Han officials

Chapter 157: Character Determines Destiny [4.5K] [Happy Lantern Festival]

The next day, at the Suanzao camp.

In the central military tent, Cao Cao's face was filled with anger.

He originally thought that after the oath of allegiance, the coalition forces should march west to Shangluo. However, Cao Cao did not expect that Zhang Miao and others talked big all day long and showed no intention of mobilizing troops.

At first Cao Cao tried to persuade him patiently, but this time he really couldn't stand it anymore.
Cao Cao, unable to suppress his rage, slammed his wine cup on the table and shouted, "The traitor Dong has already poisoned the King of Hongnong. Do you still want to sit in your tent?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the tent, which had been filled with laughter just now, suddenly fell into dead silence.

There was no way. When Zhang Miao and others learned that Dong Zhuo had ordered the doctor Li Ru to poison the deposed emperor Liu Bian, they were also shocked.

No matter what, Liu Bian was once the emperor of the Han Dynasty, and Dong Zhuo's move was simply appalling.

But they soon guessed Dong Zhuo's intention.

The reason why he killed King Hongnong was probably to cut off the source of the problem and disintegrate the coalition forces against Dong.

After all, when Qiao Mao forged the letter from the Three Dukes, he said that he wanted to put things right and restore orthodoxy.

In this way, Liu Bian naturally became the apparent spiritual leader of the coalition forces against Dong Zhuo.

Dong Zhuo's killing of Liu Bian was the right remedy for the disease.

It’s a pity that the Guandong coalition forces were not as loyal as Dong Zhuo thought. Even after the deposed emperor Liu Bian died, the anti-Dong coalition forces still did not disperse.

At the same time, looking at the indignant Cao Cao, Zhang Miao still had to save some face.
"Meng De, you're too kind." Zhang Miao put down his wine cup, twirled his beard, and sighed softly, "We all wish to tear the traitor Dong into pieces, but when two armies clash, we can't act on impulse. The art of war says: 'Those who plan before the battle win by planning more, while those who plan before the battle lose by planning less. Planning more wins, planning less loses, and what about not planning at all? Planning is of paramount importance!"

One has to admit that Zhang Miao is good at speaking, and his lofty speeches can be regarded as strategic planning.

Seeing Zhang Miao's words, Liu Dai, dressed in a black brocade robe, nodded repeatedly and said, "Yes, Meng Zhuo is right. Besides, didn't we just say the other day that our army's food and grass are not yet complete, and the soldiers still need training. There is no rush to send troops!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Qiao Mao, Zhang Chao, Yuan Yi and others nodded in agreement.

However, Jibei Prime Minister Bao Xin, who had always shared Cao Cao's ideals, stood up immediately and said solemnly, "Meng De's words are not without reason. We have already pledged our allegiance. If we delay in sending troops to suppress the traitor Dong, I'm afraid we will be criticized by the world."

Seeing Bao Xin's support, Cao Cao also hurriedly advised, "Everyone, now is a good time to send troops! The traitor Dong poisoned the Prince of Chenliu, and even in Luoyang, many righteous men are dissatisfied and look up to the righteous army every day. If we send troops to Guanzhong now, they will surely respond to our call!"

Of course, Cao Cao knew it would be difficult to convince the crowd with such vague bargaining chips alone, so he immediately analyzed the situation from a practical perspective: "Last month, Dong's son-in-law Niu Fu led 30,000 troops to attack the Baibo bandits in Hedong, but was ultimately defeated. This proves that Dong's troops are not invincible. Moreover, Dong's army has just suffered a major defeat, and their morale is bound to be crushed. Our army, upholding loyalty and righteousness, will surely win every battle!"

Hearing this, Zhang Miao suddenly became thoughtful.

Cao Cao immediately took action and said passionately: "I have a plan, everyone, please listen."

He quickly walked to the wall, pointed at the map, and said, "We only need to have Yuan Bohai lead the troops from Henei to Mengjin, and have the troops from Suanzao occupy Ao Cang and Chenggao, block Xuanyuan and Taigu, and occupy the strategic locations outside the pass. We don't need to fight hard, just build high fortifications and deep walls to confuse the enemy. Then, have General Yuan lead the troops from Nanyang to attack Wuguan and shake the three prefectures."

"In this way, the world situation can change in an instant!"

After explaining the strategy he had painstakingly devised, Cao Cao looked at everyone with anticipation.

It would have been better if he hadn't said it. After he said this, Zhang Miao, Liu Dai and others were no longer interested.

After all, this plan requires the three allied forces to be of one mind and work closely together to be effective.

If any one of the coalition forces fails, this plan will hardly work, and the other two forces will be in danger of destruction.

Zhang Miao and others did not even bother to discuss this plan with Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu.

Because even if the two brothers agreed, Zhang Miao didn't dare to believe it.

Regardless of who Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu were, Zhang Miao knew himself well enough.

He couldn't even guarantee that he wouldn't have any evil intentions at that time, let alone Yuan Shu and others.

"The matter of sending troops still needs to be considered carefully!"

Seeing that Zhang Miao and others spoke in unison, Cao Cao was immediately disappointed. He just looked up and sighed, then left the tent dejectedly.

Seeing this, Liu Dai and others sitting there didn't care.

Friendship is friendship, but Cao Cao is not worth their attention now.

Even if it were not for the generous support from Sima Wei Zi of Chenliu County, Cao Cao would have found it difficult to recruit 5,000 soldiers.

If someone else were the prefect of Chenliu, he would probably have been dissatisfied long ago.

But Zhang Miao had a good relationship with Cao Cao, so even though he did not agree to send troops, for the sake of his old friend's face, he still sent his general Wei Zi to lead his troops to obey Cao Cao's orders that night.

After receiving the order, Wei Zi selected his own troops and his followers and actually gathered 3,000 people, which made Cao Cao very happy.

At night, Cao's army camp.

Cao Cao stood with his sword drawn, looking at the night outside the tent. He suddenly gritted his teeth and said, "No more waiting! Eight thousand men are more than enough!"

Hearing this, Cao Hong, who was standing by, couldn't help but say, "Brother, why don't you try to persuade General Zuo again?"

Although Cao Hong had never dealt with Wei Zhe, he had heard a lot about his deeds over the years.

In Cao Hong's view, although the Suanzao coalition army had tens of thousands of troops, the Liaodong volunteer army was the most elite.

During this period, Cao Hong also watched the training of the Liaodong infantry and cavalry. Their fierce spirit of indifference to life and death was frightening even from a distance. They could be called a group of tigers and wolves.

Cao Hong said bluntly, "Looking at his deeds in Liaodong, he doesn't seem like a coward. Perhaps there's something else going on."

However, Cao Cao sighed helplessly upon hearing this and said, "I know that, too."

If Cao Cao could have Wei Zhe accompany him, he would certainly be more than happy to do so.

In fact, all the county governors and provincial governors in the Suanzao camp saw the elite of the Liaodong rebel army.

If not for this, these people would not have been so courteous to Wei Zhe these days.

Either Liu Dai invited him, or Zhang Miao and Qiao Mao hosted a banquet, so he had almost no free time.

After all, Wei Zhe was far away in Liaodong and posed no threat to them in any way. He was simply a chosen ally.

As the situation has developed to this point, those who are interested in this matter have almost figured out what is going on.

After the campaign against Dong Zhuo is over, the world will probably repeat the story of the late Qin Dynasty.

Under such circumstances, Wei Zhe's weight naturally increased sharply.

Cao Cao was also helpless. He frowned and said, "The situation is obviously very good now, and it is a good time for the righteous army, but Duke Wei still says that the time has not come yet. If I wait any longer, I am afraid I will miss the opportunity!"

Simply put, the confident Cao Cao did not believe Wei Zhe's judgment.

He believed that even though Wei Zhe had repeatedly destroyed countries and captured kings in Liaodong, he was a newcomer after all and did not know the inside story.

Cao Cao, who had been in Luoyang for a long time and even witnessed the Luoyang coup, believed that he understood the current situation best.

As a child of an aristocratic family, Cao Cao still has some confidence.

Thinking of this, Cao Cao thought about it again and again and finally stopped hesitating and decided to send troops.

However, to be on the safe side, he still persuaded Jibei Prime Minister Bao Xin.

So the next morning, brothers Bao Xin and Bao Tao led the 10,000 volunteers they recruited and marched towards Chenggao with Cao Cao.

It is said that the Eight Gates of Luoyang have always been the only way for foreign troops to go to Luoyang.

When the Yellow Turbans first rose up, Liu Hong stationed eight commanders at each of the eight passes, namely Hangu Pass, Yique Pass, Guangcheng Pass, Dagu Pass, Xuanyuan Pass, Xuanmen Pass, Mengjin Pass, and Xiaopingjin Pass, to defend against the Yellow Turbans.

Of course, although it is said that there are eight passes in Luoyang, it does not mean that there are only eight passes in Luoyang.

There are many passes around Luoyang, which makes Luoyang an important place that can be attacked or defended.

According to Cao Cao's current marching route, Xuanmen Pass is blocking his way.

This pass may be unfamiliar to people in later generations, but everyone probably knows where Hulao Pass is.

This place is bordered by Mount Song in the south and the Yellow River and Sishui River in the north. The crisscrossing mountains create a natural barrier, making it a strategic location where one man can hold a thousand men at bay. It has been a battleground for military strategists since the Spring and Autumn Period. It was only because King Mu of Zhou once imprisoned a tiger here during the Western Zhou Dynasty that it earned the name Hulao.

However, it was not until the Qin Dynasty that a checkpoint was actually established at "Hulao", and it was named Hulao Pass.

During the Chu-Han contention, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu fought for the city and the pass here.

When Emperor Gaozu of the Later Han Dynasty unified the country, he established a county here, which was Chenggao County.

After Emperor Guangwu unified the world, he established Chenggao Pass here because the old pass was in disrepair.

However, during the reign of the previous emperor Liu Hong, the Yellow Turban Rebellion was too shocking, so in the first year of Zhongping, the Xuanmen Pass was urgently built at the southern exit of the gorge.

So now, if we leave Luoyang and head east through Xuanmen Pass, there will be no more fortresses to defend ahead.

Cao Cao certainly knew that he could not capture Xuanmen Pass with his own 8,000 men, so he did not really intend to attack cities and strongholds all the way to Luoyang when he sent troops this time, but wanted to capture Ao Cang and set an example to let the Guandong coalition forces know that Dong's troops were just so-so, and that as long as they sent troops, they could gain fame.

From this we can see that although Cao Cao acted impulsively, he had his own vision.

……

At the same time, Wei Zhe's camp welcomed an ordinary merchant.

Zhong Hu's eyes narrowed slightly after he looked at the token. He immediately walked up to Wei Zhe and quietly reported:

"Lord, secret report from Luoyang..."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhe immediately ordered his personal soldiers to guard the area before meeting with the man.

When the middle-aged merchant saw Wei Zhe, he immediately bowed to the ground and said, "I am Xi Hong, your humble servant, and I am honored to meet you, General!"

"Get up." Wei Zhe ordered the man to stand up and without asking any other questions, he spoke first, "Is Ziliang in danger right now?"

In fact, as early as when the troops were dispatched, Wei Zhe had sent a message to Yuan Jun, ordering him to choose an opportunity to leave Luoyang and protect himself.

After all, ever since Dong Zhuo deposed and enthroned the emperor, the influence of the Luoyang court has gradually declined, while the danger level has suddenly doubled. Not to mention a mere Imperial Censor, even the three dukes and nine ministers may die in the chaos in the future.

Wei Zhe doesn't have many talented people under his command, and even fewer he can trust. He doesn't want to lose Yuan Jun, his capable general, before the drama of competing for the world begins.

However, Yuan Jun felt that the current chaotic political situation was a good opportunity to fish in troubled waters.

He also believed that since Wei Zhe was going to Luoyang, he should stay in the capital.

Whether it is delivering messages, inciting rebellion or harassment, he can play a big role.

I have to say, Yuan Jun is indeed from a nearby county, he just likes to seek excitement.

Upon hearing Wei Zhe's words, the middle-aged merchant hurriedly explained, "Master Yuan is doing fine. Although the eunuchs and their followers were completely annihilated, Dong Zhuo's subordinates have become prominent since his arrival in the capital. Master Yuan has privately befriended Xu Rong, one of his generals, and they're quite compatible. With his protection, he's safe now."

Hearing this, Wei Zhe couldn't help but frown and asked, "Xu Rong doesn't know his background?"

"Master Yuan never stated it explicitly, but he also made no secret of his relationship with the general," the middle-aged merchant elaborated. "So Xu Rong simply assumed Master Yuan was a former student of the general and knew nothing about the Luoyang Office."

Hearing this, Wei Zhe finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems that Yuan Jun was not implicated in his campaign against Dong Zhuo because he had Xu Rong's protection.

Of course, there is nothing wrong with Xu Rong doing this, after all, his hometown is still in Wei Zhe's hands.

It is normal for fellow villagers to help each other a little. Dong Zhuo would not say anything if he knew about it.

If Xu Rong really became unrecognizable, Dong Zhuo would probably become suspicious.

But Wei Zhe thought about it and warned: "Go back and tell Ziliang that unless it is extremely urgent, do not take any further action."

It would be fine if Yuan Jun didn't move. If he did something that Dong Jun could catch, then even Xu Rong wouldn't be able to protect him.

After saying that, Wei Zhe asked the spy about the purpose of his visit.

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged businessman immediately took out a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Wei Zhe.

Wei Zhe opened it and found that there was not much content. In fact, it mainly contained three pieces of news:
One of them was that Dong Zhuo ordered Lu Bu to dig up the tombs of emperors, ministers and officials to obtain treasures.

The second is that Dong Zhuo had already exterminated the clans of Grand Tutor Yuan Wei and Grand Coachman Yuan Ji yesterday.

Third, Dong Zhuo seemed to intend to move the capital to Chang'an.

He had proposed this idea at the court meeting three days ago, but it was shelved because of the strong opposition from the Grand Marshal Huang Wan and the Prime Minister Yang Biao.

However, judging from the fact that Dong Zhuo later dismissed the two men, he should have been serious about the idea of moving the capital.

After all, the Kanto coalition forces have a total of more than 100,000 people, which still looks very scary.

The words Cao Cao used to persuade everyone were actually exactly what Dong Zhuo was worried about.

By then, the Guandong coalition forces will rush forward, and if the people around Luoyang respond in unison, then no matter how good he is at fighting, he will not be able to defend Luoyang.

I have to say, these three pieces of news are really more explosive than the last.

Needless to say, the entire family of Yuan Wei and Yuan Ji was not killed. If this were to be spread out, it would surely shock the whole world.

As for the act of robbing and digging up the tombs of emperors and ministers of past dynasties, it is even more jaw-dropping.

Yes, the Green Forest Army and the Red Eyebrow Army did the same thing when they captured Chang'an.

But our dynasty has not yet perished!
Dong Zhuo's actions undoubtedly showed that he had lost confidence in the Luoyang court under his control.

Of course, this can be seen from the fact that he wanted to move the capital to Chang'an, which showed that Dong Zhuo had lost his ambition.

Whether he initially thought of Duke Huan of Qi or Wang Mang, his ambitions were gone at this moment.

But then again, this is the opportunity Wei Zhe has been waiting for.

Due to different strategic goals, Wei Zhe's view on military opportunities was different from Cao Cao's.

In Cao Cao's view, now is the best time to send troops, but Wei Zhe does not think so.

At present, all of Dong Zhuo's capital is accumulated in Luoyang. So no matter how weak Dong Zhuo is, he will fight to the death when facing the attack of the Guandong coalition forces, because he has no way to retreat, and if he loses, he will lose everything.

The same was true for Dong Zhuo and the Liang Province army under his command.

In this situation, once the two sides fight, Dong Jun's fighting spirit will definitely be at its maximum.

In this way, if Wei Zhe wanted to reach Luoyang, he could only kill his way forward step by step.

Of course, Wei Zhe was not afraid, but it was not cost-effective to do so.

He had accumulated so much capital with great difficulty, there was really no need to waste it here.

But things were different after the capital was moved to Chang'an, and the Liangzhou army would not fight to the death.

This is the opportunity Wei Zhe has been waiting for!

So after the spy left, Wei Zhe ordered his scouts to keep a close eye on the developments in Luoyang, while he also quietly began to make preparations.

It was also at this time that Wei Zhe learned the news that Cao Cao had sent troops.

"What? Already set off?"

"Indeed," Xi Zhicai said with deep emotion, "I heard that Cao Fenwu led his troops westward early in the morning, seemingly intending to occupy Chenggao and seize Xuanmen Pass."

Wei Zhe was at a loss whether to laugh or cry when he heard this.

He had never expected that Cao Cao, nearly forty, was still so full of vigor and vigor. He looked nothing like the Prime Minister Cao he would later become. Although people do change, wasn't Cao Cao's transformation too dramatic?
Thinking of this, Wei Zhe couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. If power was truly poisonous, then what would become of him in the future?
-
[Good sign, I can go to bed early tonight! ]

[In addition: Regarding the relationship between Hulao Pass, Chenggao Pass, and Sishui Pass, the information on encyclopedias is vague and even contradictory. Online searches yield a wide variety of results, making it difficult to discern authenticity. After spending the afternoon reading papers, I personally feel that Professor Chen Longwen of the School of History at Zhengzhou University presents the most convincing paper. Its combination of on-site research and historical analysis is the most persuasive, and this article is based on this view.]

(End of this chapter)