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The discussion on the southern expedition plan in the lobby lasted for a whole day, until night fell, and the exhaustion of the talents disappeared. Major issues such as logistics support and the scope of the southern expedition had been finalized, but there were many different opinions on the number of troops and strategies, and they all had their own opinions and were difficult to unify.

In the study, Cao Cao paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, thinking about several plans. He was really unsure of his mind. Next to him was Cao Zhi, who was only seventeen years old this year. He was very talented and intelligent. Cao Cao loved him very much. He had his life as Cao Pi guarded Yedu, and Cao Zhi was with him.

At this time, a guard reported at the door, "Mr. Cheng and Xun Lingjun are here."

This is Cheng Yu and Xun Yu. Cao Cao secretly asked someone to keep them. This is also a habit of Cao Cao in discussing military and national affairs. He first expanded the discussion, and then discussed in detail with the core advisers.

"Please come in"

After a moment, Cheng Yu and Xun Yu walked in one after another. They bowed and bowed. Cao Cao waved his hand with a smile, "No need to be too polite, sit down quickly."

Cheng Yu and Xun Yu sat down with a smile. Cheng Yu said first: "I saw Sima Zhongda at the door. He refused to leave for a long time. It seemed that he had any opinions to report to the Prime Minister."

Cao Cao was stunned, then laughed, and immediately ordered Cao Zhi, "Go and invite Sima Zhongda together."

Cao Zhi turned around and Xun Yu asked in confusion: "Today I saw him also participated in military and political affairs. Could it be that the Prime Minister no longer used him as a clerk?"

Cao Cao nodded, "This man has a great military talent, and it is a bit useless to use him as a lie. He is willing to join the army. This time, I am going to appoint him as the chief lieutenant."

Cheng Yu also smiled and said, "Sima Bada is all talented, so there is a saying that there is Ma Wuchang in the south, Baimei is the most virtuous, Ma Bada in the north, and Zhongda is the most talented."

As he was talking, Sima Yi was brought in by Cao Zhi. Sima Yi stepped forward and knelt down and bowed, "Greetings to the Prime Minister, and to the two seniors."

Cao Cao smiled faintly, "I am discussing the war in Jingzhou with two strategists, Zhongda might as well sit down."

"yes"

Sima Yi did not dare to sit side by side with Cheng Yu and Xun Yu, but sat behind them. Cao Zhi also sat down behind his father, listening carefully to them discussing the war in Jingzhou.

The room was quiet, and Cao Cao said to Xun Yu first: "Mr. Bai Tian suggested that I use less troops and rest with the people. I can understand my sincere love for the people. However, we fought with Liu Jing several times and were defeated. I have a deep understanding that Liu Jing has the advantage of the navy, the advantage of the geographical advantage, the advantage of the people, the advantage of the people, the small fight, and even the same force can't defeat the other side.

This time, the Jiangdong Army will also participate in the war. The two sides have a total of 100,000 troops. I must be several times higher than that, so there is a possibility of winning, so I decided to send 100,000 troops to fight the Yangtze River."

Xun Yu was shocked and hurriedly said, "Prime Minister, don't send 100,000 troops. If you add twice the civilians, you will be a crowd of tens of thousands. With the current national strength, you may not be able to support this war."

Cheng Yu next to him smiled and said, "If you worry too much, you don't need twice the number of civilians. The combat readiness has been completed. At most, 100,000 civilians and 10,000 boatmen are conscripted. The civilians are mainly used for transportation between Wancheng and Fancheng. I think 100,000 troops are indeed needed, otherwise it will be difficult to win the victory of this battle between the north and the south."

Cheng Yu stayed in Fancheng for more than half a year. With his talent and identity, his words became very convincing. Xun Yu was silent for a moment and said: "The 100,000 troops are almost a vast army. If they all go south, Zhongde can consider whether Ma Teng's Xiliang army will take advantage of the situation."

When Xun Yu mentioned the Xiliang army, the room suddenly became silent. Ma Teng in Xiliang was indeed a big threat. Although Ma Teng also sent troops to help Cao's army attack Bingzhou in the Battle of Guandu, it does not mean that Ma Teng has been good at Cao's army since then. Once the Central Plains are empty, Ma Teng may lead his army eastward, which is also a confidant of Cao Cao.

At this time, Sima Yi, who had not spoken, said: "I have a plan to relieve the future troubles of Xiliang."

Cao Cao was overjoyed, "Zhongda Please speak"

Sima Yi pondered for a moment and said, "I heard that the Qiang people caused rebellion and occupied Jiuquan County, blocking the connection between Zhangye County and Dunhuang County. The Prime Minister used the imperial edict of Tian to give Ma Teng and Han Sui. Whoever they recovered Jiuquan County would be granted the title of Liangzhou."

Before Sima Yi finished speaking, Cao Cao applauded and laughed, "Wonderful, this is the plan of killing the soldiers in two peaches."

At this time, Cao Zhi saw Xun Yu feel sad and knew that he was opposing the battle against Jingzhou. Cao Zhi said, "Although the plan is good, it is too obvious, and Ma Teng and Han Sui may not be deceived."

Sima Yi smiled slightly, "They know, so how can they be united in the face of interests? Ma Teng is brave and wise, and has a suspicious nature. If the Prime Minister sends another message to Han Sui, Ma Teng will doubt that Han Sui has concealed himself. If the two have a estrangement, even if Xuchang is an empty city, they will not attack. I dare to conclude that Ma Teng will eventually go to conquer the Qiang people in Jiuquan."

Sima Yi's strategy was completely misleading, which made Cao Cao highly appreciate it. He asked with a smile: "I don't know what Zhongda has to think about the southern expedition to Jingzhou."

Sima Yi had a good idea in his heart, but he didn't have the opportunity to speak. He wandered outside the Prime Minister's Mansion at night, and wanted to find opportunities to offer advice. Now Cao Cao finally gave him a chance. He immediately said: "I think that we can first weaken the Sun and Liu alliance from within, and then concentrate our troops to attack Jiangxia."

"Continue talking" Cao Cao suddenly became interested, and Cheng and Xun also listened intently.

Sima Yi continued with a smile and said, "I heard that Liu Jing was almost assassinated in the Eastern Wu last year, and the official group of Jiangdong opposed the alliance with Liu Jing. In this case, the prime minister would rather build momentum and send an army to Hefei. When the troops entered Wuhu, it would inevitably cause a shock to the Eastern Wu. At this time, Hua Shizhong was sent to the Eastern Wu to deal with each other. As long as the Eastern Wu was willing to withdraw his troops, Sun Quan could be allowed to be Duke Wu. In addition, the opposition within the Eastern Wu gained power, under their pressure, Sun Quan would definitely shake his will and weaken the Sun-Liu alliance."

Sima Yi's eyes are clear and his strategy is sharp, and he can always cut to the core. The Hua Shizhong he proposed was Hua Xin, a person Sun Quan trusted, which made Cao Cao feel like he was awake as if he was dreaming. He couldn't help but sigh: "I am sorry that I have the talent of Zhongda today."

...........

Sima Yi and Xun Yu both said goodbye and left, and Cao Zhi also went, and only Cao Cao and Cheng Yu were left in the room. Cao Cao asked with a smile: "Do Zhongde think Sima Yi can make up for the lack of filial piety?"

Cheng Yu pondered for a moment and said, "The Sima family is a famous family in Hanoi and a firm advocate of Confucianism. They may not support the Prime Minister's Legal commoners' ambitions. If their family is made bigger, it may affect the Prime Minister's grandson in the future. I suggest that the Prime Minister use his talents instead of others."

Cao Cao laughed, "Zhong De is so serious. I don't believe that they can do anything to my grandson if they don't believe."

Cheng Yu smiled bitterly in his heart. He found that Sima Yi was very utilitarian. It was a blessing to use such a person well; it was a disaster if he was not used well. However, in order to value him now, Cheng Yu was not good at defeating Cao Cao's prosperity. He had to tactfully persuade: "Although Sima Yi proposed good strategies today, he could not judge that he could replace Feng Xiao for this reason. I advised the Prime Minister to observe more. It would not be too late to use him before using him. Others could be convinced."

Cao Cao nodded. He could accept this plan, so let Sima Yi continue to be the chief clerk.

Cao Cao suddenly remembered something again and asked Cheng Yu: "I am launching a large-scale southern expedition this time, what excuses do I have?"

Cheng Yu stroked his beard and smiled and said, "It's easy. Tian Tian named Liu Jing the governor of Jingzhou. He did not come to Beijing to thank him for his kindness. It was a despise of heaven. The Prime Minister could deceive the emperor and conquer Liu Jing."

Cao Cao laughed, "I'm afraid Liu Yanqing wouldn't have expected it."

At this time, a guard reported outside the door: "Report to the Prime Minister, General Zhang Liao asked for a visit and said there was a plan to defeat the enemy."

"Send him in"

Cao Cao couldn't help but smile and said to Cheng Yu: "Does Zhang Yuan have a plan to defeat the enemy?"

Cheng Yu also smiled slightly, "Far away is a famous general, and the Prime Minister can listen to his general plan."

Soon, Zhang Liao was brought in and knelt down on one knee to salute, "Asking the Prime Minister for a humble position"

"No need to be polite, please sit down"

Zhang Liao sat down and said, "There is a strategy for humble positions, and you can get Xiangyang. I don't know if the Prime Minister wants to listen."

"Tell me"

Zhang Liao said in a deep voice: "Although Liu Jing has obtained Xiangyang, he is unwilling to return the fugitives in Xiangyang. This shows that he is also prepared to give up Xiangyang at any time. Therefore, I suggest that the Prime Minister divide his troops into two groups, one stationed troops in Fancheng, and the other attacked Anlu County. The troops are facing Jiangxia. Liu Jing lacks troops and will inevitably withdraw Xiangyang and protect Jiangxia.

If you get Xiangyang, the Prime Minister can drive south to capture Jiangling, seize money and grain from Jiangling, and recruit local boatmen. Mr. Cheng said that the lack of boatmen will be solved."

Cao Cao glanced at Cheng Yu and asked him if this plan was feasible.

Cheng Yu was very supportive of the plan to obtain the boatman from the south. He stroked his beard and smiled: "If you want to retake Xiangyang, it is probably not enough to attack Anlu County alone. You have to go to Yong to enter Fangling, threaten Xiangyang from Lu, and force Liu Jing to withdraw his troops from Xiangyang."

Cao Cao pondered for a moment and happily agreed, "Then I will appoint Yuan as the main general, Yu Jin and Zang Ba as the deputy general, Mao Jie and Sima Yi as the counselor, and Runan Guard Li Tong sent 60,000 troops to attack Anlu County to support him. Anlu Guard was hired by a famous general, and I hope that Yuan would not disappoint me."

"A humble position will not disappoint the prime minister"

...........

In the tenth year of Jian'an, Cao Cao accused Liu Jing of deceiving the emperor on the grounds that Liu Jing was appointed as the governor of the state but did not go to Beijing to thank him for his gratitude. He also issued an edict to grant Cao Cao the title of General of the Southern Expedition and held a ritual to conquer Liu Jing, the governor of Jingzhou.

Cao Cao then ordered a 100,000 army and ordered Man Chong to lead 10,000 troops to Hefei and enter Wuhu. He ordered Cao Ren to lead 10,000 troops from Shangyong to cross the river and march into Fangling. He then sent Zhang Liao as the main general and led 50,000 troops to Runan, preparing to attack Anlu County from Runan.
Chapter completed!