Tiger Guards

Chapter 402 Entering the game personally
At Wankou, Lü Bu's central army entered and occupied Ye County.

Lead-colored clouds followed Lü Bu's army out and spread rapidly, bringing torrential rains to various parts of the Central Plains.

The parched land was quickly moistened, followed by floods.

The participating armies could only seek shelter from the rain, which inadvertently increased the difficulty of the siege.

Meanwhile, the rain clouds drifted to the Qingxu region, and the torrential rain and the surging floodwaters of the upper reaches of the Si River directly breached the dam built by Hanshan. An even more turbulent torrent flowed down the Si River and swept away Zhang Xun's dam in one fell swoop.

The floodwaters spread and inundated both banks of the river, not only Zhang Xun's military camps on both sides, but also the city of Xiapi. The roads and fields outside the city were soaked and turned into rotten land, making it difficult to trek or march.

In the middle reaches of the Sishui River, at the southern embankment of Juye Marsh.

Cao Cao stationed his troops here, and his boats hovered over the embankment during the torrential rain, thus safely avoiding the flood.

Back then, Cao Cao stationed his troops here and sent various armies out to reclaim Mai. Lü Bu and Chen Gong led their troops to attack, unaware of Cao Cao's true strength, and were deceived by Cao Cao's empty camp plan.

The next day, Lü Bu realized what was happening and launched an attack. Cao Cao's army, which was harvesting wheat, returned and ambushed the inner side of the dike.

When Lü Bu's army attacked the camp, the ambush troops attacked from the flank, causing Lü Bu's army to collapse. They pursued them for more than 20 li and caught up with them in Lü Bu's camp.

Now Cao Cao has set up camp in his old territory and prepared many boats, intending to sail down the Si River to rescue Liu Bei in Xuzhou.

In fact, Liu Bei's life or death was not that important; the key was the army under the command of Liu Xun and Zhang Xun.

Only by defeating the enemy and capturing and reorganizing their army can we quickly restore the vitality and prestige after the crushing defeat at Chenliu.

Not only did Yuan Shu have extensive experience in the complete annihilation of his army, but Cao Cao also had a wealth of relevant experience.

Every time the central army group is severely damaged, even if it can recover, the growth path of the personal guards and officers and soldiers that have been carefully cultivated will be cut off, making it difficult to concentrate military power. Naturally, armed factions will form outside the central army group, developing around the good generals.

Since the campaign against Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao's luck has not been very good.

Even Lü Bu, whose original subordinates always held military power, and whose central army never suffered a major defeat, maintained a strong control over his troops.

Even if someone were to cause trouble, it would only be Lü Bu's old subordinates.

Zhao Ji always protected the central army and his personal guards very well. The officers and soldiers of the central army accumulated merits and grew normally, which enabled him to systematically infiltrate and strengthen his control over the entire army.

Even with such bad luck, Cao Cao still focused on strengthening his central army, capturing surrendered soldiers, and selecting the elite to supplement the central army, which was a quick and easy method.

If you draw people from other generals, those people will only infiltrate the central army instead.

In the cool rain, Cao Cao and Xun Yu brewed wine and discussed matters.

Raindrops pattered against the roof tiles. Cao Cao picked up his cup and pondered, still somewhat undecided.

Yuan Shao instructed and ordered him to raise an army to attack Yuan Shu with all his might.

However, Cao Cao had many concerns, fearing that his troops would be annihilated by Zhao Ji after arriving in Chen.

They merely gathered their troops at Juye Marsh, attempting to cut into the Xuzhou battlefield, coerce Liu Xun and Zhang Xun's surrendered troops, and then wait for an opportunity to act; in this way, they would not be passive and fall into a desperate situation.

Eager to curry favor with the court, Yuan Shao could only send troops through Zhao Rong, a subordinate of Cao Cao.

Zhao Rong, like Chunyu Qiong, Cao Cao, and Yuan Shao, was one of the Eight Colonels of the Western Garden in those days, and is now the General Who Pacifies Bandits, appointed by Yuan Shao.

However, the court controlled by Lü Bu did not recognize Zhao Rong as the General Who Pacifies Bandits, and instead appointed Zhang Liao as the General Who Pacifies Bandits instead.

However, Zhao Rong, a native of Tianshui, had more seniority than Zhang Liao, and his position as General Who Pacifies Bandits was justifiable.

If we send Zhao Rong over, we won't be afraid of Zhao Ji annexing it.

Given Zhao Rong's place of origin and background, staying with Cao Cao would only bring trouble.

Currently, as a representative of Yuan Shao and Cao Cao in their efforts to defend the emperor and suppress rebellions, leading troops into battle can be considered a reasonable use of their position.

As the consensus becomes widespread that the world is in chaos and the country is difficult to rebuild quickly, various parties will form fixed teams based on their region of origin.

Any key personnel who are not from the local area will inevitably become the target of suspicion and exclusion.

Everyone has complex social relationships, and the probability that someone might be incited by their fellow villagers or relatives to rebel or collude with the enemy is extremely high.

It's not like we can't live without this person, so to avoid unnecessary losses, excluding these outsiders has become a habitual choice.

There are limited official positions, but winning over locals can be effective immediately.

There are exceptions, such as Liu Bei and Sun Ce, who were able to accommodate people from other provinces. These two teams emphasized entrepreneurship and expansion.

Because of the imperial court's influence, Zhao Ji and Lü Bu were able to accommodate, and had to accommodate, scholars from various states.

Because the imperial court was out of control, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao had to abandon their old friend Zhao Rong.

Otherwise, an old friend like Zhao Rong, under the orders of the imperial court, might just stab you in the back with a righteous air.

At this moment, Cao Cao was troubled by his next move. The original plan was to go down the Si River to seize the surrendered troops of Liu Xun and Zhang Xun, and to gain merit on the eastern front to quell the rebellion.

Having saved Liu Bei and the people of Xuzhou, they would surely speak well of him to the imperial court.

At the very least, the title of "General Jiande" should be changed to a more respectable and proper title.

Even the title of nobility can be changed. Cao Cao's title is still Marquis of Feiting, the one passed down from his ancestors.

With such heavy rain and the Sishui River overflowing, Liu Xun and Zhang Xun's plan to build a dam and attack the river with water is definitely doomed.

It's hard to say about Zhang Xun, but based on Cao Cao's understanding of Liu Xun, he was very likely to turn against him, which would leave no reason for Cao Cao to annex Liu Xun.

Going to Xuzhou would not only fail to gain favor with Liu Bei and the people of Xuzhou, but also fail to win over the surrendered troops, making it a wasted trip and delaying Chen's efforts to gain merit on the main battlefield.

Even if we go upstream along the Si River to reach the Honggou Canal, and then downstream along the Honggou Canal to join the war in the State of Chen, there is still a risk that Zhao Ji will turn against us and annex our territory.

It was one thing that Cao Cao couldn't get the surrendered troops of Zhang Xun and Liu Xun, or gain Xuzhou and Liu Bei's favor; but to rush over and have it annexed by Zhao Ji was a real headache for Cao Cao.

Therefore, Cao Cao's decision to have a private drinking session with Xun Yu was to make up his mind to go to Chen and gamble on something big.

After several cups of wine, Cao Cao finally expressed his concerns: "Now that the siege of Xuzhou has been lifted, I intend to lead my army straight to Chen, but I fear Zhao Ji will harm me. What should I do?"

During this time, he also figured out why Zhao Ji hated him. Cao Cao's army massacred Xuzhou twice. When they massacred Pengcheng, they killed Zhao Ji's aunt's family. When they massacred Donghai, the chaotic army harmed the Zhao clan.

Therefore, during the Battle of Chenliu, Zhao Ji was very generous when they met, directly giving Lü Bu two thousand horses and lending him the Xiongnu volunteers he had hired.

Xun Yu poured wine for Cao Cao and advised him, "Lü Bu is short-sighted and lacks strategy. If he asks someone to advise him, he will naturally stop Zhao Ji. If Zhao Ji disregards the greater good of the court and annexes your territory, Lü Bu, with his limited understanding, will surely realize that it will do more harm than good."

“Wenruo, Zhao Ji has always disrespected the court, so why would he care about Lü Bu? Besides, Chen Gongtai hates me to the bone. With Chen Gongtai around, it will be difficult for me to leave Chen with my army.”

Cao Cao's worries were written all over his face. If he didn't send troops, Yuan Shao would definitely retaliate against him.

Xun Yu remained calm and confident, and continued to persuade him: "The court does not belong to Zhao Ji and Lü Bu. With the guarantee of the court officials and the protection of the emperor, you really need not be troubled."

"As for Chen Gongtai, he is not valued by Lü Bu now. If he conspires with Zhao Ji, Lü Bu will suspect him and will not allow Zhao Ji to intercept you, my lord."

Seeing that Cao Cao's suspicions had not diminished, Xun Yu continued, "Not only Chen Gongtai, but also Yang Jicai, whom Lü Bu considered a confidant, dislikes you, my lord, because of Bian Rang's deadly enmity. Yang Jicai, in particular, will be suspected by Lü Bu."

Seeing that Xun Yu spoke with great confidence, Cao Cao stared intently: "Wenruo, are you trying to sow discord between Lü Bu and his advisors?"

"Indeed, as far as I know, Lü Bu's general Zhang Liao has been in close contact with Zhao Ji, which has already aroused Lü Bu's hatred. If Chen Gongtai and Yang Jicai conspire with Zhao Ji, how can Lü Bu sit still? Lü Bu has no personal grudge against you, my lord; if it weren't for you, Yuan Shao's army would have reached Henan, and Lü Bu would be even more afraid of Yuan Shao."

Even if Chen Gong, Yang Jun, and Zhao Ji did not collude, as long as they shared the same views and stance, it would definitely arouse Lü Bu's suspicion and dissatisfaction.

Xun Yu had solid intelligence, and he calmly accepted Cao Cao's gaze, saying, "Zhao Ji took the lead in raising troops to punish the rebels, which has already displeased Lü Bu. Although there is an alliance between father-in-law and son-in-law, for someone like Lü Bu, even his own son is not trustworthy, let alone his son-in-law from another family?"

Cao Cao raised his hand to stroke his beard, deep in thought.

As for the hatred between his side and Lü Bu, it was clearly Lü Bu who came to seize Yan Province, so he hated Lü Bu more.

Therefore, Lu Bu's resentment was actually less, and compared to Zhao Ji, who was constantly growing stronger, he seemed to pose less of a threat.

Zhao Ji also has a bad temper. If Lü Bu objects, will it lead to a conflict between the two?
At that point, Lü Bu would be even more eager for external support.

Zhao Ji's decision to raise an army to quell the rebellion was ultimately to save Liu Bei and avenge the Prince of Chen; Liu Bei, Liu Ai, Liu Biao, and other powerful clansmen would certainly be more inclined to side with Zhao Ji.

Naturally, Lü Bu was not favored by the feudal lords and could only befriend himself and Yuan Shao.

Furthermore, the emperor and his ministers would certainly not be happy to see the Lü-Zhao alliance continue to strengthen.

Therefore, this bold incursion into the State of Chen to participate in the campaign against the rebels is highly likely to exacerbate the conflict between Lü and Zhao.

What I need to do is block Zhao Ji's unauthorized attack. As long as I block it, I will prove my worth to Lü Bu. Lü Bu will definitely stop Zhao Ji forcefully, and the conflict between the two will become irreconcilable.

Taking the initiative to dismantle the Lü-Zhao alliance, though dangerous, is also a way to break the deadlock.

While the nobles certainly disliked Lü Bu, they were even more afraid of and hated Zhao Ji.

Even if the emperor trusts Zhao Ji and Lü Bu, he doesn't inherently like the Lü-Zhao alliance to become increasingly powerful, as the emperor will have an instinctive sense of crisis.

After Chen Gong and Yang Jun became dissatisfied with Lü Bu, who could offer Lü Bu advice and strategies?

It can not only break the deadlock, but also create a new situation.

Cao Cao fell into deep thought, and seeing his expression, Xun Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

When it comes to long-term planning, everyone is essentially taking things one step at a time. With all parties influencing each other, even the most long-term plans can be disrupted.

Zhao Ji, who is in Xizhou, has already broken the deadlock. If the alliance between Lü and Zhao is not broken now, once Zhao Ji has settled down, he will be even more difficult to deal with than Yuan Shu is now.

(End of this chapter)