The Wu army's change of generals at the last battle made Cao Cao realize that his situation was not good and his future was worrying.

Changing generals at the last stage is a taboo in military strategists. They usually don’t do this unless they are absolutely certain. Sun Ce clearly has the confidence to win, and uses him as a sharpening stone for sharpening the sword to temper the generals.

Motianling became a martial arts field for the generals of the Central Army, just like the entire Yizhou was a martial arts field for the left and right archers and several great commanders.

Nearly 200,000 troops besieged from three sides, which clearly meant to bully others and crush Yizhou with the strength of the 12 states in the world. Although Sun Ce was under pressure and had to face a lot of criticism, compared to him, Sun Ce was only under pressure.

Not to mention the twelve states in the world, Jingzhou alone is enough to crush Yizhou. The Jingzhou family could not support it, and Sun Ce could still let Yuzhou and Yangzhou share part of it, but he could not find more people to provide money, grain and materials, only so many now.

If the problem cannot be solved in the short term, he will definitely be the one who cannot support it first, not Sun Ce.

Fa Zheng also found it incredible, and even felt a little angry.

If it is true as Cao Cao was worried, it can only explain one problem: from the beginning, he misjudged the strength of both sides. Sun Ce used his misjudgment to easily defeat Wu County and directly pushed the front line to Motianling, leaving them with no way to retreat.

If it weren't for intention to lure the enemy and drag Sun Ce, Wuxian and Niumaling to be lost so easily.

If Wu County is in hand, the situation will be much more beneficial to the Shu army.

Unfortunately, there is no if.

When Fa Zheng thought of this, he had a strong impulse to vomit blood.

At this moment, Liao Li came to Motianling and brought news. Sun Ce was under a lot of pressure and decided to resolve Yizhou within half a year. If the goal cannot be achieved, stop the attack and temporarily quit.

Upon hearing this news, Cao Cao and Fa Zheng were still a little suspicious at first, whether it was Sun Ce who set up a suspicion. After all, Liao Li had been exposed, and Sun Quan returned to Changsha due to injury. Liao Li could not find out the secret. He either heard of it or Sun Ce deliberately spread false news through him.

Soon, Xin Ping and Qin Mi also sent news that the Jingchu clans gathered in Yuelu Academy and were also discussing this issue. Although it has not been decided whether it is half a year or a year, it will definitely not be long. From various signs, the possibility of half a year is relatively high.

The reason for this is that the Wu army's military system is different from the past, and the expenses are too large. Whether it is military or military pay, or the resettlement of family members, the standards of the Wu army are by no means comparable to those of the Shu army. The expenditure of a Wu army soldier is several times that of the Shu army. The annual expenditure of a 200,000 army is close to 40 billion, which has exceeded the annual income and will definitely not be supported for too long.

In other words, the reason why the Wu army is strong in combat is that every Wu army soldier with money.

Cao Cao and Fa Zheng have a deep understanding of this. Not to mention anything else, every arrow shot by the Wu army is better than the Shu army and more expensive than the Shu army, so it is all money.

Cao Cao and Fa Zheng repeatedly weighed the pros and consented to several important generals, and finally decided to hold on. Although the pressure in Yizhou is high, it can still be supported in half a year. If Sun Ce forcefully retreats his troops in half a year, he will soon be able to usher in the autumn harvest, and Yizhou will be able to breathe through this breath.

Of course, it would be better if we could take the initiative to defeat Sun Ce or even severely damage Sun Ce.

This idea circling in the hearts of many people, but no one said it. After all, the battle for more than a month is right in front of us. The Wu army's attack was too sharp, and they defended too hard, and they had no power to fight back. In this case, if someone is so confident that he can take the initiative and defeat the Wu army, he will only be laughed at by others.

Cao Cao also tried to fight back, but he gave up quickly. First, the Wu army was very cautious and would not be fooled easily; second, the Wu army reacted very quickly. Once it found that the situation was wrong, it either retreated immediately or summoned reinforcements, leaving the Shu army with very limited time.

In a word, the gap between the two sides is too obvious. Apart from relying on geographical advantages to persevere, there is no better way, and making mistakes will only endure.

The moon shines on the mountains.

The position was quiet, and the positions of both sides were very close. In some places, you could even hear each other talking. There were no one knowing how many strong bows and crossbows were like beasts with bloody mouths, waiting for a fatal blow.

"It's not the most dangerous time." Fa Zheng pointed at the fire lights in the distance. "In the second half of the night, the Wu army would touch the camp, and sometimes they would even attack the positions, or scare us. There were several mountains and we were just frightened by them and gave up."

Fa Zheng said, squeezing his eyes hard. The battle for more than a month made him look haggard, his cheeks sink, and his hoarse voice was erratic by the night wind. The originally integrated brocade clothes were much looser and softly sounded.

Liao Li turned to look at Fa Zheng and couldn't help but think of Guo Jia. Fa Zheng always regarded Guo Jia as his opponent, but he didn't know at all that they were really unequal. While Fa Zheng was struggling to persevere, Guo Jia was as relaxed as if he was on vacation.

He doesn't even come to the front line, just listen to reports at the camp every day.

Fa Zheng’s opponent is Zhang Xuan.

In terms of personal abilities, Zhang Xuan is definitely not as good as Fa Zheng. But Zhang Xuan is not alone. He has a staff team that includes at least three military officers. He doesn't need to do many trivial matters by himself, just concentrate on handling military affairs.

"Sacrifice, you should pay attention to rest, your health is important."

Fa Zheng slowly turned his head, looked at Liao Li, and pulled the corner of his mouth. "Can I rest?"

Liao Li wanted to speak but stopped and sighed. He really didn't know how to persuade Fazheng.

"Gong Yuan, when did Sun Ce know about you?"

Liao Li smiled bitterly and remained silent for a moment. "When Sun Quan made a statement, Liu Ye smelled Liu Zichu's smell and became alert. Guo Jia sent someone to check the people who had contacted Sun Quan and soon knew my existence." Liao Li frowned, recalling the second conversation with Sun Ce, and felt something was wrong in his heart, but he couldn't say why.

Fa Zheng took a breath and slowly vomited it out after a while. "So that's it, I was negligent." He then asked again: "Where is Liu Ye now?"

"Qutang Gorge, Navy Camp."

"Navalent Camp?" Fa Zheng was shocked. "Are you sure?"

"It's basically certain."

Fa Zheng frowned, his heart seemed to be suddenly grabbed by someone, and he didn't say a word for a while. The general of the Navy in the Central Army of Wu was Mi Fang and the military advisor was Chen Jiao, who had always cooperated tacitly. Logically speaking, there was no need to send another military advisor to assist in the battle. Now Sun Ce has not only sent people, but also sent Liu Ye, who is a servant, which shows that he has made a big move, and it is definitely not as simple as restraining his troops.

Almost immediately he thought of Liu Ye’s real task: to coordinate the Central Navy with the Left General Lu Fan, and the Later General Zhang Yan’s troops. Lu Fan, and Zhang Yan had already arrived at the upper reaches of the Yishui River. With the help of the navy, they could cross the Yangtze River and attack Chisau City.

He instinctively wanted to doubt the accuracy of the news, but he knew very well that Sun Ce had no need to lie to him, it was completely possible.

Lu Fan and Zhang Yan led more than 10,000 troops to go up the Yi River, of course not to appreciate the scenery.

Fa Zheng was in a splitting headache. As expected, Cao Cao could not find a counselor who could face Liu Ye.

Fa Zhengqiang asked again, "What are Gongyuan's plans?"

Liao Li sighed. "I don't know, let's go around first and wait until the war is over."

Fa Zheng didn't say anything. In the current situation, who could trust a failed spy? He didn't believe it, otherwise he wouldn't have used Liao Li to say this. Cao Cao urgently needed people, and Liao Li was a rare counselor. Compared with others, Liao Li had a clear advantage. He had been with Sun Quan for a long time and was familiar with the combat methods of the Wu army.

But who can trust him?

Fa Zheng was not patient and talked in detail with Liao Li. Seeing that Liao Li took the initiative to ask for a retreat, he agreed and agreed to give Liao Li some money and ask him to go back to Chengdu first and wait for news. If Sun Ce fails to conquer Yizhou in half a year, he might have a time to use him.

Liao Li nodded and agreed. When he left Wuying, he estimated that this result was achieved.

And this is what Sun Ce hopes he will do.

Fa Zheng returned to the Central Army camp and sat in the tent for a long time. He thought about what Liao Li said several times, and gradually became a little doubtful.

Sun Quan was injured and disabled, and had some connection with Liao Li. Since Sun Ce had seen through Liao Li's identity, even if he didn't kill Liao Li, how could he let him go so easily?

There must be something strange about this.

Fa Zheng wanted to find Liao Li immediately, but then he thought about it and felt that it was unnecessary. Now he went to find Liao Li, but Liao Li would not say anything. Instead, it would be better to use the tricks to see what tricks he could do.

Fa Zheng called two sects to ask them to escort Liao Li back to Chengdu tomorrow, and then stay in Chengdu to monitor Liao Li and see what he did.

The servant went out. Fa Zheng sat for a while, got up and picked up some military newspapers he had just received today, and came to Cao Cao's tent.

Cao Cao was looking at the map in the tent, holding a pen in one hand and a wine glass in the other. Seeing Fa Zheng coming in, he just raised his head and pointed to the seat opposite. Fa Zheng bowed, fell down, pushed the military newspaper in his hand to Cao Cao, and glanced at the map on the desk.

This is a map of Yizhou. There are several red circles around Yizhou. It is the battlefield where war has begun or is about to begin, and it looks shocking.

"The king is in a stable and calm manner, and I am ashamed of myself."

Cao Cao raised his eyelids and looked at Fa Zheng. A smile flashed in the corner of his mouth. He put down his pen and reached out to dial the military newspaper on the case. "Is there any good news?"

Fa Zheng reached out and took out a letter. "Hu Du led his troops to fight back, win a small victory, beheaded several levels." Another letter was taken out. "Zhang Ren led his troops to attack and captured another ridge, forcing him to retreat. Lou Gui is about to."

Cao Cao nodded. "At last, there is something to make you happy. Xiaozhi, you are too tired, drink some wine and have a break early."

"Thank you," Fa Zheng poured himself a glass of wine, held it in his palm, but did not drink it. He still had some serious matters to say, and he had to keep his mind clear. These days, he was too tired and his alcohol content was greatly reduced. If he drank a little, he would get drunk.

"Is there anything else?" Cao Cao glanced at Fa Zheng and said with a smile.

"I just talked to Liao Li."

"oh?"

"He is a little discouraged. I plan to let him go back to Chengdu to rest for a while." Fa Zheng roughly said the story of his conversation with Liao Li, and said: "I think Sun Ce may not give up yet, and he still wants to rob the eldest son of the emperor and the noble man Fu, even Liu Zichu."

Cao Cao crossed his fingers and placed them in front of his belly for a moment. "Arranging someone to follow him. In addition, he told Chengdu to watch out for a closer look."

"Here."

Cao Cao sat for a while, and saw that Fa Zheng had no intention of saying goodbye, his eyes flashed slightly. "Xiaozhi, what else is there?"

"The king, my minister... was arrogant and delayed military flights, causing Yizhou to be in danger. He could not give up the blame for his death." Fa Zheng said, and moved him away from the mat, crawled on the ground, with his forehead on his overlapping hands. "Please punish the king."

Cao Cao looked at Fa Zheng, after a moment, he got up and walked around the big case, came to Fa Zheng, bent down and helped Fa Zheng up. "Xiaozhi, your plan is not wrong, we are not wrong. Who would have thought that Guandong has developed so fast in recent years, with a year of 40 billion military spending, which is actually..."

Cao Cao smacked his lips, and he really didn't know what to say, so he could only sigh.

Fa Zheng is also in tears. When he meets such an opponent, it is not because he is incompetent, but because he is not lucky.

"The king, Liu Ye may join Lu Fan and Zhang Yan's troops in Qutang Gorge, cross the river and attack our Chisau City by land. Chisau City has all the baggage and money and food of our army, and cannot be lost."

"Redai City...isn't that easy to attack, right?"

"Chicai City is indeed easy to defend but difficult to attack, but Liu Ye is smart and may not be unable to find any flaws. It is better to make some preparations. Although Cao Duhu is steady, he does not have competent counselors around him. If he is troubled by his elbows, he may not be able to respond."

Cao Cao scratched his head very much. He thought for a long time. "Xiaozhi, go back to Chisau City. I can handle it here."

Fa Zheng bowed and agreed. The battle in Motianling has become a stalemate, and it is difficult to decide the winner in a short period of time. In contrast, Chisau City still needs him more, and Cao Hong needs him even more. Cao Cao also has young people such as Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu to assist in military affairs. He is also proficient in military tactics. Cao Fu, who is beside Cao Hong, really can't think of anything else to do except make money.

Fa Zheng got up and left the tent. Cao Cao returned to the table. After pondering for a while, he sent someone to call Cao Zhen and asked him to find Fa Zheng to join him. During Fa Zheng's return to Chisau City, his affairs were temporarily taken over by Cao Zhen.

After Cao Zhen came back, Cao Cao gave him a task, asking him to find the military newspapers related to Peng Yi, estimate Peng Yi's possible location, and arrange for the scout to pass an order to Peng Yi, ordering Peng Yi not to wait for Sun Ce's ship. Once a suitable terrain is found, take action immediately. It doesn't matter whether he can sink a few Wu army ships. The most important thing is to block the Yangtze River channel so that Sun Ce cannot transport the baggage smoothly.

Cao Zhen was puzzled. "Master, is it a pity to do this? This is our lack of opportunities."

Cao Cao glanced at Cao Zhen. "Even if we kill Sun Bofu, can we defeat Wu? Sun Bofu is dead, his legitimate son succeeds to the throne, and Yuan Gonglu's daughter becomes the empress dowager, and he will definitely avenge Yuan Gonglu. Don't forget that if I hadn't kidnapped Yuan Boyang, Yuan Gonglu would not have died in Nanyang, nor would he pass the foundation to Sun Bofu. The situation in the world might be completely different."

Cao Zhen suddenly realized and then understood Cao Cao's intention. "Then... can Sun Bofu understand the deep meaning of the king?"
Chapter completed!