Chapter 2567 Right and Wrong in the Small World
??Darkness gradually fell, and the Cao Jun camp outside Yuyang City seemed to still be lit up and orderly on the surface, but for some reason, it seemed a bit decadent.
It’s not easy to pick it up, and it’s even harder to put it down.
??It''s like Cao Chun was planning an expedition before, thinking about it, imagining the overall changes, preparing relevant materials, coordinating the deployment of soldiers, etc., gradually turning the entire idea into reality, and then picking it up and setting off for the expedition.
But now it is even more difficult to let go.
Compared with before the expedition, the morale of Cao''s army dropped significantly.
All kinds of chaotic and disorderly thoughts spread in the army. Although the soldiers led by Cao Chun had much better military discipline and order than ordinary civilians in counties and counties, people were still human after all. After the initial enthusiasm subsided, a Entering into a rigid rhythm day after day, and there is no good news coming from everywhere, it will indeed make the mood in the army a little restless.
??The guards on the city wall held torches, swords and guns, and slowly walked around Yuyang City.
Everyone seemed a little listless. Occasionally, they would get together and chat in low voices. They were just guessing when Cao Chun would send out his troops to fight and win victory. However, most of them still had no clue after the discussion. None of them knew what Cao Chun had done before. When will those mentioned victories happen, or whether they will happen or not.
After the discussion, everyone was full of complaints.
?Several soldiers of Cao''s army were gathering together and whispering. I don''t know who was quick enough to see a group of figures surrounding a person walking up the city wall. He hurriedly whispered: "General, patrol the city!" 』
?The soldiers of Cao''s army dispersed in a hurry, then raised their chests and folded their bellies, showing a mighty attitude.
Under the light of the gradually coming torches, Cao Chun was seen walking up to the top of the city. Behind him was his deputy Xia Houshang.
I don’t know whether it’s because the light from the torch is flickering, or because of the angle of observation, but I feel that the complexions of Cao Chun and Xia Houshang are flickering, and they don’t seem to look good.
Cao Chun hesitated.
?The Xianbei Royal Court''s attack meant that the punch that Cao Chun had been saving for a long time hit the empty space.
The destruction of the back camp also meant that the whereabouts of Cao Chun''s troops were exposed and his weaknesses were exposed.
??Cao Chun once wanted to ambush, but failed.
Then rumors spread in Yuyang, Cao Chun was furious, and asked the branch general to lead troops to investigate. Many people were arrested, but the source could not be found, or even if there were some sources, they had been cut off long ago and could not be traced at all. To the critical point.
?Standing on the top of Yuyang City, looking up, except for the nearby lights of the Yuyang City camp, the surroundings seemed somewhat desolate.
Yuyang has been conquered many times and fought for several times. Although it has recovered slightly now, it is still far from its previous heyday. When Liu Yu was in Yuyang, all industries were prosperous. Now it is considered to be good if it can be as good as twenty-three times before. .
??Cao Chun didn''t say anything immediately. He leaned on the crenel and looked out, saying nothing for a long time.
Xia Houshang stood beside Cao Chun and glanced sideways at Cao Chun. He felt that he should say something, but he smacked his lips and seemed to be unable to say anything.
There must be someone in Yuyang who is up to something.
?Catching this ghost will be of some benefit. At least it will ensure peace and stability in Youzhou.
In any case, since the sword is sacrificed, it will be stained with some blood.
How about the resettlement of the people''s supplies? ” asked Cao Chun.
Xiahou Shang replied: "Everything has been arranged." The military provisions and utensils have been put into storage, and some damp items are being re-baked and dried... The civilians have placed them in sheds outside the city, and soldiers are stationed to guard them. 』
Cao Chun nodded, "Thank you for your hard work..."
"How dare you say it''s hard to work for the lord and share the general''s worries..." Xia Houshang''s beautiful words are right, "General... the current strategy is, I wonder what the general has planned?" 』
??Now Cao Jun''s soldiers and horses have been severely weakened. 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 constant victories. I have never heard that an army that has been defeated in every battle can talk about morale and military soul.
If the battle to attack the royal court is won cleanly, then maybe I can take the opportunity to push the morale of Cao''s cavalry even higher. When the time comes, I won''t feel that there is anything too big when I really fight against the hussars. Big question, but now...
what to do?
We must fight again! ” Cao Chun said decisively.
Xiahou Shang 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 commander-in-chief and Xia Houshang is just a deputy general. You need to know that Cao Chun just took this trip in vain, but Xia Houshang himself...
『The general has an order, but please give it! ” Xia Houshang expressed his attitude clearly. Xiahou Shang also needs a bit of real brilliance, rather than playing some tricks that others can see through.
"I feel that both of us seem to have overlooked an issue..." 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 to make any excuse for myself, but It’s a fact that I didn’t notice... there were actually some insects crawling around under our feet..."
"The general said..." Xia Houshang frowned, thought for a moment, and then said, "A traitor?" But the general searched around Yuyang before and didn''t find any clues? 』
??Cao Chun nodded and said: "It''s true that I didn''t find anything around...and then..."
??Cao Chun raised his hand and patted the battlement, "Aren''t you surprised how the men and horses 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..."
That’s right. I guess where these thieves are hiding..." Cao Chun smiled, "So, I want to lure these insects out..."
…d(·｀ω·d*)…
?The night is dark, and in Jixian County, not far from Yuyang, everything seems to be as usual, quiet and peaceful.
?At the corner gate of Zuwu''s courtyard, in the dim shadow, someone seemed to be huddled, waiting for something.
I seemed to hear the sound of the third watch in the distance, and suddenly a dark figure appeared at the end of the roadside alley.
??With the appearance of the black shadow, the corner door opened gently.
It seems that some grease has been poured on the hinge, so that when the corner door is opened, it is almost silent, with only a small squeaking sound, like a mouse 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 was also a little scared, because there would be new troubles next.
??If we talk about soldiers or force, although Zuwu has the character "武" in his name, it has nothing to do with force at all. Likewise, it''s like Cao Chun''s Cao, er, the character "Chun".
Hide in the dark and control, this feeling of being the master behind the scenes is actually a bit addictive to Zu Wu.
It''s like gambling.
Gambling makes people confused and greedy, but many people are obsessed with gambling because of the nervousness and pleasure of profit during the gambling process, which secretes a large amount of dopamine in the brain in a short period of time. , just like smoking DU.
?When you win the bet, you seem to have made a profit. If you lose the bet, you just want to make up your money, but you don’t know that as long as you go to the gambling table, only the banker will win.
?The sound of stepping on the wooden floor was heard.
?The servant whispered in the hall: "Master, here you are with your husband." 』
Please, please! ” Zu Wu stood up and then greeted He Cheng.
He Cheng was about to bow his hands to Zu Wu, but was suddenly stopped by Zu Wu, "Brother He is too polite. We are doing this for the Han people and the people of Youzhou, why do you need to do this false courtesy?" Come, come, no need to be polite, please come in quickly. 』
He Cheng nodded, no longer being formal, and entered the hall together.
Zu Wu waved his servant to retreat, stroked his beard slightly, and said: "I have received the news that the Sima family in Hanoi is in trouble..." "What?" ! He Cheng''s eyes widened, "When did it happen?" 』
He Cheng asked, but his heart couldn''t help but jump. He didn''t receive this message!
what does that mean? ! You must know that Hanoi is quite far away from Jixian. Could it be that Zu Wu has any special news channels? The slight discomfort caused by the leakage in the dark disappeared at this moment.
The earlier you get the news, the earlier you can make corresponding preparations.
?Zu Wu stroked his beard and told in general the events related to the Sima family in Hanoi. After all, they can''t see it with their own eyes, and they can only have a rough understanding of it from personal experience.
After finishing speaking, He Cheng fell silent, and Zu Wu did not continue to speak. There was silence inside and outside the hall, and only the sound of the howling wind was heard on the roof and passing between the corridors.
??Whether Sima was arrested by Le Jin or there was a misunderstanding, it reflected a not-so-good reality.
?From Jizhou, to Yingchuan, and then to Hanoi, this series of Cao political groups became increasingly tough in their attitudes and methods against local gentry and rural right-wingers. This is traceable and also obvious.
?What about Youzhou?
He Cheng swallowed his saliva slightly and said with some reluctance: "The Cao family is just looking for money. If it doesn''t work... it''s better to let it go... These days, I have made a lot of money..."
"Haha, is Brother He just trying this?" Zu Wu said in a deep voice. "Could it be that Sima didn''t have this intention?" If this was the intention, why did it cause another military disaster? 』
He Cheng fell silent.
Hanoi Sima is their superior.
Of course, Zu Wu and Cheng’s superior family is not only Sima in Hanoi, but the Sima family’s war horse resources are undoubtedly the best, and now, something happened to their superior family...
Neither Zu Wu nor Zu Wu expected that something could happen in Hanoi!
??Moreover, this action seems to be irreconcilable, and the situation has taken a turn for the worse!
??Although there are some hidden private soldiers, rangers and desperadoes under Zuwu and Cheng, these people can do some small tricks on weekdays, but if they really encounter a large army head-on, they will basically die.
"Well..." He Cheng sighed deeply, "Now that the matter has come to this, what should we do?" 』
??Zu Wu''s face was a little gloomy under the weak light, "Now we have to see whether Mr. Cao wants to take action in Youzhou..."
He Cheng took a breath and suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest and abdomen, "You mean..."
“I don’t know, but since you have taken action in Hanoi, is it possible that you will show mercy in Youzhou?” If Mr. Cao really makes any moves..." Zu Wu said in a deep voice, "Brother He, it''s time to make a decision by then! 』
…" He Cheng''s eyes widened and he was speechless for a while.
…￣□￣｜｜…
In the north of Jixian County, Taiping Station.
??The post station originally had no serious name, but after the postmaster Zu Qilang came, he changed the name.
Because Youzhou is under a huge threat, there are not only Cao''s elite soldiers in Youzhou, but also some local guards from counties and counties in Youzhou, using the villagers to guard the country as a subsidy for the elite Cao army. Assist.
This policy was originally excellent.
In other words, most policies are good from the beginning, but then they become deformed as they are used, and then are magically transformed in various ways. In the later stage, even the inventors of the policies are used in ways that were unexpected. Emerging unscrupulously.
These supplements to the elite soldiers of Cao''s army are called soldiers, but in fact there is not much training at all. Cao Chun focused on the cavalry and did not bother to pay attention to these county infantry in the countryside. When it comes to the following, it becomes a confusing matter how many names the county soldiers have in each county, how many people are on the roll, and how much the monthly military salary is.
In any case, the expenses of the county soldiers are the responsibility of the counties themselves and cannot be spent on Cao Chun. At first, Cao Chun would occasionally check the accounts. When things became more and more complicated, and faced with the increasing pressure from the Northern Territory Protectorate, Cao Chun no longer bothered to check the accounts, and these county soldiers Nature becomes more and more rotten.
??The weapon is broken, so you can chip a stick to top it. The armor is broken...well, there is no armor at all. The robes and other items seemed to have been thought of, or were knitted on site. The application report has been typed up, and a new one may not be issued after half a year...
However, among the entire county and military system, there are still some that are maintained well.
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 get along better is unspeakable.
However, in the past two years, Cao Chun repeatedly mobilized Youzhou''s money and food to develop cavalry, and all the resources were tilted toward the military. As a result, some of these county soldiers had not seen military pay for a long time, and occasionally they were severely short of food and clothing. When the commotion broke out, the counties and counties dragged some old grain from the warehouses to offset the trouble.
The Taiping Station in the north of Jixian County is relatively large, and its location is relatively important. It is an important node on the official road between Jixian County and Yuyang. People traveling from north to south, regardless of whether they are businessmen or officials, will settle here. Rest and then continue the journey.
Inns can be big or small. A small inn only has two or three houses, but a large inn is like a small town. In addition to inns and restaurants, there may also be large car shops, carriage shops, and even small markets. , the surrounding villagers gathered to purchase and trade...
??Now, with Taipingyi as the center, there are more or less two to three hundred households in the surrounding areas, and there are also some cultivated acres. However, the land is now frozen solid and has not been cultivated or cultivated.
Today is not a market day, the cold wind is howling, there are basically no merchants, and the people don''t go out for less than 40 million, so the Taiping Station looks deserted.
On a dirt road that runs through Taipingyi, there are only a few idle men leaning against the wall to bask in the sun. There are only a few shops open along the street. There were only one or two big bone soup shops, and the small shops selling steamed cakes still managed to stay open. Basically, they were waiting for the people in the post station to come to eat, and they were not willing to bother to shout.
Zu Qilang touched his beard, thinking that after walking around for a while, he would go and have a bowl of bone soup with a pancake, which would be more or less a meal. He was in his forties and had almost no room to climb up. I hope I can save more money in this position so that the future of the boy in the family will not be as bumpy as his.
?However, when he thinks about this matter, he always feels a little irritated.
When he was young, the land of Youzhou was invaded by barbarians basically every year, which made it miserable. Everyone was holding back their anger, knowing that they could live a good life only after beating away the barbarians, so they gritted their teeth at that time and were not afraid even if they faced death.
Behind him are his wife, children, and children. When the enemy comes, if his elders can’t go up, how can he let his ladies do it?
Then, what now?
?Now the Hu people are gone, well, it can’t be said that they are gone. Anyway, there are no Hu people coming to Youzhou now, but they still have a hard time!
What is this thing called?
?Zu Qilang couldn''t understand.
I am old. It’s fine that I can’t open my eyes or kick my legs for a day, but my sons, daughters, grandchildren, and grandchildren still have a lot of time. If I don’t have anything to look forward to, how can I live?
The more I think about this, the more troubled I become.
Zu Qilang thought about it for a long time and had no idea. He couldn''t figure out why this was happening. In the end, he had to shake his head, coughed, put his hands behind his back, and prepared to go to the big bone soup restaurant.
?At this moment, I heard the sound of horse hooves coming from the north.
??It is also accompanied by the crisp sound of the bell ringing!
Zu Qilang was stunned for a moment, something deep seemed to be stirred up in his mind, and he immediately shouted: "Eight hundred miles, hurry up!" Get out of here! Get your horses ready! Warm water! Are the breads soft? quick! Hurry! 』
Suddenly, several people rushed out of the inn, and there was a lot of excitement.
A moment later, the messenger cavalry rushing from a distance rushed to the inn.
"quick! Help him down! Warm water! Pancakes! Bring it here! Massage your legs to stimulate blood circulation! Zu Qilang roared, then turned his head and shouted back, "Er Gouzi!" Are the transfer horses ready? 』
?Someone over there shouted, hurry up, hurry up.
The messenger cavalry didn''t say much. He rinsed his mouth and spit out the dust. Then he almost spread his legs and let others massage him. Then, while preparing his horse, he ate the bread that was handed to him, and Swallow it with warm water.
The pancake was less than half eaten. When the cavalrymen saw the transfer horses being brought out from the backyard, they threw away the pancake and water bag without hesitation, struggled to get up, and then climbed up with the help of others. He changed horses, nodded slightly towards Zu Qilang, and galloped away again.
The sound of horse hooves and the rapid ringing of bells.
“Seventh Master...this is it. Could it be that the barbarians are here again?” 』
"I don''t know... I feel a little strange..." Zu Qilang frowned, "You can go and report a message to the head of the family after noon..."
(End of this chapter)