Weird Three Kingdoms

Chapter 3653: Ghost Crying Blood-stained Merits, Flags Covering the Sun with Deep Ink Marks
Xun Yun's rhetoric was so confusing and distorted that he downplayed the disastrous defeat at Guikuai as "inflicting heavy damage on the enemy", and then packaged Han Hao's tragic victory as the successful result of Cao and Xun's "divide and conquer" strategy, and even took the greatest credit on the so-called "proper command", that is, themselves!
As for the price Han Hao paid for his bloody battle, it seemed to be insignificant at this moment.

The clerk at the side was stunned, but looking at Xun Yun's unquestionable and even threatening eyes, he had to lower his head silently and began to write quickly.

That’s right, the document was written by someone else, not by Xun Yun himself.

This is not because Xun Yun is lazy, but at certain special moments, it will have some special effects.

For example, is it possible that the document announcing the victory was not Xun Yun's "original intention"? Was it just an "unintentional" act by a clerk or a minor official? Xun Yun himself was "completely unaware", "completely unclear", and "completely unaware" of it?
It is even possible that Cao Yi "made" the document written this way, and Xun Yun argued with reason, but because Cao Yi was the commander-in-chief, he could only "passively" accept it?

Once something went wrong and someone started to investigate and hold him accountable, Xun Yun could say that he was "three noes" and then drag out the process and talk about procedures until it was resolved quietly and the matter was reduced to a small one...

So Xun Yun couldn't leave his handwriting on the letter...

Cao Yi did not think too much about it at the moment. He felt mixed emotions. On the one hand, he felt a little uncomfortable with Xun Yun's quick wit and shamelessness. After all, Han Hao's victory was won by fighting for his life. But on the other hand, the huge temptation of interests and the fear of his own failure also weighed on his heart.

Is it really a good idea to do this?

After a moment, Cao Yi made up his mind and adjusted his state.

The reason is simple. In Shandong, the Central Plains, who doesn’t do this?
Cheating superiors and deceiving subordinates!

Anyone who is unwilling to go along with the crowd will not go far and will not live long!
Cao Yi licked his lips subconsciously and added, "Yes! Just... write it like this! In addition, um... General Han is seriously injured and needs to rest! The defense of the military fort... um, the defense of the military fort and subsequent matters will be taken over by me personally! Pass on my order! All captured and prisoners will be registered and reported to the camp!"

At the beginning, Cao Yi's speech was a little hesitant, but later on his speech became more and more fluent and confident, as if he was just saying, "I've spent money so I can have a good time, I'm in the car so I can go to heaven, I don't care about traffic rules or laws."

If you ask, did Cao Yi fight in the war?
Hit him!
Cao Yi's subordinates shed blood, and Cao Yi himself sweated. Doesn't the sum of them mean both blood and sweat?
What's wrong with this?
Rounding it off, it’s one hundred million!
This is indeed Shandong Zhongyuan's approach.

After all, in the Shandong and Central Plains of the Han Dynasty, if there were meritorious deeds, was it due to the wise command of the leaders or the unity of all the soldiers?
what?
Han Hao?

That won’t work. If we only emphasize Han Hao, wouldn’t that just be personal heroism?
How could the great Han state of Shandong allow such a thing to happen?

What?
The American Empire in later generations?

The "heroes" of the American Empire in later generations are actually not the same as the traditional "heroes" of China. Most of the heroes of the American Empire are either affiliated with institutions, or directly employed, or even capitalists. There is no such thing as "kings, princes, generals, and ministers"! As for the heroes of China, they may be "kings, princes, generals, and ministers", and even those who don't want to be "yellow robes" are "crowned". How can this be the same?

So when Cao and Xun reached a consensus, they naturally chose the most "Shandong" model, which was also the way that best suited their interests.

plunder.

Embezzlement.

The victory that Han Hao and his troops achieved with their blood and lives brought glory to the faces of Cao and Xun.

Those who were loyal to the Han Dynasty were still bleeding, with broken limbs and arms, without any preferential medical treatment, groaning and wailing in the muddy and crude battlefield, waiting for death to come...

Cao and Xun have already started preparing how to celebrate...

This extremely contradictory phenomenon seems to be natural.

It was like the time when the plague suddenly broke out in the Han Dynasty and the people were in mourning. The Shangyao Supervisor of Weiyang Palace suddenly heard that the "golden tool" brought by the Western Regions envoys was slightly damaged, and was shocked. He immediately opened the Suzaku Gate, gathered the imperial physician, the attendant physician, and the alchemists in the Mingtang, and precious medicines poured out like springs, and all magic was used to ensure that the "treasure tool" was intact. After the success, the Taichang Temple Music Bureau immediately composed "Ode to the Triumphal Return of the Gold Tool", which was sung in the nine markets, boasting that "the emperor's grace is vast and benefits the distant barbarians."

However, outside the Zhuque Gate, the streets of Chang'an were filled with the smell of the epidemic. The common people, carrying the elderly and children, wept under the gate of the Imperial Medical Office, their breath was weak, and they could not even get a dose of medicine. There were also old heroes of the Imperial Guards, who had fought in many battles, but were also seriously ill. Their families held the honorary certificates and cried to the prefectures and states, and the prefectures and states sent the documents of the court to the court overnight. However, the documents were piled up like a mountain, and the days and months were delayed. The honorary body was already cold when waiting for the imperial edict to approve it.

All these are just the customs of the Han Dynasty. How many people remember them, how many correct them, and how many remember them forever?
Outside the tent, the flag of Cao's army, symbolizing victory, fluttered in the night wind, illuminating two young faces in the camp, which were distorted by complex emotions such as shame, greed, and fear.

They are the new generation of bureaucrats of the Han Dynasty, and they are the "successors" of the Cao family.

Indeed, there is no pure loyalty, and Han Hao's fight for his life is more or less mixed with the desire to prove himself.

There was no absolute greed, and Cao and Xun may have felt a little guilty towards Han Hao in their hearts. But this little glimmer of light had been completely swallowed up by the darkness of reality.

War, like a huge melting pot, burns every aspect of human nature beyond recognition.

Han Hao lost his own troops, but the other soldiers he brought with him were used to supplement the men of Cao and Xun...

Thus, a "win-win" situation seems to be taking shape.

……

……

Cao's army's front camp at Sishui Pass.

Cao Cao’s main camp.

The news of "victory" in the Runan area on the flank was like a shot in the arm, temporarily dispelling the gloom brought about by the Hussars' massive attack on Hanoi.

Although the price of this victory is somewhat shocking.

When Cao Cao received the battle report, the front line at Sishui Pass was under tremendous pressure, the Hanoi front was in danger, rumors were spreading in the rear, and people were in a state of panic.

The descriptions in this battle report of "the ingenious strategy of dividing and attacking together", "the fierce battle at Guikuai to defeat the enemy", "the glorious victory of the surprise attack on the military fort to cut off the enemy's rear", etc., are like a refreshing rain after a long drought, sweeping away the depression and pain brought by the past military reports of "defeat, great defeat, and consecutive defeats"!

"Good! Good! Good!"

Cao Cao said three good words in a row, and his frown that had been furrowed for many days finally relaxed. A rare look of excitement appeared on his tired face. "Zicheng and Changqian, you really lived up to our expectations! In this way, our flanks will not be in trouble! Send an order to announce this victory to the three armies to boost morale! Reward the meritorious soldiers on the front line of Runan!"

Inside the big tent, all the civil and military officials congratulated one after another, and voices of "the prime minister is wise" and "the soldiers are loyal" were heard everywhere.

However, in the midst of this noise, Xun Yu, who was sitting below Cao Cao, simply lowered his eyes slightly, staring at the patterns on the table, his face showing no joy or sadness, and was unusually calm. He neither opened his mouth to congratulate nor said anything else. He just sat there silently, without moving.

Xun Yu understood his son.

The details of that battle report were too "perfect", and the phrases such as "divide and conquer" and "attack the enemy and rescue them" seemed more like empty talk...

Although Xun Yu was reluctant to define his child as "Zhao Kuo", he had to admit that his child was not a gifted person, at best he was just average.

Well, in that case...

What's more, what kind of person is Sima Yi?

How could they be lured away so easily and allow a key military fort to be attacked by a surprise attack?

Of course, even tigers can fall asleep sometimes, and everyone can be careless sometimes, so it cannot be said that Cao Yi’s military report was completely untrue. Therefore, although Xun Yu had doubts in his heart, he said nothing.

However, once the seeds of doubt are planted, they will continue to take root and sprout.

Moreover, falsely reporting military achievements would not be a big deal under normal circumstances.

For example, because of the effective development of water conservancy, he was promoted to county magistrate due to his meritorious service.

Normally, few water conservancy craftsmen can pursue a career in government, but some people can have a smooth journey, with merits often accompanying them. When the time comes, they will naturally be rewarded. Can it be said that everything is without any coincidence and in accordance with the process...

Xun Yu also knew that Cao Cao urgently needed a victory to stabilize the situation. He also understood that Cao Cao had high hopes for the younger generation of the Cao and Xiahou families, so if he directly questioned this military report, it would not only be politically risky, but also cause problems for the entire war situation.

However, as the Minister of Chancellery, Xun Yu also shouldered the responsibility of supervising military affairs and distinguishing truth from falsehood. He could not sit idly by and watch a false victory mislead the entire strategic judgment.

After the discussion, Xun Yu did not raise any doubts directly to Cao Cao, but calmly summoned his nephew, Xun Shao, who was then in charge of the East Cao in the Prime Minister's Office.

Xun Shao was a cautious and thoughtful person who was usually taciturn. He was a nephew whom Xun Yu trusted.

Xun Yu's voice was low and solemn. "A victory report came from General Cao Zicheng of Runan, saying that he and Chang Qian made a plan, and General Han Yuansi fought bloody battles, defeated the main force of Sima clan at Guikuai, and took back the military fort by surprise, and gained a lot... This is a great achievement."

Xun Shao congratulated him upon hearing this, "This is God's blessing to Prime Minister, congratulations! Brother Changqian really lived up to his uncle's teachings..." Xun Yu raised his hand to interrupt him, and after a moment of silence, he slowly said: "However, this victory report has many unclear details. Han Yuansi has always been resolute and experienced in using troops, but how many troops are there in his own army? What are the casualties? The details of the surprise attack on the military fortress, the actual situation of the enemy and our defense, the battle report is all unclear. Changqian is new to the military, and Cao Zicheng is not a general who has fought hundreds of battles. This battle went so smoothly, there are many doubts. I am afraid that there may be false reports on the front line, or there may be hidden secrets, or it may be a plan of Sima's arrogant soldiers. If the overall situation is shaken due to a momentary misjudgment, it will be a disaster. "

The joy on Xun Shao's face faded, and his expression became serious, "What do you mean, sir?"

"Take my order and go to the front line of Runan in the name of inspecting the administration of Yingchuan." Xun Yu took out a token and a document with his private seal, "You must go to the two battlefields of Guikuai and Abandoned Military Fort in person, investigate the traces of the battle, and look for the surviving middle and lower-level military schools and soldiers, especially General Han's former subordinates, to secretly inquire about the truth. Remember, do not alarm General Cao and Chang Qian, just record what you see and hear, and report to me as soon as possible."

"I understand!" Xun Shao took the token and document solemnly, "I will live up to your trust and find out the truth!"

Xun Shao took the order and left.

Someone reported the matter to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao was silent for a long time, then waved his hand to let the clerk leave.

……

……

Runan front camp.

Of Han Hao's eight hundred elite soldiers, plus the two hundred civilians, less than three hundred managed to return to the fort alive and assist in the defense, and all of them were injured.

Han Hao himself was hit by several arrows, his armor was shattered, and he lost too much blood. He was able to hold on only with his unyielding will and strong physique.

Cao Yi and Xun Yun gave Han Hao and his remaining troops a "grand" commendation in front of all the generals and soldiers.

Xun Yun spoke with great emotion and highly praised Han Hao's "loyalty and bravery", and once again emphasized the "execution ability" needed by Cao's army. He said that the entire army, in units of garrisons, should immediately start learning, discussing, and summarizing Han Hao's experiences.

In order to consolidate the hard-earned victory, Cao Yi quickly dispatched his trusted generals to take over the abandoned military fort that was temporarily defended by Han Hao's remnants with their flesh and blood.

As for Han Hao, military doctors were dispatched to provide comprehensive medical treatment...

However, apart from some routine diagnosis and treatment, there was basically no much care and attention for the remaining soldiers in Han Hao's headquarters.

For Cao and Xun, deep down in their hearts they even secretly hoped that these old soldiers who might know too much inside information would just "die"!
In this way, all the secrets and credits can truly belong to them.

Some veterans of Han Hao's headquarters died due to their severe injuries, but Cao Yi simply attributed their deaths to "serious injuries that made them die for their country" and ordered them to be "buried with honor."

It was a grand funeral in words, but in reality it was a hasty funeral.

Anyway, it is impossible for ordinary soldiers to have the time to go to the scene to see what the method is.

Only the surviving comrades were crying silently, burying their endless grief and heartbreak deep in their hearts.

But Xun Shao's arrival made Cao Yi and Xun Yun feel nervous.

They knew very well that Xun Yu sent his nephew to inspect and comfort people not just for the purpose of rectifying the administration of Yingchuan!
Who knows, this whole knife might just chop directly onto their heads!

So, in order to cover up a lie, more lies will naturally arise.

Xun Shao was first warmly welcomed into the main camp by Cao and Xun.

No matter what the truth is, attitude comes first...

attitude decides everything.

How can there be any good results if you don't treat your superiors well?
Xun Shao entered the camp and was immediately attracted by the clean and tidy gate of the camp.

"Ah, Chen Zhongju, who was not afraid of the strong, once said, "A real man should clean up the world, not just a room." But it is not true. If you can't clean up a room, how can you clean up the world?" Xun Shao praised the cleanliness and tidiness of the camp, "Looking at the neatness of this camp, I can see that you two have a good way of managing the army."

Of course, this must be done in a proper way!

Even though this was just a small welcoming ceremony, Cao and Xun had banned anyone from passing near the camp gate since early morning!

Don’t worry about whether the road is blocked or not, or whether there is traffic or not, no one is allowed to pass until the superior arrives!

The soldiers around were all wearing specially-adapted armor, with their chests puffed out and their stomachs folded.

After all, Cao Yi had said that anyone who showed off in front of his superiors would have his head chopped off!

They also made a detailed plan for Xun Shao's route into the camp to ensure that every step Xun Shao took, he would see the most beautiful scenery in the camp.

When entering the camp, the first thing to do is of course a warm welcome.

Xun Shao wanted to investigate, but it was hard to refuse the kindness of Cao and Xun, so he said, "This won't happen again," and sat down at the table.

Of course Cao Yi and Xun Yun came personally to accompany him and entertain him warmly.

During the dinner, Cao Yi talked at length about military strategies, described the thrilling battlefield, and repeated the contents of the battle report with exaggeration. He exaggerated the calm command of himself and Xun Yun, and at the same time gave high praise to Han Hao's heroic fighting.

Xun Yun added the details just right, and his words revealed his deep understanding and application of his father Xun Yu's military strategies. Among his three sentences, he would inevitably praise the prime minister for his wisdom.

What could Xun Shao say? Could he say that Han Hao was not brave, or that the Prime Minister was not wise? So he could only say "yes", "right", "that's right", "that's exactly it"...

A deep sleep.

Afterwards, accompanied by Cao Yi's trusted generals, Xun Shao inspected the camp and then headed all the way to the battlefield of the military fort.

After receiving the news of Xun Shao's arrival, the military fort site had been carefully cleaned and most of the bodies of Cao's dead soldiers had been buried, leaving only some deliberately preserved broken flags and a small number of weapons belonging to the Cavalry Army, as well as utensils and corpses smashed by falling rocks, to prove what had happened here.

The accompanying general pointed to these evidences and vividly described how Cao's army bravely charged under the rain of arrows and rolling stones, and although they suffered setbacks, they inflicted heavy damage on the enemy...

That’s right, this great victory is no longer the achievement of Han Hao alone or his 800 soldiers, but the glory of the entire Cao army!

This honor, of course, also includes the military academy that accompanied Xun Shao in introducing the war.

When Xun Shao proposed to go to Guiku Pass to check, the accompanying officers showed an embarrassment, "Sir, this... It's not that I intend to stop you, but there are still hussars at Guiku Pass, and they are active. In the mountains and forests, there are Sima bandits at the pass from time to time... I'm afraid it's very dangerous..."

Xun Shao insisted on going, and of course the accompanying military school could not make the decision, so he asked Cao Yi for instructions.

Cao Yi was in a dilemma, but he couldn't say no to Xun Shao, so he gave in and said, "Brother Xun, although the Sima bandits have retreated, their scouts are still active...why don't I send someone to escort you to watch from a distance?"

Xun Shao had no choice but to do so.

Arrived, well, strictly speaking it’s not quite arrived, I was just standing on the top of the mountain looking at the Devil’s Cry Pass from afar.

The purple and black colors on the mountain road at the pass, and the lingering fishy smell, are proof of the fierce fighting at this pass.

The wreckage that had not yet been cleaned up was covered in smoke and charred bodies. In addition, when viewed from a distance, it was difficult to distinguish which charred bodies were Cao's soldiers or the cavalry.

Cao Yi solemnly recounted the battle at Ghost Cry Pass...

In his description, Cao's army saw through Sima Yi's ambush, and then used the vanguard as bait to lure out Sima Yi's army, and then the two armies started fighting in the mountain road.

The soldiers of Cao's army were so brave that they were willing to sacrifice their lives for the final victory!
In the end, because the mountain path was narrow and the terrain of Ghost Cry Pass was extremely unfavorable, they had to retreat in frustration...

Such an intense and tragic story made Xun Shao's eyes red and tears rolled down his cheeks.

Xun Shao then asked about several Cao army soldiers who were recommended by Cao Yi and who "participated" in the battle of Ghost Cry Pass.

Their statements were consistent, detailed, and full of "admiration" for Cao Yi and "confidence" that Cao's army would inevitably win the final victory...