The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 238 Meeting an opponent in chess

Let's not even talk about what the future holds.

Now that he knew it was a trap, Miwei naturally gave up any more illusions.

However, just as he was about to abandon the idea of ​​using offense as a form of defense.

An unexpected piece of information arrived.

However, this was an unexpected gain that came as a side benefit of the investigation into Yingyin.

Scouts returning from the lower reaches of the Ru River intercepted a piece of intelligence:
The Wei army also stockpiled a large amount of grain, fodder and weapons in Shangcai City, Runan Commandery!
how to say?

Miwei was initially skeptical.

Having witnessed Jia Kui's methods, he and his subordinates were somewhat taken aback.

I have a feeling that this is likely part of a series of traps, another move by the other side.

However, as scouts continued to send back intelligence, clearly indicating that the Wei army was organizing a large-scale withdrawal from Shangcai.

This intelligence, however, cannot be ignored.

Now, Shangcai was a county in the neighboring Runan Prefecture.

However, this separation is purely an administrative division.

Geographically speaking, Shangcai is located on the banks of the Ru River downstream.

It is a city that is closely connected to Yanxian, Dingling, and Kunyang in Yingchuan.

Furthermore, if one disregards the fact that the Lishui River next to Ye County is just a small tributary, one can even take a boat directly from Ye County to Shangcai.

Getting to Shangcai from Ye County might be more convenient than getting to Wancheng.

Why did the Wei army set up their grain depots in this location in the first place?

Before this battle, Shangcai was protected by the three cities of Dingying, Yanxian, and Dingling upstream.

It is safe enough.

But now only Ding Ying is left.

If we don't retreat now, are we going to become Miwei's transport captain?

Therefore, the Wei army's hasty withdrawal from Shangcai was likely a chain reaction triggered by Jiang Wei's successful surprise attack on Yanxian!
However, this is precisely where the military intelligence is confusing.

It seems reasonable and justifiable.

But because it's so plausible, it raises suspicion.

This suspicion is not unfounded.

The examples of Yingyang and Yingyin are right before our eyes.

But what sets Miwei apart from conspiracy theorists is that he has accumulated four or five years of practical experience since his transmigration.

Now he is a high-ranking official with many talented people under his command.

With more experience and knowledge, one can accumulate more knowledge and experience.

Your horizons will naturally broaden.

Then, when considering a practical problem, there will be more than just conjecture without verification.

They certainly wouldn't let their imaginations run wild on their own.

Brainstorming is a basic practice.

As the chief clerk and a provincial official, Zhuge Qiao was the first to offer an analysis:
"Since the drought in Jizhou two years ago, the Cao family moved people from Hebei to Henan, and the granaries in Luoyang and Yingzhou have no longer been full."

"In the following two years, the Wei army fought on two fronts, and the war continued, resulting in a significant increase in military expenditures."

“Last summer, there were torrential rains, and the Luo and Yi rivers flooded, causing great suffering to the people. This was another huge loss.”

"Not to mention that Luozhong also needs to supply Guanzhong, and cannot only focus on the south while neglecting the west."

"Therefore, relying solely on the grain stored in Luoyang is insufficient to support Jia Kui and Cao Hong's 100,000 soldiers and civilians; there must be supplies from elsewhere to sustain them."

Mi Wei: "So, the grain and fodder for Shangcai were requisitioned from Runan?"

"It should be Runan!" Deng Ai responded.
"Among the several prefectures of Yuzhou, Yingchuan, Runan, and Ruyin have the most fertile land, the most good farmland, and the most abundant output."

"Liang, Chen, and Pei are next."

“Lu, Qiao, and Yiyang followed.”

“Runan is located on the Ru River, which can connect to Yanxian, Dingling and even Kunyang to the north.”

"The Wei army had previously recaptured Yanxian and Dingling, which served as a buffer for Shangcai."

"Storing grain there is not a bad idea!"

The character 麋威 (mí wēi) is a pictophonetic character.

If Zhuge Qiao argued from the perspective of demand that it was necessary to set up a separate grain depot in Shangcai...

Deng Ai then added his perspective on feasibility.

However, when Mi Wei heard him discuss the differences in abundance and scarcity among the various prefectures of Yuzhou, he couldn't help but be curious:
"Qiao is the place where the Cao family rose to power, yet it's ranked at the bottom among all the counties in Yu Province?"

This time, it was Shi Tao who answered:

"The land of Qiao is barren, and the people are mostly impoverished."

"I remember that a few years ago, when Lu Zijia was the governor of Qiao County, he submitted a memorial requesting that people be relocated to the fertile lands of Liang State to find food."

Standing nearby, Deng Ai, recalling her past opportunity to work under Lu Yu, echoed Shi Tao while secretly sighing.

Mi Wei: "Is this Lu Zijia the son of Lu Zhi or Lu Zigan?"

Shi Tao: "He is indeed Lord Lu's son!"

It turns out he's Teacher Liu's son!
Mi Wei secretly noted this down, then turned back to the present. After a round of brainstorming, it was basically confirmed that Shangcai was another important grain depot for the Wei army.

Moreover, unlike Yingyang and Yingyin, which require crossing multiple rivers to reach.

You can reach Shangcai by following the Ru River downstream.

Considering that Yanxian has now been recaptured by the Han army.

The cavalry only needed to cross the Ru River from Yan County to reach Shangcai smoothly.

A perfect target for a long-distance raid!
The only concern was Jia Kui on the other side.

In particular, Jia Kui had begun to study his own temperament and military habits, and to take countermeasures against them.

Dealing with this kind of person is a nightmare.

After a moment of careful consideration, Mi Wei's gaze fell upon the gate.

A flag bearing the character "麋" (mi) was hung high in front of the county temple gate, fluttering in the wind.

Miwei suddenly turned around and said:

"What do you think, my lords, is Jia Kui's intention to destroy me?"

Everyone was taken aback upon hearing this, and then each realized something.

……

……

Luoyang Palace.

Chen Qun's trembling voice echoed in the East Hall.
"It is said that in the proper conduct of a subject, loyalty comes first; and in terms of distinction between superior and inferior, the relationship between ruler and subject is of paramount importance..."

"Cao...Cao Man and his son usurped power by holding the emperor hostage, slaughtered loyal officials, and suppressed dissent..."

"Bian Rangwenli, a great Confucian scholar, was known for his elegant and refined writing style, but his outspokenness was also disrespectful, and both his wife and children perished..."

"Kong Rong, a scholar of letters, was a descendant of a sage and was praised throughout the land for his benevolence. Yet, he was resented for his satire, and his entire family was executed..."

Hearing Chen Qun's voice grow softer and softer, Cao Pi, sitting at the head of the table, immediately became displeased:
"Didn't Lord Chen eat this morning?"

"Speak louder, I can't hear you!"

Chen Qun let out a sigh of relief and could only continue:

"Cui...Cui Yan Ji Gui, a man of integrity and upright character, loyal and impartial, was unjustly accused and died with a broken heart..."

"Xun... Xun Yu, a man of exceptional talent, was a minister capable of assisting a king. He was knowledgeable in propriety and upheld the Way, yet he ultimately died by poison. All men of integrity grieve for him..."

"Wei Feng...!"

Chen Qun's voice abruptly stopped.

Upon hearing the last two words, the courtiers in the hall either hissed or gasped, creating a constant murmur.

Cao Pi snorted:
"Chen Wenchang, are you also going to defy me?"

Chen Qun knelt down with a thud, bowed his head and declared that he would die ten thousand times, refusing to read any further.

However, Cao Pi ignored him coldly and turned his gaze to others.

All the officials lowered their heads and looked down, not daring to look directly at him.

This applies to the three officials, including Zhong Yao, Hua Xin, and Wang Lang.

Except for two people.

Sima Yi, the Attendant-in-Ordinary and Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.

Xu Shu, Imperial Censor.

Cao Pi's gaze first lingered on Sima Yi, then finally settled on the latter:
"Xu Qing has always been honest and outspoken, you may continue reading for Chen Wenchang!"

Xu Shu stood up proudly and took the yellow paper from Chen Qun's hand.

Then, in front of everyone, he tore it to shreds in a few quick moves.

He threw it to the ground again and spat on it fiercely.

He then bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have finished reading!"

Cao Pi stared wide-eyed.

The assembled officials all turned their heads in surprise.

Sima Yi glanced at Xu Shu quickly, then returned to normal.

Cao Pi: "You are the head of the Imperial Censors, why have you behaved so improperly before the Emperor!"

Xu Shu calmly replied:

"Your Majesty I have served you with loyalty and integrity, and I will repay Your Majesty with words of loyalty and integrity in return."

"How could such absurd and filthy words possibly come from my mouth and reach the ears of Heaven?"

"This is not the proper conduct of a subject!"

Cao Pi's expression softened slightly.

But seeing the panicked expressions on the faces of the crowd, he suddenly pointed to the scattered pieces of paper on the floor and burst into laughter:
"Do you all think that I am angry?"

“In the past, when the late emperor heard Chen Lin’s clever arguments, he did not lose his composure.”

"Now that I am the Son of Heaven, my power extends throughout the land, how could I be swayed by the foolish and ignorant arguments of this man?"

"Not to mention that this article is a mere copy of others' work, devoid of any embellishment or color, and far inferior to the manifesto that Chen Lin wrote for Yuan Shikai in the past!"

"What do I have to fear? Ah? Hahahaha..."

(End of this chapter)