My father-in-law Guan Yu, I persuaded Liu Bei to launch a surprise attack on Xiangyang at the beginn

Chapter 193: The Three Counselors Make a Plan! Liu Bei: I am commanded by the Emperor to fight against the enemy. Three armies will cross the river and march north!

Repairing the plank road in the open, secretly attacking Chencang, feinting to attack Wancheng, actually attacking Wuguan, and taking Guanlong...

Pang Tong's words were shocking, and immediately a lot of discussion started in the hall.

Liu Bei and everyone else looked at the map and stood up.

"When Emperor Gaozu conquered Qin, he entered Guanzhong through Wuguan."

"Previously, Bo Wen had offered advice to the general in order to capture Wancheng, inviting Ma Chao to lead his troops through Wuguan to Nanyang for assistance. It's not impossible that Cao Cao could retaliate by counterattacking through Wuguan and into Guanzhong."

"Well, Shi Yuan's speculation is not unreasonable."

Zhuge Liang pointed at the map with his feather fan and nodded slightly.

Lu Su also stroked his beard and said:
"Tongguan is impregnable. Cao Cao was stopped at Tongguan during his previous western expedition to Guanzhong. Furthermore, the plan to launch a surprise attack on Puban was devised by military advisor Bo Wen, who ordered the generals in Guanzhong to be prepared in advance."

"If Cao Cao wants to capture Guanlong, if he still takes the old route through Tongguan and Puban, he will inevitably repeat the same mistakes."

"Given Cao Cao's intelligence, it is indeed very possible that he could have found another way and taken Wuguan Pass to unexpectedly attack Guanzhong."

Changing the subject, Lu Su asked doubtfully:

"But all of this is just speculation. How can you, Shi Yuan, interpret the words?"

Pang Tong opened his mouth to speak, but suddenly stopped and looked at Xiao He with a smile.

"Military Advisor Xiao is incredibly resourceful. Tong's speculations are nothing but a show of skill in front of him."

"Tong guessed that Military Advisor Xiao should have made the same guess a long time ago."

Pang Tong was openly complimenting Xiao He, but secretly wanted to take the opportunity to test Xiao He's wisdom.

Pang Tong had only heard of the various rumors about Xiao He and had never witnessed them with his own eyes.

He had a very high opinion of himself and still had some hope in his heart. He didn't believe that there was anyone in the world who was smarter than him, a young genius.

Driven by this idea, Pang Tong took advantage of this opportunity and intended to test Xiao He.

Xiao He's heart is as clear as a mirror.

If it were the case back then, he would naturally have hoped for a stronger strategist to take on the responsibility for him, and he would have been happy to have some free time.

However, now that he has held the position of Military Advisor General and is recognized as Liu Bei's chief strategist, he cannot allow anyone to challenge his authority.

Xiao He smiled and did not rush to respond. He re-read the intelligence about Cao's army to look for clues.

As he was flipping through the pages, his eyes stopped on a piece of information.

"General, please look."

Xiao He presented the information to Liu Bei and said slowly:
"This intelligence report states that Cao Cao has assembled nearly 20,000 cavalry, which is almost all the cavalry he can mobilize."

"The capture of Wancheng, and even the march south to drink from the Han River, were mostly siege battles, and even the role of the navy was more important than that of the cavalry."

"Then what was Cao Cao's purpose in gathering so many cavalry, even going so far as to draw most of the cavalry from the Youbing border cavalry?"

After hearing this, the tentative look on Pang Tong's face gradually turned into admiration again.

Xiao He pointed to Guanzhong and sneered:
"The only explanation is that Cao Cao assembled so many cavalrymen not to attack Wancheng, but to fight against the Xiliang cavalry after entering Guanzhong from Wuguan."

"Shi Yuan, I wonder if my speculation coincides with yours?"

Xiao He turned to Pang Tong with a smile.

Pang Tong's face was filled with genuine conviction, and he cupped his hands and sighed:

"Military Advisor Xiao is truly a master of foresight, unparalleled in the world. I have finally witnessed it with my own eyes today."

Pang Tong then told the truth, saying that he had traveled to Xudu a month ago and personally investigated the strength of Cao's army.

Through his network of relationships in Xudu and various arrangements and inquiries, he learned that Cao Cao had assembled all his cavalry.

Of course, beyond this, there are also strategic speculations.

Cao Cao failed twice in his southern expeditions, both of which were due to the fact that he was held back by the generals from Xiliang. From a long-term strategic perspective, Cao Cao needed to pacify Guanlong and eliminate his worries.

After considering all these factors, Pang Tong guessed that Cao Cao intended to seize Guanzhong, so he rushed to Yingtian and offered advice to Liu Bei.

"In that case, Yunchang with 40,000 troops is more than enough to defend Wancheng. I don't need to send reinforcements to the west. I can mobilize 80,000 troops to the north to seize Huainan!"

Liu Bei's worries disappeared, and he asked with a smile:

"Then how do we capture Shouchun? I imagine you, Shi Yuan, have already figured it out."

Pang Tong naturally came prepared, so he pointed to Huainan on the map:
"The key to Huainan lies in Shouchun. If Shouchun falls, Huainan can be conquered!"

"According to common sense, the general should lead the army by land and sea, marching north from Hefei along the Feishui River, and heading straight for Shouchun."

"Then Cao Ren will definitely not allow the general's troops to approach the city. He will definitely set up defenses along the Chengde line to prevent the general from advancing north."

"Chengde City is bordered by Shaobi Pond to the west and Wubu Lake to the east. The terrain is narrow and marshy, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is an excellent barrier south of Shouchun."

"Cao Cao left 50,000 troops for Cao Ren in Huainan. Although the general has more troops than Cao Ren, he does not have an absolute advantage."

"If Cao Ren had stationed a large force in Chengde, it would not be easy for the general to storm the city with only 80,000 men."

"But the advantage of conquering Huainan is a quick victory!"

Hearing this, Liu Bei nodded heavily and agreed with it deeply.

If we were to be held at the gates of Chengde until Cao Cao pacified Guanzhong and turned back south to rush to Huainan, wouldn't we lose both ends?

Having let Cao Cao take Guanzhong, and not being able to take advantage of the situation to capture Huainan, this wave of losses is huge...

"So, I think if we want to take Shouchun, we have to find another way and we can't fight at the gates of Chengde!"

Pang Tong's tone suddenly became as firm as iron, and he moved his hand eastward towards Chengde:
"General, don't forget that besides the Feishui River, there is also the Zhongdu River to the east, which can also connect to the Huai River to the north."

"If we want to take Shouchun, we don't have to defeat Chengde first. We can take the long way around Zhongdushui and attack from the north."

Liu Bei's heart was shocked, and surprise suddenly appeared in his eyes.

Everyone present was suddenly cheered up, and suddenly everything in front of them became clear.

To the east of Hefei is Guangling County, which belongs to Xuzhou. To the south, it goes directly to the north bank of the Yangtze River, facing Wu County across the river.

In between is the Zhongdu River, which flows into the Huai River in the north at Huaiyin City and into the Yangtze River in the south at Guangling City, connecting the two major water systems.

Guangling City was originally the seat of Xuzhou, but because it was too close to Jiangdong, Cao Cao moved the seat of Guangling County from Guangling City to Gaoyou City in the north after Liu Bei conquered Jiangdong.

Pang Tong's strategy was obviously to ask Liu Bei to use his main force to attack Chengde and lure back the main force of Cao's army in Huainan led by Cao Ren.

At this time, another detachment was sent with the navy to the north along the Zhongdu River to capture Gaoyou, seize Guangling County, directly take over Huaiyin City, and enter the Huai River by boat.

Huaiyin City is located in the lower reaches of the Huai River, east of Shouchun, and has penetrated deep into the heart of Xu and Huai. The Cao army stationed there must be few soldiers and poorly prepared.

If they captured this city, they could take advantage of their navy, advance westward along the Huai River, and directly attack Cao Ren's rear.

Such a pincer attack from both the north and the south made it impossible for Cao Ren to take care of both ends, so he had to withdraw his troops and retreat to Shouchun.

In this way, they can easily remove the outer barrier of Shouchun, and the 80,000-strong army will successfully arrive at the city of Shouchun and complete the final blow to break the city!
This was Pang Tong's strategy to capture Shouchun and take over Huainan.

"I see..." "Cao Cao pretended to attack Wancheng, but actually took Guanzhong. This was a plan to build a plank road in the open while secretly attacking Chencang."

"Shi Yuan, your plan is to take Chengde by taking Feishui River in the open, but actually take Huaiyin by taking Zhongdu River. It's also a plan to build a plank road in the open while secretly attacking Chencang!"

"Okay, okay, this is really a brilliant plan!"

Liu Bei patted the map and praised it. He looked at Zhuge Liang and Xiao He with joy and asked:

"Kong Ming, Bo Wen, Shi Yuan, what do you two think of this plan?"

Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan, nodded and exclaimed:

"When it comes to winning by surprise, I am not as good as Shi Yuan."

"General, I think Shi Yuan's plan is feasible."

Liu Bei looked at Xiao He again.

Xiao He, however, squinted his eyes and stared at the map, twirling his chin with his fingers, as if he was thinking about something else.

"Military Advisor Xiao, is there any omission in this plan?"

There was a hint of worry in Pang Tong's tone.

"Shi Yuan, your plan is truly a brilliant one, it's quite bold and there are certainly no omissions."

"I just think that your plan could be a little bolder."

Xiao He came to the map, raised his hand and pointed east of Zhongdu River, and landed on the vast ocean.

Pang Tong was stunned and failed to understand the deep meaning of Xiao He's action.

"I just remembered that Sun Quan once fled north by sea, intending to flee to Guangling County and seek refuge with Cao Cao."

"In that case, when we advance northwards from the Zhongdu River to capture Huaiyin, why don't we be a little bolder and send a surprise force northwards from the sea into the Huai River, then advance westwards along the Huai River and attack Huaiyin's flank unexpectedly?"

This statement came out.

Pang Tong's eyes flashed and he quickly glanced at the map.

"Go north by sea, enter the Huai River from the sea, and launch a surprise attack on Huaiyin..."

Pang Tong muttered to himself, his eyes becoming more and more excited.

If his strategy just now made Liu Bei and everyone else suddenly enlightened, then Xiao He's additional strategy made him suddenly enlightened and his eyes brightened.

"What a brilliant plan! Entering the Huai River from the sea and launching a surprise attack on Huaiyin! It's truly a brilliant and daring plan!"

Pang Tong clapped his hands in admiration, then bowed to Xiao He and said:
"When it comes to achieving victory by surprise, Military Advisor Xiao is unrivaled. I admit he's no match for him!"

Xiao He smiled and said self-deprecatingly:
"Shi Yuan, you're too kind. I was also inspired by your plan. It was just a sudden inspiration. At most, I am just adding icing on the cake for you."

Fengchu offered a plan, Wulong agreed, and with Xiaohe's supplement, the strategy to capture Shouchun was formed.

Liu Bei no longer had any concerns and naturally accepted it with pleasure.

After the plan was finalized, Liu Bei's excitement suddenly faded and he said:
"Ma Mengqi is my ally and helped me capture Wancheng. Now that we know Cao Cao is planning another attack on Guanzhong, how can we just sit back and watch?"

"Bo Wen, Kong Ming, I intend to send a messenger to Guanzhong immediately to warn Ma Mengqi and his men. What are your opinions?"

Zhuge Liang counted on his fingers and shook his head.
"Cao's army should have passed Bowang by now. Cao Cao has always been known for his swift military movements. Liang estimates that he will capture Wuguan in five days at most."

"Even if the general immediately dispatched a messenger to Guanzhong, traveling day and night, it would probably be too late."

Liu Bei fell silent.

Once Wuguan is captured, Tongguan and Pubanguan will be undefensible and will be completely lost.

At that time, more than 100,000 Cao troops will be able to enter the Guanzhong Plain unimpeded.

Unless he gave up Huainan and rushed to Nanyang with all his troops to launch an attack on Xu Du, he would have a chance to contain Cao Cao.

"The Ten Generals of Guanzhong were originally a group of disunited people, each with their own agenda. It was a miracle that they were able to work together to withstand Cao Cao's invasion."

"Over the past few years, Cao Cao must have learned his lesson and has resorted to many tactics to sow discord among them."

"After Ma Mengqi returned to Guanzhong, he called on the Xiliang generals to march out of Tongguan again, but few responded. This shows that Cao Cao's tactics of sowing discord and division have been effective."

"In this case, if Cao Cao's army breaks through Wuguan and enters Guanzhong, I predict that the generals of Xiliang will be greatly terrified and will either surrender or flee. Cao Cao will be unstoppable and will capture Guanzhong within a few months."

"The Xiliang people themselves are not up to the task. Even if the general mobilizes his entire army to rush to Nanyang, I'm afraid he won't be able to save them."

Xiao He pointed out the fatal flaw of the Xiliang Army, and then said seriously:
"Rather than wasting precious opportunities, General, it would be wiser to seize this brief window of opportunity while Cao Cao is on the western frontier and use all your strength to capture Shouchun and Huainan!"

"As for Ma Mengqi, the general can only send as many people as possible to warn him and tell him that if the battle goes against him, he can come and surrender at any time."

After hearing Xiao He's analysis, Liu Bei's worries were finally resolved.

Liu Bei then sat back in the main seat, his eyes sweeping over the counselors and generals present, his heroic spirit and fighting spirit ignited.

"I have made up my mind. I will follow Pang Shiyuan's plan and mobilize all the troops in Jiangdong to march north as soon as possible!"

"In this battle, I swear not to withdraw my troops until Shouchun is defeated and Huainan is taken!"

The generals were instantly filled with fighting spirit and stood up to receive orders.

The decision was made.

Liu Bei then, in the name of the general, ordered the mobilization of food and military supplies, and assembled soldiers to prepare for the conquest of Huainan in the north.

In Jingzhou, when Guan Yu learned that Cao Cao was heading south, he immediately mobilized all the troops in Jingzhou and marched north to station in Wancheng.

Seven days later, Guan Yu sent back an urgent report saying that Cao Cao pretended to attack Wancheng, but ordered his light cavalry to change course to the west and capture Wuguan by surprise.

Cao Cao then left more than 50,000 troops stationed at Bowang to monitor his Jingzhou Legion, but he led the main force into Guanzhong through Wugu Pass.

When the generals in Guanzhong heard that Cao Cao's army was entering from Wuguan, they were all terrified.

Ma Wan, Cheng Yi and other generals whose territories were located east of Chang'an chose to give up resistance and surrender to Cao Cao at the first opportunity.

Tongguan and Pubanguan fell, and the Cao army stationed in Hedong and Hongnong captured the two pass cities without bloodshed and gradually entered the Guanzhong Plain.

In a hurry, Ma Chao had to abandon Chang'an City and retreat to Huaili with Li Kan, Yang Qiu and other generals. He sent people to Longxi to inform Han Sui and ask him to lead his troops to join them in fighting against Cao Cao.

The situation in Guanzhong took a sharp turn for the worse.

Xiao He had expected the speed with which Cao Cao deployed his troops and the poor performance of the generals in Guanzhong.

Liu Bei did not dare to delay, so he asked the emperor for permission to launch a northern expedition.

The emperor then issued an imperial decree, listing Cao Cao's crimes and ordering Liu Bei to lead the army at home and abroad to march north to attack Cao.

Liu Bei then personally led 60,000 main forces, with Zhang Fei as the vanguard, and marched north from Hefei to approach Chengde.

At the same time, he ordered Ding Feng to lead 8,000 naval troops north from Zhongdu River and head straight for Gaoyou.

Generals Gan Ning and Su Fei led more than 12,000 naval troops and secretly sailed north by sea, heading straight for Huaikou.

The three armies, with a total of 80,000 soldiers, marched towards Shouchun in a mighty force.

Liu Bei's first northern expedition since he established the new emperor and was promoted to general has begun!
(End of this chapter)