Cao Cao quickly assembled more than 5,000 soldiers and about 10,000 auxiliary troops to accompany Zhao Hao on his expedition.
Zhao Hao was a man of his word, and Cao Cao trusted his promises implicitly.
Therefore, Cao Cao mobilized almost his entire force this time, and the supplies he brought nearly emptied his coffers.
At this time, he already had Xun Yu and Xun You under his command, and Jiyin County was nominally under his control. Therefore, Cao Cao left only a small number of people to stay and set off for Yuzhou with Xi Zhicai and a group of generals.
However, Zhao Hao's army did not need his help in providing supplies, and he had no chance to make a good impression on Zhao Hao's army.
As the number of troops increased, their marching speed began to decrease.
It wasn't until November that they passed through the Liang Kingdom and entered the territory of the Chen Kingdom.
Just as they were about to enter Runan County, another group of uninvited guests arrived.
Liu Chong, Prince Chen, 47 years old
Command: 87 Martial: 90 Intelligence: 81 Politics: 88 Charisma: 92
Personality traits: 1. Training 2. Long-range shooting 3. Morale 4. Compassion 5. Reputation 6. Fortification
Luo Jun, courtesy name Xiaoyuan, 40 years old
Command: 80 Strength: 79 Intelligence: 88 Politics: 91 Charisma: 86
Personality traits: 1. Recruitment 2. Capable officials 3. Agricultural administration 4. Education 5. Clear-headedness
"Prince Liu Chong of Chen / Chancellor Luo Jun of Chen, Luo Xiaoyuan, greet the Duke of Qin!"
"Isn't this Uncle Wang? I've heard of Prime Minister Luo's wisdom and intelligence long ago, and I'm so glad to finally meet you today!"
"You two shouldn't be so formal. Why don't we go to the main tent for a proper talk?"
"That's excellent!"
...
Liu Chong and his entourage also brought no fewer than 20,000 people.
But among them were about three thousand men and soldiers, all heavily armored and carrying powerful crossbows, forming an elite force.
The rest of the soldiers all seemed to be auxiliary troops, with varying levels of quality and competence.
In this era, there was little difference between auxiliary soldiers and combat soldiers, which explains why Ju Yi, who was sent to the Western Regions for labor reform by Zhao Hao, once said...
'What auxiliary troops and infantry? Aside from the miscellaneous soldiers, the regular troops are all elite!'
Liu Chong, who had held the title of Prince of Chen for many years, had not only made great contributions during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, but also secretly plotted to fight against Dong Zhuo during his period of chaos. His troops numbered over 100,000.
However, the sudden emergence of someone like Zhao Hao caused his plan to overthrow Dong Zhuo to fail midway.
Now that Zhao Hao has successfully defeated Dong Zhuo and is raising troops to suppress the traitors on the orders of the court, how could Liu Chong not support him?
"On the day I married the princess, I also had a brief encounter with my uncle. I never imagined that when we met again a few years later, everything would have changed. Uncle, Mengde and I are new here. I wonder how Fengxian and the others are doing?"
Inside the large tent, as soon as the group sat down, Zhao Hao went straight to the point without any beating around the bush.
Liu Chong glanced at Cao Cao in surprise and asked in return.
"Duke of Qin, why is Cao Mengde involved in the campaign against the rebels?"
Zhao Hao smiled and said, "Mengde is skilled in both literature and martial arts. After I wipe out these Yellow Turban rebels, I intend to promote my uncle to the position of Governor of Yuzhou, while Mengde can follow my uncle and Prime Minister Luo to learn from them. Therefore, I specially brought him along to participate in the suppression of the rebels."
Don't be fooled by the large number of people I've brought this time; most of them are local militia recruited by Mengde with all his heart and soul!
Liu Chong nodded slightly, stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and then politely declined Zhao Hao's offer with a cupped hand.
"Thanks to the secret letter sent by the Duke of Qin, that wicked man's plan to assassinate me was thwarted."
"If the Yellow Turban Rebellion, which has plagued Yuzhou for many years, is successfully quelled, I hope the Duke of Qin will allow me to return to the court, like the Marquis of Xiangben, to assist His Majesty."
Zhao Hao smiled and nodded. Was Liu Chong a member of Liu Bian's faction? Obviously not.
However, Zhao Hao's power is now formidable, occupying parts of Yu, Yan, You, and Ji prefectures, and even the entire territories of Sili, Bing, Liang, and Qing prefectures.
Given this inevitable trend, if Liu Chong does not return to the court as soon as possible, it would indicate that he has no ambition to contend for power.
I'm afraid they'll soon be subjected to the same schemes that Liu Yan of Yizhou and Liu Biao of Jingzhou are currently facing.
Zhao Hao really wanted to say that Cao Cao only pretended to be one of his men; he didn't actually have any territory of his own in Yuzhou and Yanzhou.
However, with Liu Chong serving as an official in the court, Liu Yu was fortunate to have someone to chat with.
Liu Chong truly deserves the title of 'Wise King,' and if possible, Zhao Hao would not want him to be assassinated by Yuan Shu's men as in history...
"Uncle, you are being modest. I will inform the court and request that you be appointed Governor of Yuzhou to govern the region."
If Uncle Wang refuses, I will have no choice but to settle for second best and ask Mengde to be the governor of Yuzhou, so that Uncle Wang can gradually restore this war-torn land of Yuzhou.”
"Hehe, that's a story for later. The Duke of Qin has not yet quelled the bandits, but he has already figured out how to restore production after the victory, which is a good thing. However... now General Fengxian and his generals are fighting the Yellow Turban rebels for a long time in Xiang County, where the Tangqu River meets the Ying River, but they have not found a way to win."
He Manyi and He Yi, at some point, joined forces with Liu Pi's troops, and their strength was even greater than before, with a number of about 200,000.
"I led my troops here because I thought the Duke of Qin might have underestimated the Yellow Turbans of Yu Province, and I fear the nation has lost a pillar of its state!"
Liu Chong doesn't trust me; he thinks I've been blinded by my recent victories.
In fact, not only Liu Chong, but many court officials felt that Zhao Hao was being arrogant and self-willed, and that he didn't take the fierce bandits seriously, after learning that Zhao Hao had only brought a small number of soldiers with him on this expedition.
Therefore, Zhao Hao had long been numb to such remarks.
"Hehe, then I'll take advantage of Uncle Wang's kindness. Uncle Wang, do you have any brilliant ideas on the upcoming tactics and strategies?"
Liu Chong paused for a moment, then responded after gathering his thoughts.
"If we follow the Qin State Duke's usual practice of dealing with the former Yellow Turban rebels and try to recruit them... I currently have no strategy. However, if we defeat the rebels, we can lure their main force to gather in a mountain forest, and then launch a sudden attack when their reinforcements arrive!"
Liu Chong was indeed a man of great talent; he even came up with the strategy of besieging a point and attacking reinforcements.
However, this was not what Zhao Hao wanted.
"The idea of besieging them is quite good. Uncle Wang, when the time comes, you should go with Mengde's troops to meet up with Fengxian and the others, and proceed according to this plan."
Cao Cao was taken aback. "General, could it be...?"
"Yes, my troops have other plans."
Liu Chong was curious about what other methods Zhao Hao had to defeat the enemy, yet he was keeping them hidden.
"Duke of Qin, if you have a good strategy to defeat the enemy, why don't you discuss it together and fill in the gaps?"
"Uncle Wang, my plan is too contrary to the will of Heaven, so it is better not to tell these seniors who are quite benevolent."
Once it's revealed, it means you'll all have to bear the consequences of your scheme.
Liu Chong, Luo Jun, and Cao Cao exchanged glances. In this freezing weather, what kind of wicked scheme could make Zhao Hao so cautious?
Fire? It's too cold, it probably won't catch fire.
Water? It's almost frozen, how can we use a water meter?
The idea of besieging the city is unlikely to work, as the enemy has been gathering in the mountains and forests for many years and would not have sufficient cotton clothing and food reserves.
So what exactly does Zhao Hao want?
Zhao Hao remained silent, but led the group to the riverbank outside the tent.
"Everyone, watch closely!"
They didn't know what Zhao Hao had poured in; they only saw Zhao Hao gently touch the frigid water with his torch.
The next moment, a breathtaking sight unfolded on the river!
"Gentlemen, can this fire... start a prairie fire?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
