Chapter 12: Tao Gongzu's Three Visits to Xuzhou, Cao Mengsui's Battle with Lu Bu

Chapter 12: Tao Gongzu's Three Visits to Xuzhou, Cao Mengsui's Battle with Lu Bu

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Cao Cao was hurrying away when a large army arrived in the south, and Xiahou Dun led his troops to rescue and intercept the battle of Lu Bu. Fighting until dusk, heavy rain poured down, and each led their troops to disperse. Go back to the fortress, reward Dian Wei with a heavy reward, and be promoted to the rank of commanding officer.

But Lv Bu went to the village to discuss with Chen Gong. The palace said, "There is a wealthy household named Tian in Puyang City, with thousands of servants, who are a huge mansion in a county. You can have the secret envoy write a letter to Cao Zhai, saying, 'Marquis Lv Wen is cruel and unkind, and the people are deeply resentful. If you want to move troops to Liyang today, there must be Gao Shun in the city. You can advance overnight, and I will be an insider.' If Cao Cao comes, lure him into the city, set fire to the four gates, and send hidden troops outside. Although Cao Cao has the talent of crossing the sky and the earth, can he safely escape here? 'Lu Bu followed his plan and secretly instructed the Tian envoy to go straight to Cao Zhai. Cao was hesitating due to a new defeat when he suddenly reported to the people of the Tian family that they had arrived. He presented a secret letter saying, "Lu Bu has gone to Liyang, and the city is empty. Please come quickly and be an insider. Plant a white flag on the city, and write the word 'Yi' in a big letter, which is the secret code." Cao was overjoyed and said, "Angel, I have obtained Puyang!" He rewarded the person with a large sum of money while packing up the troops. Liu Ye said, "Although Bu has no plan, Chen Gong has many plans. We are only afraid that there may be fraud among them, so we must guard against it. If Ming Gong wants to go, he should divide the three armies into three teams: two teams should wait outside the city to support him, and one team should enter the city." Following his words, the army was divided into three teams and arrived at the foot of Puyang City.

Cao first looked around and saw flags and banners erected all over the city. At the corner of the west gate, there was a white flag with the character "Yi", which made him secretly happy. At noon, at the opening of the city gate, two generals will lead their troops into battle: Hou Cheng from the front and Gao Shun from the back. Even if Dian Wei comes out of the horse, he will directly take Hou Cheng. Hou Cheng was unable to resist the enemy and returned to Ma Wang City to walk. Wei rushed to the suspension bridge, but Gao Shun couldn't stop him and retreated into the city. Some soldiers took advantage of the situation and crossed the formation to see Cao, claiming to be the envoy of the Tian family, and submitted a secret letter. Yue Yun said, "At the beginning of the night, the city will sound the gong and signal, and you can advance. Someone should offer their troops." Cao Zu Xiahou Dun led the army on the left, Cao Hong led the army on the right, and personally led Xiahou Yuan, Li Dian, Le Jin, and Dian Wei into the city. Li Dian said, "My lord is outside the city. Let Rong and others enter the city first." Cao Jiu said, "I won't go on my own, who will move forward!" He then led his troops straight in.

At the beginning of the hour, the moonlight had not yet risen. I could only hear the sound of shells blowing from the west gate, shouting suddenly, the torches on the door igniting chaos, the city gate wide open, and the suspension bridge lowered. Cao Cao rushed in with his horse. Until the prefectural government office, no one was seen on the road. Knowing the trick, he quickly pulled back his horse and shouted, "Retreat!" A cannon rang out from the prefectural government office, and four raging fires erupted from the sky; The golden drums resounded in unison, shouting like a river boiling over the sea. Zhang Liao turned out from the east lane, and Zang Ba turned out from the west lane, attacking and hiding from each other. Go through the north gate, turn around Haomeng and Caoxing on the roadside, and kill them for a while. Hurry to the south gate, and be stopped by Gao Shun and Hou Cheng. Dian Wei glared angrily and gritted his teeth, rushing out to kill. Gao Shun and Hou Cheng walked out of the city. Dian Wei rushed to the suspension bridge and disappeared without seeing Cao Cao. He turned over and rushed back into the city, hitting Li Dian under the door. Dian Wei asked, "Where is the Lord?" Dian replied, "I can't find him either." Wei replied, "You are urging the rescue army outside the city. I will go in to find the Lord." Li Dian went. Dian Wei rushed into the city, searching but couldn't find him; Kill out of the moat again and collide with Le Jin. Jin said, "Where is the Lord?" Wei said, "I have searched twice: I cannot find him." Jin said, "Let's both rush towards the Savior!" The two of them went to the door, but the cannons rolled down from the city, and Le Jin's horse could not enter. Dian Wei emitted smoke and fire, then rushed in again, searching everywhere.

But when Cao Cao saw Dian Wei kill him, he intercepted his men and horses from all directions and couldn't leave the south gate; Turning to the north gate again, I caught sight of Lu Bu leaping over with a halberd in the firelight. Covering his face with his hands, he whipped his horse and ran past unexpectedly. Lu Bu rushed over from behind and struck his halberd on Cao's helmet, asking, "Where is Cao Cao?" Cao retorted, "He is the one riding the yellow horse ahead." Upon hearing this, Lu Bu abandoned Cao Cao and chased forward with his horse. Cao Cao turned his horse's head and walked towards the east gate, coinciding with Dian Wei. Wei supported Cao Cao, killed a bloody path, and arrived at the city gate. The flames were very intense, and firewood was pushed down from the city, covering the ground with fire. Wei used his halberd to drive it away, and the flying horses emitted smoke and flames first. Cao Cao also came out later. As they approached the doorway, a beam of fire fell from the city gate, hitting the hind leg of Cao Cao's warhorse, which fell to the ground. Using hands to support the beam and push it to the ground, my arms were covered in hair and burns. Dian Wei returned to the horse to rescue, and coincidentally, Xiahou Yuan also arrived. Two of them rescued Cao Cao and burst out in flames. Riding on a deep horse, Dian Wei killed a big road and walked away. Fight until dawn and return to the camp.

The generals bowed and greeted each other, and Cao smiled up and said, "I fell for the trap of a commoner, and I must repay it!" Guo Jia replied, "The trap can be executed quickly. Someone had already come to Puyang to report to Lu Bu that Cao Cao was burned and injured in limbs, and died in the fortress. Bu Sui lit up his army horses and rushed towards Maling Mountain. Approaching the fortress, a drum sounded and ambushes rose in all directions. L ü Bu fought to the death and managed to escape, causing many casualties; Defeated back to Puyang, unable to hold out.

That year, locusts suddenly rose up and ate up all the crops and rice. In the eastern region of China, there is one dendrobium per grain, with a direct cost of fifty guan, and the people eat from each other. Cao Cao led his troops back to Juancheng for temporary residence due to the depletion of food supplies in the army. Lu Bu also led his troops out of Tunshanyang to eat. Therefore, both sides have taken power and stopped fighting.

But Tao Qian was in Xuzhou at the age of 63 when he suddenly fell ill. He looked heavy and asked Mi Zhu and Chen Deng to discuss the matter. Zhu said, "The departure of Cao's army was due to Lu Bu's attack on Yanzhou. Now, due to the famine, the army has stopped, and spring will come again. The prefect has twice wanted to give way to Liu Xuande, but at that time, the prefect was still strong and healthy, so Xuande refused to accept it. Now that he is seriously ill, it is time to deal with him, but Xuande refused to resign." Qian was overjoyed and sent someone to Xiaopei to ask Liu Xuande to discuss military affairs. Xuande Yinguan and Zhang led dozens of riders to Xuzhou, and Tao Qian invited them into the bedroom. Xuande asked for peace and humbly said, "Please come, Duke Xuande. It's not for any other reason. I'm already critically ill and can't be saved day and night. Wanwang Minggong pities the Han family's city and has received the seal of Xuzhou. I will also rest in peace even if I die!" Xuande said, "You have two sons. Why not pass them on?" Qiande replied, "The eldest son is Shang, and the second son is Ying, both of whom are incompetent. After my death, I still hope that Duke Ming can teach me not to be in charge of state affairs. His courtesy name is Gongyou. This person can be appointed as a subordinate." He is also known as Mi Zhu, who said, "Liu Gong is a talented person in this world, and you should do good deeds." Xuande ultimately declined, and Tao Qian died with his fingertips. After the soldiers finished mourning, they handed over their cards and seals to Xuande. Xuande firmly stated. The next day, the people of Xuzhou crowded in front of the mansion, crying and bowing, saying, "If Lord Liu does not lead this county, we will not be able to live in peace!" Guan and Zhang also advised them three times again. Xuande is authorized to lead the affairs of Xuzhou; Sun Qian and Mi Zhu were appointed as auxiliary officials, while Chen Deng was appointed as a curtain official; Take all the soldiers and horses of Xiaopei into the city, stand out and pacify the people; Arrange funeral arrangements simultaneously. Xuande and the soldiers, both big and small, all showed filial piety, and after the grand ceremony, they were buried in the Yellow River plain. Submit Tao Qian's memorial to the court. Operating in Juancheng, knowing that Tao Qian had passed away, Liu Xuande led the Xuzhou Governor and angrily said, "I have not avenged my grievances. You did not need to spend half an arrow's effort to sit in Xuzhou! I will first kill Liu Bei, and then slaughter Qian's body to avenge the grievances of the previous ruler!" Immediately, he issued a command and launched an attack on Xuzhou. Xun Yu advised, "In the past, Emperor Gaozu protected Guanzhong and Guangwu occupied Hanoi, both deeply rooted and firmly established themselves to control the world. They advanced enough to defeat the enemy and retreated enough to defend themselves. Therefore, although they were in difficulty, they ultimately achieved great success. Ming Gong was originally in charge of Yanzhou, and the river and Ji were important parts of the world, which were also Guanzhong and Henei in the past. If we take Xuzhou now, more troops would be insufficient, and if we leave fewer troops, Lv Bu would take advantage of the weakness and attack, and there would be no Yanzhou. If Xuzhou cannot be taken, where will the Ming police return? Although Tao Qian died today, Liu Bei has been guarding it. The people of Xuzhou have already served, and they will help prepare for a deadly battle. Ming Gong abandoned Yanzhou and To take Xuzhou is to abandon the big and focus on the small, to go to the roots and seek the end, and to be safe and vulnerable. I am willing to think about it carefully." Cao said, "This year, there is a shortage of food, and the soldiers are sitting here, which is not a good strategy. The remnants of the Yellow Turban faction, such as He Yi and Huang Shao, plundered prefectures and counties, often carrying gold, silk, food, and other thieves, who were easy to break through; It is a matter of following the will of heaven to take grain from the broken ground to support the three armies, which is pleasing to the court and the people. ”

Cao Xi followed suit and stayed in places such as Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren to guard Juancheng. He led his own troops to first survey Chen territory, followed by You and Ying. Huang Jin, He Yi, and Huang Shao knew that Cao's army had arrived and invited the crowd to meet them at Yangshan. Although there are many bandits, they are all fox and dog gangs, without any ranks or ranks. Command the strong bow and crossbow to shoot, and command Dian Wei to dismount. He Yi ordered the Vice Marshal to go into battle, but failed to cooperate and was stabbed by Dian Wei's spear under his horse. Guide the crowd to take advantage of the situation and rush through the lower camp of Yangshan. The next day, Huang Shao led his own army. At the circular formation, a group of soldiers marched out on foot, wrapped in yellow scarves and dressed in green coats. They held iron bars in their hands and shouted, "I am He Manya, the God of Heaven and Night, who dares to fight with me?" Cao Hong saw this and shouted loudly, then jumped off his horse and stepped out with his sword. Fight in front of the formation twice, forty or fifty, with no clear winner. Cao Hong feigned defeat and left, while He Man arrived. Hong used the back of his sword to hack, turned around, hit He Man, and then killed him with another blow. Li Dian took advantage of the situation and flew straight into the bandit formation. Huang Shao was caught alive by Li Diansheng before he could prepare. Cao's soldiers concealed and killed the bandits, taking away countless pieces of gold, silk, and food. He Yi was alone and led hundreds of riders to run around Gepi. Between them, a force collided from behind the mountain. As the first brave warrior, with a body length of eight feet and a waist circumference of ten, holding a large knife and intercepting the way forward. He Yi brandished his gun and greeted him, only to be held alive by the brave warrior. The remaining troops were busy, dismounting and bound, and were all driven into Gebeiwu by the strong men. But Dian Wei chased He Yi to Gepi, and the brave soldiers led their army to welcome him. Dian Wei said, "Are you also a Yellow Turban thief?" The brave man said, "I have captured hundreds of Yellow Turban riders in the dock!" Wei said, "Why not offer it?" The brave man said, "If you win the precious sword in your hand, I will offer it!" Wei was furious and charged forward with his halberds. From Chen to noon, there was no clear winner and each had less rest. Not long after, the brave warrior fought again, and Dian Wei also appeared. The battle lasted until dusk, but was temporarily halted due to lack of horses. Dian Wei's troops and civilians flew to report to Cao Cao. Big surprise, busy attracting the generals to come and see. The next day, the brave soldiers fought again. Seeing his imposing demeanor, Cao secretly rejoiced and offered to pay Dian Wei. Today, he feigned defeat. Wei led the order to battle; After thirty battles, the defeated soldiers returned to the formation. The brave soldiers rushed to the formation gate and fired their bows and crossbows back. Hastily lead the army back five miles, secretly instruct people to dig a pit, and secretly ambush the hooked hands. The next day, Dian Wei was ordered to lead over a hundred riders out. The brave warrior laughed and said, 'How dare a defeated general come back!' Then he mounted his horse and engaged in battle. Dian Wei engaged in a strategic battle and then rode back. The brave warrior rushed forward without warning, even his men and horses fell into the pit and were bound by hooks to meet Cao Cao. Lower the tent, scold the retreating soldier, personally untie him, urgently take his clothes, order him to sit down, and ask for the name of his fellow townsman. The brave man said, "I am also from Qiao County, Qiao State. My surname is Xu, my name is Chu, and my courtesy name is Zhongkang. When I was attacked by bandits, I gathered hundreds of people from my clan and built a strong wall in the dock to resist them. One day, when the bandits arrived, I ordered everyone to prepare more stones, and I personally flew stones to strike them. Anyone who fell through did not fall through, and the bandits retreated. Another day, when the bandits arrived and there was no food in the dock, I made peace with the bandits and agreed to exchange oxen for rice. The rice had been delivered, and the bandits drove the oxen outside the dock. The oxen all ran back and forth, but I caught two oxen tails with my hands and took more than a hundred steps in reverse. The bandits were shocked and dared not take the oxen. Therefore, we kept this place safe. Cao said," I have heard of the great name for a long time, are you still willing to surrender? "Chu replied," It is my intention. "He then summoned hundreds of people from his clan to surrender. Worship Xu Chu as the commander and rewarding him greatly. Cut off He Yi and Huang Shao. You, Ying Xiping.

Cao Cao's troops, received by Cao Ren and Xiahou Dun, recently reported in detail that soldiers Xue Lan and Li Feng from Yanzhou had been abducted and the city was empty. They could attract victorious troops to attack, and one drum could be used. Cao Sui led the army straight to Shangzhou. Xue Lan and Li Feng were caught off guard and had to lead troops out of the city to confront them. Xu Chu said, "I would like to take these two as a gift of enlightenment." Cao was overjoyed and ordered them to go to war. Li Feng drew a halberd and came forward to greet. Jiaoma and Lianghe, Xu Chu beheaded Li Feng under the horse. Xue Lan hurriedly walked back to the formation, but Li Dian stopped her by the suspension bridge. Xue Lan dared not return to the city and led her army into the vast wilderness; But he was rushed by Lv Qian's flying horse and shot an arrow under the horse, causing the army to scatter. Cao Cao regained control of Yanzhou, and Cheng Yu invited troops to attack Puyang. Cao Ling Xu Chu and Dian Wei were the vanguard, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan were the left army, Li Dian and Le Jin were the right army, Cao led the central army, and Yu Jian and Lv Qian were the rear of the alliance. When the army arrived in Puyang, Lv Bu wanted to welcome his own general. Chen Gong advised, "You cannot go to war. Wait until all the generals gather before you can." Lv Bu said, "I'm afraid who will come?" He didn't listen to the palace's words and led his troops out of battle, cursing loudly with his halberd. Xu Chu left. After twenty rounds of fighting, there is no winner. Cao said, "Lu Bu cannot win alone." He sent Dian Wei to assist in the battle, and the two generals launched a pincer attack; On the left, Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan arrived, while on the right, Li Dian and Le Jin arrived together. The six generals jointly attacked Lu Bu. Bu Bu couldn't stop it, so he rode his horse back to the city. Upon seeing Bu's defeat, the Tian family in the city urgently ordered the suspension bridge to be pulled up. Bu shouted loudly; Open the door! "Tian said," I have surrendered to General Cao. "Bu cursed and led the army to flee towards Dingtao. Chen Gong urgently opened the east gate to protect Lv Bu from leaving the city. Cao Sui obtained Puyang and forgave the Tian family for their past sins. Liu Ye said, "Lu Bu is a fierce tiger. He is tired today and must not be neglected." Liu Ye and others were ordered to guard Puyang, and he himself led the army to drive to Dingtao. Shi Lu Bu, Zhang Miao, and Zhang Chao were all in the city, while Gao Shun, Zhang Liao, Zang Ba, and Hou Cheng patrolled the sea to collect grain but did not return. Cao Jun arrived in Dingtao without fighting for several days, and led the army to retreat forty miles to the fortress. The wheat in Jijun is ripe. Command the army to cut wheat for food. Report to Lu Bu carefully, and Bu will lead the army to arrive. Approaching the fortress, I saw lush trees on my left and feared that there might be hidden soldiers returning. Upon learning that the Bu army had returned, the generals said, "Bu suspects that there are hidden soldiers in the forest. You can plant more banners in the forest to raise suspicion. There is a long embankment in the west of the fortress, and there is no water, so all the elite soldiers can be subdued. Tomorrow, Lu Bu will come to burn the forest, and if the army in the embankment is cut off, Bu can be captured." Therefore, fifty drummers were stopped from beating drums in the fortress; Capture men and women from the village and shout in the village. Many elite soldiers are hiding in the embankment. But Lu Bu reported back to Chen Gong. The palace said, "Use many tricks and tricks, do not underestimate the enemy." Bu said, "I can use fire to attack and break through the ambush." He stayed in Chen Palace and defended the city with Gao Shun. The next day, Bu led a large army and saw a flag in the forest from afar. He drove his troops forward and set fire to all sides, but there was not a single person. I wanted to throw myself into the village, but I heard a loud drumbeat. Just as I was uncertain, suddenly a large army emerged from behind the fortress. L ü Bu galloped over. At the sound of the cannon, all the hidden soldiers in the embankment came out: Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Xu Chu, Dian Wei, Li Dian, and Le Jin rushed to attack. L ü Bu was unable to resist and left in panic. From Jiang Chenglian, he was shot dead with an arrow by Le Jin. The Bu army stopped three times and stopped two times. The defeated soldiers reported to the Chen Palace, which said, "The empty city is difficult to defend, so there's no need to rush." Then, together with Gao Shun, they escorted Lv Bu, the young man, and abandoned Dingtao to leave. Cao Cao launched his victorious army into the city, with a force as strong as bamboo shoots. Zhang Chao committed suicide, and Zhang Miao defected to Yuan Shu. Shandong was entirely acquired by Cao Cao. Building a city in Anmin is no problem.

But Lu Bu was leaving and all the generals were returning. Chen Gong has also been found. Bu said, "Although our army is small, we can still defeat Cao." He then led his troops back. It is true that the victory or defeat of military strategists is a common occurrence, and the outcome of the battle is unknown. I don't know how Lu Bu will win or lose, let's listen to the following explanation.