Three Kingdoms

  Chapter 2567 Right and wrong small world

  The night gradually fell, Cao Jun's camp outside Yuyang City, on the surface, it seemed that the lights of the camp were still orderly, but for some reason, it seemed a little decadent.

  It's not easy to pick up, and it's even more difficult to put it down.

  It’s like Cao Chun planning the expedition before, thinking about it, conceiving the overall changes, preparing related materials, coordinating the deployment of soldiers, etc., little by little, turning the whole idea into reality, and then picking it up and going out.

  But it is even more difficult to let go now.

   Compared with before the expedition, Cao Jun's morale has dropped significantly.

All kinds of messy and disorderly ideas spread in the army. Although the soldiers led by Cao Chun were much better than the general military discipline and order of the county and county civilians, people were still people after all. Entering into a rigid rhythm day after day, without any good news coming around, it will indeed cause the mood in the army to be a little restless.

  The guards on the city wall held torches, held knives and guns, and walked slowly on Yuyang City.

  Everyone seemed a little listless. Occasionally get together and talk in a low voice, they are nothing more than guessing when Cao Chun will be able to order troops to fight and win the victory, but most of them still have no clue after discussing. When will those victories that he said, or whether there will be or not.

  After the discussion, everyone was full of complaints.

  Several soldiers of Cao Jun were whispering together. I don’t know who was quick-eyed. They saw a group of people walking up the wall surrounded by a group of people. 』

   All the soldiers of Cao Jun dispersed in a hurry, then puffed up their chests and folded their stomachs, showing a mighty attitude.

  Under the light of the coming torches, Cao Chun was seen walking up to the top of the wall. Behind him was his deputy Xia Houshang.

   I don’t know if it’s because of the flickering light of the torch, or because of the angle of observation, but Cao Chun and Xia Houshang’s complexions are flickering, and they don’t seem to look very good.

  Cao Chun is hesitating.

  The defeat of the Xianbei Royal Court meant that the punch Cao Chun had accumulated for a long time hit the empty space.

  The poor arrangement of the back road camp also means that the whereabouts of Cao Chun's troops have been exposed, revealing weaknesses.

  Cao Chun once wanted to ambush, but failed to do so.

Then rumors spread in Yuyang, Cao Chun was furious, and asked the branch generals to check. Many people were caught, but the source could not be found, or even if there were some sources, they were cut off early, and they could not be traced. to the point.

  Standing on the head of Yuyang City, looking up, except for the lights of the nearby camp of Yuyang City, the surrounding area looks somewhat desolate.

Yuyang has been levied many times, and it has been repeatedly fought for several times. Although it has recovered slightly, it is far from the previous heyday. When Liu Yu was in Yuyang, all industries were prosperous. Now it can be two or three out of ten, which is not bad. .

  Cao Chun didn't say anything right away, he leaned on the crenel and looked out, without saying a word for a long time.

   Xia Houshang stood beside Cao Chun, squinted at Cao Chun, and felt that he should say something, but he smacked his lips, but he didn't seem to be able to say anything.

  In Yuyang, there must be someone playing tricks.

   Catching this ghost is somewhat beneficial, at least it can ensure peace and stability in Youzhou.

  In any case, since the saber is sacrificed, it must be stained with some blood.

  『How about the arrangement of the people’s luggage? ’ Cao Chun asked.

  Xia Houshang replied: "It's all settled." The military rations and utensils have all been put into storage, and some damp items are also being re-baked to dry... The civilian husbands are placed in a shed outside the city, and soldiers are stationed to guard them. 』

  Cao Chun nodded, "Thank you..."

  『Serving the lord and sharing the general's worries, how dare you say hard work...' Xia Houshang's beautiful words are good, 'General... What is the general's plan at the moment? 』

  Now Cao Jun's soldiers and horses have been severely discouraged. If they can't find a way to do something to cheer them up, it may become a hidden danger. Cao Chun naturally knew this in his heart.

  The morale of the army, or the soul of the army, needs to be watered by continuous victories. I have never heard of the morale and soul of the army that has been defeated in all battles.

If the battle to attack the king's court between the two is won cleanly, then maybe I can take the opportunity to push the morale of Cao Jun's cavalry up a bit, and then I will really fight against the hussar cavalry, and I won't feel that it is too much. Big question, but now what...

what to do?

  『There must be another fight! ”Cao Chun said firmly.

  Xia Houshang was a little surprised when he heard Cao Chun's answer, but it was also expected. Going back empty-handed like this is really embarrassing, even if Cao Chun is the main general, Xia Houshang is only a deputy general. You must know that Cao Chun just took this trip in vain, and Xia Houshang himself...

  『The general has orders, but please order! 』Xia Houshang expressed his attitude clearly. Xia Houshang also needs a little real brilliance, instead of playing some tricks that others can see through.

"I think, both of us seem to have overlooked a problem..." Cao Chun raised his head, supported the battlements, and looked into the distance, "I paid too much attention to the Xianbei royal court before... Of course, this is not an excuse for myself, but It’s a fact, so that I didn’t notice… There are actually some insects crawling around under our feet…”

  『The general said...』 Xia Houshang frowned, thought for a while, and then said, 『A traitor? But before the general searched around Yuyang, didn't he find any clues? 』

  Cao Chun nodded and said, "It's true that I didn't find anything around...then..."

  Cao Chun raised his hand and patted the battlements, "Don't you wonder why those people who attacked your rear camp disappeared? 』

  Xia Houshang was a little embarrassed at first, but after rolling his eyes a few times, he suddenly thought of something, "General, what do you mean..."

  『Yes. I guess where these thieves are hiding..." Cao Chun smiled, "So, I want to lure these insects out..."

  …d(·｀ω·d*)…

  The night was dark, and in Jixian County, not far from Yuyang, everything seemed to be as usual, quiet and peaceful.

  At the corner gate of Zuwu's courtyard, in the dim shadows, there seemed to be someone curled up, waiting for something.

   It seemed that they heard the sound of the third watch time signal from a distance, and a black shadow suddenly appeared at the side of the road.

  With the appearance of the black shadow, the corner door opened gently.

   It seems that some grease was poured on the hinge, so that when the corner door opened, it was almost silent, only some small creaking sounds, like mice chirping.

  Zu Wu was still sitting in the hall. Although it was already the third watch, he still felt very excited, and even his breathing seemed a little short.

  Zu Wu was obviously a little excited, after all he successfully tricked Cao Chun.

   But he is also a little scared, because there will be new troubles next.

  If it’s about soldiers or force, although Zuwu has the character Wu in his name, it has nothing to do with force at all. Similarly, it’s like Cao Chun’s Cao, uh, pure character.

  Hiding in the dark to control, this feeling of being the mastermind behind the scenes actually made Zuwu addicted.

   It's like gambling.

The behavior of gambling is confusing and greedy, but there are also many people who are obsessed with gambling because of the nervousness and the pleasure of profit during the gambling process. The brain secretes a large amount of dopamine in a short time. , just like sucking DU.

  Winning a bet seems to be a profit, and losing a bet is just thinking about making money, but they don’t know that as long as they go to the gambling table, only the dealer will win.

  The sound of lightly stepping on the wooden floor came.

  The servant said softly in the hall: "Patriarch, and your lord is here. 』

  『Yes, please, please! 』Zu Wu stood up, then walked towards He Cheng.

  He Cheng was about to salute Zu Wu, but Zu Wu suddenly stopped him, "Brother He is too polite, you and I are all for the sake of the big man and the people of Youzhou, why bother to make such an empty salute?" Come, come, you are welcome, please come in quickly. 』

  He Cheng nodded, no longer sticking to etiquette, and entered the hall together.

  Zu Wu waved his hand to make the servant retreat, stroked his beard slightly, and then said: "I received the news that the Sima family in Hanoi is in trouble..."

"what? ! ”He Cheng widened his eyes, “When did it happen? 』

   He Cheng asked, but his heart skipped a beat. He did not receive this message!

what does this mean? ! One must know that Hanoi is also some distance away from Ji County. Could it be that Zuwu has some special news channel? The slight unhappiness caused by the leaking liquid before disappeared in this moment.

  The sooner you know the news, the sooner you can make corresponding preparations.

  Zu Wu stroked his beard and gave a general account of the events related to Sima Clan in Hanoi. After all, it is impossible for them to see it with their own eyes, and they can only roughly understand what they have experienced.

   After finishing speaking, He Cheng fell silent, and Zu Wu didn't continue to speak, and there was complete silence inside and outside the hall, only the sound of howling wind was heard on the roof, passing by in the corridors.

   Whether Mrs. Sima was arrested by Le Jin or misunderstood, it all reflected a not-so-good reality.

  From Jizhou, to Yingchuan, and then to Hanoi, the attitude and methods of this series of Cao's political cliques against the local gentry and rural aristocracy became more and more tough. This is traceable and equally obvious.

  What about Youzhou?

  Hecheng swallowed a little bit of saliva, and said somewhat reluctantly: "Cao's family is only seeking money, if it really doesn't work...it's better to let it go... These days, I have made a lot of money..."

  『Hehe, brother and brother, is this the way to test each other? ’Zu Wu said in a deep voice. "Could it be that Mrs. Sima has no such intentions?" If so, why did it invite military disasters? 』

   Hecheng fell silent.

  Hanoi Sima is their upper family.

  Of course, Zuwu and Cheng’s family is not limited to Hanoi Sima, but Sima’s horse resources are undoubtedly the best, and now, something happened to the family...

   Neither Zuwu nor Wu thought that something would happen in Hanoi!

   And this action seems to be irreconcilable, and the situation has taken a turn for the worse!

  Although it is said that Zuwu and Cheng have some hidden private soldiers, rangers and outlaws, these people can do some small tricks on weekdays, but if they really meet the army head-on, they will basically die.

  『Hmm…』 He Cheng sighed deeply, 『The matter has come to this, so what should we do? 』

  Zu Wu's face was a little gloomy under the faint light, "Now it's up to Cao Shizi to make a move in Youzhou..."

  He Cheng took a breath, and suddenly felt that the diaphragm between his chest and abdomen was very uncomfortable, "You mean..."

  『I don’t know, but since the attack was made in Hanoi, would it be possible to show mercy in Youzhou? If Cao Shizi really does something..." Zu Wu said in a deep voice, "Brother He, it's time to make a decision at that time! 』

  『…』He Cheng widened his eyes and was speechless for a while.

  …￣□￣｜｜…

  In the north of Ji County, Taiping Station.

  The post station didn’t have a serious name at first, but after the postmaster Zu Qilang came, he changed the name.

Because Youzhou is under the shadow of a huge threat, there are not only Cao's elite soldiers in Youzhou, but also some local guards in various counties and counties in Youzhou. assistant.

   This policy was originally excellent.

In other words, most of the policies are good from the beginning, and then they become out of shape after being used, and then they are magicalized in various ways. Come out unscrupulously.

   These are the supplements of Cao Jun’s elite soldiers. They are said to be soldiers, but in fact they don’t have much practice at all. Cao Chun is only focused on cavalry, and he doesn’t bother to pay attention to these county infantry in the countryside. In the following counties and counties, how many titles are there in the county soldiers, how many people are on the register, and how much is the monthly military salary and expenditure? It becomes a confused account.

  Anyway, the expenses of the county soldiers are the responsibility of the county itself, and the expenses are not on Cao Chun's head. At the beginning, Cao Chun occasionally checked the accounts. After things became more and more complicated later on, facing the increasingly powerful pressure from the Northern Territory Protectorate, Cao Chun didn't bother to check the accounts anymore, and these county soldiers Nature is getting more and more rotten.

  The weapon is broken, I cut a wooden stick to put it on top, the armor is broken... er, there is no armor at all. The robes seem to have been thought of, or they were woven on the spot. The application report has been typed up, and a new one may not be issued after half a year...

  But in the entire county military system, there are still some that are well maintained.

  For example, the county soldiers at the post station.

   There are also those in charge of checkpoints and logistics...

   Exactly why the county soldiers in these places can mix better is beyond words.

It's just that in the past two years, Cao Chun has repeatedly recruited Youzhou money and food to develop cavalry, and all the resources are tilted towards the military. As a result, some of these county soldiers have not seen their soldiers for a long time, and they are occasionally short of food and clothing. Yes, when the commotion broke out, the counties and counties dragged some old grain from the bottom of the warehouse to settle the matter.

The Taiping post station in the north of Jixian County is relatively a relatively large post station, and its location is also relatively important. It is an important node of the official road between Jixian County and Yuyang. People who travel between the north and the south, regardless of whether they are businessmen or officials, will settle here. Take a rest and continue the rest of the journey.

  The station can be large or small. A small post station has only two or three houses, but a large post station is like a small town. In addition to inns and restaurants, there may also be a large cart shop, a cart dealer, and even a small market. , the surrounding villagers gather to buy and trade...

   Now relying on Taipingyi as the center, there are more or less two to three hundred houses in the surrounding area, and there are also some reclaimed fields, but now the land is frozen solid, uncivilized, and uncultivated.

  Today is not the day for the market opening, the cold wind is blowing, there are basically no merchants, and the common people don't go out for 40 million, so the Taiping Station looks deserted.

  On a dirt road that runs through Taipingyi, there are only a few idlers leaning against the wall to bask in the sun. There are very few shops open along the street. There are only one or two big bone soups, and the small shops selling steamed cakes are still struggling to open. Basically, they are waiting for those people in the post station to come to eat, and they don't want to bother to shout.

Zu Qilang stroked his beard, thinking about going for a bowl of bone soup after wandering around, and pairing it with pancakes, it would be more or less a meal. He is over forty years old, and there is almost no room for him to climb up. I hope that I can save more money in this position, so that the future of the kid in the family will not be as rough as him.

   But when he thinks of this matter, he is always a little irritable.

  When he was young, the land of Youzhou was basically harassed by barbarians every year, and it was miserable. Everyone was suffocating, and they all knew that only after the barbarians were beaten away could they live a good life, so at that time they really gritted their teeth, even in the face of death, they were not afraid.

  Behind him are his wife, children, and children. The enemy is coming, and if his elders can't go up, why don't we let our own girls go up?

   Then, what now?

  Now the barbarians are gone, um, it can’t be said that they are gone, anyway, there are no barbarians coming to Youzhou now, but life is still not good!

  What is this called?

  Zu Qilang couldn't figure it out.

  I am old, I can’t keep my eyes open that day, and my legs kick, but my sons, daughters, grandchildren, and grandchildren still have a lot of time. If there is no hope for this day, how can I live?

  The more I think about this, the more annoying I get.

  Zu Qilang pondered for a long time without a clue, and couldn’t figure out why this happened. Finally, he shook his head, coughed, put his hands behind his back, and prepared to go to the big bone soup restaurant.

  At this time, I heard the sound of horseshoes coming from the north.

   Accompanied by the crisp ringing of hanging bells!

  Zu Qilang was stunned for a moment, something deep in his mind seemed to be stirred up, and immediately shouted: "Eight hundred miles, hurry up!" Get out! Get ready! lukewarm water! Is there any soft bread? quick! hurry up! 』

  Suddenly, a few people rushed out of the post station, jumping around for a while.

   A moment later, the messenger cavalry rushing from a distance rushed to the post station.

"quick! Help me down! lukewarm water! Dough! bring here! Massage the legs to activate the blood! Zu Qilang roared, then turned his head and shouted back, "Er Gouzi! Is the transfer horse ready? 』

  Someone shouted over there, hurry up.

The messenger cavalry didn't say much, and first rinsed his mouth and sprayed out a mouth full of dust, then he almost let his legs be rubbed by others, and then took advantage of the gap between preparing the horse, gnawed on the bread that was handed over, and Swallow with warm water.

The bread was eaten less than halfway, and when the cavalry saw that the replacement horse was brought out from the backyard, they threw the bread and water bag without hesitation, struggled to get up, and then climbed up with the support of others. Changing horses, slightly nodded to Zu Qilang, and galloped away again.

  The sound of horseshoes and the sound of hanging bells.

  『Qi Ye... This is, could it be that the barbarians are here again? 』

  『I don’t know...it’s a little strange...』Zu Qilang frowned, "You can report a letter to the Patriarch after noon..."

  (end of this chapter)