"You want another five thousand flying fire guns? Mr. Wang, I think you must have not conveyed my original words to my father-in-law, right? Otherwise, how could my father-in-law make such a difficult request?" Tao Ying asked with a wry smile.

I have conveyed it, of course I have conveyed it. How dare you not convey the truth to your lord after your repeated instructions?" Wang Kai smiled with a smile on his face, nodded and bowed and said: "My lord Lu Wenhou also knows that this request is a bit difficult, but my lord

I said again, as long as you can reinforce the army with five thousand flying muskets, then our lord will be absolutely sure to drive the Cao thieves out of Yanzhou, and even annihilate the Cao thieves army, and save the lives of the hundreds of thousands of Cao thieves who died in Xuzhou that year.

The soldiers and civilians take revenge, making your northern border more stable as Mount Tai."

"I'm afraid it's even more dangerous, right?" Tao Ying muttered in his heart, and then said to Wang Kai with a straight face: "Mr. Wang, do you know how much a flying musket costs? Three thousand six hundred dollars! That's enough for one.

Three thousand six hundred yuan for an ordinary household to live for a year! This money is still a small thing. The key is that the source of gunpowder for flying muskets is very unstable, just like feather arrows. Everyone knows that using carved feathers as tail feathers to make arrows is the most accurate.

But no one can find so many carved feather arrows! Xuzhou has devoted all its efforts to make three thousand arrows last year, one thousand of which have been dedicated to my father-in-law. You tell me to go there and make more arrows.

Find five thousand to spend?"

"Is it so expensive?" Wang Kai was a little surprised to be deceived by Tao Ying.

"If it wasn't so expensive, I would have used it in large quantities on the battlefield." Tao Ying said casually, and then said: "Mr. Wang, you must have heard and seen with your own eyes that Yuan Shu, a common man, wanted to avenge Huaiyin.

I have personally led an army of 130,000 people to the north. The troops are divided into two groups to attack Xuzhou. They attack Xiangxian County and Xiaopei along the way, and take the main road directly to Xuzhou. I am already gathering troops to prepare for the battle. So the two thousand flying muskets are left.

, I don’t dare to offer any more to my father-in-law. But Mr. Wang can rest assured. Please tell my father-in-law that there will definitely be flying fire guns, but not now. I have to wait until I defeat Yuan Shu and free up my strength to reinforce.

father in law."

At any rate, Tao Ying finally sent Wang Kai away. It wasn't until Wang Kai left the lobby of the governor's office and walked away that Tao Ying smiled bitterly at Lu Su and Chen Deng who were accompanying him to meet him and said: "It seems that I still underestimate my father-in-law too much."

Yes, he is not only thick-skinned, but also simple-minded. How could I give him a large amount of such things? I also tried my best to help him destroy Cao Cao. After destroying Cao Cao, who is his next target?

"

"Chen Gongtai did not object to Marquis Lu Wen's stupidity. It seems that he also wanted to test the bottom line of your support for Marquis Lu Wen, my lord." Chen Deng said with a smile: "But it doesn't matter, Cao Cao's energy is still there, and my lord deliberately exposed some of his hidden strength to let Marquis Lu Wen know. Chen Gong

As long as I am not stupid, I will never persuade Marquis Lu Wen to join forces with Yuan Shu again."

"It's hard to say." Tao Ying shook his head and sighed helplessly: "If the war between our army and Yuan Shu's army goes well, then Chen Gong will definitely hold on to my future father-in-law. If our army's war goes unfavorably, or the war is delayed for a long time,

, then no one can say for sure.”

Chen Deng smiled bitterly, but there was nothing he could do about Marquis Lu Wen's two-hundred-and-fifty style. Then Chen Deng asked curiously: "My lord, actually when the news of Marquis Lu Wen's Dingtao victory came back to Xuzhou, Deng already wanted to ask a question. Since I

The army's flying muskets are so sharp, why is the lord unwilling to build and equip them in large quantities, and only made a few spare ones?"

"How effective can fireworks that can only spit fire take less than half a cup of tea be?" Tao Ying replied casually: "My father-in-law could use a flying musket to defeat Cao's army, but it only killed Cao's army by surprise. Cao's army had eaten

After a loss, you must be prepared next time, but the effect will not be so ideal. The same is true for us. The first time we use it, we can definitely kill the enemy by surprise, but if we use it more, the enemy will have countless ways to defeat it, so it is

Any more is just wasted.”

Deputy Director Tao's words are reasonable. The so-called flying fire gun is actually similar to modern hand-held fireworks. The direct damage to the human body is actually very small. It is effective when used suddenly or for arson, but if it is used too much,

, the enemy was on guard, and its power was naturally greatly reduced. At the same time, in the late Han Dynasty, when productivity and technological capabilities were extremely low, the cost of flying muskets was indeed unusually high. Building too many would be a waste of money and food, and would be useless.

Significance - Of course, the cost of the flying musket is definitely not as exaggerated as Tao Ying deceived. The key is that saltpeter in this era is too rare, and it is not easy to mass-produce it.

Tao Ying did not tell the truth to Wang Kai regarding various issues regarding the flying muskets, but when it came to the news that Yuan Shu personally led an army of 130,000 people to the north, Tao Ying did not tell a single lie. After receiving the news of Huaiyin's fiasco,

, the arrogant little Yuan Sangong became so angry that he ignored the massive overdraft of Huainan's people and financial resources, and ignored the objections of countless civil and military officials. He quickly assembled more than 130,000 troops, known as 200,000, and personally led the attack on Xuzhou. He also listened to the horses.

Jing Yang Hong suggested that the troops should be divided into two groups, with 30,000 soldiers led by Chen Ji to attack Peiguo County Zhixin and Xiaopei to disperse the strength of the Xuzhou army. The remaining 100,000 soldiers should be led by Xiao Yuan Sangong himself, and planned to take the road to Zhu.

The main road from Yi to Shiqiu led directly to Pengcheng. Tao Ying heard the news and quickly gathered troops in the Pengcheng area, preparing to fight against the 130,000 mob of Xiao Yuan Sangong. Therefore, it was justified to reject Lu Wenhou's greedy request and let Wang Kai, the envoy of Lu Bu's army,

Speechless.

In terms of tactical choices on how to fight Xiao Yuan Sangong, two different voices emerged within the Xuzhou army, which had been relatively harmonious since Tao Yingjiye. One group, headed by Chen Deng, Cao Bao and Zang Ba, advocated the gathering of more than 30,000 troops.

Xuzhou's main force fought a decisive battle with the main force led by Xiao Yuan Sangong himself near Zhuyi, and deployed about 5,000 partial troops in Xiangxian County to defend the city. As long as Xiao Yuan Sangong's main force was defeated, the enemy's partial army would not be a concern.

The other faction, headed by Lu Su, together with some civil servants, advocated dispatching about 15,000 to 20,000 troops to fight the main force of Xiao Yuan Sangong in the Zhuyi area. The freed troops were used to guard Xiangxian, Xiapi, and

Pengcheng, Xiaopei and Xiaoguan and other places ensured the safety of these vital cities and passes. What is quite funny is that Chen Deng’s father Chen Gui stood on the opposite side of his son this time. He led Xu Fang and other local nobles to support

Lu Su's suggestion - but they don't think Lu Su's suggestion is correct, it's just for the benefit of their family. As long as these important city passes are guarded, their interests will not be harmed.

Fortunately, the voices of these two factions have one very important thing in common, that is, they both advocate a decisive battle with Xiao Yuan Sangong near Zhuyi, relying on the small river Suishui as a natural barrier. With Xiao Yuan Sangong's superior military strength

Duel. At the same time, the positions of the two factions were also based on the interests of Xuzhou. The Chen Deng faction advocated dispatching nearly half of the Xuzhou army to fight Xiao Yuan Sangong in the hope of a quick victory. They did not want to be dragged into a war of attrition by Xiao Yuan Sangong, who liked to be militaristic.

Lu Su considered it from a strategic level and felt that once a large number of troops were mobilized from various key positions, not only Deputy Director Tao's numerous enemies would have the idea of ​​taking advantage of the situation, but also Deputy Director Tao's eager and righteous and unparalleled benevolence.

The father-in-law will also be greedy.

During the debate, Chen Deng questioned Lu Su and said: "Strategist, it is beneficial for you to worry about the surrounding princes taking advantage of the situation, but has it been considered that our army does not have enough troops to win a quick victory? Once Yuan Shu drags us into a war of attrition."

, I don’t care about Yuan Shu who is ruthlessly plundering the people, but can our lord do this? Moreover, if the war between our army and Yuan Shu prolongs for a long time, I am afraid that our good neighbors in Xuzhou will even have the idea of ​​​​taking advantage of the situation. "

"Yuan Long's words are reasonable. But Yuan Long missed Yuan Shu's reaction." Lu Su retorted without being humble or arrogant: "When Su was in Jiujiang, he had already seen through Yuan Shu's character.

If the lord is fierce and timid, if the lord leads nearly half of Xuzhou's troops to fight, Yuan Shu will definitely face the battle cautiously and act with caution. Our army's war may be attrition. But if the lord only leads less than 20,000 troops to fight south, Yuan Shu will definitely feel that he

He must be sure of his chances of victory, abandon his stability and pursue a quick battle, and once he suffers a slight defeat. Yuan Shu is disgraced and eager for revenge, so he will pursue a quick battle even more, which is more conducive to our army's quick battle and quick decision."

"I agree with what the military advisor said." Chen Gui voted for his son's enemy and echoed: "I traveled around the world with Yuan Shu when I was young, and I know very well that his character is exactly the same as the military advisor's description. He loves vanity.

If my lord does not have many troops, Yuan Shu will advance arrogantly. If my lord has many troops, Yuan Shu will timidly stop and hold back our army. Therefore, I agree with the advice of the military advisor."

With his father so opposed, Chen Deng couldn't say much. He could only turn his attention to Tao Ying and wait for Tao Ying's decision. Tao Ying was also very aware of the little plans of Chen Gui, Xu Fang and others, but Tao Ying had just inherited

Xuzhou is also in urgent need of the support of these nobles and must consider their interests. At the same time, Tao Ying also feels that Lu Su's words are very reasonable.

Choosing a quick victory that best suits Xuzhou's strategic interests, Tao Ying thought about it again and again, gritted his teeth and said: "The discussion between Han Yugong and Zijing is exactly what I want, so it has been decided. I will only lead 15,000 troops."

Zhuyi will fight, and the remaining troops will be used to defend the important city passes in Xuzhou!"

"My lord is wise." Xu Fang and other local nobles all laughed. Not deploying too many troops from the local area would not only ensure the safety of their property, but also save a lot of money on food transportation. They had no choice but to laugh.

"My lord has made his decision, and Deng has no objection, but please be careful." Chen Deng raised his hands and said, "Although Yuan Shu's team is a ragtag group, there are too many of them. My lord, please act with caution and don't take risks."

"Thank you Yuanlong, I will do it." Tao Ying nodded, and was very grateful that Chen Deng could sacrifice his family's interests for the interests of Xuzhou. Then Tao Ying turned to Chen Gui and said: "Han Yugong, you and Yuan Shu are old friends and you know him well.

With your temperament and temperament, I will ask you to accompany me on this expedition to advise the military aircraft."

"My lord sent me, I dare not obey my order." Chen Gui agreed, and then took the initiative to say: "My second son Chen Ying has gone south to Huainan for me many times to exchange letters with Yuan Shu, and he is also quite familiar with Yuan Shu. If my lord does not give up,

, I can bring the dog with me so that my lord can dispatch him easily." Tao Ying was overjoyed and of course he agreed.

After finalizing the tactical plan, Tao Ying immediately began to mobilize troops and adjust defenses with the assistance of Lu Su and Chen Deng. However, Zhuyi had already sent 3,000 auxiliary troops and built certain solid fortifications, so Tao Ying

It should be decided to lead only 12,000 troops south from Pengcheng - of course the most elite main force, Junzi Army, Fengyu Army and Zang Ba's Langya Army are among them, Lu Su, Chen Gui, Xu Chu, Zang Ba, Xu

Sheng, Chen Dao and other capable civil and military officials accompanied the army on the expedition.

In terms of defense, Tao Shang, Chen Deng and Cao Bao jointly defended Pengcheng, and the governors went all out to provide food and grass. Qin Yi led 5,000 troops from Xiaopei south to Xiangxian County, and joined Xue Zhi there. More than 2,000 rural soldiers joined forces to defend Xiangxian County. Xiaoguan was

Xu Chu's brother Xu Ding, who is loyal to Xu Chu, is guarding the garrison with 2,000 Xuzhou regular troops. The defense of other city passes will not be adjusted. Maintain the status quo - it cannot be adjusted even if it is wanted. Xuzhou's vitality is far from being restored to its peak state.

army.

After making these arrangements, news soon came from the south. Little Yuan Sangong had led an army of 130,000 people across the Huaihe River, marching fifty miles a day, plundering all the way north. Tao Ying did not hesitate and said goodbye to his brother Tao Shang immediately.

Father-in-law Cao Bao and his pregnant second wife Cao Ling and others led the army southward at night and rushed to Zhuyi to engage in the battle. At the same time, Tao Yingshao had to secretly order the spy chief Cao Hong to closely monitor the movements in Xuzhou City, and agreed to do so once a day.

Report the situation in the city and take precautions against any eventuality.

………………

Okay, let's take a look at the situation of Little Yuan Sangong that our friends have been waiting for - amidst the flowers and applause, all the friends said in unison, "Come on, Little Yuan Sangong, kill this hypocrite, Deputy Director Tao!" Among them, Boss Cao!

, Uncle Liu Huang and Marquis Lu Wen’s shouts were the most cordial and enthusiastic.

Unlike Tao Ying, who decided on strategies and tactics based on the opinions of all the people, our little Yuan Sangong, who was born in the Sangong family of the fourth generation, made his northern expedition to Xuzhou this time. He was absolutely arbitrary and overcame all opinions, including Yuan Yin, the disciple of Xiao Yuan Sangong.

He and his confidants Zhang Xun and Qiao Rui were firmly opposed to the Northern Expedition. They all felt that the Battle of Huaiyin had damaged the vitality of Yuan Shu's army and the morale of the army was depressed. The morale of the army was shaken. In addition, Lu Bu betrayed the alliance and sent Han Yin to behead Han Yin. Foreign aid was exhausted and the chance of victory was lost.

Not big, I suggested that Young Master Yuan Sangong rest and recuperate, restore people's livelihood, and wait until the time is right before sending out troops for revenge. But Young Master Yuan Sangong would not listen to anything he said, and regardless of the exhaustion of the people's livelihood in Huainan, he resolutely finalized the plan of the Northern Expedition, vowing to avenge Huaiyin's blood. By the way,

He is seeking to settle accounts with Marquis Lu Wen, who has been repeatedly dishonest.

Fortunately, little Yuan Sangong is quite smart. He knows that if he sends troops to Guangling, his arch-enemy Liu Yao will definitely join forces with Tao Ying to attack him. He also knows that Tao Ying has many enemies on the northern front and it is easy to find helpers, so he finally does it.

After making a correct choice of route, he decided to send troops overland to Pengcheng, thinking that as long as the war went smoothly, the princes and heroes in the north of Xuzhou would definitely take advantage of the situation and share the pressure for themselves - which was exactly what happened.

At this time, Little Yuan Sangong received another good news, that is, Little Yuan Sangong's son-in-law Zhou Yu and his beloved general Ji Ling escaped from Xuzhou. Little Yuan Sangong, who thought Ji Ling and Zhou Yu were dead, was very happy at first.

, and then got furious and wanted to behead Ji Ling, who had lost his master and humiliated his country. Fortunately, everyone begged him again and again, but in fact he was not very willing to deal with Ji Ling, so he just stepped down and spared Ji Ling's death penalty.

The spirit was brought to the army to make meritorious deeds.

As for Zhou Yu, in order to repay Zhou Yu's life-saving grace, Ji Ling of Changzi had already taken all the blame for Huaiyin's defeat, so Little Yuan Sangong also did not punish his beloved son-in-law Zhou Yu, and even brought Zhou Yu into the army to accompany him on the expedition.

Mizuro was also happy to disgust Deputy Director Tao again. Not only did he not persuade Yuan Shu not to launch this war that had little chance of winning, he immediately plunged his head into the military affairs documents and began to think about how to deal with Tao for little Yuan Sangong.

answer.

A few days later, Xiao Yuan Sangong's 130,000 troops came to Daze Township and camped for the night. News also came from the front, saying that Tao Ying had personally led an army of 12,000 people south, together with the 3,000 auxiliary troops previously stationed in Zhuyi, a total of

Fifteen thousand troops were stationed in Zhuyi, relying on Suishui fortifications, and blocked the way of Yuan Shu's army. When he heard the news, of course our little Yuan Sangong laughed loudly and said arrogantly: "Tao Ying's son actually dared to treat a mere

An army of 15,000 people resisted Gu's army of 130,000 people. It was really an overestimation of one's capabilities."

"What the lord said is absolutely true. It is true." Yang Hong, the flatterer, had long been accustomed to little Yuan Sangong's chaotic self-promotion, and he couldn't wait to flatter him: "In my humble opinion, my lord should hurry up and go to Zhuyi to fight.

Defeat the enemy and trample Tao Ying's son to ashes. In a few days, the lord will be able to march to Xuzhou City and open the coffin of old Tao Qian, who disobeyed the lord, and kill his body."
To be continued...