Song Xiu

Chapter 82 Victory and Cao Bin, I want them both.

Zhao Kuangyin was a man who was good at discovering talented generals.

Several years ago, Zhao Kuangyin had already noticed that the young Cao Bin was quite talented and resourceful.

When Zhao Kuangyin served as the Commander of the Palace Guards, he had considered promoting Cao Bin. However, compared to most sycophants, Cao Bin's attitude towards Zhao Kuangyin was peculiar—respectful yet distant.

In the past, Cao Bin's visits to Zhao Kuangyin were all for official business.

Furthermore, Cao Bin would leave as soon as he finished discussing official business and would never attend any banquet hosted by Zhao Kuangyin.

Cao Bin's attitude stemmed from his cautious nature, but even more so from his special identity—the nephew of Guo Wei's favorite concubine.

The above reasons prevented Cao Bin from being given important positions in the past.

After Emperor Shizong of Zhou passed away last year, Cao Bin was sent to a local post by Zhao Kuangyin, thus distancing himself from the center of power.

After learning about Cao Bin's personality, Zhao Dexiu began to have some plans.

In the past few days in Huguan, Zhao Dexiu has used official business as an excuse to take Cao Bin sightseeing.

During his stroll, Cao Bin saw the orderly military formations and the peaceful lives of the people within the city.

Aside from his wanderings, Zhao Dexiu never avoided Cao Bin when the generals held discussions.

Through numerous discussions, Cao Bin witnessed Zhao Dexiu's prestige among Tian Chongjin's generals.

Cao Bin is a silent and intelligent man; such a person is not easily swayed by words.

Let him observe things for himself; the more he observes, the more judgments he will make.

In addition to the two aspects mentioned above, Zhao Dexiu has recently been using "official business" as an excuse to pull Cao Bin aside and play chess with him from time to time.

In Zhao Dexiu's view, Zhao Kuangyin was just not thick-skinned enough, but he was different.

"Guohua is a genius; his words have revealed my true intention in luring the enemy south."

After only a few days of getting to know each other, Zhao Dexiu was already addressing Cao Bin by his courtesy name.

To be honest, Cao Bin had never encountered such a proactive superior before.

This made Cao Bin, who was known for his cautious and reserved nature, feel somewhat embarrassed.

"Bin's words were inspired by playing chess and are just some rambling thoughts. How can they be considered praiseworthy as the work of a great talent?"

Cao Bin was not unaware of Zhao Kuangyin's purpose in sending him as an envoy.

However, since ancient times, while being close to royalty may have brought immense glory, it has also brought endless danger.

Before the situation became completely clear, Cao Bin believed it was best for him not to rashly get involved in the power struggle.

Noticing that Cao Bin was becoming distant again, Zhao Dexiu persisted:

"Guohua, don't you want to know what my plan is to defeat the enemy?"

No matter how well Cao Bin concealed it, it is clear from the observations of the past few days that Cao Bin is very interested in military strategy.

Human nature is complex, but sometimes it is also very simple.

When it comes to things that interest us, it's always hard for people to control their curiosity.

"This"

Cao Bin had never led troops alone; in the past, he had mostly served as an envoy or a court official.

Having always been interested but never satisfied, Cao Bin was now tormented by Zhao Dexiu's temptation.

Reason warned him not to get too involved in Zhao Dexiu's affairs.

He was emotional and kept encouraging him, so participating occasionally was harmless.

While Cao Bin hesitated and stammered, Zhao Dexiu chose to speak directly.

"Guohua, please take a look."

Zhao Dexiu pointed to the chessboard where the situation was already clear.

The chessboard is inlaid into the table with exquisite craftsmanship, its entire surface perfectly flat.

Currently, the black pieces are trapped in a corner by the white pieces, and it is difficult for them to turn the tide.

Using a chessboard as a metaphor for the battlefield, the current situation on the battlefield of Huguan is just like the chessboard in front of us.

Hei Zi is Zhao Dexiu, who is trapped in Huguan City and seems to have no other options.

Based on his observations over the past few days, Cao Bin believes that Zhao Dexiu is not the type to boast.

Which part was overlooked?

While Cao Bin was deep in thought, Zhao Dexiu had already picked up a black stone between his fingers.

The sound of the black piece being released from the box drew Cao Bin's attention.

Under Cao Bin's gaze, the black stone that shone in the sunlight was heavily tapped on a certain spot by two slender fingers.

When the slender fingers were removed, Cao Bin's eyes widened in shock. "How could this be?"

Because Zhao Dexiu's move was so unusual, Cao Bin, who had never thought of this move before, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

But just a moment later, Cao Bin's shocked gaze disappeared, replaced by understanding and joy.

"Why can't we take this step!"

From Cao Bin's perspective, Zhao Dexiu had managed to keep the black piece off the board.

The chessboard is next to a desk, so how could one normally place chess pieces on the desk?

However, a chess game is not entirely the same as a battle.

A chessboard has only one side, but a battle can take place in more than one place.

There were no lines drawn on the desk, but at this moment, Cao Bin had automatically drawn out the boundaries distributed across the entire desk in his mind.

As the overall situation took shape in his mind, Cao Bin smiled as he gazed at the decisive factor that had leaped out of the battle.

"The place where the Marquis placed his piece is Taiyuan!"

Cao Bin's keen reflexes and insight made Zhao Dexiu burst into laughter.

"There is no one more suitable than you to discuss important military and national affairs with me!"

Because she was happy, Zhao Dexiu's voice was "inevitably" a little louder.

Seeing that all the guards in the hall were looking at him, Cao Bin realized something was wrong and quickly snapped out of his reverie.

You can't say that.

If he keeps talking about it, he'll never be able to shake off the label of "Chanzhou Party" again.

Just as Cao Bin was thinking of getting up to politely decline Zhao Dexiu's praise, Lu Duoxun hurriedly walked in.

Seeing this, Zhao Dexiu waved for Cao Bin to sit down first:
"Military intelligence is of utmost importance."

Helpless, Cao Bin sat down again.

Lu Duoxun entered with a beaming face. Upon reaching Zhao Dexiu, he immediately reported:

"According to the scouts, the enemy's main camp has changed its command flag."

The change of the command flag indicates that the commander of the Northern Han army has likely been replaced.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dexiu could not hide her joy and stood up abruptly.

Heaven rewards those who persevere!

“Come here, Guohua.”

When Zhao Dexiu summoned him, Cao Bin dared not disobey.

Upon arriving at the map, Cao Bin looked at the numerous strategically important locations marked in red ink and realized how many times Zhao Dexiu had lingered under this map over the years.

Upon seeing the military map, Cao Bin's thoughts inevitably drifted back to military planning.

Lu Duoxun glanced at the taciturn Cao Bin, and finally fixed his gaze on Zhao Dexiu:

"My lord, what should our army do next?"

Under Lu Duoxun's questioning, Zhao Dexiu's gaze gradually focused on a certain spot on the map.

Zhao Dexiu did not rush to express his opinion.

He turned to Cao Bin and asked:
"The enemy's forces outnumber ours by a factor of two. If we wish to annihilate them, what should we do?"

Although Cao Bin intended not to fall into the trap again, Zhao Dexiu was asking about military matters, so how could he not answer?

"We should set an ambush and defeat them."

Cao Bin's statement was based on common military knowledge, and Zhao Dexiu nodded in agreement.

"Where would be the best place for our army to set up an ambush?"

Cao Bin already had an idea about this after looking at the map.

“The Funiu Mountains are steep and dangerous, and they are also the only way for the enemy to return. They are the best choice for the magistrate.”

After receiving Cao Bin's reply, Zhao Dexiu laughed loudly again:
"Without Guohua's advice, my plan would not have succeeded!"

Cao Bin: ?
The Funiu Mountains on the map had already been circled by Zhao Dexiu in red ink many times.

How come Zhao Dexiu's words make it sound as if he had never known about this place before?
Looking at the gazes that had once again converged on him, Cao Bin sighed helplessly in his heart—this time, his innocence was in jeopardy.

Unlike Cao Bin's helplessness, Zhao Dexiu's gaze towards the Funiu Mountains grew increasingly bright:
"Summon all generals!"

In this battle, he will completely subdue the Northern Han!
　It should be available next Tuesday.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)