If it is on the water or in a complex terrain environment with many streams and rivers, the outcome of the battle between the Jingzhou Army and the Xuzhou Army is still a bit uncertain, but on the open terrain battlefield east of Tongshui, the battle between the Xuzhou Army and the Jingzhou Army

It can be said that there is no suspense about the outcome. The Xuzhou army, which has been trained in bloody battles with many powerful neighbors around it, has actually surpassed the former Central Plains overlord Cao Boss and the northern overlord in terms of the elite level of infantry and cavalry and the combat effectiveness of the army.

The Sangong of Yuan Dynasty fought on the plains with the Jingzhou army, which was only good at water warfare. In fact, it was not called fighting, but should be called torture.

In fact, this was exactly the case. In order to help the emperor's uncle's army return to the camp, Cai Mao first sent out the famous Jingzhou general Deng Long and led eight thousand troops out of the camp to fight with the Xuzhou army. As a result, the Xuzhou army was cut down like melons and vegetables.

They were easily killed and dispersed. After Deng Long's troops were defeated in the camp, the Xuzhou army pursued them all the way to the gate of the Jingzhou army's camp. Cai Mao and Huang She, two famous Jingzhou generals, did not dare to go out to fight again and just hid.

In the camp, they relied on temporary fortifications to fire arrows to defend the camp. In order to prevent the defeated troops from overpowering the camp defenses, the two generals Cai Mao and Huang She ordered the soldiers in the camp to fire arrows at their own defeated troops to prevent them from attacking the camp defenses.

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Fortunately, almost all the soldiers in the Jingzhou Army knew how to swim. If the camp could not be entered, there was still Lishui River where they could escape. General Deng Long took the lead and bypassed the camp and jumped into the Lishui River. Jingzhou was chased away by the Xuzhou army.

The soldiers followed suit one after another, rushing to jump into the Lishui River with a large flow like dumplings. Relying on their familiar water properties, they easily escaped from Lishui, making the Xuzhou team who were chasing after them look at the river and sigh. They could only do their best.

They may have used crossbows and arrows to kill the enemies in the river, but they had little effect. They could neither prevent Jingzhou's defeated troops from crossing the river nor annihilate too many enemies.

In fact, if the Xuzhou Army was more prepared and had more time, it would not be that difficult to break through the Jingzhou Army's simple camp defense, which had only been built for more than a day. However, in this battle, the Xuzhou Army only made field preparations and did not prepare to attack the camp.

Weapons, and the sun had begun to set, Deputy Director Tao decisively gave up his plan to take advantage of the victory to attack the Jingzhou Army Camp. He simply arranged for Xu Chu and Wei Yan to lead their troops to monitor the Jingzhou Army Camp. Then he began to search for the three brothers Liu Huangshu and Zhuge Liang with all their strength.

The whereabouts work also requires you to see the person alive and the body after death.

It is a pity that the three Taozi brothers have too much experience in escaping. After a rigorous search, the Xuzhou army only saw Guan Yu appearing on the west bank of Tongshui with an arrow wound. Liu Huangshu, Zhuge Liang and Zhang Sanye

But he said there was no trace, and when it got dark, Deputy Director Tao had no choice but to withdraw his troops back to the camp with full of regrets, and no longer care about whether Liu Huangshu, Zhuge Liang and others had escaped from Tongshui. Of course,

Well, if Deputy Director Tao knew that when he personally led the army to search, he was once less than a hundred steps away from Uncle Liu Huang and Zhuge Liang, but could not dig three feet into the ground to search because it was dark, then Deputy Director Tao would definitely feel even more regretful and regretful.

depressed.

In this one-sided battle, the losses of the Jingzhou Army were not small. More than 3,000 soldiers were captured, killed and missing. But the most unlucky was the Emperor's Uncle Army. More than 70% of the 5,000 troops were wiped out by the Xuzhou Army.

, only more than a thousand people escaped from Lishui by chance. Although Guan Yu and Zhang Fei also crossed the river one after another, they were both seriously injured. At the same time, Liu Huangshu, the commander of Huangshu Army, also disappeared in the melee, but Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were also injured.

The officers and soldiers of the Emperor's Army, including Zhang Fei, were not very worried because Liu Huangshu had so much experience in escaping. The person who wanted to catch or kill Liu Huangshu in the melee might not have been born yet. As expected, the sky was completely dark.

After the Xuzhou army withdrew, near the fourth watch, Liu Huangshu returned to the Jingzhou military camp carrying Zhuge Liang, who had an injured foot on his back, and once again successfully escaped from the clutches of Deputy Director Tao.

After escaping, they did not dare to fight again. Not to mention that Uncle Liu Huang, who had almost lost all his capital again, did not have the courage to continue fighting. General Cai Mao and General Huang She did not have the courage to continue fighting. After a brief discussion, the Jingzhou army immediately took action overnight.

They moved food, grass and baggage to the west bank of Lishui River all night long. They were in such a hurry that they didn't even bother to clean up the tents. They withdrew across Lishui River in a hurry and destroyed all the pontoon bridges and docks on the Lishui River, making it impossible for the Xuzhou army to launch an effective and rapid launch.

Fortunately, the Jingzhou Army's food and baggage was mostly stored on the west bank of Tong River, making it easier to move. Therefore, by the time it was dark, the Jingzhou Army had basically withdrawn across Tong River.

The Xuzhou scouts reported the news to Deputy Director Tao. The Xuzhou generals all suggested sending troops to pursue the pursuit. However, Deputy Director Tao gave up the pursuit plan at the suggestion of Jia Laohu and chose to allow the Jingzhou army to withdraw. There are two reasons.

First, the terrain west of Tishui is too complicated, and there are three large rivers blocking the way. Not only is it difficult to pursue, but it is also easy to repeat the same mistakes and be ambushed; the second reason is that the Jizhou army came again and received news of the Xuzhou army's surprise attack on Xuchang.

Regardless of his illness, Lord Yuan Sangong personally led his troops back to Guandu, putting on a cheeky posture of reaching out to pick peaches. Deputy Director Tao had to spare his energy to kill the troublesome father-in-law. Naturally, he had no interest in pursuing and killing him.

Jingzhou army.

The return of Lord Yuan Sangong brought two problems to Deputy Director Tao. One was the ownership rights of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty, and the other was the ownership rights of Xuchang. In addition, Sangong Dayuan had already stated directly in his letter to Deputy Director Tao

He asked about these two matters, gave an answer, and asked Deputy Director Tao to negotiate on the matter unceremoniously. Yuan Sangong also had this qualification. In this battle in Xuchang, if the Jizhou army had not been used as cannon fodder and used up Boss Cao's

With such strength, the Xuzhou army, which was sitting on the mountain and watching the fight between tigers, would never be able to capture Xuchang and hold Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty in its hands.

Needless to say how important the adoption of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty is. Basically, mastering the Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty is equivalent to gaining the right to command the world. The ownership of Xuchang is also a big issue. The terrain of Xuchang is easy to defend and difficult to attack.

The position is very important. With Xuchang in hand, the Xuzhou army can retreat, defend or attack. To the west and south, it can bully the weak Liu Shoumen and the seriously injured Cao Boss. To the north, it can peek at Hanoi and Jizhou, which is also seriously injured.

, at the same time, the developed farmland in Xuchang can also become a new grain-producing area for the Xuzhou army. Just let it go, not to mention that the Xuzhou generals will not work. Deputy Director Tao also felt a little distressed.

"Lord, if Yuan Shao wants the emperor, he can give it to him. Anyway, with Yuan Shao's temperament and character, the emperor will only miss our Xuzhou even more when he is in his hands, but Xuchang and Chen Liu must not be given to Yuan Shao!"

When discussing how to solve the two problems with the counselors, Liu Ye firmly opposed Deputy Director Tao's plan to give up Xuchang and Chenliu. He also warned: "If we give up Xuchang and Chenliu to Yuan Shao, not only will our army

We will lose two important grain-producing areas. We will lose the road to Sili and Jingzhou in the west. We will also be completely surrounded by the Jizhou army on the northern and western fronts. It will be difficult to expand again. The lord must not worry about Xuchang and Chenliu.

Surrounding the enemy and abandoning such a strategic location, otherwise it will be too late!"

"Mr. Ziyang's words are reasonable." Xun Chen agreed: "Both Xuchang and Chenliu were captured by our army by force. It is justifiable to refuse to hand them over to Yuan Shao. If the lord gives them out, our army will not only lose the way to expand, but also Huainan."

The grain-producing areas will also be under great threat! Don't forget, my lord, that the Lishui River, Wei River and Ying River near Xuchang all lead directly to the Huaihe River. It is very convenient to transport grain and troops. If such a strategic place falls into the hands of Yuan Shao, we will

There will be no peace in the Huainan grain-producing area!"

Deputy Director Tao was in a very difficult situation. Previously, Deputy Director Tao had seriously considered transferring Yingchuan County and Chenliu County where Xuchang was located to Yuan Sangong, so as to avoid the dilemma of being surrounded by enemies on three sides and avoid immediately worsening the relationship with his father-in-law.

Ji Honeymoon Period After all, in this melee in Yanzhou, it was Dayuan Sangong’s team who contributed the most. But now after listening to Liu Ye and Xun Chen’s analysis, Deputy Director Tao felt that his idea was a bit naive. If the Zijun surrendered

After acquiring this strategically important area to increase grain production, if we want to expand, we can only face the father-in-law directly, or go to Jiangnan, where birds still don't lay eggs.

Under the embarrassment, Deputy Director Tao turned his attention to the most reliable Jia Lao Poison. Although Jia Lao Poison, who had always been resourceful and understanding, he rarely showed a troubled face and said: "My lord, it is difficult to make a decision this time."

With the current strength of our army, we will resolutely not hand over the emperor and Xuchang, and even start a full-scale war with Yuan Shao. We are no longer inferior in strength, but in terms of morality and reputation, it is not good enough. After all, although Xuchang is controlled by our army

We won, and the emperor was rescued by our army, but it was Yuan Shao who contributed the most. My lord, you are Yuan Shao’s son-in-law, and you honor Yuan Shao as your master. At this time, you have turned against Yuan Shao and started a war. My lord, you have worked hard for many years to build your reputation..."

"But if the emperor and Xuchang are handed over..." Jia Laodu was even more hesitant and said: "My lord, you regard yourself as a loyal minister of the Han Dynasty, and Yuan Shao pretended to be the emperor and issued an edict. My lord, you have to listen. You are very passive in justice.

Moreover, Xuchang’s strategic position is placed here, and it would be a pity to hand it over..."

"It's a pity that I have to hand it over! Could it be that my lord has forgotten that Gaozu surrendered Guanzhong to Xiang Yu? Our ancestors went to Xianyang to capture Ziying, but gave Guanzhong to Xiang Yu, and finally won the whole world! In this case, my lord's situation today is different from that of Gaozu.

Similar, why not follow the example of Emperor Gaozu and give up Xuchang and the emperor to Yuan Shao in exchange for a good reputation for keeping righteousness, and then try to conquer the world?"

What was shocking was that the only counselor under Deputy Director Tao who was good at scheming was Yi. After saying the above words loudly, Yi Yi raised his hand to Deputy Director Tao and said: "My lord, Yi agrees with our army to give up the Emperor and Xuchang.

I hope your lord will not hesitate, lest you ruin the reputation of loyalty that your lord has worked so hard for so many years, and put our army into a dilemma where we are all enemies!"

"Are Mr. Ziyu's remarks too ridiculous?" Liu Ye accused unhappily: "When Gaozu gave up Guanzhong to Xiang Yu, it was because Gaozu was not as strong as Xiang Yu at the time and had no choice but to do so. Now our army's strength has already declined.

If you don’t let Yuan Shao, why should you imitate Gaozu?”

"It is true that the strength of our army has surpassed that of Yuan Shao, but our army's strength is still inferior to that of Yuan Shao, Cao Cao, Liu Biao and Yuan Shu." Shiyi said in a deep voice: "Mr. Ziyang, don't forget, Yuan Shu, Cao Cao and Liu

Yao and others are already mortal enemies of our army, and Liu Biao has a new grudge against our army. If our army falls out with Yuan Shao again because of the emperor and Xuchang, it will be in danger of being surrounded by enemies on all sides, and the situation will be very worrying!"

"But if our army gives up the Emperor and Xuchang, won't we become enemies with Cao Cao, Yuan Shu, Liu Biao and others?" Liu Ye asked unconvinced.

"Of course we are still enemies, but we are already enemies with little threat." Shiyi said with a smile: "Mr. Ziyang, please imagine that if our army gives up Xuchang to Yuan Shao, then Yuan Shaojun's first target will be

Who is it? Is it our army that is becoming stronger and better equipped, or is it Cao Cao who has become sworn in with Yuan Shao? Liu Biao, who is weak on foot and cavalry? With Yuan Shao as a threat, Liu Biao, Cao Cao, Yuan Shu and Liu Yao will join forces to deal with it.

Our army, or should we resist Yuan Shao’s threat?”

Liu Ye closed his mouth, but Yi Ze said in a deep voice: "But if our army refuses to hand over the Emperor and Xuchang, Yuan Shaojun, who already had a rift with our army because of the Qingzhou incident, will definitely turn against our army and become enemies with him, and Liu Biao will also

They will inevitably form an alliance with Yuan Shao to attack our army. Cao Cao can use our army as a shield to gain a breathing space first, and then plan to attack Xuchang or our Xuzhou hinterland, as well as Liu Yao and Yuan Shu in Jiangdong. They will not miss this opportunity to counterattack. Especially

It's Yuan Shu, he is Yuan Shao's half-brother. In this case, is it possible for him not to reconcile and form an alliance with Yuan Shao?"

Deputy Director Tao nodded slowly. Deputy Director Tao has also considered these issues, but he has not considered them so deeply.

"My lord, Yi also knows that it is a pity to give up the important land of Xuchang, but it has to be given up." Yiyi said sincerely: "If our army gives up Xuchang and the emperor, and temporarily eases the relationship with Yuan Shao, we can gain huge strategic gains.

Take the initiative, but if our army is stingy and refuses to give in, then it will fall into complete passivity strategically. Yi also wants to remind the lord that our army's front is too long now, reaching the Bohai Sea in the north and crossing the Yangtze River in the south.

, if we extend our hand to Xuchang to the west, how can we possibly defend it with a total force of just over 200,000? It is better to temporarily withdraw our hand to the west and concentrate on expanding our army and preparing for war. What will happen when we have enough troops and food?

Worried about not being able to return to Xuchang and dominate the world?"

Deputy Director Tao nodded again, even more tempted, but Xun Chen over there said unconvinced: "Although Mr. Ziyu's words are reasonable, if our army gives up the strategic area of ​​Xuchang, and then lets Yuan Shao capture Runan and Chen Liang

, our army’s Huainan and Xuzhou hinterlands will be threatened at the same time, so what should we do?”

"It's not that easy for Yuan Shao to capture Runan and Chenliang." Shiyi shook his head and said: "Cao Cao is still in Runan and Chenliang. Cao Cao retreated to Sili and Guanzhong, but the road has been cut off by our army, Liu Biao, and Yuan Shao.

Before retaking the northern part of Nanyang and re-opening the road, Runan and Chenliang are actually Cao Cao's only place to stay. If Yuan Shao sends troops to Runan and Chenliang, Cao Cao will fight to the death. Cao Cao is still somewhat confident in defeating Yuan Shao, besides Yuan Shao

At present, with the same vitality, it is not that easy to capture the southern part of Yanzhou."

Speaking of this, Shi Yi paused and said: "Besides, even if Yuan Shao immediately destroys Cao Cao, our army will not be passive because then we will only have to face Yuan Shao.

A powerful enemy, Yuan Shao threatens our hinterland of Xuzhou and Huainan. How can our army not threaten Yuan Shao's hinterland and the weak points connecting the north and south? When Xu Ji fights decisively, with the lord's wisdom and wisdom, how can he be afraid of Yuan Shao?

"

"Mr. Ziyu's suggestion is that clumsiness is better than cleverness. Hardness can overcome softness, and complexity can be reduced to simplicity. Xu was so impressed that he was so impressed." Jia Laofu finally spoke again, nodded and said: "My lord, Xu agrees with Mr. Ziyu's suggestion and builds his own security."

Since the first year of the year, the main force of our army has been fighting in the north and south for five years. Although the team is getting stronger and stronger, the soldiers are already exhausted. It is time to recuperate and expand the army. Xu estimates,

Giving up Xuchang and the Emperor will at least give our army more than half a year of rest and recuperation time."

Deputy Director Tao was silent for a moment, and then smiled at Shiyi and said: "Mr. Ziyu, it seems that I am really lucky that Liu Yao did not reuse you in the past few years. Otherwise, what chance would I have of crossing the Yangtze River? Annexing Huainan? Here

Regarding this matter, I must say thank you to Liu Yao, thanks to his ignorance."

Jia Laoduwu, Liu Ye and others all laughed, but Yizi quickly humbled himself. Then Deputy Director Tao made the decision on the spot and immediately turned to the boss next to him, Bo Chen Ying, and shouted: "Yuan Fang, write a divorce letter to your father-in-law for me immediately.

Tell him that there is no need to negotiate the ownership of Xuchang and the Emperor. Without his sacrifice, what chance would I have to capture Xuchang and rescue the Emperor? Please ask him to go south immediately to take over Yingchuan and Chenliu counties. I will hand over the Emperor to him unconditionally.

, it’s a little bit of filial piety on my part.”

"No." Chen Ying agreed and said with a smile while writing: "Yuan Shao is also lucky enough to have a filial son-in-law like you, my lord. After reading this letter, I think Yuan Shao's illness will be cured by half immediately."

"My father-in-law is sick? How did you know? What kind of disease?" Deputy Director Tao was stunned and asked hurriedly.

"I heard what the Jizhou military messenger said." Chen Ying replied smoothly while writing a letter: "After the Jizhou messenger arrived in Xuchang, he once asked Ying about his lord's injury. When chatting with Ying, he mentioned that Yuan Shao was ill, saying that it was because of Xuchang
To be continued...