Chapter 744 The survival of Zhao State depends on me!
When the cold winter passed, the war that never stopped accelerated its pace again.
Qingzhou is the bridgehead for attacking from the south to the north.
Occupying Qingxu, it is an easy road to attack Henan. Crossing the Yellow River from Qingzhou to attack Bohai and southern Hebei is also an easy road.
In the palace of Prince Chu.
Liu Bei stood solemnly looking at the Han Dynasty Thirteen States Geomancy Map, while Luo Qi coughed and said, "Your Majesty.
Our army should now attack Bohai, then turn west, unite with Zhao, and destroy Wei County established by Cao Cao in Hebei.
Then they moved westwards to attack and conquer Henei and other places, forcing Cao Cao to retreat back to Henan.
The next day our army will march north again, conquer Zhao, fight with Yan, and completely occupy You, Ji, Qing and Xu. In this way, our great cause can be accomplished.
Now the only thing we need to do is wait for the grain and grass to be harvested. Qingzhou suffered a locust plague this year, and the harvest is not as good as in previous years. We have to wait, but the situation in the world changes every day, and if we wait too long, something bad may happen. "
Liu Bei frowned and then relaxed his brows, looking very conflicted. He pondered for a long time before slowly saying, "Food is the foundation of soldiers and civilians.
We can’t take all the food stored in people’s homes. If there is another natural disaster, it will be over. Let’s wait until next year’s harvest.”
It was not surprising at all that Liu Bei chose Luoqi. The Queen of Chu walked in from outside, holding Liu Bei's eldest son in the hand, and Liu Bei smiled and waved.
After paying his respects, Luo Qi walked out of the palace, got on the carriage, turned around and glanced at the Chu Palace, and said to himself, "Next year, I hope I can go next year."
…
Handan.
Compared with Yan and Wei, Zhao, which only had three counties left, was naturally extremely weak. However, it was not in decline. In fact, judging from the caravans coming and going, it seemed quite prosperous.
Handan has been a prosperous place since ancient times and one of the important places in southern Hebei, and it is no exception today.
A group of ministers hurried out of the Zhao Palace. When they walked out of the palace gate, Ju Shou and Xun Chen both leaned towards Luo Yan. Ju Shou frowned and said softly, "Lord Zi Yan, something seems to be wrong in the palace today. There is a rift between the Queen Mother and the King."
Xun Chen looked around and whispered, "The Queen Mother has always wanted the late king's third son to succeed the throne. That is her biological and most beloved son."
Luo Yan had no expression on her face. There would always be fights for the throne, and choosing an heir was always the most difficult issue.
This choice doesn't even have anything to do with whether the person is a great person or not.
Yuan Shao did not depose the eldest son and enthrone the youngest son, and Lu Bu played a big role in this.
Luo Yan said calmly: "Any king should value fairness.
Fairness in people’s hearts.
Since ancient times, the eldest son has been the heir apparent, because this is the most fair, will not cause unrest, and will not make others have ulterior motives.
Since ancient times, there have been many cases of appointing virtuous people, where the eldest son has shortcomings and the other sons have abilities.
But what are the achievements of the three sons?
Was there an inch of Zhao State's land conquered by the three sons?
Is there anything in Zhao State that was accomplished by these three sons?
Can the three sons handle the current crisis of Zhao State?
The Queen Mother has no ability to govern a country and cannot be allowed to participate in state affairs.
Do you two know?"
Ju Shou and Xun Chen looked at each other, knowing that Luo Yan was telling them not to pay attention to Queen Mother Wang's solicitation, so they bowed and said at the same time: "I understand."
Seeing this, Luo Yan said, "I will find time to ask my wife to go to the palace to persuade the Queen Mother. At this critical moment of life and death, we must not cause chaos."
The three were about to leave when suddenly an official from the Prime Minister's Mansion came running towards them. After seeing Luo Yan and the others, he immediately rushed over and shouted, "Prime Minister, there is a report from the battle front."
Battle report!
This word almost instantly ignited the enthusiasm of everyone in front of the palace gate, and immediately a group of high-ranking and powerful figures from the State of Zhao gathered around.
The fiery look startled the officials in the prime minister's office, and they quickly took out the letter and handed it to Luo Yan. Luo Yan unfolded it and took a quick look, then gritted her teeth and said, "Wei is attacking Ye!"
There was silence all around, and a deep chill rose in everyone's heart.
The most powerful prince in the world today - King Cao Cao of Wei!
Luo Yan, who had just walked out of the Zhao Palace, shouted, "Go into the palace to discuss important matters!"
A group of ministers returned to the palace again. Yuan Tan was a little stunned. He didn't know why these ministers came back again?
Then he learned that Cao Cao was coming to attack, and fear immediately struck his heart.
Yuan Tan asked anxiously, "Prime Minister, why would Cao Cao suddenly attack us? Didn't he sign an alliance with our country?
Isn’t he worried that his strength will be weakened and this will be a pity for the State of Yan?
Does he have the confidence to defeat the State of Zhao?"
Luo Yan and others were also thinking about this question. The more they thought about it, the more shocked they became. The Zhao advisers all looked at each other, knowing what they had thought of.
"Your Majesty..."
…
Back to a month ago, the news of the locust plague in Qingzhou spread to the State of Wei, and Cao Cao's top advisers seized the opportunity almost instantly.
A narrow window!
“The State of Yan has occupied the land in northern Ji, but has not yet truly incorporated it into the tax collection system, so it cannot be used for the time being.
It is exceptionally cold in Youzhou and Liaodong this year. Heavy snowstorms have killed livestock and caused crop failures. The Yan State is now struggling internally and will not be able to move south for another year or two.
Now Qingzhou is hit by a locust plague and the grain harvest is poor. Liu Bei has enough space to defend the territory but is unable to advance.
The chaos in the grasslands became more and more serious. Lu Bu went to Jiuyuan last year and it was impossible for him to return to help the State of Zhao.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Wei State.
Go straight to Handan and take Zhao State into your possession."
Xun You and others analyzed Wei's probability of victory in a resounding manner.
Cao Cao was dressed in the attire of a prince, with a smile on his face. If he could capture Jizhou, the whole world might be ruled by the Cao family!
…
Yuan Tan felt like he was falling into an ice cellar when he listened to the analysis of Luo Yan and others.
The State of Zhao had fallen into such a life-and-death situation, and it could not find anyone in the whole world who could form an alliance to fight against Cao Cao.
"What can we do about it?"
Hearing Yuan Tan's question of what to do again, Luo Yan felt helpless. The son was not loyal to his father. At this moment, he still asked what to do.
He stood up and said proudly: "Of course we have to fight. We can survive in peace by fighting, and we can survive in peace by fighting.
Shen Zhengnan and Qu Zhengze stayed in Yecheng. As long as they were supplied with food and grass, it would not be easy for Cao's army to break into the city!
Guard it for one, two, or even three years.
Wait until the King of Chu and others recover, and someone will naturally come to save our State of Zhao from this crisis!
There is no such thing as a sure win or sure lose war in this world. If Zhao can take this opportunity to recover Wei and Henei, who knows if there will be no day for Zhao to rise again in this world?"
There is no such thing as surrendering without a fight in Luo's dictionary. How can you respect me if I don't fight you and let you see my fist and backbone?
Luo Yan's words were full of power.
Especially in this moment when the State of Zhao is filled with tremendous pressure at all times and seems to be on the verge of destruction.
His words were so powerful and filled with his unyielding ambition.
…
In Wei's plan, Weijun and Heneijun were the bridgeheads for attacking Zhao. As early as when Cao Cao established the Principality of Wei, they began to build war bases.
There have always been a large number of garrison soldiers and combat troops stationed here, occupying almost half of the entire Wei State, making it the largest war zone of the Wei State.
This is why, just one month after learning about the locust plague in Qingzhou, Cao Cao was able to mobilize 60,000 infantry and cavalry to attack Yecheng!
If we really start preparing from scratch and launch a war that can support 60,000 infantry and cavalry, the preparation time alone will take at least a year!
The Wei army was coming with great momentum, with one flag with Chinese characters on it and the other flag with Wei characters on it hanging high. The two flags were almost the same height, fully demonstrating Cao Cao's current status.
The army assembled from Wei County and Henei County arrived at the important area of Hebei, under Yecheng!
On the top of the city wall, Shen Pei and Qu Yi looked at the endless army, and their hearts were filled with heavy feelings.
Qu Yi said in a hateful voice: "If the former pioneers were still here, what would I be afraid of?"
It’s not that the vanguard cannot be trained; as long as Qu Yi is there, there will be the vanguard.
However, training the vanguard type of troops requires a huge investment of resources, as those are all full-time soldiers.
At the peak of the Zhao State, even though it spent a lot of resources on building cavalry, it still had 6,000 vanguards.
But now the State of Zhao only has two thousand vanguards left, and this is the share that Luo Yan squeezed out for Qu Yi with great effort.
Shen Pei stroked the marks on the bricks of the city wall. How many wars had this ancient city experienced?
What are the endings and choices of those who guard this city?
Shen Pei was not very familiar with history books, so he didn’t know, but he knew his choice!
With the sound of footsteps, a messenger hurried over, "General Qu, Governor Shen, this is a letter from the Prime Minister from Handan."
The two men unfolded the letter and read it. Luo Yan's handwriting was a little heavy, and one could imagine that she must have been in a heavy mood when she wrote it. "Zhengnan, Zhengze, among all the men in Hebei, you two have the most talent as generals, and you also have a loyal heart.
I feel relieved that Yecheng is in your hands, and the king feels relieved too.
The survival of Yecheng is related to the State of Zhao, so we must be careful.
I will recruit soldiers in Handan, collect food and military supplies, and there will be no shortage of subsequent support.
Once the army is assembled, I will personally lead the army to support Yecheng and make sure it holds firm."
Shen Pei and Qu Yi felt relieved. With Luo Yan around, at least they wouldn't be in a situation of fighting alone.
Since ancient times, how many strong cities fell not because they could not be defended, but because of political problems?
However, Shen Pei automatically overlooked one problem, that is, Yecheng was not really a fortified city.
To put it bluntly, there are almost no unconquerable cities in the entire Jizhou.
Since ancient times, strong cities have been built relying on mountains and rivers. Without natural mountains and rivers, even a city with complete defenses like Luoyang would be impossible to defend.
Shen Pei turned around and looked at Cao Jun, laughing loudly, "Let Cao Cao see how powerful the men of Zhao are."
In Cao's camp.
Cao Cao sat at the top, with Wei's generals and think tanks sitting on both sides.
Xun You spoke first: "Your Majesty.
Now our army's food and fodder have arrived, and the food and fodder stored in Wei County is enough for the army to attack continuously for at least one year."
This is the benefit of owning Wei County and Henei County.
When Wei attacked Yecheng, it could not even be considered a long expedition, because Yecheng was right on the border of Wei. From the time the army set out, it took only a few days for the enemy to arrive at the city. It was so close.
The defenders' usual tactics of quietly holding out and then automatically retreating after the enemy's food and supplies were exhausted were useless against the Wei army today.
I can’t finish it. I can’t finish it at all.
Cao Cao said with a relaxed smile: "Our army is powerful. We should attack the city first to terrify the Zhao army, and then persuade them to surrender.
Those who understand the current affairs of the world are heroes. I believe that the famous scholars in Hebei should know what the general trend is and will definitely turn against us and surrender.
If we can take Yecheng without any effort, the fall of Zhao will not be far away."
What Cao Cao is thinking about now is to capture the State of Zhao without causing too many casualties.
He felt he could do it.
In today's Zhao State, Yuan Shao is dead, and in Cao Cao's view, the country is just a loose sand.
The State of Zhao had only been established for a few years, and its subjects did not have a strong sense of belonging to the State of Zhao, and it was impossible for the ministers to be so loyal to Yuan Shao's son.
After all, Cao Cao asked himself, if he died now, could the Wei Kingdom maintain its current situation?
After all, it won't work.
Even though his son was extremely capable, it would be quite remarkable for him to be able to control the ministers in the country, let alone continue to expand.
Now the situation of Zhao State was hopeless. Without any strong allies outside and without mountains, rivers and lakes inside, it was impossible for Zhao State to stop the attack of Wei State.
At Cao Cao's command, the Wei army began to attack with a large number of siege equipment. After defeating Yuan Shu, the large number of Mohist disciples seized from Yuan Shu played a huge role.
They improved the catapults and crossbows, as well as the battering rams and defensive weapons to defend against the defenders, causing great trouble for Shen Pei and Qu Yi.
However, as the attacking party, Cao Cao's losses were still far greater than those of the Zhao army, especially the cannon fodder troops who were responsible for consuming arrows in the city during the feint attack, whose casualties were even more severe.
The war went on day after day, and the news of the battle between Wei and Zhao spread to all countries like wings.
…
Cao Cao's brazen attack on Zhao State shocked almost everyone. He was not even willing to find a reason, but instead started a war directly!
Just tell everyone clearly that I want to annex the State of Zhao. This behavior is really too arrogant!
The State of Wu was busy sorting out internal disputes, integrating internal divisions, and quelling occasional rebellions by the Shanyue and Southwestern Yi, and was unable to take care of other things.
The most anxious person was Liu Bei. He was planning to attack Bohai again next year and then attack Cao Cao's Hebei area. He did not expect that Cao Cao would strike first.
If this happens, Cao Cao might turn around and invade Bohai County, and then attack the State of Chu from three fronts: Jizhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou!
After some urgent discussions, Liu Bei decided to negotiate an alliance with the State of Zhao.
Handan city.
Luo Yan repeated Liu Bei's opinion to Yuan Tan, "Your Majesty, the condition given by the King of Chu is that Chu will send troops and Zhao will provide food. Chu can attack Wei, forcing Wei to fight on two fronts and then withdraw its troops."
Besiege Wei to save Zhao!
As soon as Luo Yan finished speaking, this idiom appeared in everyone's mind.
This moment is just like that moment.
There were such similar things in this world, which made everyone in the hall feel quite strange.
Seeing that Yuan Tan was distracted, Luo Yan asked again. Yuan Tan came back to his senses and said quickly, "I agree. As long as the King of Chu is willing to send troops, it's just a small amount of food and grass. I am willing."
Luo Yan said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, you must think carefully. Cao Cao is not a good person, and neither is Liu Bei. He wishes for the death of our Zhao State."
Yuan Tan sighed when he heard this, and someone in the hall opened his mouth to say something.
If more food and grass were supplied to Liu Bei, this time the State of Zhao would be completely emptied. Although the Wei army was repelled this time, what about next time?
Whether it is the Yan army, the Wei army, or the Chu army, I am afraid that Zhao State cannot resist them.
But in the end he shut up.
This is not really a multiple-choice question. Anyone who comes has only one choice, which is to agree.
Especially when the battle reports from Yecheng were not very good.
…
"Chu and Zhao have reached an agreement? Are they going to attack Wei together?"
When Cao Cao received this battle report, he was somewhat unbelievable. The reason why he attacked Zhao was because Chu did not have the ability to attack.
Cao Cao said with some disdain: "Zhao wants to provide food and grass to Chu?
How much food and grass can Zhao State provide from the three counties?
I am afraid that before Chu enters the battlefield, Zhao will be exhausted and unable to fight anymore. This is simply courting disaster.”
Xun You pondered and said, "Your Majesty, I think that Zhao might have stored granaries before. Otherwise, although the three counties of Zhao are mostly fertile lands, they are still insufficient to supply the armies of the two countries.
But even if there is food in reserve, I think Chu may just send a small army to harass us, and it is impossible for them to send out a full army. "
After hearing this, Guo Jia frowned and said, "Your Majesty, I think we should be careful in everything and not be too careless.
Now that the State of Chu may join the war, it must be regarded as the greatest threat.
I think more troops should be dispatched to the Hebei battlefield.
The State of Zhao must perish!
No one can save him!"
Cao Cao paced for several weeks, then made up his mind and said, "I will immediately mobilize the troops from other war zones, but what about the princes defending those areas?"
Dong Zhao stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to go as an envoy to various countries and make them form an alliance with Your Majesty."
"oh?"
Cao Cao looked at Dong Zhao, who seldom spoke. He did not comment on Dong Zhao's character, but he did not doubt Dong Zhao's ability. "Mr. Dong, do you need anything?"
Dong Zhao smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, I have a very eloquent tongue. All I need now is a letter of conquest from Your Majesty."
The Han emperor who was trapped in the Xuchang Palace has now become a complete decoration after experiencing the Bloody Battle of Xuchang.
But he is also one of the two emperors at the time, and the only emperor recognized by most of the princes.
Not the emperor of Yan who amused himself.
It is reasonable for Dong Zhao to ask for an imperial edict from him now.
After getting Cao Cao's approval, Dong Zhao left Wei.
Looking at Dong Zhao's departing back, everyone present suddenly realized that in this chaotic world, it was time for the strategists to dominate the world.
An era when the princes were afraid of the emperor's anger and the world was at peace.
Although the situation now is not as exaggerated as the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period of the Zhou Dynasty, before a force emerges that is capable of fighting alone in the world, winning over allies is the key to continuous victory.
…
While Liu Bei was preparing for war, Cao Cao launched a fierce attack on Yecheng. This was different from the previous slow and steady attack, but an attack that completely ignored the cost.
Cao Cao now controls Yanzhou and Yuzhou, two fertile lands second only to Jizhou. After the surrender of the governor of Hedong, he owns the complete Sanhe area. His strength and population are unrivaled in the world.
He used the tactic of exchanging pieces with the State of Zhao, and the State of Zhao could not withstand it at all.
Shen Pei and Qu Yi were completely numb. What was the point even if the casualties were five to one?
The number of Wei troops is simply too large!
More than five times?
The reinforcements coming from Handan were blocked outside the city and could not get in at all. They could only temporarily look for a terrain suitable for defense to build a large camp.
Three states versus three counties, the gap in hard power is really too big!
At present, the only hope for Yecheng is the Chu army!
Where is the Chu army?
…
The Chu army is waiting.
In fact, after receiving the first batch of food and grass, the Chu army set out under the leadership of Guan Yu, and then Guan Yu waited temporarily according to Liu Bei's instructions.
Wait until the Wei army suffers more casualties, their food and grass decrease, and their strength weakens.
Wait until the Wei army's momentum gradually declines from its peak; that will be the best time to go into battle.
Liu Bei's choice was correct. He was an excellent commander. Although he could only command no more than 10,000 people, he was very good at seizing opportunities.
But every moment the Chu army waited meant that the risk of Ye City, which was in a precarious situation, increased.
…
In Handan city.
Cao Cao and Liu Bei have been scolded countless times, especially Liu Bei, who took the food and did nothing, making people hate him to death.
What now?
Yuan Tan was already somewhat at a loss. Luo Yan stood up and looked at everyone and said, "Liu Bei will send troops, but only after he sees that Cao Cao has been injured by our army.
He came to help, not to fight against Cao Cao for our Zhao State.
He only knows how to add icing on the cake, not help in times of need.
If we rely entirely on Liu Bei, then our Zhao State will surely be destroyed.
In the current situation, I will lead the last of my Zhao army to Yecheng for support, and work together with General Qu to repel the Wei army, or even defeat them."
As for the Chu army.
They will definitely take action, but no one knows when they will take action.
…
Luo Yan led the last army of Zhao State to leave Handan and head straight for Yecheng, but just when he was halfway there, he met Qu Yi!
Luo Yan was struck by lightning, and Tian Feng, Ju Su and others who came with Luo Yan were all stunned.
Luo Yan rushed forward, and before he could ask, Qu Yi cried and said, "Prime Minister, the gate of Ye City was opened by a traitor. I have lost contact with Shen Zhengnan, and the Wei army has entered the city. I can only lead the Xiandeng Camp to break out and rush to Handan to make plans."
Yecheng is lost!
Luo Yan came back to her senses and immediately said in a hurry: "General Qu, are you willing to follow me and fight back?"
Qu Yi immediately said: "Of course I am willing. Qu Yi is definitely not a coward. The first climber is still there, and Qu Yi is willing to be the vanguard!"
Luo Yan said loudly: "Okay, now that Yecheng has just fallen, we still have a chance to take it back, let's set off now!"
…
Outside Yecheng, Shen Pei said in front of Cao Cao the words that would make him famous through the ages.
These words are filled with passion and loyalty.
This sentence is one of the highest morals that people have been pursuing tirelessly for thousands of years.
These words made a man like Cao Cao couldn't help but respect Shen Pei. He thought of Xun Yu, who was unwilling to live in the Wei Kingdom. He thought of Guan Yu, who was unwilling to join his army.
Do I have such people under my command?
————
Shen Pei, whose courtesy name was Zhengnan, was a famous scholar in Hebei. When Emperor Shao ruled Hebei, Shen Pei served as a minister of Yuan. Shen Pei had a righteous character and was feared and respected by people of his time. Shen Pei followed Emperor Yan as his second in command, and Emperor Yan respected him very much. When Emperor Shao died, Emperor Yan ruled the false Zhao and sent Shen Pei to guard Ye. The emperor conquered Ye, captured Shen Pei, and wanted to make him submit.
He was a man of steel, saying, "I will not serve two masters, I am loyal and faithful. I am destined to be a subject of the Yuan family in life and a ghost of the Yuan family in death. I ask for death."
The emperor respected him and thought he was a brave man. He asked him what he wanted. Pei said, "My master is in the north. You cannot let me die facing south."
His words were like thunder, and he deserved death. The emperor said with deep emotion: "There are many famous scholars in Hebei, but who is as good as Shen Zhengnan? If I could get Shen Zhengnan, I would definitely appoint him as an official." - "Book of Wei: Biographies of Xun, Shen and Tian in Luoju"
(End of this chapter)
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