Chapter 3312 Undercurrent is surging, two sentences and one word


    "What? ! ” Cao Pi patted the table, “What do you mean you can’t find it?” Can this bandit army go to heaven? ! 』


    After dawn, Yecheng seemed to wake up from the nightmare, and then entered a new nightmare.


    The traces of Wei Yanjun disappeared twenty or thirty miles outside the city!


    Cao Pi stared.


    But not only ordinary soldiers said this, but also Cao''s guards said this, but it made Cao Pi feel like he had taken a bite of Ollie and couldn''t swallow it, and he couldn''t spit it out.


    Wu Zhi watched from the side, scanning the faces of several generals, and felt a little concerned.


    Cao Pi''s position as the current crown prince has been shaken.


    Although Cao Pi was not injured, and the damage in Ye City was not serious. The only severely damaged area was the workshop, but everyone''s attitude towards Cao Pi had obviously changed quietly.


    no way.


    have no idea.


    never seen it.


    Not sure.


    Waiting like this has become the best excuse for subordinates to deal with it.


    In fact, the words reported by these subordinates also showed a certain meaning. It''s like saying that there is no trace of Wei Yan and others. Wu Zhi believes that this is not a lie, but if it is true, there is no way to find it? Obviously not, but Cao Pi was asked to stand up and point out the direction.


    Because Cao Pi is a "leader", when his subordinates encounter "difficulties", he must have a clear direction. He cannot be vague, nor can he say that he has no goals at all, and let his subordinates explore at will.


    Wei Yan''s traces disappeared. Someone must have helped eliminate the traces. There are many ways, the simplest one is vehicles...


    But this involves more and bigger problems.


    Therefore, it is normal for the soldiers to "not be found".


    And Cao Pi obviously hasn''t woken up yet...


    Of course, it can also be said that Cao Pi is still young now, but who made him the heir apparent?


    As a child of an ordinary family, at this age, Cao Pi may not understand strategies and relationships, or he may not be good at anything, just drifting with the crowd and just living day by day, but he is the heir apparent.


    There was a lot of commotion last night, and Cao Pi''s shortcomings were fully exposed.


    When it comes to strategy, strategy is insufficient and quick wit is insufficient.


    When it comes to martial prowess, he lacks blood and martial arts.


    Now that there is a problem, the most important thing is to solve the problem first, how to solve the problem inside the city, and how to deal with the problem outside the city, instead of focusing on the trace of Wei Yan...


    Now there is even a problem with decision-making...


    Wu Zhi was really too lazy to speak.


    However, the person who "rescued" Cao Pi came.


    "Mrs. Bian is here!" 』


    Outside the courtyard, an attendant shouted loudly.


    Cao Pi was stunned for a moment, his face showed some embarrassment and helplessness, and he was a little bit embarrassed that his parents caught him playing with his mobile phone and tablet, but in the end he lowered his head obediently and walked out the door...


    …


    …


    The afterglow of dusk fell on Cao Jun''s camp.


    A bright red wound seemed to open on the horizon, and the flowing blood soaked in the tents and people in the camp.


    This color has a pale golden color, like the mottled appearance of a god''s statue after fading.


    There were problems at Cao Pi''s place, and there were also problems here at Cao Jun''s camp.


    On the surface, nothing seems to have changed. The soldiers in the camp are still busy. Their figures are in a hurry, constantly shuttling between various areas. Whether carrying food and grass, or cleaning weapons, everyone is preparing for the upcoming battle.


    But if you observe carefully, you will find that there is more or less confusion on their faces...


    As the setting sun sinks into the mountains little by little, night gradually envelopes the camp.


    The light of bonfires and torches gradually formed a contrast between movement and stillness in the starry sky.


    The false flag of righteousness will eventually hang low, and the oath that is not true will pale in the face of reality.


    Before the war started, it was for the righteousness of the world, for the peace of the world, for the glorious Han Dynasty, and for the emperor to conquer all directions...


    Anyway, why is the awesome Plus coming? But now, the confusion and helplessness gradually revealed by Cao Jun''s soldiers are not only because of the upcoming battle, but also due to the unknown of the outcome of the war, the fragility of life, and the Missing hometown. These soldiers, wearing armor and holding sharp swords, were supposed to carry the honor of the country and the expectations of their families, and then became more determined. However, they suddenly discovered that some things were not as advertised in Shandong when they went to war. That way.


    Lies are lies after all.


    No matter how beautiful and clever the lie is, it will eventually be exposed one day.


    And the more elaborate the lie, the uglier it becomes when exposed.


    It''s fine during the day, but at night, the camp inevitably reveals its fragility beneath the surface.


    Cao Cao''s military academies and generals were more or less aware of this atmosphere. They walked in the military camp and tried to boost the morale of Cao Cao''s soldiers with firm words and inspiring speeches as much as possible. But it’s a sentiment that only time and victory can truly dispel…


    And time and victory happen to be what Cao Jun lacks most at the moment.


    So Lao Cao has a headache.


    But soon, news that would give him even more headaches, even distress, would come one after another...


    The Han hussar general was obviously bullying the prime minister''s short legs, but Cao Cheng was helpless about the matter.


    Therefore, in this quiet and tense atmosphere these days, Lao Cao tried his best to think about and deduce every detail of the decisive battle and the turning point of every decision. How to use limited resources and troops to deploy the most perfect strategy to deal with various possible variables. Every possible attack route and every enemy deployment must have a clear image and countermeasures in his mind, so as not to be confused and exhausted when the time comes.


    In terms of military affairs, Cao Cao is undoubtedly very capable in this area. He not only has a keen insight into intelligence, but also has an accurate grasp of timing.


    But he also has things that he can never penetrate and grasp...


    Time seemed to freeze in this intensive thinking, until a slight wind blew a corner of the tent, slowly bringing Cao Cao back to reality from his meditation.


    The sound of rapid footsteps came, and Cao Cao raised his head slightly.


    The soldiers on duty outside the big tent reported in a low voice, "There are people coming from Zhongtiao Mountain. There is an urgent military situation." 』


    Cao Cao''s expression changed under the oil lamp, and then gradually calmed down, "Pass." 』


    Looking at the pale-faced Zhongtiao Mountain messenger, Cao Cao''s cheeks suddenly trembled, and an ominous premonition suddenly surged in his heart. His expression looked slightly nervous and solemn, as if he had foreseen the coming bad news.


    He slowly stretched out his arm and took the sealed report from the guard.


    The surface of the sealed bamboo tube was somewhat rough, and the fire paint even spread to the bamboo tube, so that under the light, it looked like a pool of semi-solidified blood flowing down the bamboo tube.


    At this moment, the air in the entire tent seemed to freeze, and the passage of time became extremely slow.


    Cao Cao looked at the bamboo tube in his hand steadily. In his heart, he seemed extremely reluctant to open this urgent report.


    He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the fluctuations in his heart, then broke the fire paint seal, took out the towel, and slowly unfolded it.


    As the scarf was fully unfolded, a few lines of handwriting came into Cao Cao''s eyes.


    Every word is clear and cold.


    It was like a needle pricking into Cao Cao''s pupils, and like a heavy hammer hitting his heart.


    Guo Jia, his most trusted advisor, has died due to illness.


    Cao Cao''s hands couldn''t help but tremble.


    He lowered his head deeply, and the veins on the back of his hands twisted and squirmed in the shadow of the lamp, like greedy insects gnawing on something.


    Fengxiao finally left.


    As early as a few days ago, Cao Cao seemed to have had this premonition. After receiving the report from Lu Chang that Guo Jia was seriously ill, he hurriedly sent people to greet him. However, these slightly pale greetings could not dispel the illness. Nor can it change fate.


    The Zhongtiao Mountain messenger who bowed his head and fell to the ground seemed to feel this suppressed terror and couldn''t help but tremble slightly.


    Cao Cao raised his head, with a crazy and bloodthirsty look in his eyes.


    At this moment, the guard on the side trembled in his heart, and immediately put his hand on the handle of the knife.


    As long as Cao Cao gave the order, he would directly drag the unfortunate messenger down and kill him with a knife.


    Cao Cao''s eyes fell on the ordering soldier, and he saw the ash-covered Douchi and the armor on his body under the light. When the order came to his lips, he waved around, "Take him down... and keep a close watch on him." ” The guards were a little surprised, but they quickly followed Cao Cao’s order and took the messenger down who kowtowed in thanks.


    The words on the scarf penetrated Cao Cao''s defense like sharp swords and hit the softest place in his heart, but Cao Cao still maintained his strength.


    Guo Jia''s departure meant that Cao Cao not only lost a think tank, but also lost a comrade and close friend for many years. The time they spent together, the hardships they experienced together, and the countless strategies they planned together all turned into nothing at this moment.


    The attendants were ordered to exit the tent, leaving Cao Cao to face this sudden blow alone.


    Cao Cao looked at the empty tent, and it seemed that only at this moment, he felt the painful loneliness, as if it was bone-piercing.


    In this Han world, Guo Jia is the only one who truly "understands" Cao Cao...


    Even Xun Yu didn''t "understand" it.


    It was late at night, and the flickering light of the oil lamp cast Cao Cao''s long shadow, which was reflected on the thick military map.


    On the military map, every ink mark is like a scar.


    He stared at the sign that represented the hussars.


    Cao Cao slowly slid his fingers on the military map. Although his movements were gentle, every move seemed to carry a huge weight. He is not fighting for Shandong, or rather, not all for Shandong. Before, it was for himself, to win. Now I have added another emotion, and I also want to win.


    The path chosen is different...


    His path, Guo Jia''s path, and Qiusi''s path.


    It''s always different.


    Only by winning can we prove that we and Guo Jia are on the right path.


    He slowly walked outside the tent and opened the door curtain. A cold wind rushed in front of him, wrapping around his clothes and making a sound.


    "Prime Minister..."


    The guards outside the big tent hurriedly paid their respects.


    Cao Cao waved his hand to signal them to retreat, and then did not go far. He just stood outside the tent and looked up at the stars.


    In the vast night sky, stars are dotted, shining with cold and distant light.


    Cao Cao''s eyes roamed the galaxy, as if looking for the meteor that disappeared at that moment. Under the starlight in the sky, he longed to find that familiar soul, a little more light of hope in the night.


    However, the vastness and silence of the starry sky only made him feel more intense loneliness and loss.


    The night wind howled, blowing up the banners on the banner and sweeping through every corner of the military camp, but it could not blow away the sorrow and pain that enveloped Cao Cao''s heart.


    After a while, Cao Cao exhaled a long breath, and the pain in his eyes gradually faded away, and he regained his usual perseverance and determination.


    He knew that he was not qualified to continue to be sad.


    He turned around and returned to the big tent. After pondering for a moment, he picked up his pen and issued an order to strengthen the security of the camp.


    Guo Jia''s affairs cannot be reported for the time being.


    "Someone is coming!" 』


    After all, Cao Cao couldn''t hold back and ordered the unfortunate messenger to be killed.


    After all, only the dead can keep secrets.


    Even if this secret is only temporary, for the sake of the overall situation, the sacrifice of individual people is naturally inevitable.


    After turning around, just give the soldier double the pension.


    After Cao Cao waited for the attendant to leave, he picked up the scarf again and looked at each word carefully, trying to figure out the two sentences and one word that Guo Jia left before his death.


    "Hushi, similar to Qin?" 』


    Cao Cao murmured and repeated.


    It is almost obvious that Qiusi now has the power of the former Qin Dynasty. Why does Guo Jia emphasize it again? The hussars sit in Guanzhong, herd horses to the north, and control Sichuan and Shu. They are almost as cruel as the Qin Dynasty, no, even more ferocious than the Qin Dynasty...


    etc!


    Cao Cao suddenly frowned and muttered these four words back and forth several times, then patted the table gently, "I see, you are like Qin Ye!" The hussar is more like Qin than Qin! 』


    Originally, most people in Shandong thought that the Hussar was a replica of the former Qin Dynasty, with tiger and wolf divisions, and so on. As a result, Guo Jia said that the Hussar was just "similar" to the Qin Dynasty, not a descendant of the Qin Dynasty. Simply repeat.


    Qin, as a powerful country in history, is famous for its unique political system, military power and cultural characteristics. The Qin Dynasty also left such a deep impression on the land of Shandong that when talking about Qin, the color changes. But Guo Jia said that the Piusi was just a "type", which meant that the Piusi was indeed similar to the former Qin in some aspects, perhaps in terms of governance methods, organizational structure, or external expansion strategies. However, Guo Jia may have wanted to express that despite these similarities with the Pre-Qin Dynasty, the Hussar was different from the Pre-Qin Dynasty in essence, origin or other key aspects.


    This was originally a huge thinking trap.


    It was only at this moment that Cao Cao finally understood that their strategic direction before the war ended up being seriously deviated because of this thinking trap. In the past, in Shandong, because of the slander and habitual criticism of the Husband, whether it was official or private, there was always a kind of harsh government in Guanzhong, and the people under the Husband lived under The feeling of being in dire straits.


    This kind of statement has been made so often that even the author of the original statement believed it...


    So even when Cao Cao marched into Hedong, he felt that the noble people in Hedong would immediately welcome the king''s army, bring order to the chaos, abandon the darkness and turn to the light. He stood beside the official road with tears in his eyes, waving small flags, and shouted, "Dear relatives." , finally here ah ah ah ah..."


    The result was a slap in the face.


    The reason is that the Hussar is just a "type", and after all, it is either a replica of the Qin Dynasty.


    Therefore, if you still regard Hussar as the former Qin, and use the means and methods used to deal with the former Qin to deal with things, then it will inevitably be like the current land of Hedong, making the whole situation specious, neither up nor down.


    This is not to say that Cao Cao is stupid, nor is it that Guo Jia is stupid, but it is a pitfall in his thinking.


    It''s like saying that China is rich and prosperous and that the dynasty is a kingdom above heaven. At the beginning, it may be to inspire people and unite morale, but in the end, after talking too much, they really think that China is rich and a kingdom above heaven, and then it is finally dismissed. When people were pushed to the ground and monkeys, chickens, dogs, pigs and cows came up to kick them, the people''s morale was so low that they could not be completely recovered for a hundred years.


    So since Qiusi is not the "Pre-Qin", then naturally he cannot use the method of "anti-Qin", so what should be done?


    Guo Jia gave the second sentence.


    "Victory or defeat lies not on the outside, but on the inside." 』


    Cao Cao took a deep breath and frowned.


    He realized that Guo Jia might have thought about these two sentences for a long time, but never said them.


    Maybe it was difficult to say, or maybe there were other reasons why I didn''t say it until my dying moment.


    This sentence seems to be talking about how to deal with Hussar, but if you think about it, can it also be used as the best summary of Cao Cao''s current situation?


    Yes, Cao Cao had a premonition that he would lose, but he had been unwilling to face it before, let alone admit it. Now that Guo Jia is on his deathbed, he speaks out bluntly.


    However, if it is just a summary, it would be to underestimate Guo Jia.


    Does Guo Jia mean...


    Cao Cao frowned.


    His original plan was actually discussed with Guo Jia.


    Cao Cao wanted to eliminate some of the population pressure in Shandong. Because Shandong is currently experiencing a severe drought, and a large number of laborers have been mobilized before, drought is inevitable. Properly reducing the population and reducing the pressure on food and grass can make the court less embarrassing.


    This is one of the benefits. On the other hand, Cao Cao believes that the people in Shandong have never withstood relatively large external threats. Most of the time, he is resisting the pressure. Now the pressure should be distributed to the people in Shandong behind. People are here...


    In addition, there is a hidden factor, which is to bury human lives in the hands of Fei Qian, and then as long as the publicity is appropriate, the people of Shandong can hate Fei Qian just like the people of Xuzhou hate Cao Cao.


    But now it seems that these problems are all "external" means.


    So, if it is a real internal tactic, what is it?


    Cao Cao focused on the last word Guo Jia said, "Heaven".


    "Heaven" what?


    weather?


    What time?


    The world?


    world?


    Emperor?


    Angel?


    Natural disaster?


    sky…


    There are so many possibilities.


    As he was thinking about it, Cao Cao''s brow suddenly jumped.


    Cao Cao suddenly thought of something.