Brother Zhu and Zhou Xiaoyu were fighting fiercely in Jiang Xia. Blackie Zi of Runan was scheming against Liu Mang of Shouchun. In Guandu, Cao Cao and Yuan Shao were not idle either. The fight between the two of them had reached its climax.
Cao Cao's army only had 100,000 soldiers. On the other hand, Yuan Shao's army had 300,000 soldiers. This was three times Cao Jun's army. Therefore, Cao Jun had always been on the defensive in Guandu. Under Yuan Shao's relentless attacks, Cao Jun's casualties were very high.
In the past few days, Yuan Shao had lost fifty thousand men while Cao Cao had lost thirty thousand men! Cao Cao should have the upper hand in this battle. However, in reality, Yuan Shao had the upper hand. Yuan Shao had 300,000 soldiers. Based on the current losses, how much would Cao Cao lose if all three hundred thousand soldiers were to die? That would be 180,000 soldiers! Cao Cao only had 100,000 soldiers. Where would he find 180,000 soldiers? What about the remaining 80,000?
Moreover, Lao Cao was very sad. Why was it because his army did not have enough provisions? Lao Cao originally had Yan Province, Yu Province, Zhili Province, and Xu Province. He should have enough provisions. However, don't forget that Lao Cao had a lot of provisions. He could not withstand the consumption! He had fought Xu Province four times. Twice against Tao Qian, once against Lü Bu, once against Liu Bei, and finally against Yuan Shu in Yu Province. Lao Cao of Zhili Province had also sent troops. Therefore, although these places were taken by Cao Cao, Lao Cao had also lost a lot. Especially in the battle of Wancheng, Lao Cao didn't just lose provisions, he also lost his son.
Therefore, Cao Cao was not having a good time right now. Fortunately, under Yuan Shao's attacks, 30,000 of the 100,000 soldiers had died in battle. They had lost 30,000 mouths to feed, so they were able to get some respite. However, it was only for a short while! In Guandu, Lao Cao could only hold on for two more months at most. This was already the limit of their supplies!
"Li Dian needs 2000 shi, Ferocious Cavalry needs 1000 shi, and Miao Cai needs 2000 shi!" Lao Cao had a headache. Guo Jia was not around for the past two days, so Lao Cao had to deal with everything himself. Guandu was already very annoying, and now there was another one! Lao Cao's head started to hurt again.
"Ah ah ah ah!" Cao Cao painfully touched his head. Lao Cao's headache had been going on for a long time, ever since Lao Cao became a warlord. If he encountered some irritating things, the pain would be even worse. The worst time was when Lü Bu invaded the hinterland of Yanzhou from Puyang and almost cut off Lao Cao's escape route. Another time was when Lao Cao was deceived by Escapist Liu. He was so good to Escapist Liu, giving him provisions and soldiers, and even made the Han Emperor recognize him as Emperor Liu's Uncle. Originally, he wanted to subdue Escapist Liu, but what did Escapist Liu bring to Lao Cao? It was a direct betrayal, killing Che Zhou and occupying Xu Province. According to Lao Cao's previous character, he would not withdraw his troops until Escapist Liu came out. But now, he was once again in pain because of his childhood friend, Yuan Shao, and Yuan Benchu.
"Someone come, someone come!" Cao Cao was in so much pain that he was about to tremble. The brush in his hand had already fallen to the ground. The table was also swept over by Old Cao because of the pain. Old Cao was in so much pain that his head was covered in cold sweat. He was about to curl up on the ground. At this moment, Old Cao wished that he had a sword so that he could split his head open and see what was inside that caused such pain.
The Sword? Lao Cao retained a trace of consciousness. His Heavenly Sword was still hanging in the camp. He dragged his body towards the Heavenly Sword. He could not stand it anymore. He might as well deal with Qin Song himself. After a lot of effort and untold hardships, Lao Cao finally touched the Heavenly Sword. When he touched the hilt, he could not help but smile. The Heavenly Sword was not the sword created by Hero Guo in The Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber. This was the real Heavenly Sword from the end of the Han Dynasty. Lao Cao accidentally obtained this sword from the shore of the Yellow River. At that time, this sword was inserted into a huge rock. It was emitting a cold light. Others could not pull it out. But when Cao Cao went forward, he directly pulled out the Heavenly Sword with only three fingers. What did this mean? It meant that this was the mandate of heaven. At that time, many people knelt on the ground, believing that Lao Cao was the real ruler and was sent down by heaven. However, there was one person who shook his head. This person was Zuo Ci, one of the three great swindlers of the end of the Han Dynasty. This person shook his head and said that although Lao Cao had the mandate of heaven, he could not rule the world. To rule the world with one hand, one needed five fingers on one hand, not three. Therefore, Lao Cao could only rule the two levels below the world. The first was to rule the world and the second was to rule the world and the second was to rule the world and the second was to rule the world and the second was to rule the world and become the king.
Sure enough, Lao Cao could not rule the world and become the emperor when he was alive.
As long as this sword was placed on his neck, just a light cut, Cao Cao would be free. He would be completely free. The headache would be gone. The troubles of Guandu would also be gone. Even the troublesome matter of unifying the world would be gone. Cao Cao had already pulled out the Heavenly Sword in his hand. The cold light of the Heavenly Sword flashed and accidentally touched Lao Cao's hair. With a light touch, the hair directly fell down and fluttered in the air.
This was probably what the saying 'cut through hair like mud' meant. Cao Cao placed the Heavenly Sword on his neck. Just as Lao Cao was about to kill himself, a figure suddenly appeared in his mind.
This figure was very tall and very handsome. However, it was obvious that this person looked a bit like Cao Cao, especially his eyes. They were directly triangular eyes. They were directly carved from the same mold. Fortunately, this figure was very outstanding in other aspects. Sword-Like eyebrows, a high nose, black hair, and white skin. These were not inherited from Cao Cao. He was dark and fat.
"Father! Father! Are you giving up just like that? "The figure spoke. He anxiously shouted at Lao Cao.
"Ang 'er!" Cao Cao was stunned. This person, wasn't this person his eldest son, Cao Ang, who died in Wan City and was killed by Zhang Xiu's rebel army? If one were to ask which son Lao Cao loved the most, it would definitely be his youngest son, Cao Chong. However, if one were to ask which son Lao Cao was most satisfied with, it would definitely be Cao Ang. Cao Ang's surname was given to him by Lao Cao's first wife, Mrs. Liu. This Mrs. Liu was the Liu family of the Han dynasty. This marriage was set by Cao Cao's father, Cao Cao, when he was a military officer. Therefore, Cao Ang had the blood of the Mrs. Liu. Mrs. Liu was a woman who hated beauty and was also very kind. Therefore, Lao Cao was very good to her. For a period of time, Lao Cao didn't want to go out and fool around because of his wife's persuasion. Mrs. Liu could be said to be an important person in the turning point of Cao Cao's life. She was the one who made Lao Cao understand that a man who was born in this world should have a career. However, the heavens were jealous of beauty. Mrs. Liu passed away early a few years after giving birth to Cao Ang because of her weak body. Mrs. Liu could be said to be an important person in the turning point of Cao Cao's life. She was the one who made Lao Cao understand that a man who was born in this world should have a career. However, the heavens were jealous of beauty. Mrs. Liu passed away early a few years after giving birth to Cao Ang because of her weak body.
Although Madam Bian was born in a brothel, she was truly an extraordinary woman. Not only was she proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but she also knew how to take care of her husband and teach her son. Cao Ang could be said to have grown up under Madam Bian's care. Madam Bian treated him like her own mother. Moreover, she didn't have a son of her own, so she treated Cao Ang even better. She taught Cao Ang how to be modest and united with his family. Cao Ang was also very smart and modest, so naturally he was liked by Lao Cao. Most importantly, Cao Ang's care for Cao Cao was sincere. When Cao Ang was born, Lao Cao hadn't achieved anything yet! Therefore, a son's care for his father was a true son's care for his father! After that, Lao Cao had another son, Cao Pi, Cao Chong, and Cao Zhi! Cao Pi and the others respected Lao Cao. Lao Cao had so many subordinates, why would he need the respect of his own son? Lao Cao wanted the respect of others in the court, but at home, he needed the care of a son for his father! And Cao Cao was exactly the kind of person who gave such care to Cao Cao.
At the age of twenty, Cao Cao passed the filial piety examination. Lao Cao placed Cao Ang by his side because he wanted to train Cao Ang to be his successor. It was also a kind of expectation that Cao Cao had for Cao Ang. Cao Ang didn't disappoint Cao Cao. Cao Ang did very well in all aspects! Whether it was Cao Cao's subordinates, the common people, or the nobles, they were all full of praise for Cao Ang. This made Lao Cao very happy! Lao Cao's family finally had a successor. Lao Cao once said that a son should be like Sun Zhongmou. This wasn't just a compliment to Sun Quan, but also a kind of envy. He envied Sun Jian of Changsha for having such a good son.
But now, there was no need to be envious. Your own son wasn't any worse than others. Can you understand this kind of feeling? This was what it meant to hope for your son to succeed! Cao Cao was very proud of Cao Ang's ability to see the big picture and Cao Ang's excellence. At this time, Zhang Xiu of Wancheng sent a messenger to say that he wanted to submit to Cao Cao. It was really a double blessing! Old Cao was very happy and naturally rewarded Zhang Xiu generously. Zhang Xiu's official position was not low. He gave him a Luoyang Order. What was a Luoyang Order? It was the highest official position in Luoyang other than the Three Ministers and Nine Ministers. Moreover, it was worth two thousand shi. It could be said that it was the pinnacle. Jia Xu was also given the title of Minister by Old Cao. It looked like everyone was happy. How good would it be if Old Cao could get twenty thousand Xiliang Cavalry?
However, Lao Cao was too happy and forgot himself. He accidentally slept with Zhang Xiu's aunt, Madam Zao. This woman was a great beauty! She was also a mature woman. After Zhang Ji took her as his concubine, Zhang Ji didn't even have time to enjoy her before she died! How could a normal woman endure staying alone in an empty room for so many years? Moreover, Madam Zao was at the age of thirty. Lao Cao originally had the title of Wife Cao! When the dry wood met the fire, it directly burned. The result was that Zhang Xiu was furious. As a man, his dignity was trampled on by Lao Cao. Do you think Zhang Xiu could endure it? In addition, Zhang Xiu was a reckless general. When he was angry, he naturally didn't care about the consequences. He let his general, Hu Che Er, get Lao Cao's general, Dian Wei drunk. After that, Zhang Xiu secretly sent his troops out from the south gate and then went to the north gate. This action was decided by Zhang Xiu on the spur of the moment. He didn't even inform Jia Xu. By the time the Old Poison found out, it was already too late. Zhang Xiu's Xiliang Cavalry had already killed their way into Cao Cao's camp. Lao Cao's troops were not prepared at all. Of course, as the lord, Lao Cao was so happy that he forgot his head, let alone his soldiers. They were directly caught off guard by Zhang Xiu's Xiliang Cavalry. Originally, infantry didn't have an advantage against heavy cavalry. Now, they were even ambushed!
Of the 50,000 troops that Lao Cao brought out, less than 5,000 were able to return to Xudu. However, this wasn't a problem. The most important problem was that Lao Cao's trusted general, Dian Wei, was dead. He died fighting at the north gate of Wancheng City.
Lao Cao was most satisfied. His most beloved and favorite son, Cao Ang, was also dead. That battle could be said to be the pain of Lao Cao's life. At this time, Lao Cao was already in his forties. One of the three tragedies in life was losing one's son in middle age. How could Lao Cao not be sad? This was also why Lao Cao still quietly killed Zhang Xiu after he surrendered.
Now that his dead eldest son, Cao Ang, appeared in front of Lao Cao, how could Lao Cao not be happy? "Ang 'er, Ang' er, it's you, it's you!" Lao Cao was so excited that he couldn't speak coherently. Although Cao Ang had been dead for 3 years, Cao Cao had been thinking about his son all the time!
"Father, are you really going to give up? Are you going to give up this great foundation and this vast territory? " In Cao Cao's eyes, Cao Ang was walking towards Cao Cao step by step. Each step was so light that it was full of questions.
"Father is tired, really tired!" Lao Cao had been fighting for so many years that he was truly exhausted. From the beginning of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Cao Cao had been leading the army outside. Then, during the Dong Zhuo Rebellion, the 18 feudal lords gathered at Hulao Pass. Then, after Cao Cao seized Chen Liu and his good friend Zhang Miao's foundation, he attacked Xuzhou four times and returned to the west to welcome the Han Emperor. Lao Cao had experienced many life and death situations. If he was destined to die, Lao Cao should have died in battle during the Yellow Turban Rebellion. During the assassination of Dong Zhuo, he should have been killed by Lü Bu's halberd. After leaving Luoyang, he should have been killed! However, Lao Cao did not die time and time again! Instead, it was like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Lao Cao fell again and again and stood up again and again. It could be said that Lao Cao's life was a legend, a legend that lingered on the edge of life and death. Perhaps every time he died, his legend would be passed down for eternity. However, the combination of these legends was Cao Cao. Therefore, Cao Cao was tired. Whether it was physically or mentally, he was already in his forties. In this situation, the average lifespan of a person was in their twenties. Even if they lived well, it would be difficult for them to live past 50 or 60 years. Lao Cao was already half a step into the grave. In his heart, the son that Lao Cao was most satisfied with had died! Lao Cao, who originally supported the Han dynasty, had always been loyal to Lao Cao. However, he found that his actions were more and more similar to Wang Mang, who he hated when he was studying. He was more and more similar to Dong Zhuo, who was assassinated and overthrown by him. Therefore, Lao Cao was really tired. This headache was just a combination of everything.
"Ang 'er, father has come to accompany you. I have come to accompany you and your mother. Also, father and Zihe!" In front of Cao Cao, there was not only Cao Ang, but also his wife, Liu Shi, and his old father, Cao Song. Even Cao Chun, who was killed by Lü Bu in the battle at Kaiyang and nailed to the ground by a spear, appeared. Lao Cao had experienced so many things that he really wanted to close his eyes and have a good sleep.
"Father, you can't, you can't!" Cao Ang, who was in front of Cao Cao, shook his head and said to his father, "You can't accompany us, you can't!"
"Why? Could it be that you still can't forgive father? " Cao Cao's mouth was full of bitterness. If it weren't for his lecherous nature, his eldest son wouldn't have died and he wouldn't have to send his own son away. Therefore, Cao Cao had always thought that Cao Ang was unwilling to forgive him.
"No, it's not like that!" Cao Ang also shook his head, "Father, you still have a great cause to accomplish. You want to conquer the world. Have you forgotten?"
"Conquer the world?" Cao Cao muttered to himself and fell into deep thought.
"Milord, milord!" Cao Cao made a lot of noise. Although Lao Cao didn't like to be disturbed when he was in his tent, there was one person who was not among them. That person was Xu Chu, Xu Zhongkang. Xu Chu's courtesy name was Zhongkang, and he was from the Qiao Country. More than eight feet tall, with a big waist, a strong appearance, and great courage, Xu Chu was a real person who was raised by Lao Cao. He was originally a Chinese character of the Xu Village. If it weren't for Cao Cao, he might have to kill pigs and sell meat in the Xu Village for the rest of his life. However, Cao Cao appeared and told Xu Chu that there was a bigger stage, a place where he could show his talents, and asked him if he wanted to go. Xu Chu agreed without hesitation. Cao Cao didn't let Xu Chu down. He showed Xu Chu enough of the world and met enough warlords. Xu Chu knew that although he was good at martial arts, he was an idiot in the art of war. Therefore, he was willing to stay by Cao Cao's side as his bodyguard. Especially after Dian Wei's death, he became Lao Cao's indispensable bodyguard.
Lao Cao didn't treat Xu Chu as his subordinate like other warlords. As a lord, all he needed to do was to reward and punish. He treated Xu Chu sincerely. Perhaps it was because of Dian Wei's death, or perhaps it was because of Xu Chu's simple and honest character. Anyway, as Lao Cao's bodyguard, Xu Chu was more like Lao Cao's younger brother who was taken care of by Lao Cao. Therefore, the other bodyguards didn't dare to enter Lao Cao's palace. This was because Lao Cao had the habit of killing people in his dreams and was temperamental. If they entered and were killed, they would suffer a great loss. However, Xu Chu wasn't afraid. Cao Cao was his elder brother. Would an elder brother treat his younger brother like that? Moreover, Xu Chu's martial arts were good enough. Lao Cao's killing in his dreams didn't work on him. Therefore, whenever Lao Cao's quilt fell to the ground or Lao Cao had a nightmare, Xu Chu would go in to help. He would either wake Lao Cao up or cover Lao Cao with a quilt.
After a few times, Lao Cao got used to Xu Chu's presence. This time, Xu Chu went to eat. When he came back, he found Lao Cao curled up on the ground with Yitian in his hand. Lao Cao's body was drenched in sweat. Xu Chu was worried and hurriedly called for a doctor.
"My lord, my lord!" At this time, another person came in. He also had special privileges. He was the prodigal son, Guo Jia! He came in with a tired but happy face. However, when he came in, he was shocked. Lao Cao was curled up on the ground. Although Xu Chu had already floated Lao Cao up, the pain on Lao Cao's face was obvious. His forehead was still covered in cold sweat.
"My lord's headache is starting again?" Guo Jia frowned. He knew that Cao Cao had a headache, but he didn't expect it to be this bad. Lao Cao still had the unsheathed Yitian Sword beside him. What was his lord doing? He couldn't stand the pain anymore. "Zhong Kang, did you call for a doctor?" Guo Jia also squatted down and asked Xu Chu.
"Military Advisor Guo, I have already called for one!" Xu Chu's face was also very anxious. One must know that Lao Cao's headache wasn't just a day or two. Ordinary doctors were useless. Only Wu Pu, who was in Xu Du, could really help treat his lord's headache. He used acupuncture. Other doctors were simply helpless. This time, Wu Pu didn't come with the army because no one knew what would happen in the battle of Guandu. Lao Cao also didn't think of bringing Wu Pu along. Now that something had happened, it would take a few days to get to Xu Du from Guandu. What should he do now?
"My lord, what's wrong? What's wrong?" Another middle-aged scholar rushed in. This was Cheng Yu, who Guo Jia had a grudge against. Although this person looked very serious and stubborn and paid attention to etiquette, he couldn't care less now. Lao Cao, his wise lord, had fallen. It would be strange if he still paid attention to etiquette. As soon as Xu Chu called for a doctor, Cheng Yu rushed over. He even lost his official hat.
"Mr. Cheng Yu, my lord's headache is acting up again!" Guo Jia explained to Cheng Yu. Although the two had a bit of a quarrel, in fact, it was all for the sake of Cao Jun's great cause. Originally, Cheng Yu disdained to talk to Guo Jia, but because Lao Cao fell ill, Cheng Yu put down his personal grievances.
"Zhong Kang, did you call for a doctor?" Cheng Yu asked. After getting an affirmative answer from Xu Chu, Cheng Yu took a deep breath and said to Xu Chu, "Zhongkang, go and seal off all news. Don't let anyone know that the Lord has fallen ill. Tell all the guards to keep their mouths shut. If anyone dares to leak a word, kill them without mercy!" Cheng Yu was very decisive. The news of Cao Cao's illness must not be leaked out. Originally, Cao Jun was already very nervous in the battle of Guandu. The opponent was an army of 300,000. Although Xun Yu said that his lord would win 10 times and Yuan Shao would lose 10 times, to be honest, no one was confident! Many people were very pessimistic. Some people with bad intentions began to contact Yuan Shao in Hebei, Yuan Benchu. Just like when Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou, those aristocratic families in Xuzhou did what they did. These aristocratic families were all focused on their own families. How could they care about your lord? One of the reasons why Cao Cao had a headache was because of the Yuan Shao's aggressiveness. They were running out of food and fodder. Cao Cao did not want to be like Lü Bu, who risked his life in the front only to be betrayed by others. Therefore, the news of Cao Cao's illness must not be spread out. Once it was spread out, those fence-sitters would really lean towards the Yuan Shao!
That kind of consequence was not something that anyone could bear.
"Yes, Zhongkang understands!" Xu Chu was not an idiot. On the contrary, although he was a little simple and honest, he knew how to use his brain. Otherwise, Xu Chu would not have led the villagers to stop the attack of the Yellow Turban Thieves before joining Cao Cao.
"Fengxiao, did you come here to find the lord because of that?" Cheng Yu looked at Guo Jia and asked. Although Cheng Yu didn't like Guo Jia, that was because of the difference in their outlook on life. But in reality, both of them were doing this for the sake of the Cao army. A few days ago, although Guo Jia had fiercely contradicted Cheng Yu in front of everyone and almost made Cheng Yu lose face, Cheng Yu was very interested in Guo Jia's things. One must know that in this era of cold weapons, it was normal to fight with numbers. This was the mainstream war. Fighting with few against many was recorded in all kinds of military books. But now, Guo Jia was busy with a tool that had a score of zero to thirty thousand! What kind of concept was this? If Cao Jun could produce a score of seven thousand to thirty thousand, then Cao Jun would be laughing!
Although Guo Jia's equipment was not the ballista that shone brightly in the Yangtze River, it was still something that could enhance Cao Jun's fighting strength.
"Yes! Mr. Cheng Yu! That thing has been produced. A total of three hundred sets are ready! " Guo Jia said to Cheng Yu. Cao Cao's navy was less than thirty thousand. Three hundred sets of ballista were enough to load one hundred warships. These sets could only fire twice and were very heavy. One warship could only load three sets of ballista. However, these sets were enough. These ballista could penetrate the bottom of a warship at two hundred and fifty paces. Guo Jia had been busy with this thing these days. Guandu had been passively attacked for so long. It was time for him to take the initiative.
"Zhongkang, go to Xu Du personally! Bring Mr. Wu Pu back! Also, tell Wenruo and the others about the lord's illness! " Cheng Yu said to Xu Chu. He did not trust others to do things. Only Xu Chu was the lord's confidant.
"Yes, Zhongkang!" Although Xu Chu was a rough person, he would still listen to some words. For example, Guo Jia, Xun Yu, and Cheng Yu. As long as it was beneficial to Cao Cao, Xu Chu would listen. He also knew that if he sent people, they would be exposed. Therefore, he wanted Xu Chu to go to Xu Du and find Xun Yu and Wen Ruo first. With Wen Ruo's personality, he would know what to do after telling him.
Just as Xu Chu was about to leave, he heard a weak voice from the bed. "No need! “
"Lord!" "Lord!" "Lord!" The three of them shouted in unison. It turned out that Old Cao, who had fainted from the pain on the bed, had woken up. Old Cao looked very weak now. His body was drenched in cold sweat.
"Zhongkang, go to the kitchen and find me something to eat! Fengxiao, Zhongde, all of you come to the bed and talk to me about the ballista! "Lao Cao may be weak right now, but his whole body was filled with fighting spirit. Yes! It was fighting spirit! If Lao Cao was a little pessimistic a few days ago, it was because he was bracing himself to fight against Yuan Shao! But now, Lao Cao was filled with fighting spirit. His eyes were telling everyone that he would win this battle! He, Cao Cao, would win!
Yes! He, Cao Cao, would win! He must win! Because he, Cao Cao, could not lose. He could not afford to lose.
Cao Cao's thoughts flew back to Ang 'er's words. "Father, are you really going to give up on everything? Could it be that you really want Zihuan, Mother, and those aunties to serve the enemy as their master?! Do you really want to put those uncles who have fought alongside you in this dangerous place? Father, you can't lose! You can't afford to lose! If you lose, you will bring the entire Cao Family to be executed. You will bring infamy for thousands of years. History is always written by the victors! Do you think that your old friend, Uncle Yuan Benchu, will let our Cao Family go? If it was the other way around, would you? " Cao Ang's series of questions put Cao Lao in a dangerous situation. A dangerous situation where there was no turning back.
"But Ang 'er, I can't afford to fight anymore!" Cao Cao smiled bitterly. Out of his 100,000 soldiers, only 70,000 were left. Everyone was injured and there was not much food left. On the other hand, Yuan Shao was on the other side! Yuan Shao's food was piled up like a mountain. Although 50,000 of his soldiers were killed, he still had 250,000 soldiers! This number was simply enough to make one despair!
"We have to fight even if we can't afford to! This is the only way to survive. If we lose, our Cao Family will be doomed! But if you win, Father, your dream, your ambition will come true! “
"But!" Cao Cao wanted to say something but was interrupted by Cao Ang. "Father, there are no buts! You chose your own path. You can either walk down it bravely or die without a grave! Father, if not for anything else, just for me, for mother, and for grandfather! For your son and uncle, you must live well! Please, Father! " Cao Cao's shadow slowly dissipated. Cao Ang's departure woke Cao Cao up completely!
Cao Cao finally knew why he was so exhausted in the Battle of Guandu. It was because he was lucky. He thought that even if he lost, even if he was defeated, Yuan Shao and Yuan Benchu would let him go on account of their past friendship!
But was that really the case? They had changed. They did not know each other anymore. If Cao Cao really lost, Yuan Shao would want to take over Lao Cao's territory. If he wanted those Cao Cao's generals to be loyal, then Cao Cao would definitely die. Unless Yuan Shao wanted an old friend who could rebel at any time! Also, there were those nobles who would kick him when he was down. Cao Cao's chances of survival were zero, just like how Yuan Shao treated Jizhou Provincial Governor Han Fu! After Yuan Shao took over Jizhou, it could be said that Han Fu was completely gone. Han Fu went to Chenliu alone, hoping that Zhang Miao would take her in. But what about Yuan Shao? How did he treat Han Fu?! Even if Han Fu left, he still sent a messenger to Zhang Miao to get rid of Han Fu. This was to eliminate the root of the problem. This was not vicious. If Cao Cao was in Yuan Shao's position, Cao Cao would also do the same! This was to prevent future troubles.
Most importantly, Cao Cao knew that his good friend's hobbies were the same as his. For example, Madam Bian was a woman that Lao Cao loved very much. Madam Bian was originally the top prostitute in Luoyang's brothel. Cao Cao and Yuan Shao both liked her. The two even fought. In the end, Cao Cao won the beauty. If Lao Cao lost, even if he could survive, Madam Bian would not be safe!
Even a brute like Zhang Xiu knew that his aunt was humiliated and angry, so what about Cao Cao?! Could it be that he could not even compare to a brute?! And that Madam Bian was his wife! Therefore, Lao Cao had no room to lose, and he could not afford to lose.
Cao Cao sat cross-legged on one side, Guo Jia on the other, and Cheng Yu on the other side. Cao Cao patiently listened to Cheng Yu and Guo Jia's plan. He needed to attack now. No matter how amazing Guandu's defense was, there would be a day when it would be broken! Moreover, passively taking a beating like this would have a great impact on the morale of the whole army. It was time for a big victory to boost morale and to shut the mouths of those fence-sitters!
Night gradually fell, and fog appeared. It was supposed to be a hot season in July and August, but it was actually foggy. Fog rose from the Yellow River basin, and fog also rose above the Ying River. The moon was supposed to shine its moonlight all over the earth, but now it was covered by the thick fog.
Two fleets moved! That's right, two fleets. This was a huge coincidence. In the same year, at the same time, two warlords and two fleets moved at the same time.
On the Yellow River was Cao Cao's fleet. Cao Cao had 30,000 navy, but it was not the navy that defended Guandu, but the Qingzhou soldiers and Yanzhou soldiers. Although Guandu was a ferry port, it was still the same as on land. In the Central Plains of the north, where Lao Cao lived, the navy was very precious. Most northerners were landlubbers. Although there was water in the north, the season was often cold, so no one dared to go into the water. These 30,000 navy were gathered by Lao Cao with great difficulty. He had been reluctant to use them to defend Guandu. Now it was time to use them.
What about the fleet on the Ying River? It wasn't the Cao army's fleet. Rather than calling it a warship, it would be better to call it a small fishing boat. Almost all of them were small boats used for sightseeing. There were quite a few boats, no less than a few hundred boats. Each boat had two soldiers, one at the helm and the other at the oars. However, this fleet didn't only have two people on each boat, but a total of five people! Two of the soldiers rowing the boat, a black fatty with a feathered fan, a red-faced man in green robes, and the last one was a page boy.
"Military Advisor, can we really take revenge like this?" That's right, the people on the boat were the black fatty Feng Chao Tong and the red-faced man in green robes, Guan Yu! Guan Yu was a little regretful. He felt that he had boarded a pirate ship. Originally, he was humiliated by Liu Mang's Army. Guan Yu could not bear the shame and anger, but Pang Tong asked him if he wanted revenge and pulled him onto the boat. However, after boarding the boat, Guan Yu calmed down. Although there were hundreds of boats, the fighting power of these hundreds of boats was not comparable to the fighting power of a warship.
Pang Tong also placed many scarecrows outside the boats. The scarecrows were covered with armor, and some boats even had war drums! Was this a deceptive tactic? Deceptive tactics could only be used to scare the enemy away. What did this have to do with revenge? Was this a deceptive tactic to scare the enemy to death?
"General Guan, don't worry! I have a good plan! "Pang Tong's expression calmed Guan Yu down a lot.
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