Chapter 102 Sima Yi appears and joins Zhang Fei, Liu Wu is shocked
“Sun Shao actually refused to send troops? He even reduced the number of troops stationed in Guangling?”

In the city of Xiangyang, at Zhuge’s residence, Zhuge Liang was handling government affairs. When he heard the news from Xuzhou, he immediately showed a shocked expression, and his voice was several decibels higher than usual.

“This is the news from the Jinyiwei in Xuzhou. I’m afraid that Sun Shao is trying to take advantage of our misfortune.”

In the room, Jiang Wan looked very embarrassed.

At the beginning, he went to Hefei in person to confer the titles of Marquis of Peng and Mu of Xuzhou on Sun Shao and others.

Sun Shao also formed an alliance with Xiangyang on behalf of Xuzhou, and they had even recently provided more than 100,000 shi of grain to aid the other side.

Now, when the situation in Xiangyang is urgent, the other party not only did not help, but also added insult to injury.

This made Jiang Wan feel angry.

Zhuge Liang also looked unhappy, but not because of Sun Shao’s attempt to take advantage of his misfortune.

It was because Sun Shao did not stand with Xiangyang that the situation in Xiangyang became more difficult.

If Sun Shao had been involved with Sun Quan before, Xiangyang would not have to worry about the safety in the east.

But now, Sun Shao is adding insult to injury, and Sun Quan of Jiangdong may send troops to Xiangyang at any time. Xiangyang is facing attacks from both the east and the west, which is not a good thing.

“Immediately tell Huang Zu that Sun Shao is taking advantage of the situation. Sun Quan is likely to launch an attack on Xiangyang and Jiangxia. Tell him to be on guard.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Zhuge Liang gave the order.

At this moment, the only thing to do is to stay calm.

“Yes!” Jiang Wan sighed when he heard this.

Now with attacks from three directions, Jiang Wan felt his scalp tingling.

After agreeing, Jiang Wan did not leave immediately. Instead, he said to Zhuge Liang with a hesitant look on his face:
“I’m afraid the north can’t be defended. Should we suggest that the general withdraw to Xiangyang and defend Jingzhou, perhaps we can resolve this crisis?”

Jiang Wan couldn’t help but give Zhuge Liang his suggestions.

Jiang Wan was also a man of wisdom and strategy, and he understood the current situation clearly. Under Cao Cao’s strategy of forming alliances, the power of Xiangyang was already somewhat bloated in the northern states, so cutting off one’s arm to survive might be a feasible strategy.

When Zhuge Liang heard Jiang Wan’s words, he did not answer immediately, but said:

“Let’s go back first and think about it.”

Jiang Wan looked at Zhuge Liang, bowed to him, and then left.

“Alas! The general is very ambitious, otherwise he would not have led the troops to Puyang in person.”

Zhuge Liang sighed, but felt that the chances of persuading Liu Wu to cut off his arm to survive were not great. After all, Liu Wu was willing to lead the troops to the north in person, which had already made his attitude clear.

However, thinking about the current situation, Zhuge Liang had no choice but to personally write a proposal to Liu Wu to abandon several states in the north and cut off his arm to survive:
Your humble servant Zhuge Liang bows his head and respectfully presents his words to the great general:

“Cao Cao has seized Luoyang and has hundreds of thousands of troops, divided into two groups, with a surging momentum. One group, joined by Zhang Lu’s troops, is said to be 150,000 strong, coming from Hanzhong and intending to attack Xiangyang; the other group, with 100,000 cavalry, is like a tiger descending from the mountain, intending to sweep across several northern states, and cannot be stopped. In addition, Sun Shao has betrayed his promise and rebelled against our alliance, so we have lost a helping hand to contain Sun Quan. Sun Quan is cunning, and I am afraid that he will respond to Cao Cao’s call and raise troops from Jiangdong to plot against Xiangyang.

Looking at the current situation, Cao Cao has become very powerful through his alliances. The northern states are a burden to us and difficult to support. I think that in this critical moment, we need to have the courage to cut off our arms to survive. We should quickly withdraw the northern divisions, return to Xiangyang, and defend Jingzhou to consolidate our foundation. In this way, we may be able to resolve this crisis and protect our territory.

However, this is a major military and national strategy that concerns the safety of the country, so Liang dare not make a decision on his own, so he made a statement to the general, asking the general to consider it carefully and make a good plan. Liang is willing to follow the general to face the national crisis, devote himself to the cause, and die.

I have made these remarks and hope that the general will make the final decision.

Zhuge Liang wrote 300 words, the general meaning of which was that Cao Cao was in control of Luoyang and had an army of hundreds of thousands, divided into two routes. One route had an army of 100,000 and joined Zhang Lu’s army to attack Xiangyang from Hanzhong, and the other route had a hundred thousand cavalry, which was already unstoppable in sweeping across several northern states. In addition, now that Sun Shao had betrayed him and broken his promise, without one ally to tie up Sun Quan, Sun Quan might very well respond to Cao Cao and attack Xiangyang from Jiangdong. In the current situation, under Cao Cao’s alliances, the strength of Xiangyang in the northern states has become a little bloated. Cutting off an arm to survive, withdrawing to Xiangyang and holding Jingzhou might be a way to resolve this crisis. It might be a feasible strategy. Please ask General Liu Wu of the Cavalry to consider it carefully.

After reading it, Zhuge Liang took a deep breath, put away the letter, and called someone to send it to the north as soon as possible.

He has done what he can, and the decision-making power still lies with Liu Wu.

Soon, the news that Sun Shao was taking advantage of someone’s misfortune reached Xiangyang. The high-ranking officials in Xiangyang City were in an uproar and became worried about the current situation.

At a time when the world was in turmoil, Cao Chun, Ma Teng and Han Sui led 100,000 cavalrymen out of Hulao Pass and wreaked havoc in the vicinity of Chenliu County, Yingchuan County and Henei County.

Such a huge force swept through, and all the counties and prefectures along the way were trampled upon. In particular, many of the cavalry were from Xiliang, who were even more brutal and had poor discipline. Large areas of the people suffered from looting.

This day.

Dozens of miles north of Chenliu County, Cao Chun and his men captured a county town, and the army entered the city, attacking all the people in the city.

County magistrate’s office.

Cao Chun, Ma Teng and Han Sui were eating meat and drinking wine.

Ma Teng looked at Cao Chun, his eyes narrowed slightly, and said:

“General Cao Chun, we fought bravely and killed the enemy. Will Sikong really treat my wife and children well and even reward me for my merits?”

After the defeat in Chang’an, he was captured. Not only Ma Teng, but also his wife and children were captured by Cao Cao.

Cao Cao wanted to use the surrendered cavalry soldiers from Liang Province, so he used them this time.

Cao Chun listened to Ma Teng’s question and saw that all the generals in the hall were looking at him. He smiled and said:

“Of course. Since Sikong is willing to use his longevity to help you, it means he is giving you a chance. When Sikong welcomes back the emperor and enfeoffs the meritorious officials, you will be among them.”

As soon as Cao Chun finished speaking, Ma Teng, Han Sui and other generals immediately smiled.

Cao Chun was Cao Cao’s cousin, and the two had a close relationship.

In addition, Cao Chun showed outstanding talents when he was young, and followed Cao Cao in his campaigns, making great military achievements. In particular, he was the commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, an elite unit under Cao Cao, and was trusted and valued by Cao Cao.

Cao Chun’s attitude almost represents Cao Cao’s attitude.

Ma Teng immediately raised the wine bottle and said:
“With General Cao Chun’s words, I, Ma Teng, will serve as Sikong and attack Liu Wu. It’s just that I was deceived by Zhuge Liang and ruined Sikong’s plan.”

Cao Chun listened to Ma Teng’s statement with a big smile on his face, and everyone drank and ate meat again.

“Report~”

Just when the atmosphere was heated, a messenger entered the hall, and everyone in the hall suddenly quieted down. “Generals, the scouts have learned that Liu Wu wants to lead his troops to attack us personally, and the army is in Puyang now.”

The messenger’s voice echoed throughout the hall, and Cao Chun, Ma Teng, Han Sui and others in the hall were all stunned.

What did they hear?
Liu Wu wants to lead his troops to attack them personally?
Is the army in Puyang at this time?

With a bang, Cao Chun, Ma Teng, Han Sui and others all stood up, looked at the messenger with some surprise and said:
“Are you telling the truth?”

Cao Chun, Ma Teng, Han Sui and others could not help but be surprised.

That’s Liu Wu.

He is now one of the most powerful princes in the world, and his brilliance is even no less than that of Cao Cao.

Originally they thought that they only needed to sweep across several states in the north to complete Cao Cao’s mission.
However, I didn’t expect there would be a surprise.

“Generals, this news is true. Liu Wu led 20,000 cavalry into Puyang and mobilized soldiers from several surrounding counties, bringing the total number of troops to about 50,000.”

The scout did not dare to delay and spoke quickly.

“It turned out to be true!”

Ma Teng slammed the table, looking very excited, and turned to Cao Chun and said:

“It’s just tens of thousands of troops, most of them are county soldiers. This is God’s help to us. As long as we can capture Liu Wu, the prime minister will be very happy. General Cao Chun, let’s send troops to Puyang immediately!”

Ma Teng said with some excitement.

Cao Chun was also very excited at this time, knowing that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and said:

“Okay, since Liu Wu is seeking death, we will help him. Send orders to all the troops to Puyang!”

Cao Chun confirmed again and again that Liu Wu had really come out from Xiangyang and had really led his troops to Puyang to stop them.

Cao Chun and his generals were overjoyed, and a hundred thousand cavalrymen marched straight towards Puyang.

Neither Cao Chun, Ma Teng nor Han Sui believed that Liu Wu had the ability to resist their 100,000 cavalry.

……

Puyang City.

Because 100,000 Cao’s cavalrymen came out of Hulao Pass and wreaked havoc and looted everywhere, a large number of people in Yingchuan, Chenliu, Henei and other counties were forced to flee.

A large number of refugees poured into Puyang City, making it overcrowded.

“These Xiliang soldiers really deserve to die. They caused so many people to become homeless. It is not too much to kill them all.”

Surrounded by Zhang Fei, Pang Tong and others, Liu Wu was quite angry when he saw refugees everywhere on the streets. Because of the rampant looting by Cao’s army, Yingchuan, Chenliu, Henei and other counties had suffered heavy losses. How many years would it take to recover?

Pang Tong seemed much calmer and said to Liu Wu:

“My lord, the news of your presence in Puyang has already spread. Cao’s army should be coming soon. These refugees are crowding in Puyang City, making it overcrowded. This is not a good thing. The refugees need to consume a lot of food. Otherwise, they may riot and steal food.”

Pang Tong didn’t finish his words, but Liu Wu heard the hidden meaning in his words and turned his head to look at him.

“The people of Yingchuan, Chenliu, Henei and other counties are all under my command. How can we expel them and let them die?” Liu Wu did not agree with Pang Tong’s words. If he really wanted to defeat Cao’s 100,000 cavalry by relying solely on the city and defending the city, he would be dreaming. Even their own food could not last for too long, while Cao’s army was unscrupulous and plundered everywhere. Therefore, Liu Wu had no idea of ​​defending Puyang from the beginning, even though Puyang was an important town and was not easy to break.

Liu Wu’s plan from the beginning to the end was to quickly defeat these 100,000 Cao cavalry.

At this time, Zhang Fei suddenly interrupted and said:
“General, I have something to say. Since you are unwilling to expel these refugees, you should make use of them.”

“For example, we can set up temporary resettlement sites and open areas to provide basic shelter for refugees, so that they can be managed. Then, we can allocate food, drinking water and other necessities to ensure that the refugees’ basic living needs are met. In this way, the refugees will have a place to stay, there will be no chaos, and it will be easier to look after them.”

“Then, according to the situation of the refugees, we can deploy them to repair and reinforce the city walls, dig moats, prepare defensive equipment, stones, gold juice, etc. We can even train refugees with combat capabilities as reserve forces. We can boost their morale and let them know that if the city is breached, Cao’s army will likely massacre them, thus stimulating their fighting power.”

Zhang Fei’s sudden interruption startled Liu Wu and Pang Tong, and then they both looked at Zhang Fei in surprise.

Even Liu Wu felt that what Zhang Fei said was better than what Pang Tong had just said and was much more pleasing to the ear.

Refugees are not just a burden. If they are handled properly, they may even unleash great potential.

After all, they are all people whose homes have been destroyed. If they are now faced with a life-and-death situation, do you think they will fight to the death?
Liu Wu looked at Zhang Fei in surprise and suddenly laughed:
“Yide has finally come to his senses. With such talent, I’m afraid he can be the governor of a state.”

“Ah, a governor? No, no, I can’t do it.” Zhang Fei was originally feeling elated when listening to Liu Wu’s praise. It was a great feeling, but suddenly when he heard that Liu Wu was going to give him the position of governor, he immediately shook his head, fearing that Liu Wu would really give him the position of governor and let him handle the government affairs of a state.

“I know I can’t hide it from the general and the scholar. I recruited a scholar. He said that the general might make things difficult for the refugees. Moreover, he said that the general would definitely not expel these refugees. General, you were right.”

“Yesterday I asked him again how to deal with the refugees, and he gave me some advice.”

Zhang Fei looked at Liu Wu and Pang Tong’s direct gazes and instantly confessed.

“Scholar? Are you sure I won’t expel these refugees?”

When Liu Wu heard Zhang Fei’s words, his eyes narrowed and he couldn’t help but look at Pang Tong beside him.

But Pang Tong was stunned for a moment, then he reacted. Seeing Liu Wu looking at him, he immediately bowed to Liu Wu and said with a smile:

“Congratulations, my lord. I’m afraid this scholar is also a very talented person. I’m afraid you will have another top-notch wise man under your command.”

Pang Tong congratulated Liu Wu, and Liu Wu was also somewhat happy. He was indeed able to guess Liu Wu’s attitude towards the refugees so accurately, and even gave him a strategy to treat the refugees that satisfied him. This scholar must be a top wise man.

But, were there any top wise men in the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period?
Liu Wu didn’t think much about it, looked at Zhang Fei and asked directly:
“What is the name of this scholar? Do you know?”

Zhang Fei heard this and immediately realized that the guy might really be a capable person on the same level as Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong. Zhang Fei hurriedly said:
“He said that he was from the Sima clan of Henei County, and his name was Sima Yi!”

“Sima Yi?”

When Liu Wu heard Zhang Fei’s words, his pupils shrank and he looked at Zhang Fei in shock. It seemed that Liu Wu was quite shocked to hear that Sima Yi actually appeared under Zhang Fei’s command.

(End of this chapter)