zhao Wei, Wu Yi and others, supported Liu Yan to take over Yizhou, and took over the counties and counties of Yizhou and various subordinate countries.When Liu Yanchu was in charge of Yizhou, he implemented the strategy of "ruling the country by torture" to the counties and counties of Yizhou.Wantonly eliminated dissidents, installed cronies to take over the counties and vassal states, and consolidated the rule.Independent regime.At that time, Zhang Lu, Zhao Wei, and Wu Yi were the three best swords that Liu Yan accepted, and Zhang Lu was ordered by Liu Yan to go to Hanzhong to get rid of Su Gu, the former prefect, and then blockade Yizhou and the Han Dynasty The passage of the imperial court ensures that Liu Yan can enjoy the "independent kingdom" of Yizhou exclusively without being known by the imperial court.It's just that Liu Yan never dreamed that Zhang Lu also had his own plans. After getting rid of Su Gu, he plotted to kill Zhang Xiu and lead himself as the prefect of Hanzhong.Supporting the self-respect of the soldiers, obeying the positive and contradicting the negative, and fighting against Liu Yan in court.Independent regime.

Since then, Zhang Lu broke with Liu Yan, cut off contact with all the officials in Yizhou, and sat in Hanzhong to become the "King of Hanzhong".Do whatever you want.It's not easy.

Standing at the gate of the city, Zhang Lu was full of thoughts. He missed the days when he scolded Fang Qiu very much, and regretted that he should not have been obsessed with attacking Chang'an.The hatred of killing his mother is unshakable. He once hated Liu Zhang so much that he dreamed of killing Liu Zhang's family, old and young.Destroy it all.But now,,, hey, he not only wants to let go of his hatred.He had to donate money and food, return more than a dozen towns, hand over hundreds of miles of territory to Liu Zhang, and even go out of the city to meet the reinforcements in Yizhou.

Such a situation is really hard for Zhang Lu to accept, and he can't imagine it in his dreams.However, in the face of the Xiliang army's pressure, he couldn't help being tough; time was pressing, and he couldn't afford to hesitate, so he had to ask for help, otherwise Hanzhong County would not be able to survive.

"When you have to bow your head, you have to bow your head. Let's make a long-term plan after the immediate crisis is over." Zhang Lu thought secretly.

Not long after, there was the sound of "da da" horseshoes in the distance, and then a large army with banners and banners appeared in Zhang Lu's sight, and it quickly became clear, coming from far and near.

"Zhang Lu in Hanzhong has met Master Chang Shi, Brother Wu, and General Zhang. It has been a long time since we left. I hope everyone is well."

When the army of Yizhou reached the gate of the city, Zhang Lu hurried forward to salute.At this moment, his posture is very low, he does not regard himself as a vassal king, but regards himself as a subordinate official of the Yizhou government, and greets Zhao Wei, Wu Yi and Zhang Ren with the courtesy of colleagues.As for the other generals, he did not ignore them either, and bowed their hands one by one, showing great enthusiasm.

Zhao Wei stepped out of the carriage with a smile, took Wu Yi and Zhang Ren to thank him, and said with a smile, "I am sorry for the prefect Zhang's concern. I will wait for everything to be well. This time, I have been ordered to come to help the prefect and fight together. Li's army of thieves, the eunuch does not need to be too polite, if there is any order, just order it."

Hearing this, Zhang Lu beamed with joy, and cupped his hands to Zhao Wei, saying, "Brother, I am very grateful for your kindness and help. I don't want to thank you for your kindness. I will keep this matter in mind. After repelling Li's army, I will definitely repay you generously. The army directly Go to Beicheng to station, rest for a day, and leave camp for Yangping Pass in the morning. Everyone, please follow me into the mansion to rest, and we will talk about it in detail later. Everyone, please!"

"That's very good." Zhao Wei smiled and nodded in response, then turned his head and told Zhang Ren beside him, "I will go into the city with the prefect first, and the general will arrange for the army to camp to rest, and then come to the county guard's mansion to discuss matters."

"Promise, the last general will take orders." Zhang Ren, who was unsmiling, kept squinting his eyes after dismounting from his horse, not knowing what to think, and left immediately after hearing Zhao Wei's order.

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Lu and Zhao Wei took the same carriage and slowly entered the city, heading straight for the Sheriff's Mansion.

Dividing line

On the mountain road seventy miles away from Yangping Pass, the flags fluttered in the wind, and the soldiers were fierce.

More than [-] cavalry marched in line, neither rushing nor slowing down, and the military was well-organized. In the middle of the army, a "Li" flag fluttered in the wind, which was really conspicuous.

"My lord, forgive me for speaking boldly. This time the emperor led hundreds of officials to leave Chang'an. This time, it has an immeasurable impact on our army. Why did the lord lightly put it aside and not punish Li Sikong? Is it just Because he is the lord's uncle, can he be exempted from punishment? If so, I am worried that people will not accept it, people's hearts will fluctuate, and chaos will inevitably arise."

After riding the horse behind Li Li, Pei Qian, who had been silent for two months, finally spoke.But his first remonstrance was against Sikong Li Jue, and Li Li's attitude towards the emperor and officials fleeing Chang'an.From this, it is not difficult to see that Pei Qian is not small in courage, or because of his character, he is upright and upright, and there is no sand in his eyes.

As soon as Pei Qian said this, the expressions of Li Zhi and Chen Dao, who were following Li Li on the left and right, suddenly changed. They couldn't help but turned to look at him, and shook their heads to indicate that he shouldn't speak rashly. If it's not good, it will lead to death.

For a long time, among Li Li's subordinates and generals, there were quite a few people who were quite dissatisfied with Li Jue, including Li Xuan, Li Ru, Jia Xu and other important officials, but everyone kept this secret and never dared to mention it in front of Li Li. You can't directly target Li Jue.Last year's Chang'an Rebellion, no one knew that Li Jue was responsible for promoting this incident, but Li Li ignored it and eliminated Hu Zhen, Yang Ding, Wang Fang and other dozens of generals one after another afterwards, as well as There are more than a hundred county officials in each state and county.However, Li Jue was safe and sound, and he was still in the position of Sangong, in charge of the court, and was in Chang'an.

After this incident, all the civil and military under Li Li's command knew how important Sikong and Li Jue were to their lord.Since then, no one has made irresponsible remarks to Li Jue. Even if there are many things that he doesn't like, he can only bear it and turn a blind eye to pretend he doesn't know.Fortunately, Li Jue is also a person who knows how to advance and retreat. Later, he restrained his actions a lot. He no longer dared to make his own decisions when encountering major incidents, and reported them to Li Li before handling them.It's just that he woke up a bit late, Xiliang's civil and military had already had a prejudice against him, so many officials and generals treated him secretly, and even secretly defended him for the lord Li Li.

Just when many people relaxed their vigilance against Li Jue, thinking that he had changed his mind, another major event happened in Chang'an. The emperor and all the officials fled with a large amount of gold, silver, children and family members holding the customs clearance guide issued by Li Jue.The most unbelievable thing is that when the emperor and the officials fled from Loudiyuan, more than 300 accompanying guards defected and fled together, and these soldiers were all from Li Jue's account, and the leader was Li Jue's cronies General Yang Feng, Xingyi General.

In addition, after careful investigation by Eagle Eye, Li Jue's seal and orders to mobilize troops and horses were delivered by his wife Yang himself, while Li Jue himself was drunk and fell asleep for a whole day and night, and did not notice any abnormalities afterwards.Because of this, more than a thousand talents from the emperor and his party were able to pass through the passes along the way unimpeded until they all disappeared. The matter was quickly investigated and found out.However, after the incident, Li Jue was still lucky, and led his troops to chase after him starry night. He searched for five consecutive days but found nothing. Only then did he realize that something was wrong and that he had caused a catastrophe.So they sent people to recall their only son Li Shi overnight, and the father and son went to the Qiang Dao camp to plead guilty to Li Li.

The so-called pleading guilty with a thorn is actually that he brought his son to meet Li Li and pleaded guilty face to face. There was no need to come here with a thorn on his back.After all, Li Li was his own nephew who was brought up by himself, and if he brought his son to come forward to admit his mistakes and ask for punishment, it would be considered an apology.

That day Li Li was extremely depressed because of Mengxin's departure, but he did not embarrass Li Jue and his son.Afterwards, Li Li issued a transfer order: Sikong and Li Jue were transferred to be the governor of Yongzhou, leading the chariot and riding generals, ranking the same as the three princes, and guarding the frontiers of the Western Regions; His son, Li Shi, is General Pingkou and Marquis of Guannei, who is under the tent of General Teng Xiao of Zhenbei and stationed at Yanmen Pass in Bingzhou.

After the transfer order was issued, Li Jue readily accepted it without any objection, but he was always worried about Yang.Li Li laughed at this and said: "This is uncle's family affairs. Even though my nephew is in charge of the world, he has no right to intervene in uncle's family affairs. Otherwise, wouldn't he be criticized by others and lose his filial piety?"