Three Kingdoms: Heir of Wolong, my father-in-law is Guan Gong

Cao Rui's deployment at Hulao Pass and the strategy of "comprehensive defense against Han" blocked Liu Bei's offensive in Sizhou.

No matter how Zhang Fei cursed in front of Hulao Pass, Zhang He simply turned a deaf ear to him: You can curse as much as you want, but if I curse back, I lose.

As the commander-in-chief of an army of more than 30,000 for the first time, Zhang He was grateful that the resentment he had accumulated over the past few decades had dissipated, and was replaced by a heroic attitude that looked down on all directions!

There is no need to endure Meng Da’s stupidity, no need to be annoyed by Cao Zhang’s stubbornness, no incompetent royal family members, and no unnecessary military supervisors.

Not only that.

Zhang He also sent back to Yecheng more than a dozen young men from noble families who had come to the army to gain experience and were clamoring to fight.

Not only did Cao Rui not punish Zhang He because of the complaints of the fathers of these children from aristocratic families, but he also gave Zhang He an imperial edict: anyone who disobeys the order again will be dealt with directly by military law.

This was equivalent to telling Zhang He: Even if Chen Qun's son wanted to disobey orders, Zhang He could kill him directly at Hulao Pass without sending him back to Yecheng for Cao Rui to deal with.

This imperial edict gave Zhang He absolute power at Hulao Pass!
"Cao Rui's trust in Zhang He was even greater than Cao Cao's in the past."

"Zhang He is an experienced fighter and now he is the commander of the army. We can't use our tactics to sow discord."

"Hulao Pass is so hard to break!"

After carefully studying the intelligence sent by the spies, Liu Bei couldn't help but feel emotional.

The troops have been dispatched for several months.

Liu Bei used many strategies against Hulao Pass, but still could not create a favorable opportunity for battle.

Zhang He had more than 30,000 men guarding the pass and refusing to come out. Even if Liu Bei had the advantage of siege weapons, it would be difficult for him to do anything.

"Your Majesty, it would be better for you to take Henei first," Fa Zheng suggested.

During this Northern Expedition to the Central Plains, Liu Bei prioritized two strategic routes.

One is to enter Mengjin, take Henei, attack Shangdang, and settle Bingzhou.

One is to break Hulao, take Chenliu, attack Xuchang, and conquer Yuzhou.

As Sima Yi expected, Liu Bei gave up Bingzhou, where the pseudo-Wei army had weaker defense, and chose Yuzhou, where the army had more defense.

The first strategic route would make it easier for Liu Bei to win, but he would not be able to inflict heavy damage on the main force of the Pseudo-Wei, and he would have to divide his forces to govern and resist the Huns, Xianbei and other Hu tribes.

That is to say: if Liu Bei took Bingzhou, the Northern Expedition would basically end in Bingzhou.

The second strategic route is different.

If Liu Bei could break Hulao, take Chenliu, attack Xuchang, and conquer Yuzhou, he would inevitably inflict heavy damage on the main force of the Pseudo-Wei.

If the Pseudo-Wei wanted to resist Liu Bei's momentum, it had to have a decisive battle with Liu Bei in order to demonstrate its strength to the people of all states and counties.

however.

It is not an easy task to inflict heavy damage on the main force of the Pseudo-Wei in Yuzhou.

Zhang He at Hulao Pass alone blocked Liu Bei for several months.

Zhang He was not confident that he could defeat Liu Bei, but he was confident that he could defend Hulao Pass.

Liu Bei paced and thought.

It was not Liu Bei's wish to attack Henei.

a long time.

Liu Bei shook his head: "Zhang He is stationed at Hulao Pass. Even if I take Henei, I dare not go deep into Bingzhou. If I don't defeat Zhang He, I can't enter Guandong."

He lowered his head and pondered.

Guan Yu suggested: "Brother, I have a method that may lure the Wei soldiers to attack."

Liu Bei looked up and asked, "What's Yunchang's plan?"

Guan Yu said: "Luoyang is in decline. Our army's current military rations can only be transported from Chang'an. If it is delayed for too long, it will be difficult to continue."

"Cao Rui ordered Zhang He to defend Hulao Pass to the death, hoping to wait until our army ran out of food before retreating."

"It would be better to set up a trade market in Mengjin, and let the merchants of Yongliang exchange silk, cloth, farm tools, etc. for grain from the people of Hanoi."

"Brother, order the troops to cultivate land in Luoyang, relocate their families, and recruit refugees. The main purpose is to restore the livelihood of the people in Luoyang."

"By spreading benevolence in this way, not only can the people of Hanoi reduce their fear of their elder brother, but it can also enable them to share what they have and reduce resentment."

"If Cao Rui does not take the initiative to send troops, my brother can win over the people of the pseudo-Wei. If Cao Rui takes the initiative to send troops, it will be exactly what we want to fight."

Guan Yu's proposal opened Liu Bei's mind.

In recent months, although Liu Bei appeared calm on the surface, he was actually anxious on the inside.

As he grew older, Liu Bei became eager to fight.

When you are anxious, you will naturally forget some basic methods.

What is Liu Bei's biggest advantage?
Benevolence!
Attacking the city is the next step, attacking the heart is the top step.

Faced with Cao Rui's defensive strategy, it was difficult for Liu Bei to launch a strong attack.

At this time, attacking the heart is the best strategy!

Mengjin trade.

It is to reassure the people of Hanoi.

Also, it disturbed Cao Rui's mind.

The prosperity of the world is for profit; the hustle and bustle of the world is for profit.

Lao Tzu also said: What kings fight for is the world, what princes fight for is territory, what ministers fight for is power, what people of the world fight for is status, and what the common people fight for is food and clothing. Although what they fight for are different, they are all for selfish desires.

If a king wants to fight for the world, he must follow the will of the people.

Whether it is silk or farm tools, they are all beneficial to the people of Hanoi.

The increase in productivity made Han silk and silk cloth cheaper, and agricultural tools increased people's grain production.

Liu Bei can make it easier for the people to get food and clothing, so the people will naturally be more inclined to Liu Bei.

"Yun Chang's words are very good."

Liu Bei lived to be sixty-six years old and had been in a high position for many years. His thinking and scheming had long surpassed that of ordinary people, and he understood Guan Yu's suggestion immediately.

"Xiaozhi, what do you think?"

Liu Bei looked at Fa Zheng again and asked for his opinion.

Fa Zheng was also surprised by Guan Yu's proposal.

Barter trade was common.

It is rare to use trade to support military strategy.

Fa Zheng was also a wise man. He understood the deep meaning of Guan Yu's words and said in admiration, "I am ashamed of myself for not being able to defeat the general in his strategy of attacking the heart."

Guan Yu laughed loudly: "Minister Fa is too modest. This method is not my invention. I was inspired by Bo Song when I saw him doing business in Changsha."

"It's just that Bosong doesn't like to call it mutual trade, and prefers to call it 'economic free trade'."

"Using the free trade of the private economy as a spear, we can force the government to improve its policies that are more in line with the national economy and people's livelihood."

Liu Bei stroked his beard and said, "Yun Chang has reminded me that when Bosong established Changsha as a 'special economic free trade zone', I had many unclear points."

"I trust Bo Song, so I didn't ask too many questions about this."

"In the past few years, Bo Song has shown me the results of Bo Song's deployment in Changsha."

"Only when the interests are favorable can the people's expectations be achieved."

Fa Zheng was moved when he heard this and said: "Why not send another letter to Henei County, saying that Luoyang is in decline and Your Majesty is willing to rebuild Luoyang."

"If there are people willing to participate in the construction of Luoyang, your majesty will reward them generously."

"Let the soldiers who are native to Hanoi and the soldiers who volunteer to go to Hanoi and promise that if they bring back five households, they will be the head of a neighborhood; if they bring back 25 households, they will be the head of a village; if they bring back 250 households, they will be the head of a pavilion; if they bring back 2,500 households, they will be the head of a township; if they bring back 5,000 households, they will be the head of a county; if they bring back 10,000 households, they will be the county magistrate!"

"You will enjoy as many fiefs as the number of households you bring back!"

Guan Yu narrowed his eyes and quickly understood the reasoning: "It can't be just soldiers, otherwise the people won't benefit and won't come."

"It would be better to only raise the military ranks and titles of the soldiers, and let the officials such as neighborhood chief, village chief, pavilion chief, township chief, county chief, and county magistrate be nominated by the scholars and people of Hanoi themselves."

Liu Bei clapped his hands and said: "What Xiaozhi and Yunchang said is exactly what I want. If someone comes to surrender with his entire family, I will exempt him from taxes for another three years, and choose the best among his family to serve as officials."

After carefully discussing the details, Liu Bei perfected the "recruiting plan" and immediately sent soldiers to Henei to recruit people.

have to say.

Liu Bei's move was extremely lethal to the people of Henei.

The smaller the population, the heavier the taxes and labor service will be.

There have been frequent wars in recent years.

The hedonistic spirit of the gentry prevailed again.

While the rich wine and meat smell, the road with frozen bone.

Few people care about the lives of ordinary people.

The people who became tenant farmers and settlers were no different from slaves.

There were many refugees fleeing for their lives, and also many scholars living in seclusion.

Under Liu Bei's inducement, many scholars and common people came to Luoyang, and some even moved with their entire clan, hoping to gamble on the fortune of their entire clan.

Upon hearing the news, the governor of Henei strictly investigated the scholars and civilians who wanted to go to Luoyang, and even resorted to tough measures.

however.

The more strictly the governor of Henei investigated and blocked the crimes, the more it seemed that Liu Bei was more benevolent and righteous towards the people in Luoyang.

In particular, the gentry who had fallen to the third rank below the ninth rank were even more enthusiastic about migrating to Luoyang.

after all.

When serving as an official in the pseudo-Wei Dynasty, one could only hold the third rank.

But when you arrive in Luoyang, you will have the opportunity to escape from the lower three ranks.

Most of the lower-ranking scholars could understand the trade-offs in this matter.

Faced with Liu Bei's "appeasement" offensive, Cao Rui immediately sent General Sima Yi of the Fujun Army to Hanoi to take charge of the situation.

As the leader of the largest aristocratic family in Hanoi, Sima Yi has a great reputation in Hanoi.

In just a few days, Sima Yi took control of the situation in Hanoi.

Although there are still scholars and civilians going to Luoyang, it is equivalent to the entire Henei County and can be almost ignored.

"Shi Zai, maybe you can understand Liu Bei's intention?"

Outside Mengjin.

Sima Yi stood on a high place, with Deng Ai, who was nearly thirty years old, standing on his right, Sima Shi, who was nearly eighteen years old, and Sima Zhao, who was only fifteen years old, standing on his left.

Deng Ai was born in a poor family. He worked as a farmer for twenty years before he became Diannong Gongcao. At the beginning of the year, he met Sima Yi by chance and was appreciated by Sima Yi. This allowed him to come to the fore and was promoted by Cao Rui.

Sima Yi wanted to train Deng Ai, so he brought Deng Ai to Hanoi.

Deng Ai said respectfully: "When I was farming in Runan, I also heard about the trade between Liu Bei and Sun Quan in Changsha, and the trade between the late emperor and Sun Quan in Shouchun."

"But this kind of trade is good for the people, but it is not good for Your Majesty and the court."

Sima Yi asked, "Why does Shi Zai think this is not a good thing for Your Majesty and the court?"

Deng Ai said: "If the king wants to fight for the world, he must unite the hearts of the people in all states and counties."

"Liu Bei's trade is to seize the hearts and minds of the people in Henei, which is naturally not a good thing."

Sima Zhao on the side could not help but retort: ​​"My father has been busy these days and has made the nobles in Hanoi reach a consensus."

"Grain, ironware, and war horses cannot be used for trade."

"How can Liu Bei win the hearts and minds of the people of Henei through this trade?"

Deng Ai shook his head: "There are not only scholars, but also common people. Even scholars are divided into three, six, and nine grades."

"The upper three ranks won't sell, and the middle three ranks can also refuse to sell, but the lower three ranks and the common people may not listen." Sima Zhao snorted coldly: "A bunch of lowly people, what can they do even if they sell it?"

Deng Ai's expression suddenly turned ugly.

Sima Yi frowned upon hearing this and shouted, "People are the foundation of the country, how can they be distinguished by their status?"

"Zhao'er, although you come from a wealthy family, you can't just focus on scholars."

"Among all the people in the world, scholars are only the leaders among the people. How can they be called untouchables?"

"Master, please tell me."

Sima Zhao was sullen and said nothing.

Sima Shi was older and had been with Sima Yi for several years, so he was more mature and steady than Sima Zhao: "Father, I think what Shi Zai said is very good.

"Among all the people in the world, there are mainly four classes: scholars, farmers, merchants and artisans. There are geniuses among all four classes, but because scholars have more heritage and produce more geniuses, people in the world mistakenly believe that there are only scholars in the world."

"A great talent like Shi Zai also came from the Tuntian people."

"However, in the current situation, it is difficult to implement Emperor Wu's words of 'selecting people based on their talents' in a proper way."

"Father, why don't you recommend Shi Zai as governor of Henei? This is a method of selecting talents based on the ninth rank, but it is also a method of selecting talents based on their talents."

"The Sima family is devoted to the Great Wei, and their loyalty is commendable. They can use some of their money and food to support the talented people that the court doesn't want."

"In this way, the court can select good talents, and the Sima family can also reserve good talents for the court."

Sima Yi stroked his beard and smiled.

There is essentially no difference between what Sima Shi expressed and what Sima Zhao expressed.

only.

Sima Zhao was too direct in his expression, as if he wanted everyone to know; Sima Shi was subtle in his expression. He clearly wanted to select talented hermits to be the Sima family's family warriors, but he insisted on saying that they were reserving talents for the court.

In other words.

On the surface, there are talented people from aristocratic families who rely on the Sima family; secretly, there are talented people from humble backgrounds who rely on the Sima family.

No matter what the court’s policy is, the Sima family will not suffer any loss!

Sima Zhao still refused to accept the suggestion: "Brother, you are beating around the bush too much!"

Sima Shi laughed and said, "Brother Zhao, this is just a roundabout way. A leader must understand people's hearts. If he doesn't understand people's hearts, how can he convince others?"

"You should apologize to Shi Zai!"

After hearing Sima Yi's rebuke of Sima Zhao and Sima Shi's opinion, Deng Ai's anger subsided a lot.

At this moment, when he heard Sima Shi asking Sima Zhao to apologize, the anger in his heart disappeared completely.

Sima Yi and Sima Shi gave Deng Ai enough face, and Deng Ai was not stubborn either. He quickly said, "It's just a discussion in our spare time. How can we ask Prince Zhao to apologize for this?"

Sima Shi was just talking, so it was impossible for him to really ask Sima Zhao to apologize to Deng Ai.

But he said: "If I don't apologize, won't outsiders think that the Sima family neglects talented people?"

Deng Ai declined again and again.

In the end, it was Sima Yi who made the decision and asked Sima Zhao to go back and reflect on himself and read for three days so as to put the matter behind him.

"Shi Zai, if you were the governor of Henei, how would you govern Henei?" Sima Yi looked at Deng Ai again and asked seriously.

Deng Ai was delighted and vowed: "I think that Hanoi is adjacent to the Pseudo-Han and is a military stronghold. We can cultivate land and store military rations in Hanoi."

Sima Yi said: "Henei already has military farms, so your governance is not surprising."

Deng Ai said: "Even if it is farming, there are differences."

"Hanoi has fertile land and many rivers, but many of its channels are blocked."

"Without enough water, fertile fields will turn into wasteland."

"So, if you want to establish farmland in Hanoi, you must first dig canals and divert water for irrigation. This is more effective than organizing refugees to open up wasteland."

"That's one of them."

“Second, almost all the military farms in Hanoi today are for civilians.”

"Although the management of the settlements was strict, the oppression on the settlers was too heavy and the rewards were too little, making it difficult to mobilize their enthusiasm for the settlements."

"We can set up another military settlement in Hanoi and formulate rewards and punishments, just like when marching to war, so that the soldiers can also receive rewards while farming, and the soldiers will be more motivated to farm."

Sima Yi laughed: "I only let you be the governor of Henei, but you want to be a general. How can I send you more soldiers when you have never led an army?"

Deng Ai said calmly, "Before Han Xin became a general, he had never led an army."

Sima Yi was very interested: "Before Han Xin became a general, although he had never led an army, he was quite knowledgeable about military affairs. If I let you lead an army, what would you do?"

Deng Ai thought without hesitation: "Since ancient times, the army has not moved without food and grass."

"After Emperor Wu of Han pacified the Yellow Turbans, he stationed troops and cultivated fields, using both military and civilian settlements to accumulate a large amount of grain in Xudu."

"Its purpose is to command the whole world and be self-sufficient without having to levy excessive taxes and rations on the aristocratic families."

"In today's world, Sun Quan of the Eastern Wu is already half-dead, so there is no need to worry about him."

"The only enemies of the Wei Dynasty are the fake Han people."

"However, when great powers compete, victory or defeat is not decided overnight; it is a competition of who can outlast the other."

"Looking at the wars Liu Bei has fought over the past few years, he has been forcing Wei to fight hastily, making it impossible for Wei to rest and take care of its people."

"Whenever the army went out to resist Liu Bei, half of the troops were used just for transportation, which was not only very expensive but also very laborious."

"Often, once Liu Bei has the intention of robbing the grain road, the chief general of Wei will be greatly restricted."

"That's why the side with more soldiers often loses the battle due to lack of food and fodder."

"If I were the governor of Henei, I would station 20,000 troops in the east of Henei County and 30,000 troops in the west of Henei County, and then take turns to take 20 out of 10 troops for rest, so the permanent army would have 40,000 troops."

"If the weather is good, in just six or seven years, we can store 30 million hu of grain in Hanoi, enough to feed 100,000 soldiers and civilians for five years."

"Whether it's defense or offense, we will be invincible!"

Deng Ai spoke eloquently and explained his ideas on the governance and defense of Hanoi.

Even Sima Zhao, who was arrogant and dissatisfied with Deng Ai, couldn't help but feel shocked by Deng Ai's thoughts.

Sima Shi narrowed his eyes and looked at Deng Ai carefully.

Although he spoke for Deng Ai, Sima Shi actually looked down on Deng Ai because of his humble background.

He was almost thirty years old when he became a Diannong Gongcao, and was only qualified to appear in front of Sima Yi because he was appreciated by chance. It would be strange that Sima Shi could look down on such a person.

Just for now.

Sima Shi discovered that Deng Ai's conversation, knowledge, and governance and defense of Henei County were actually better than those of the sons of ministers in the court!

Sima Yi was also surprised.

Found a treasure!

When he first met Deng Ai, Sima Yi only admired Deng Ai's flexible personality and thought that Deng Ai was someone worth cultivating.

I didn’t expect Deng Ai to be better than expected!

"With the wise men in Hanoi, I have nothing to worry about!" Sima Yi praised generously.

As the General of the Fujun Army, Sima Yi could not stay in Hanoi for a long time.

This is because Hanoi is where the Sima family lives. If it was taken away by Liu Bei, Sima Yi would be very sad.

Now seeing that Deng Ai had such insights, Sima Yi felt great emotion in his heart.

Sima Yi did not break his promise.

On the same day, he submitted a memorial to Cao Rui, requesting that Deng Ai be appointed governor of Henei. At the same time, he mobilized 50,000 troops to enter Henei and hand them over to Deng Ai for military garrison.

Simultaneously.

Sima Yi also recommended some veteran generals to assist Deng Ai in commanding the troops.

Cao Rui only discussed Sima Yi's proposal with his ministers for half a day before agreeing to it.

However, when it came to commanding the troops, Cao Rui did not let Deng Ai lead the troops, but let Sima Yi lead the troops.

In other words.

Deng Ai has too little experience, so he can be the governor of Henei, but Sima Yi still has to command the troops.

As for who Sima Yi would entrust the troops to and be responsible for their daily management, that was up to Sima Yi to decide.

Great power conflict.

It is difficult to determine the outcome at once.

"Who is this Deng Ai?"

Deng Ai's sudden appearance in Hanoi and his actions in Hanoi amazed Liu Bei.

Fa Zheng said: "It is said that this person is from Yiyang. He is a member of the Deng family who was forcibly relocated to Runan to cultivate land when Cao Cao conquered Jingzhou in the past."

"He's from Yiyang." Liu Bei couldn't help but sigh when he heard this: "Can this man surrender?"

Liu Bei had deep feelings about Yi Yang.

Yiyang is also in the Xinye area.

Many of Liu Bei's outstanding civil and military officials came from Yiyang, such as the current General Wei Yan.

Fa Zheng shook his head: "It's difficult! This man was able to become the governor of Henei, he must have been recommended by Sima Yi."

It is easy to weigh the interests between surrendering to Liu Bei and being evaluated and promoted, or being trusted by Sima Yi and rising step by step.

Liu Bei sighed, "Such a genius was snatched away by the pseudo-Wei first."

While talking.

Someone reported that Shi Tao wanted to see him.

When Liu Bei saw Shi Tao, his tone became more joyful: "Why did Guangyuan come to Luoyang in person? Could it be that the Prime Minister has something to discuss with you?"

As an old friend from Jingzhou, Liu Bei also had a very good impression of Shi Tao.

Although Shi Tao also followed Xu Shu to the north, Liu Bei never blamed Shi Tao.

Just as Liu Bei would not organize Xu Shu to save his mother, he would also not organize Shi Tao to go to the north and be neglected for the sake of his good brother Xu Shu.

In recent years, Shi Tao’s highest official position in the north was only that of Captain Diannong.

Shi Tao saw that everyone was there, so he said, "I am not from Chang'an, I am from Jingzhou."

Liu Bei exclaimed: "Jingzhou? Could it be that something happened to Bo Song?"

Shi Tao took out a letter: "Yes, and no."

"I was ordered by the Prime Minister to go to Jingzhou and bring someone back to Chang'an, but unfortunately that person was unwilling to go back to Chang'an with me."

"So Bosong suggested that I come to Luoyang first. Here is Bosong's letter."

Let’s see how Liu Bei gained trust.

Suddenly, Liu Bei's hands began to tremble: "This, this, this, is this true?"

Seeing this, Guan Yu quickly approached and asked, "Brother, what's going on? Has something happened in Jingzhou?"

Liu Bei did not answer, but handed the letter to Guan Yu.

Guan Yu squinted his eyes and opened them instantly. He exclaimed, "Yuan Zhi is actually in Jingzhou? Bo Song, this kid, actually dared to hide it!"

"Brother, we should immediately issue an imperial decree to Bo Song and punish him for deceiving the emperor!"

Xu Shu stayed in Jingzhou for two years, but Liu Bei, Guan Yu and others knew nothing about it!
If Zhuge Qiao was not in Jingzhou, Guan Yu would have wanted to pay him a visit and ask him if he had grown wings enough to fly away and would not recognize him.

Liu Bei calmed down and asked: "Guangyuan, where is Yuanzhi now?"

Shi Tao laughed and said, "Yuan Zhi is too shy to come to see Your Majesty, and now he is still pretending to be sick ten miles away." (End of this chapter)