Three Kingdoms: Liu Bei seeks the master and seeks to conquer the world

Chapter 307 Jingzhou Controversy, Cao Ang Lobbying Cai Mao

Jizhou is rich and prosperous, it needs money and people, and people.

With the population and historical heritage of Jizhou, one state is comparable to Qingzhou and Xuzhou.

Youzhou and Bingzhou are stronger than most barren lands in Yangzhou.

Although Qingzhou has been buying horses in various ways, it is much more difficult than Yuan Shao.

Yuan Shao can not only easily buy horses, but also recruit Hu cavalry.

Gathering money and food in Qingzhou is also a protracted defensive stance to guard against Yuan Shao's sudden southward movement.

When Xu You analyzed the pros and cons of the enemy and ourselves in front of Yuan Shao, he was trying to fool Yuan Shao.

It's not that Xu You doesn't know the advantages and disadvantages between Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, but Xu You believes that the most suitable strategic deployment for Yuan Shao should be adopted under the current situation is to defeat the Black Bandits first and then seize Sizhou.

Xu You was worried that Fengji's trial match would object, and deliberately created an illusion for Yuan Shao that if he fought directly with Liu Bei, he would lose.

Although Xu You is indeed greedy, Xu Youyuan sees the general situation more clearly than Feng Ji.

Steady and steady, first secure the inside, and then fight the outside.

When Yuan Shao wiped out the internal trouble of the Black Mountain bandits, he seized the four counties of Sizhou and cut off the connection between Guandong, Guanzhong and Liangzhou.

Even if the six southern states have formed an alliance, Yuan Shao still has the upper hand.

The only thing Xu You was worried about was that he would take credit from him during the disciplinary trial.

Compared with Yuan Shao and Liu Bei, Cao Cao of Yingchuan is in the most embarrassing situation.

Xun Yu and Mao Jie's strategy of serving the emperor with orders instead of ministers was originally a sharp weapon to help Cao Cao pacify the six southern states.

Discuss in accordance with the righteousness, and all counties will follow.

However, Cao Cao's timing was too bad.

If Cao Cao didn't beat Xuzhou to kill Tao Qian, but chose to greet the emperor in front of Zhang Miao and Lu Bu from the beginning, Liu Bei would have no chance to get Xuzhou and Yangzhou.

On the other hand, Cao Cao can use righteousness to order Liu Bei, Tao Qian, Liu Yao, Zhang Miao, Liu Biao and other miscellaneous forces, and he can also send prefects and governors to make trouble in various states.

With Yuan Shu and Sun Jian entrenched in the Huainan area, it is hard to predict who will be in charge of the six southern states.

It's a pity that Cao Cao made one wrong step, one step at a time.

Facing Zheng Ping, a strange man who has an innate advantage in grasping the general situation, Cao Cao lags behind Liu Bei by more than ten steps in every step.

So much so that Liu Bei became the emperor's uncle, Zuo general, Qingzhou shepherd, Linzi marquis, and had the right to fake festivals. In Yanzhou, half of Yanzhou was about to fall under Liu Bei's control, and Cao Cao was able to wipe out the dissidents in the court.

The only state and county that can actually be mastered is Yuzhou.

Although there is Cao Cao's confidant Zhong Yao in Guanzhong, Zhong Yao is still working on the restoration of people's livelihood. It is Zhong Yao's ability not to ask Cao Cao for money and food, let alone support Cao Cao.

The only thing that made Cao Cao secretly rejoicing was that he married Lu Bu, and Lu Bu had high hopes for Cao Ang.

For the eldest son Cao Ang, Cao Cao is quite high.

After a famous family, he received elite education from a famous family since he was a child, and his thesis and martial arts all have the demeanor of Cao Cao when he was young.

What is missing is just experience.

In the second year of Xingping, Xia.

Cao Ang used Xi Zhicai as his military adviser, Cao Zhen, Cao Xiu, and Xia Houshang as generals, and drove troops to Wancheng on the pretext of helping Cai Mao conquer Nanyang bandits.

The bandits in Nanyang were actually Zhang Miao and Lu Bu who fled from Guanzhong when Zhang Miao and Lu Bu were attacking Li Jue and Guo Si, such as Zhang Ji and Yang Ding.

Originally Zhang Ji and Yang Ding wanted to defect to Liu Biao, but Liu Biao thought that these Xiliang remnants were hidden dangers, so he sent troops to expel them.

In desperation, Zhang Ji and Yang Ding joined forces and began to loot money and food in Nanyang.

Zhang Ji, who was in charge of attacking Rangcheng, died of a shot, while Yang Ding was defeated by Cai Mao, and his whereabouts are unknown.

Cai Hao, who was full of ambition, was ambushed by Zhang Ji's nephew Zhang Xiu when he attacked Wancheng, and was almost beheaded by Zhang Xiu's formation.

Cai Mao was angry and gathered troops to fight again, but what Cai Mao didn't expect was that Zhang Xiu of Wancheng was extremely brave and could always send troops to Cai Mao's weak point.

When defending the city, there are many tricks. No matter how Cai Mao attacks the city, Zhang Xiu can see through Cai Mao's plot.

Ladders, tunnels, catapults, climbing hooks
The siege method that Cai Mao racked his brains to come up with was like playing with a child in front of Zhang Xiu.

This made Cai Mao very angry!
Being repeatedly defeated by an unknown Xiliang remnant, Cai Mao's reputation in Xiangyang has dropped to the lowest level, and even Liu Biao personally sent someone to question Cai Mao.

It's just short of giving Cai Mao the name of a waste who relies on nepotism to get to the top.

"Brother Xun, you personally lead people to supervise the battle, and those who retreat will be killed!" Cai Mao was very annoyed.

If it was Zhang Ji who was defending the city, Cai Mao still had reason to argue that it was normal for Zhang Ji to be unable to take down Wancheng for the time being, a mighty general under Dong Zhuo's command.

However, Zhang Ji, the Xiliang warrior, died, and Yang Ding fled, leaving only Zhang Ji's little-known nephew, which made Cai Mao lose his temper.

It's no wonder that even Liu Biao felt that Cai Mao had some hidden secret in Nanyang.

When Cai Xun was about to leave the account, a small soldier came to report: "There is a man outside the camp who claims to be Cao Ang, the son of Cao Sikong, and asks to see the general."

Cai Xu was overjoyed when he heard the words: "Cao Ang is Cao Sikong's most important eldest son. When I went back to Yingchuan, I met Cao Ang once. This son is quite famous."

"Liu Qi is like a firefly compared to the sun and the moon in front of Cao Ang."

Liu Qi, Liu Biao's eldest son, has always been weak, and Cai Mao has always looked down on him.

Therefore, the Cai family in Xiangyang supported Liu Cong, the youngest son of Liu Biao.

Cai Mao even married his niece to Liu Cong to show his closeness.

"Since he is the son of Cao Sikong, we must see him." Although he didn't understand why Cao Ang came, Cai Mao wanted to make friends, so he went out to greet him in person.

Seeing Cao Ang's imposing figure and the demeanor of a son of a famous family, Cai Mao's eyes suddenly brightened.

Because of Liu Biao's friendship with Liu Bei, Cai Mao was impatient.

The last time when Cai Mao made an admonishment, Liu Biao said "Cai Mao, I am the shepherd of Jingzhou", which made Cai Mao feel annoyed.

For Cai Mao, Liu Biao is crossing the river and tearing down the bridge. Without Cai's support, Liu Biao is nothing!What is it to decide Jingzhou alone? Without the Cai family, who can decide Jingzhou?
The first time he saw Cao Ang, Cai Mao was wondering whether to marry his sister, his niece, or his daughter directly.

After exchanging pleasantries, Cai Mao invited Cao Ang into the tent and asked about Cao Ang's intentions.

Cao Ang smiled elegantly: "My nephew heard that my uncle is suppressing bandits in Nanyang, and I want to come here to win some fame. I also ask my uncle not to dislike my nephew."

Cai Mao's eyes suddenly brightened.

Cao Ang actually called himself his nephew and his uncle?
Cai Hao was not hypocritical, and said with the trend: "Nephew, you are being polite. I have always admired Cao Sikong. With the help of my nephew, how could I refuse?"

After a pause, Cai Mao sighed deliberately: "It's just that Zhang Xiu from Wancheng is both wise and brave, and quite difficult to deal with, making me sleepless."

Cao Ang said with a smile: "Uncle was deceived by that Zhang Xiu. It's not that Zhang Xiu is both wise and brave, but that Zhang Xiu has a conspiracy around him."

"Qi Mou, I don't know which famous official is offering advice to Zhang Xiu?" Cai Mao's eyes froze, and the depression in his heart suddenly decreased a lot.

It was a shame to lose to Zhang Xiu.

If you lose to a famous official, it's just that your skills are not as good as others.

Although they were all defeated, it looked better on the face.

Cao Ang said without hesitation: "There used to be a strange man in Xiliang, whose surname was Jia Mingxu, and his character was Wenhe. When Dong Ni was there, he was recommended by Lu Zhi as the grand tutor. This man has the talents of the world, but he is quite low-key."

"Dong Ni was punished. Wang Yun was in charge of the imperial court. He ordered to kill all the remnants of Dong Zhuo, which angered Jia Xu. Jia Xu lobbied for the remnants of Dong Zhuo to help him counterattack Chang'an."

"As a result, Wang Yun died, Li Jue and Guo Si were in charge of the government, and Jia Xu took the opportunity to leave Chang'an and live in seclusion in Wancheng. My nephew went to Wancheng to visit Jia Xu, so I know his whereabouts."

"Zhang Miao and Lu Bu attacked Chang'an. Zhang Ji and Yang Ding fled from Guanzhong to Nanyang. Because Jingzhou Mu refused to accept them, they plundered money and food in Nanyang and occupied Wancheng."

"After the death of Zhang Ji and Yang Ding, Zhang Xiu led the remaining troops to stay in Wancheng. My uncle could have taken Wancheng in one go, but suddenly he was defeated repeatedly."

"Zhang Xiu must have found Jia Xu by accident!"

Cai Mao said harshly, "If you break Wancheng, you must kill Jia Xu to vent your anger."

Cao Ang shook his head: "Uncle, if you really have such thoughts, you will die at the hands of Jia Xu."

Cai Mao was stunned: "Why?"

Cao Ang laughed and said, "Jia Xu is good at planning and acting decisively. He is also proficient in the art of war to appease the people. He has a timid personality and is most afraid of causing trouble."

Cai Mao was even more puzzled: "Why does my nephew value such a cowardly and fearful person?"

Cao Ang's eyes were deep: "Because he is timid and afraid of getting into trouble, Jia Xu is the best at nipping danger in the bud. Whoever wants Jia Xu to die, Jia Xu will let him die first!"

"In the past, Wang Yun refused to forgive the Xiliang generals, and he even wanted to kill Jia Xu. As a result, Jia Xu directly lobbied the Xiliang generals to counterattack Chang'an. Even Xu Rong, who was the best at attacking, was killed by Jia Xu."

"Wang Yun was even forced to commit suicide."

"Jia Xu is just timid, not afraid to kill people."

Cao Ang's tone gradually turned cold, causing Cai Mao to shiver uncontrollably.

For the first time, Cai Hao knew that a timid person can be so vicious!
"So, the more I attack Wancheng, the more Jia Xu will regard me as an enemy?" Cai Mao understood Cao Ang's meaning.

Cao Ang nodded: "Zhang Ji and Yang Ding are dead. Zhang Xiu stationed troops in Wancheng only for self-protection. Jia Xu helped Zhang Xiu also for self-protection."

"Otherwise, after the city is broken, Jia Xu and his family will be slaughtered by Jingzhou soldiers and horses. This is something Jia Xu cannot bear."

"If you want to destroy Wancheng, you should fight with soldiers and persuade you to surrender."

Cai Mao frowned: "But Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu may not believe me."

After attacking Wancheng for so many days, and being defeated by Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu for several consecutive battles, if Cai Hao were Zhang Xiu, he would not believe in persuading him to surrender.

Cao Ang smiled confidently: "Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu don't believe in uncle, but they will definitely believe in me."

"Uncle, how about retreating the soldiers and horses for thirty miles, and let my nephew go to Wancheng to persuade him to surrender?"

Cai Mao did not immediately agree, but looked at Cao Ang solemnly: "What does my nephew want?"

If Cao Ang had no selfish intentions, Cai Mao would not believe it.

Cao Ang didn't hide anything, and said frankly: "My nephew, I want Jingzhou!"

Cai Mao sat up in shock, and his tone became more horrified: "You want Jingzhou? Nephew, don't make jokes here."

Cao Ang picked up the wine bottle and shook it slightly: "Uncle thinks that my nephew is joking?"

Cai Mao stared at Cao Ang firmly, seeing Cao Ang's face was always full of smiles, Cai Mao became more and more suspicious.

After a long time, Cai Mao sat down and asked, "It is impossible for my nephew to want Jingzhou. Liu Jingzhou has always won the hearts of the people."

Cao Ang smiled back and asked, "Why did Uncle deceive me? If Liu Jingzhou really wins the hearts of the people, why does Uncle send someone to deliver the letter?"

"If Liu Jingzhou wins the hearts of the people, why do the four counties in Jingnan rebel frequently?"

"If Liu Jingzhou wins the hearts of the people, why would Li Tong, Wenpin, Huang Zhong and other generals abandon Liu Jingzhou and go to Qingzhou?"

"Liu Jingzhou, a guest for chatting. In a prosperous age, he would naturally be able to educate the people for the court, but in today's troubled times, although Liu Jingzhou has an enterprising heart, his talent is not enough to compete for the Southern Province."

"Does uncle really want the Cai family to die with Liu Jingzhou?"

The sharp rhetorical question made Cai Mao startled and horrified.

The young man with a weak crown in front of him suddenly gave Cai Mao a sense of fear that he dared not look directly at him.

a long time.

Cai Mao took a deep breath and let it out again.

"Who does my nephew want to be the shepherd of Jingzhou?" Cai Mao's tone softened, obviously moved.

Cao Ang put down the wine bottle lightly, and his tone became more firm: "I, Cao Ang, shall be the shepherd of Jingzhou!"

"My father, Cao Sikong, is His Majesty's most trusted person. What Liu Biao can give, my father can give, and what Liu Biao can't give, my father can also give."

"If my uncle can help my nephew to succeed, it's just a matter of my father's words to make him a marquis and a general, and a wife and a son."

"Although Liu Biao is the shepherd of Jingzhou, he is not the emperor after all!"

"After the world is unified, the imperial court will inevitably take back the military and political power of the state pastor. At that time, how will uncle deal with himself?"

Cao Ang analyzed the pros and cons to Cai Mao with a few words.

As a son of an aristocratic family, Cao Ang admired Cao Cao since he was a child. He was imitating Cao Cao in terms of temperament and strategy.

These words certainly have the taste of fooling around, but compared to Liu Biao, Cao Cao is more righteous.

Cai Mao, who was already dissatisfied with Liu Biao, gradually fell in love.

Cai Xun on the side said bluntly: "Brother, Liu Biao has repeatedly slighted you, and Liu Cong is not my sister's real son."

"Nowadays, Cao Sikong and Liu Bei are the strongest powers in Nanzhou, and Liu Biao has no chance of competing for supremacy."

"The Cai clan, either choose Liu Bei or Cao Sikong."

"Zhang Fei has been in Xiangyang for many days, but he never visited the Cai family once. Instead, he hated the Cai family because he prevented him from recruiting warriors."

"Liu Bei can't vote, so he can only choose Cao Sikong."

"The son of Cao Sikong, a virtuous corporal, if you can help Cao Sikong's son become a shepherd in Jingzhou, the Cai family will definitely become the No. 1 family in Jingzhou!"

"It's better to vote for Cao Sikong than to follow Liu Biao and let Liu Biao repeatedly blame his brother."

Cai Mao's face gradually became gloomy.

Thinking of Liu Biao's sentence "Cai Mao, the old man is the shepherd of Jingzhou", and Liu Biao's letter asking Cai Mao why he couldn't take down Wancheng, Cai Mao suddenly became ruthless.

"Liu Biao has no virtue, Cai is willing to help his nephew to rule Jingzhou!" Cai Mao got up, bowed to Cao Ang, and chose to abandon Liu Biao.

Cao Ang laughed and got up, helped Cai Mao up and said, "Uncle, you don't need to be too polite. My nephew is going south this time, and he has no female relatives around him. I don't know if uncle can know a good man?"

"If there is a widow, it is the most wonderful."

　Ask for a monthly pass, ask for a monthly pass, let me pretend to be tough.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)