At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty

He was fine, he was protected in the middle like a baby.

The common people in Xuzhou have indeed lived a peaceful life.

But Tao Qian is not just a civil servant, this guy is also a military general, he has led soldiers and fought in battles, and faced the Xiliang Qiang people face to face, not to mention his achievements, he also belongs to the typical Han Dynasty Confucian scholar with both civil and military skills.

In a word, he is not afraid of things, not at all, at least until he is beaten to the point of collapse.

So Guo Peng set up an army for a long-term garrison in the south of Donglai County, near Xuzhou, which made him a little unhappy.

To be precise, it is very uncomfortable.

Starting from the pacification of Qingzhou, Guo Peng ordered Xiahouyuan to garrison [-] troops in the south of Donglai County, in the name of guarding against the Yellow Turban Army. In fact, he was deterring Tao Qian, showing Tao Qian's face, and warning Tao Qian not to mess with the Mi family, otherwise You know what happens.

Especially when Guo Peng accepted Mi Zhu's younger sister Mi Zhen as a concubine shortly afterwards, Tao Qian felt even more uncomfortable when he had such a relationship with the Mi family.

It could have been one of his confidence in taking charge of Xuzhou, providing him with a lot of money and food, but now it all belongs to Guo Peng.

Tao Qian sent people to investigate and learned that the Mi family had been handling war horse trade for Guo Peng several years ago, transporting war horses from the north to the Central Plains and the south for sale.

So far, this business is still going on. Many war horses were obtained by the Mi family from the north, and flowed into Huainan and Jiangdong through the relationship of the Mi family, and flowed into Yuan Shu's army and the private soldiers of the Jiangdong wealthy family.

Jingzhou Liu Biao is also a big customer.

This business is really big, and most of the profits are obtained by Guo Peng, so Guo Pengfu has never been short of money under his command, and the big projects in Qingyan and Erzhou are one after another. on horseback.

Tao Qian is so envious and jealous.

He was so envious that his body was about to separate, really.

He wanted to touch the Mi family countless times, but he dared not because of Guo Peng's might.

This time, when Guo Peng attacked Yuan Shao in the north, after Tao Qian learned the information, he was surprised on the one hand, and on the other hand, he couldn't hold back his eager heart.

The Mi family has always been a thorn in his heart.

It would be fine for the Mi family to be a noble family, but they are powerful, armed with a large amount of land, a large number of guests and a considerable number of private soldiers.

Perhaps before Mi's relationship with Guo Peng, these private soldiers can be said to be used to protect themselves, but after they have a relationship with Guo Peng, these private soldiers are equivalent to Guo Peng's Rangers.

Once Guo Peng wants to do something to Xuzhou, the Mi family is simply Guo Peng's best internal response.

That ruler can bear this kind of thing?

Now, taking advantage of Guo Peng leading his troops to the north to fight Yuan Shao decisively, the Mi clan will be wiped out, or the Mi clan will be driven to Yanzhou to occupy their property and control the trade routes.

When Guo Peng finishes beating Yuan Shao, he won't say whether he lost or won, and he will definitely have no time to retaliate. He can only say that he suffered a dumb loss, and he is tantamount to eating a big meal and making a lot of money.

Tao Qian thought happily, and was ready to do it, sending his most trusted Danyang soldiers to do it.

As a result, as soon as the order was given, another intelligence came in, saying that there were signs of a large number of troops stationed in the direction of Mount Tai, and they were slowly approaching Xuzhou, and the situation was wrong.

Tao Qian was shocked, and immediately sent someone to check for accurate information. The result was that an army from Donglai County and Taishan County each approached the border of Xuzhou.

Guo Peng's Donglai County garrison Xiahouyuan and Taishan County garrison Yujin each led 5000 troops to approach the border of Xuzhou. They stationed troops near the border and drilled, looking like they were about to fight.

Tao Qian was very nervous and at the same time quite puzzled.

Didn't Guo Peng go north to fight Yuan Shao?How come you still have time to send troops to attack yourself?

Got it wrong?

That's right, two groups of troops approached Xuzhou and stationed troops near the border for drills, but they did not cross the border and attack Xuzhou.

Tao Qian quickly sent someone to inquire about the situation to find out what was going on, and at the same time he called his leadership team to discuss the matter.

Chen Deng, Lieutenant of the Diannong School, Liu Kui, the Minister of the East China Sea, and Cao Bao, Cao Bao's absolute confidant, and Cao Hong, a native of Danyang, Yangzhou.

"Guo Zifeng should have tried his best to attack Yuan Benchu ​​in the north, but now he actually sent [-] troops to approach our territory. What is his intention? What do you guys think?"

Tao Qian looked at his subordinates.

Everyone was a little surprised when they heard about this, but then they all had their own opinions.

"Ming Gong, since Guo Zifeng went north to fight Yuan Benchu, it is impossible to plot against Xuzhou. Otherwise, Guo Zifeng really has such a strong force when he fights on two fronts?"

Liu Kui couldn't believe it.

"That's right, since Guo Zifeng attacked Yuan Benchu ​​in the north, can he divide his troops to attack Xuzhou in the south? The general should not have any doubts about such a thing. With Guo Zifeng's ability, he would never do such a thing."

Chen Deng further pointed out that this is impossible.

Cao Bao and Cao Hong also think so.

"Then why did he send troops to Xuzhou?"

Tao Qian was still uneasy.

"General, could it be because of the Mi family?"

When Cao Bao said this, everyone present suddenly became enlightened.

Tao Qian was just taken aback for a moment, and his face immediately became gloomy.

"Guo Zifeng, you really care about the Mi family! Even in the war with Yuan Benchu, you never forget to protect the Mi family! Hmph!"

Tao Qian snorted heavily, and slapped his desk.

"The Mi family is Guo Zifeng's purse, how can he not care?"

Cao Hong said, "Even Mi Zizhong's younger sister was accepted by Guo Zifeng as a concubine. It is conceivable how much Guo Zifeng attaches great importance to the Mi family, Duke Ming, and Guo Zifeng's behavior must be warning us not to do anything to the Mi family."

"It's not up to him, Guo Zifeng, to intervene in Xuzhou's affairs!"

Tao Qian blushed, pushed away the desk in front of him, and roared, "Who is he, Guo Zifeng? What is he? The son of a district magistrate, dare to bark in front of me!"

The subordinates dare not speak.

After Tao Qian heaved a sigh of relief and calmed down his mood, Chen Deng spoke slowly.

"General, although Guo Zifeng is arrogant, his soldiers and horses are elite and good at fighting, and he has made it clear this time. If we... I'm afraid, we will provoke [-] soldiers and horses to invade Xuzhou, burn, kill and loot. The price is too high. A bit too big."

Chapter 356

Chen Deng had already guessed.

Maybe it was because Tao Qian wanted to embezzle the Mi family's wealth, but Guo Peng happened to guess it and left behind to restrain him in advance, so Tao Qian became angry from embarrassment.

Chen Deng looked at Cao Bao, and seeing Cao Bao's expression was a bit grim, he knew that his guess was right.

Chen Deng despised Tao Qian in his heart, if it wasn't for driving Guo Peng to the Northern Expedition to Yuan Shao, Tao Qian probably wouldn't dare to have such thoughts.

Previously, Guo Zifeng's son Qingyan Erzhou went south and north, and the army under his command won many battles and victories. Tao Qian saw that the business of Mi's horses was booming, and his saliva was about to flow out, but he didn't dare to make a move.

Now I want to do it, but it seems too beautiful to think about it.

With Guo Peng's ability, would Tao Qian's idea be unexpected?

Tao Qian naturally knew that what Chen Deng said was right. Guo Peng's army was indeed very fierce. If there was a fight, his side would not have the upper hand.

But, really upset!Very upset!

Seeing Tao Qian's sulking look, Cao Hong said, "Don't bother me, my lord. What Guo Zifeng relies on is his military strength, but now Guo Zifeng's Northern Expedition to Yuan Shao will win or lose. Once Guo Zifeng is defeated, things will be very promising. "

Tao Qian was taken aback for a moment, and then his face showed joy.

"That's right, Yuan Benchu ​​is the fourth generation and the third prince, with disciples and former officials all over the world, with great influence, how can Guo Zifeng be able to shake him?"

Seeing Tao Qian was so pleasantly surprised, Chen Deng couldn't help coughing a few times.

"General, Yuan Gonglu is also the fourth generation and third prince."

Feeling as if a basin of cold water had been poured on his head, Tao Qian looked at Chen Deng angrily, forcibly held back the anger in his heart and did not vent it, but instead showed a calm look.

"Yuan Long is right. Guo Zifeng used Yuan Gonglu's name to attack Yuan Benchu ​​in the north. The outcome is unknown. Before this battle is over, we stand still, but we still need to be prepared. We will use Zang Ba's troops to guard against Xia Houyuan in Donglai County. Cao Bao's troops are on guard against Taishan County's ban, so that's it."

Tao Qian pretended to speak in a pleasant manner, then stroked Chen Deng's back with his hands, and said to Chen Deng with a smile: "Yuan Long thought that Guo Zifeng and Yuan Benchu ​​would fight, who would win and who would lose?"

Tao Qian caressed Chen Deng's back, and his body was covered with goosebumps.

He knew what Tao Qian meant, and he also knew why Tao Qian asked him like this.

He needs to give an answer that satisfies Tao Qian.

"Guo Zifeng is still too reckless. Even with Yuan Gonglu's name, Yuan Benchu ​​has a very powerful influence. Hebei heroes are willing to be driven by Yuan Benchu, so how can Guo Zifeng be able to compete? I think Guo Zifeng will lose."

When Tao Qian heard this, the unhappiness in his heart disappeared immediately.

"Hahahahahaha! Yuanlong is worthy of being the son of the Chen family, and the Chen family has a bright future! Hahahahahaha!"

Suppressing the goosebumps all over his body, Chen Deng ended up laughing with Tao Qian anyway.

Later, Chen Deng, who had finished discussing internal affairs, returned home exhausted, changed his clothes under the service of his wife, smoked incense, and then went to his father's study to meet his father.

"What's the matter, look like you have something to do, talk about it if you have something to say, don't hold it in your heart, too many things in your heart will make you sick."

Chen Gui put down the pen in his hand, and looked at his most proud son with concern.

"Father, in fact, Mr. Tao asked me to go over today to discuss how to deal with Guo Zifeng's troops stationed on the border of Xuzhou."

Chen Deng told what happened today.

"Guo Zifeng stationed troops on the border of Xuzhou? Didn't you say that Guo Zifeng attacked Yuan Benchu ​​in the north? What? Ming Xiu plank road secretly crossing Chencang?"

Chen Gui was surprised.

"No, it's just [-] soldiers, divided into two groups, one in Donglai County and the other in Taishan County. They didn't enter Xuzhou, but they were a deterrent gesture."

Chen Deng said: "My son suspects that this is Guo Zifeng warning Tao Shijun not to have any thoughts about Mi."

"Yuan Benchu ​​of the Northern Expedition did not forget to threaten Tao Gongzu. It seems that the Mi family is really important to Guo Zifeng, but Guo Zifeng is also very safe in his actions. If he doesn't come, I think Tao Gongzu will definitely attack the Mi family."

Chen Gui smiled coldly: "Tao Gongzu doesn't have much talent, but he has a lot of courage and appetite. Sooner or later, he will get into trouble because of his boldness. I don't understand. He is 62 years old. Why are you still so angry?"

"Leaving aside Tao Shijun, my father thinks who will win when Guo Zifeng attacks Yuan Benchu ​​in the north?"

"What do you say?"

Chen Gui looked at Chen Deng: "Talk about your own opinion. For this kind of thing, you have to learn to analyze and think for yourself. In the future, these things are what you need to do. If you want to live in such a world To preserve the incense of the Chen family, you must have a good eye."

Chen Deng seemed a little hesitant, but after thinking about it, he still had his own opinion.

"My son thought that if Guo Zifeng could win, Yuan Benchu ​​might be defeated and die."

"Yuan Benchu ​​is the fourth generation of the Sangong family, and Guo Zifeng is just the son of a county magistrate. Why do you think so?"

Chen Gui looked at Chen Deng without changing his face.

"Guo Zifeng is a well-known general recognized by the world, Lu Gong Gaotu, who has fought in the world for nearly ten years since the Yellow Turban Rebellion, and has not lost a single defeat. Xianbei, Karasuma, Zhang Ju, Zhang Chun, Dong Zhuo, and Yuan Benchu ​​himself have all been defeated by Guo Zifeng From the point of view of using troops, Yuan Benchu ​​is not Guo Zifeng's opponent."

After hearing what Chen Deng said, Chen Gui nodded.

"You are right. Yuan Benchu ​​is not Guo Zifeng's opponent when it comes to fighting with troops, but Yuan Long, you should also know that the outcome of a great war is not determined solely by the confrontation on the battlefield. You should know how much convenience he brings."

"That's why my son said Guo Zifeng would win."

Chen Deng said: "Yuan Benchu ​​was the fourth generation and the third prince, and Guo Zifeng used the name of Yuan Gongtong to attack the north, and he was also the fourth generation and the third prince, and he was attacking the concubine in the name of his son. In addition, Guo Zifeng used troops stronger than Yuan Benchu, and Yuan Benchu ​​was very likely to be defeated. "

Chen Gui smiled.

"You're missing one thing."

"Please teach me, father."

"God willing."

Chen Gui pointed to the dark sky: "You have calculated everything correctly, but you can't calculate God's will anyway. You can't calculate that a rain or a wind in the sky can change the situation on the battlefield. No one's advantage can It is an absolute advantage, and everything is not over until one side is completely down and can no longer fight."

"Then father thinks that God will let Guo Zifeng win or Yuan Benchu ​​win?"

Chen Deng hurriedly asked.

"Hahahaha!"

Chen Gui laughed loudly, and poked Chen Deng's stomach with his cane: "Being a father is not heaven, how can you know God's will? Just wait, when the news really comes, you will know, but even if God's will is unpredictable, and you must be able to calculate everything to the extreme without God's will, so that you will not lose to anyone, and only God can defeat you."

"..."

Chen Deng was silent for a long time, and then said again: "Father, if Guo Zifeng really defeated Yuan Benchu, will the general situation of the world change?"