Chapter 2042 Jizhou Guqi, a master of inversion


    『The price of Jizhou iron has doubled? 』


    For ordinary people, it may only be a problem of price fluctuations, but for Fei Qian and Pang Tong, this is indeed a military problem.


    It is said to be Jizhou, but it is obviously near Yecheng, otherwise Jizhou is not too small, and no one specially made a survey of Jizhou.


    There are also iron mines in Jizhou, and the output is not small, so most of the time the price of iron basically maintains a stable price, with little fluctuation up and down. There are only two reasons for the sudden increase like this, one is iron There is a problem with the mine, and the other is that there is less iron on the market.


    Iron is a strategic resource, so iron mines are basically areas of focus. It is impossible to have no soldiers guarding them, so the possibility of problems is relatively small. After all, in this era, absenteeism is similar to livestock, even if it collapses , At worst, change the hole and continue digging...


    Therefore, Fei Qian and Pang Tong judged that the iron ore in the Jizhou market should be bought by large-scale acquisitions, which led to the price increase. Why buy iron in large quantities? Of course not for eating, obviously for casting weapons. So Cao Cao is ready to explode? Youzhou is obviously a little unlikely, so will Cao Jun attack Huguan?


    The closest place to Jizhou is undoubtedly the Shangdang area of ??Taiyuan, and the mountains and rivers inside and outside are dangerous, with the big river in the west and the Taihang in the east. Attacking from the southeast is even more difficult.


    In history, Cao Cao used superior forces to fight Huguan Zhangyang, and it took more than half a year to crack the hard shell.


    So on the whole, Shangdang in Taiyuan, Bingzhou, has always been in a state of defense instead of attack, because it is difficult to attack Huguan from Jizhou. Similarly, if Feiqian wants to send troops from Huguan to attack Jizhou, he has to climb Taihang Mountain. Therefore, Jia Qu''s role in Huguan is to defend and contain, and under normal circumstances he will not take the initiative to attack.


    This makes some sense.


    If it is just to fight Jingzhou, does Cao Cao need to make such a big move?


    But if it wasn''t for Jingzhou, could Cao Cao afford to fight on both sides?


    Fei Qian and Pang Tong discussed for a long time, and felt that the possibility of Cao Cao''s sudden dizziness could not be ruled out, but this possibility was not great, because Cao Cao would not send troops to fight Fei Qian before the Jingzhou problem was completely resolved.


    So Fei Qian and Pang Tong finally decided to send people to Jizhou to spy on the news in addition to raising the alert of these generals on the periphery, to find out what Cao Cao was doing...


    However, no matter how much Fei Qian deduced, what Cao Cao could not have imagined was that Cao Cao actually used these irons to create a fully equipped cavalry.


    It is too expensive to have mounted cavalry, of course, Fei Tie is naturally Fei Qian, uh, it costs money...


    Of course, Cao Cao looted almost all the iron ingots in Jizhou, not only for making weapons, but also for other purposes.


    On this day, Cao Cao took some noble surnames in Jizhou, as well as Yuan Xi, to the southwest of Qinghe County.


    After Yuan Xi voted for Cao Cao, he seldom showed up. As a result, some people rumored that Yuan Xi was killed by Cao Cao, just like Yuan Tan. It''s like watching the whole process at the scene in person.


    So Cao Cao simply took this opportunity to take Yuan Xi out to dry in front of the Jizhou gentry. Although Yuan Xi generally dressed up a little bit, his spirit was obviously not good enough, like half moldy tofu skin, even under the sun, there was still a rotten and stale smell. smell.


    bypassed a hill that was not too high, and behind the hill was a large piece of flat land. On the flat ground, bamboo and flags were used as fences to enclose a large open space, which was quite large.


    In the distance of the open space, there are many archery targets and wooden stakes, hundreds of thousands, neat and dense, standing like an army formation. On this side of the open space, it is even more eye-catching, because there is a heavily armed cavalry here making pre-battle preparations.


    The gentry of Jizhou set up awnings one after another, looked at these cavalrymen, and after seeing the equipment of these cavalrymen clearly, they couldn''t help but took a breath, and then exchanged glances with each other.


    It turns out that the price of iron on the market is so high these days because of this...


    Cao Cao raised his head, raised his beard, and walked ahead, squinting his eyes slightly, as if he didn''t care about the movements of the Jizhou nobles behind him.


    The Jizhou gentry and others clicked their tongues, and then followed behind Cao Cao, staring intently. Yuan Xi was at the back, as if he was not interested in anything, after a few glances, he lowered his eyelids again.


    However, Cao Cao didn''t intend to let Yuan Xi be idle. Since he came out to sunbathe, he had to thoroughly sunbathe. How could he not turn his face over and rub it well? So after getting on the stage, he immediately greeted Yuan Xi to his side, and even reached out to hold Yuan Xi''s arm, with a friendly uncle and well-behaved nephew.


    Of course, if Yuan Xi’s wife is still there, Cao Cao may not be more fond of her...


    Cough cough.


    Cao Cao''s move now is actually forced.


    The first reason is that the general Hussars is sitting firmly in Guanzhong, and there are soldiers from Bingzhou and Liangzhou, and the soldiers of Liang and Bing dominate the world, and it is the cavalry. This is also a factor that has always worried Cao Cao and made the gentry in Jizhou feel that Cao Cao is not very reliable and is not willing to bet on Cao Cao.


    Many Jizhou natives have this kind of consideration secretly. When Boss Yuan was alive, he couldn’t stop the hussars. Now Boss Cao, I’m afraid he can’t stop them either... After all, Boss Cao was under Xu County before. What a loss, it''s only been a short time, how could it be possible to just forget it?


    In order to stabilize the minds of the gentry in Jizhou, and to strengthen his own strength against the Fierce cavalry, Cao Cao almost sold out this batch of armored cavalry.


    The iron in Yuzhou must be provided nearby to those soldiers who are preparing to attack Jingzhou. Naturally, it is impossible to transfer to Jizhou, and wanting to build a large amount of armor and equipment in a short period of time naturally caused a shortage of iron ingots in Jizhou.


    When the people not far away gathered in one place, it seemed that the scene was very grand, but Cao Cao would not tell these Jizhou natives that not all the three or four thousand people in front of him were armed cavalry, at least four of them were cavalry. Three thirds are auxiliary personnel, and the real cavalry is actually only six or seven hundred people.


    In order to build these battle armors equipped with cavalry and horses, almost all the iron ingots on the market in Jizhou were collected. Even if Cao Cao wanted to expand the scale, it was almost impossible. Many things are easy to think about but difficult to do. An armored cavalry unit is not only a problem of armor, but also people and horses, which are all problems...


    Fortunately, at the moment, it looks like it looks a little decent.


    Although these armored cavalry do not have the plate armor structure that is covered with iron armor like a can in later generations, they can be regarded as armor with relatively strong protection at present. First of all, all the cavalry have replaced iron pockets. I know that a large part of the cavalry of the Cao army were similar to the cavalry of the barbarians. They only wore leather hats on their heads, and some even wrapped their heads with scarves. Even generals often did this.


    Although the leather towel is light and breathable, its defensive power is better than nothing. Naturally, it cannot be compared with the iron pocket.


    Secondly, all the original Liangdang armors have been replaced with enhanced versions of Zhajia with neck guards, arm guards and skirts. Liangdang armor is the most common armor for big men nowadays. It is very convenient to make and wear. It consists of two pieces of body armor to cover the chest and back, and is tied with leather straps on the shoulders and sides, making it easy to put on and take off. However, Liangdang armor also has great shortcomings. For example, the neck, arms, ribs, and waist and legs are almost exposed, so if they are cut and stabbed in these areas, it is easy to cause soldiers to be injured. , Can''t fight, this is of course a painful lesson learned after the cavalry of Cao Jun and the hussars fought against each other some time ago.


    Now the improved Zhajia has much better protection ability. The iron pocket and the towering neck guards on both sides can protect the fragile head and neck. The additional shoulder armor can block the arms and arms. Under the body armor are two pieces. The long armor skirt can cover the entire thigh and half of the calf, and underneath are leather boots.


    As for the mounts, they are all specially selected tall horses, otherwise they would not be able to carry such a heavy cavalry, and then covered their bodies with felt, with only four legs exposed.


    In addition, on the front of the horse, there are curtains, chicken necks and breasts, all made of leather and decorated with iron nails.


    Most importantly, all these war horses are equipped with metal shoes.


    Of course, it can be said that the improvement of armor and horseshoes, etc., was actually learned by Cao Cao from Fei Qian, but Cao Cao definitely refused to admit this.


    How can this be said to be pirated? Does your Hussar have the copyright?


    Learning and growing from opponents has always been what Cao Cao is good at...


    When Cao Cao and others ascended the platform, the retinues equipped with cavalry were assisting the knights to put on their armor, at the same time arranging the armor of the horses, and finally helping the cavalry mount their horses. Of course, the equipment of these retinues is relatively simple, basically only leather benches and leather body armor.


    But no one paid attention to those followers, most people''s eyes were attracted by the majestic and majestic cavalry...


    『This full body armor, is it not light? 』


    『No matter how you look at it, it will cost a hundred catties? 』


    "nice! Warriors too! 』


    Cao Cao listened to the twittering sounds behind him. Although there was not much smile on his face, the original solemnity in his eyes relaxed a lot.


    Then look at those cavalrymen in armor who set out their formation, then hold the reins with their left hand to control their mounts, and raise their horses with their right hand at a 45-degree angle. First one of them raised his horse aloft and shouted loudly: "Report to Sikong, everything is ready!" 』


    Cao Cao flicked his sleeves, "Let''s fight!" 』


    The rumbling drums sounded. At first, they were not too eager, and the cavalrymen in armor also moved forward slowly. Then, the sound of heavy horseshoes gradually accelerated with the sound of the drums, and finally became agitated. Countless mud spots and dust rolled under the hooves Flying, the long horse lance shone with icy cold light, and the horse''s hooves fell to the ground, and the sound almost overwhelmed the sound of the drums. Even Cao Cao and others standing on the general platform seemed to be able to feel the wooden platform under their feet. stop trembling...


    In a blink of an eye, the first row of armed cavalry had already charged close to the "enemy formation". Targets and wooden stakes in front of them were stabbed by hundreds of horses, and a large cloud of smoke and dust was stirred up. The nobles stretched their necks to watch, seeing this situation, they couldn''t help cheering loudly, and the atmosphere was full for a while.


    The second and third ranks of the armed cavalry rushed over, and quickly broke through the "enemy formation". After leaving that area, there is only a mess left...


    After watching the exercise, Cao Cao turned his head and asked Yuan Xi: "What do you think of the combat power of this cavalry?" 』


    Yuan Xi couldn''t help shivering slightly, then bowed his head and cupped his hands and said: "Very powerful, worthy of a thousand troops!" 』


    Cao Cao was obviously very satisfied with Yuan Xi''s cooperative attitude, and turned to ask these gentry Haoyou in Jizhou, and then these Jizhou gentry Haoyou also expressed that they had more confidence after watching Cao Cao''s martial arts performance with cavalry. Five pieces or something, climbing the bed, ladder and over the wall without panting for anything...


    Cao Cao beckoned for a few more armored cavalry, and then let these Jizhou nobles Haoyou take a closer look to make sure that these horses and armor were not fooled by bamboo and wood paint, and finally laughed Send these people away.


    Watching Yuan Xi and Jizhou gentry Haoyou and others gradually go away, Cao Cao''s smile gradually disappeared, turned to look at Cao Xiu, and said, "How is it?" 』


    Laymen watch the excitement, and only experts know the way.


    Cao Xiu opened the pocket, only to see the hot sweat rolling down from the top of his head, and the cushions in the pocket were already soaked, "Everyone is heavily armored, and horses are also armored. Force, you cannot fight for a long time...More


    Cao Cao sighed slightly, "Wen Lie meant that it was a waste of words?" If it is really possible to break through thousands of dollars, it will be worth it...」


    Cao Xiu remained silent.


    Cao Cao also looked into the distance, but did not continue to say anything.


    Of course, the disadvantages of equipped cavalry are not limited to these. If they hadn’t learned the horseshoes from the Hussar General, they would have broken a lot of horseshoes on the broken wooden stakes and planks just like this! Coupled with the fact that the Tianxia Racecourse is almost completely controlled by General Hussars, if Cao Cao wants to obtain war horses that can carry equipment, he will not only have to pay more and more expensive prices, but at the same time he cannot ensure a reserve for the replacement of war horses. There is no place to make up!


    These problems make the armored cavalry in front of you impossible to say have no actual combat value, but they are not as easy to use as ordinary soldiers. And troops that cannot be used with peace of mind, no matter how strong their combat effectiveness is, how much value can they be said to have?


    Cao Cao patted Cao Xiu''s arm and said: "These cavalry will be led by Wen Liehaosheng..."


    Cao Xiu responded, then seemed to realize something, and said, "Didn''t Duke Ming take these cavalry to Jingzhou..."


    Cao Cao just smiled and waved his hands when he heard the words.


    Cao Xiu took half a step back and didn''t reply.


    Cao Cao put these cavalry in Qinghe for training. On the one hand, it was because the land of Qinghe was relatively flat and suitable for cavalry training. In the convincing area, there is such a strong cavalry, which is naturally a powerful deterrent to these Jizhou natives.


    As for the land of Jingzhou, the northern part of Jingzhou is still flat and can be used for riding, but if you pass through Nanjun, there are many swamps covered with dense water networks. If you use cavalry, not only the route is single, but also severely restricted by the terrain, so it is not as good as ordinary The infantry is flexible.


    And there is also a very important point. These armored cavalry that cost a lot of money can only be regarded as appearances now. If they are really pulled into the battlefield now, they will be dismantled soon. If they are damaged, Cao Cao There is really no capital to rebuild. To put it simply, Cao Cao''s current economy is already heavily indebted and crumbling.


    After mopping up the iron ingots in Jizhou, it is naturally impossible for Cao Cao to give all the cash, and many are still in debt. Why do you do this? Think back to the time when Qin Shihuang received his weapons and made gold, and then look at Cao Cao''s current situation in Jizhou...


    From a certain point of view, Cao Cao collected the iron ingots on the market in Jizhou and pushed their prices to a high point. On the surface, it seemed to be for the purpose of outfitting cavalry, but in fact there was a secret purpose, which was to make the natives of Jizhou want to The cost of resisting Cao Cao increased to the point that these people could not afford it.


    Then at some point, Cao Cao can also release some iron ingots in batches, on the one hand to maintain this relatively expensive market, on the other hand to earn some price difference...


    This is what Cao Cao learned from Fei Qian. After all, the current price of war horses is already so high that Cao Cao feels like gnashing his teeth every time he buys one.


    A penny is enough to stump a hero!


    Cao Cao planned Jingzhou, the biggest purpose of which was to make up for the economic deficit.


    If Cao Cao is in later generations, he must be a permanent resident on the blacklist of major banks. Because Cao Cao is basically operating in debt, basically tearing down the east wall to make up for the west wall.


    Back then when he entered Yanzhou, he borrowed his troops from Yuan Shao, and then took Yanzhou''s manpower, material and financial resources, and took over Qingzhou. He owed a whole debt and couldn''t pay it back, so he took Xuzhou again, beating Tao Qian up and screaming, seeing The debt was crumbling, and it turned out that Yuan Shu had made a show of arrogance. Cao Cao slapped his thigh and asked the noble family to borrow money to beat Yuan Shu again...


    The money borrowed must be repaid.


    Wars also cost money.


    Cao Cao is like a master of credit card, constantly paying handling fees, while expanding his assets, he also makes himself owe more and more debts. It''s just a pity that Cao Cao has not created any specific new industries or produced any new products to obtain economic growth...


    If there is no one to compare, Cao Cao’s model is actually not a problem, but if the problem is compared with the Hussar General Fei Qian in Guanzhong, Cao Cao can’t help but sigh and have a headache.


    However, what Cao Cao didn''t expect was that his headache was actually just the beginning...


    (end of this chapter)