Tiger Guards

Chapter 280 Teaching by precept and example

The daytime hours when the two armies were locked in a stalemate were always dull and boring. When Zhao Ji withdrew his troops, Cao Cao did not send any elite cavalry to pursue him, which made it even more tedious.

There was really no other way; in the Battle of Bian River back then, Cao Cao's entire army was wiped out.

If Cao Hong hadn't given him his horse, Cao Cao would have had a very difficult time crossing the Bian River and saving his life.

When Cao Cao returned to the Bian River, he was once again attacked from both sides by Zhao Ji and Lü Bu, forcing him to remain cautious.

If he just waits, his reinforcements will increase.

As for Zhao Ji and Lü Bu, they obviously won't receive any new reinforcements.

After withdrawing their troops and returning to their camp, Zhao Ji replaced their cavalry with another group of over three hundred riders and led them to Chunyu Qiong's camp.

Chunyu Qiong's camp was located on the south bank of the Bian River, right next to the Bian River embankment.

A large number of reed rafts and wooden rafts were piled up near the dam. Cao Ren dared to build a pontoon bridge to cross the river ten miles downstream. Chunyu Qiong could set fire rafts downstream to block Cao Ren's reinforcements.

From beginning to end, Chunyu Qiong had no intention of getting involved in this battle.

They left Shangdang on orders to protect the imperial court, not to follow Zhao Ji; this was a matter of principle.

Inside Chunyu Qiong's camp, he came out to greet Zhao Ji. Zhao Ji led a dozen guards forward and entered the main tent with Chunyu Qiong.

Guards from both sides stood outside the main tent, vigilant against each other.

Han Meng and Zhang He's families have been sent to Jinyang, while Chunyu Qiong is currently still relatively free.

Han Meng was also worried about his family, and upon hearing the news, he led his guards to the location.

His arrival could also suppress Chunyu Qiong and prevent him from acting impulsively.

Inside the main tent, the map Zhao Ji had brought was spread out: "The decisive battle is just around the corner. I wonder what General Chunyu's opinion is?"

Chunyu Qiong smiled modestly and said, "We are ordered to enter the court to protect the emperor. Now that the Chamberlain and Cao are fighting, it is not appropriate for us to get involved."

"I have no intention of forcing the general to send troops to help in the battle, but I have something to say to the general."

"I would like to hear your insightful opinions, Your Excellency."

Zhao Ji pointed to Cao Cao's camp on the map and said, "If Cao Cao wins, the two provinces of Yan and Yu will still be in his hands. With this great victory, the officials of the court will not dare to oppose his advance, and he will surely hold the court hostage. At that time, where will Yuan Shu of Hebei be placed?"

Chunyu Qiong remained silent, only looking down at the map.

If things really develop to that point, it will be difficult for him to withdraw back to Hebei.

If Cao Cao had truly defeated the combined forces of Zhao Ji, Lü Bu, and Chen Wang, how could he have allowed Chunyu Qiong, who was so close at hand, to withdraw his troops back to Hebei?
Even if he safely leads his troops back to Hebei, how will Yuan Shao view him?
As a colleague and old acquaintance from his time in the Western Garden Army, Chunyu Qiong not only knew Cao Cao, but also Yuan Shao.

Zhao Ji then said, “If Lü Menghou and I win this battle, and Cao Cao is killed in action, the Cao family will decline. Cao Ren on the north bank, Cheng Yu in Jiyin, and Xiahou Dun in Chenliu will surely raise troops to join Yuan Shao. The Central Plains are short of food and provisions, and I have no intention of lingering after the battle. I will withdraw my troops and return to Taiyuan. Is this true?”

"What the Chamberlain said is true. The armies in the Central Plains are running out of food and supplies and are all lacking in reinforcements."

Chunyu Qiong added, "Without General Yuan's letter, I am afraid I cannot lead the troops into battle."

"I am not here to persuade you to raise troops and join the war. I only hope that you will defend your camp and not help either side. If Cao Ren builds a pontoon bridge, you can release fire rafts to interfere with Cao Ren's crossing of the river."

Zhao Ji smiled and said, "If Lü Menghou and I win, and if Cao Cao is lucky enough to survive, he will also retreat to the north bank. Everything south of the Bian River will no longer belong to Cao Cao. At that time, I will withdraw my troops to Taiyuan, and Lü Menghou will enter the court to assist in governance. Cao Cao will find it difficult to establish himself and will have no choice but to rely on Yuan Shao."

After a moment of silence, allowing Chunyu Qiong to ponder for a while, Zhao Ji said, "If Cao Cao were to flee to your side, General, you could send troops to protect him, and I would not attack. You could also coerce Cao Cao into submitting to the Hebei region and submitting to Lord Yuan's command. With such outstanding achievements, I believe Lord Yuan will not treat you unfairly."

Upon hearing this, Chunyu Qiong stroked his beard. As Yuan Shao's top general at the moment, Chunyu Qiong also had his own worries.

Ju Yi serves as a cautionary tale for him.

Although he longed to follow Yuan Shao and achieve great things, he also had to consider Yuan Shao's tolerance level.

Cao Cao was stronger than him, and Cao Cao's close associates and followers were also skilled in battle.

By bringing Cao Cao under Yuan Shao's command, the dangerous tasks can be entrusted to Cao Cao and his group.

In order to counterbalance Cao Cao, Yuan Shao would naturally support him greatly.

It was not only about restraining Cao Cao, but also about restraining people like Ju Shou and Yan Liang.

Seeing that Zhao Ji would not continue, Chunyu Qiong could only state: "Without Lord Yuan's order, I cannot participate in the battle. Cao Mengde is an old friend of mine. If he comes to the camp to seek refuge, how can I possibly lend a hand?"

"I mean what I say, and I will give General Chunyu face."

Zhao Ji asked with a smile, "Do you want a written agreement as proof?"

"Don't dare."

Chunyu Qiong smiled and asked in confusion, "Your ancestral home is Langya, and I have heard that the Marquis of Jinyang has a grudge against Cao Mengde. Why are you so lenient towards Mengde?"

"Although the Central Plains are devastated, without Cao Cao, who would restrain Lü Menghou for me?"

Zhao Ji countered with a smile, "Does that make sense now?"

Chunyu Qiong nodded and pressed, "If Lü Bu had pursued Mengde this far?" "He would have preferred Cao Cao's routed troops to Cao Cao's forces."

Zhao Ji said with a hint of helplessness, "If Cao Cao is defeated, my friendship with Marquis Lü Meng will come to an end."

“Since you treat me with such sincerity, I will risk my life to accompany you.”

Chunyu Qiong's eyes widened, and he cupped his hands in greeting: "If Cao Mengde comes, this humble general will certainly detain him."

"Yes, with all sides fighting each other today, there may be a day when I and Lord Yuan are on good terms with each other."

Zhao Ji, now able to paint a rosy picture, spoke in a more relaxed tone: "The future is long. I foresee that after Lord Yuan's death, his sons will fight for the throne. It is only natural for a general to seek a way out for his sons. Bingzhou is a vast and sparsely populated land. I have already eliminated the powerful clans, making it a fertile ground."

"Yes, I understand."

Chunyu Qiong breathed a sigh of relief. He wanted to say something from his heart, but felt it was inappropriate, so he cupped his hands to Zhao Ji and said, "I am sorry to have made you laugh, Your Excellency. My relationship with Lord Yuan is one of loyalty between ruler and subject, but also one of friendship. If the country collapses in the future, I will do my best to fulfill my duty as a subject. If my descendants are not capable, I hope Your Excellency will remember our friendship today and give them some guidance."

"General, please rest assured. Since I was born, when have I ever wronged my comrades?"

Zhao Ji, with a solemn expression, returned the greeting with clasped hands.

At this moment, Han Meng led his personal guards to the outside of the tent. Zhao Ji glanced at them and said, "The defense of the Bian River is entrusted to the general."

Chunyu Qiong also saw Han Meng, and bowed slightly as he clasped his hands in greeting: "The imperial court has ordered us to assist the Chamberlain in suppressing the rebels, and we will do our utmost."

Han Meng entered the tent and bowed deeply to Zhao Ji, saying, "This humble general greets the Attendant-in-Ordinary."

"Commander Han, your arrival is timely. I have already discussed military matters with General Chunyu. Tomorrow, Commander Han will lead your troops to accompany me in attacking the traitor Cao. General Chunyu will lead two battalions to garrison this place, guarding the Bian River and preventing Cao Ren from crossing to reinforce us. Commander Han, do you have any concerns?"

"No, I am willing to follow the orders of the Attendant-in-Ordinary."

Han Meng lived up to his name; among the generals of Hebei, he was second only to Yan Liang and Wen Chou in bravery.

His family has already gone to Jinyang. If Zhao Ji doesn't release him, Han Meng won't be given an important position if he stays in Hebei.

He couldn't take many of his soldiers with him, so he didn't care about the losses in battle.

This is fundamentally different from Zhang He, whose troops were mostly from his hometown and clan.

Even if Zhang He were to leave Hebei, he would try his best to avoid unnecessary losses, which is why he was sent to set up camp under Cao Cao's nose.

Zhang He's troops were more cohesive, their coordination was more skillful, and they reacted more quickly and performed more consistently when attacked at night.

In the future, when Zhang He leaves Hebei, this local clan army will elect another respected member of the clan to serve as its leader, something Yuan Shao tacitly approves of.

There's nothing we can do if we don't acquiesce. If we send someone else, they won't be able to control the army either. Instead, it will only breed suspicion among superiors and subordinates, which will affect our combat effectiveness.

Han Meng and Chunyu Qiong did not exchange any further words. Seeing that Zhao Ji had finished his discussion, they personally escorted Zhao Ji away from the camp to avoid any low-probability events from occurring.

Even though Han Meng hadn't personally experienced such assassinations and ambushes during those chaotic times, he had heard of them quite often.

After leaving Chunyu Qiong's camp, Zhao Ji saw that Han Meng's mount was just an ordinary Donghu horse, so he waved to him.

A stable boy leading a spare warhorse brought over an even larger Western steed. Zhao Ji took the reins and handed them to Han Meng: "The decisive battle is tomorrow, and the outcome is uncertain. I offer this horse as a token of my gratitude to the captain for his assistance today."

Han Meng gripped the reins, looked at the steed that was half a foot taller than his own, and immediately rolled off the saddle, kneeling on one knee and raising his head: "This humble general thanks the Attendant for bestowing the horse upon you."

Zhao Ji also dismounted and helped Han Meng up with both hands: "After we defeat Cao Cao, if you, Captain, are still attached to the people of Hebei, I will send your family back."

"Your Excellency has treated me with sincerity. I, your humble servant, will do my utmost to kill the enemy in order to repay your kindness."

Han Meng stood up and said, "I have a friendship with Lord Yuan. If our two sides go to war in the future, please forgive me for not being able to serve on the front lines."

"Don't worry, Captain, I'm not one to force emotions."

Zhao Ji patted Han Meng on the shoulder and said with a smile, "After we defeat Cao Cao and return to Bingzhou, we will be ordered to lead an expedition against the treacherous ministers Li Jue and Guo Si. The vast territory of the Three Auxiliary Regions is sufficient to accommodate the Commandant."

"Thank you for your consideration, Attendant-in-Ordinary."

Han Meng was about to bow again, but Zhao Ji firmly held his arms and pointed to the fine horse of the Western Extremities beside him: "It's getting late. Captain, test the horse's strength and go back to camp early to rest and recuperate. Tomorrow, join forces with my allied army, march east, and defeat the wicked minister Cao Cao!"

"Here!"

Han Meng was secretly surprised by Zhao Ji's strength, responded loudly, and nimbly mounted his horse.

Zhao Ji then handed his own riding whip to Han Meng, who was flattered and accepted it with both hands. Encouraged by Zhao Ji's expression, Han Meng whipped his horse.

His powerful steed, the Western Extremity Steed, carried Han Meng, who was heavily armored, as he galloped away.

Zhao Ji looked out, and Han Meng's guards spurred their horses and followed.

Those officers, soldiers, and horsemen who followed Zhao Ji witnessed these events and naturally remembered and learned from them, making them examples for their future command of troops.

Military officers trained through such instruction and personal example naturally mature quickly.

(End of this chapter)