Chapter 193 Yuan Shu and Cao Cao

After listening to Cai Mao's analysis, Wang Rui became even more worried.

Wang Rui was very frightened by Jinmao’s performance in Yangzhou, especially since he had once insulted the other party.

Wang Rui believed that Jin Mao's attack on Jingzhou was definitely to avenge a personal grudge, and not the nonsense he said in his manifesto, such as clearing the court and destroying the traitor Dong Zhuo.

At that time, if Jin Mao really arrived in Nanyang County, Wang Rui felt that the first person Jin Mao would deal with would definitely be him.

So Wang Rui said nothing more, and held Cai Mao and Cao Cao's hands and begged them, "Please do your best to protect the peace of the people of Jingzhou."

Coming out of the Jingzhou Governor's Mansion, Cao Cao couldn't help but sneer and said, "Degui, your governor has already been frightened. I dare not join forces with him."

Cai Mao smiled bitterly and said, "Don't blame me, Meng De. If the tribes hadn't designated me as a representative, I wouldn't want to get involved in the muddy water."

"Everyone in Jingzhou knows the might of the Yangzhou governor's army. My little trick is just like an egg hitting a rock."

This aroused Cao Cao's curiosity: "Is the governor of Yangzhou really as powerful as the legend says?"

"Worse than that!"

Cai Mao said seriously: "Meng De once participated in the suppression of the Yellow Turban bandits. Have you ever seen someone who could defeat ten bandits with one man?"

Cao Cao stroked his beard and said, "Marquis Qiantang and Marquis Duxiang (Huangfu Song) can both do it."

"That's it!" Cai Mao asked in return, "Can Meng De compare to the two generals?"

Cao Cao sighed and said, "It's not as good as that."

The two chatted about Jin Mao for a while, and as they got to know each other better, Cao Cao's expression became more serious.

"In this case, I can't help you."

Cao Cao clasped his fists and said, "Degui, please seek help from someone else."

What a joke! The 5,000 men under Cao Cao's command were private soldiers from various branches of the Xiahou family and the Cao family.

Not to mention their combat effectiveness, the mere loss on this useless battlefield would be enough to make Cao Cao sad for several years.

This is Cao Cao's political capital for fighting against Dong Zhuo. How can he waste it on something like this?

Seeing that Cao Cao, a powerful foreign aid, was about to run away, Cai Mao became anxious: "Meng De! Let's discuss this."

Cao Cao ignored him and walked towards his mount.

"Double pay!"

Cao Cao did not stop.

Cai Mao gritted his teeth: "Three times!!"

Cao Cao paused, then resumed walking just as he was about to mount his horse.

"Four times!!!"

Cai Mao roared with almost all the strength he had in his life.

Cao Cao had already raised his left foot and was standing on the wooden stool, but he took a long time to step onto it.

After a few breaths, Cao Cao turned around with a warm smile on his face, as if the person who was about to run away was not him.

"Degui, being willing to risk one's life for a friend is the best quality of me, Cao Mengde."

"Why would I abandon my friends?"

Cai Mao smiled apologetically, feeling extremely disgusted in his heart.

The news that Cao Cao killed Lü Bushe's family had spread a long time ago, and everyone knew that Cao Cao was a man who could really stab his friends in the back.

The credibility that Cao Cao had accumulated over the years was basically lost to the gentry.

This was also the reason why Cao Cao came to Jingzhou to do odd jobs. Although his clan had gathered 5,000 soldiers for him, the equipment was too little. There were only 300 sets of full armor, 500 sets of cloth armor, and 1,000 sets of half-price armor. The others were all wearing cloth armor.

The Cao family was indeed rich, but Cao Cao had not demonstrated his own value, so no one dared to invest all of it at once.

Being able to raise so much money already shows that he values ​​Cao Cao very much.

If Cai Mao had not offered five hundred sets of armor, five hundred sets of cloth hats, plus bows, crossbows, and long and short weapons, Cao Cao would not have come here to wade into muddy water.

Even so, Cao Cao thought that what he asked for was too little, especially the more he got to know Jinmao, the more he felt that he was at a disadvantage.

It’s not that he was afraid of Jin Mao. Among Cao Cao’s 5,000 infantry and cavalry, there were 1,000 cavalry, and their mobility was just as good.

Moreover, 5,000 men can maneuver more flexibly than 50,000 men, and Cao Cao is confident that he is not inferior to Jin Mao in terms of military strategy.

Of course, these words would not be said to Cai Mao.

The two returned to the negotiating table again.

In the end, Cai Mao paid the price of three thousand sets of weapons and one thousand war horses, and asked Cao Cao to tie down Jin Mao's army on the land front battlefield for two months.

Because two months later, all the princes would be ready to form an alliance to fight against Dong.

At that time, no matter how many military equipments there were, Cao Cao could not be invited to surrender. Compared with political demands, a little money was nothing.

After deciding on the basic strategy, Cao Cao couldn't help but ask curiously, "I heard that Changsha County Governor Sun Jian and Yangzhou Governor are close friends. What can you do to stop them?"

Cai Mao smiled mysteriously: "I have my own way."

Seeing that Cai Mao was unwilling to say more, Cao Cao did not ask any more questions, but changed the subject and urged him, "Give me the weapons, equipment and war horses first."

"Without these, I really don't have the confidence to stop Yangzhou Mu, even for only ten days!"

Cai Mao said with embarrassment: "It is difficult for me to gather such a huge amount of weapons at the moment. Meng De, why don't you give me a few days?"

"You go to the battlefield first. The military situation is urgent."

This trick was used in front of Cao Cao, but he stopped playing it after he came of age.

"You can give me a few days' grace."

Cai Mao was overjoyed when he heard Cao Cao's first words.

"Whenever you gather everyone, I will go to the battle."

Cao Cao's second sentence broke Cai Mao's defense, "By then, Meng De will have to collect our bodies!"

Cao Cao looked at Cai Mao with a smile and said nothing.

Finally, Cai Mao gave in and said, "How about this? I will send the navy to escort you first, and the military equipment and horses will follow soon."

"Don't worry, Meng De! If I break my promise, you can just take my navy's weapons and I won't complain!"

Cao Cao felt that this deal was a good deal without even thinking about it, as the Jingzhou navy was fully armed.

The most tempting things were the one thousand powerful crossbows and two thousand short crossbows. These were great treasures, and Cao Cao was envious the first time he saw them.

The deal was sealed.

Cao Cao organized his troops to board the ship.

Unexpectedly, this group of northern landlubbers made people laugh frequently.

Xiahou Yuan was so frightened that his face looked horrible, and Cao Hong was even worse. He was very fierce before getting on the boat, but he was the one who vomited the most after getting on the boat.

Cao Ren was a little better. If you didn't look at his forced calm expression, you wouldn't be able to tell there was anything wrong with him.

The most powerful one is Xiahou Dun, who doesn't seem to be from the north. He can walk on the boat as if it were flat ground, and even Cao Cao is ashamed of himself.

Not to mention the five thousand infantry and cavalry, the cabin had a very strong smell.

It only took one day to travel from Wan County to Xiangyang, which was very fast, but Cao Cao's army refused to take the boat again no matter what.

Cao Cao, with weak legs, got off the boat and onto land, feeling a sense of security.

Cao Cao immediately decided to stay in Xiangyang and wait for the arrival of military equipment, and then take the land route to support Jiangxia County in the southeast.

three days later.

Cao Cao did not receive Cai Mao's reinforcements, but instead received an uninvited guest.

Rear General Yuan Shu!
In order to show his favor to the Guandong gentry, Dong Zhuo appointed Yuan Shu as the rear general in the hope of winning over his power.

Yuan Shu is different from Yuan Shao. This guy is born in the year of the dog and can turn against someone at any time.

After receiving benefits from Dong Zhuo, he returned to Nanyang County and began to recruit soldiers in Luyang County in preparation for the attack on Dong Zhuo.

Luyang County is located at the junction of Nanyang County and Yingchuan County of Yuzhou, and is not far from the Yuan family’s base camp, Runan County.

Although Yuan Shu could call the shots in this area, he was definitely stronger than Wang Rui and Cai Mao.

Cao Cao knew this very well. Therefore, he did not greet Yuan Shu when he came to Jingzhou, and the two did not get along.

Now Cao Cao is Yuan Shao's younger brother. Yuan Shu has long disliked Yuan Shao. Now with the support of military forces, he becomes even more arrogant and does not take Cao Cao seriously at all.

"Hey, isn't this Cao A Man?"

Yuan Shu was carried down from the ship by eight men and taunted Cao Cao: "You were just released from prison and you're already running to Jingzhou to beg for food?"

"Why is there no money or food in Chenliu County?"

"I have some old grains to give to you. Do you want some?"

Cao Cao's eyelids twitched. Whether in terms of position or family background, Yuan Shu could crush him.

Yuan Shu thought that describing Cao Cao as a beggar asking for food was a compliment.

"Greetings, General Hou." Cao Cao was not a coward, and he retorted sarcastically: "Cao Cao is still the Commander of the Army, and has never thought of becoming the Commander of the Cavalry."

This is a stab at Yuan Shu. You took advantage of Dong Zhuo and took all the benefits, then you overturned the table and wanted to hit people. I am not like you.

As expected, Yuan Shu was furious: "You are so good, Cao Aman!"

"I wanted to join forces with you to fight against Jinmao's invasion, but since you are so ungrateful, we have to fight today!"

After saying this, Yuan Shu was about to return to the cabin of the ship to deploy his troops and prepare for a big battle.

Cao Cao couldn't help but be dumbfounded. Could Yuan Shu also give in?
"General Hou!"

"Yuan Gonglu!"

"Wait a minute!"

Cao Cao shouted: "I am willing to join forces!"

Yuan Shu was just playing hard to get. If he really wanted to fight, he would have done it long ago. He would not have waited until they met to start a fight.

Yuan Shu was indeed uneducated, but he was not stupid. He was just too lazy to learn, otherwise how could he have become the General of the Tiger Guards.

"Cao Aman, do you have anything else to say?"

Agreeing is one thing, but you have to maintain your dignity and not be easily bullied.

Cao Cao saw through Yuan Shu's trick and said with a smile, "Please forgive me, General. At first I thought you were coming to call for punishment, so I spoke rudely."

As if coaxing a child, Cao Cao said: "I apologize for my reckless words and actions."

Yuan Shu was very satisfied with Cao Cao's attitude, "That's very good."

"Then let's start discussing the division of labor and cooperation."

Yuan Shu clapped his hands, and his subordinates came up with a huge feng shui map and spread it out in front of the two men.

"Wait a minute." Cao Cao bowed and said, "General Hou, forgive me. I have an agreement with the Changshui Commander to support Jingzhou in exchange for 3,000 sets of weapons and 1,000 war horses."

"Today is the promised day, but I haven't seen the promised thing."

Cao Cao said very tactfully that there would be no motivation without salary.

Yuan Shu pretended not to know and said condescendingly: "That was a matter between you and Cai Mao. What I am telling you now is about us two. Don't mix them up!"

Cao Cao smiled and said without further ado, "Goodbye!"

Yuan Shu's little tricks were nothing in Cao Cao's eyes, and most of the military equipment that Cai Mao promised was snatched away by Yuan Shu.

Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence that Yuan Shu happened to go down to Xiangyang along the same waterway and meet Cao Cao.

With so many coincidences, it can't be that Yuan Shu is going to lead people to resist Jin Mao, right?
Anyway, Cao Cao didn't believe it. He knew Yuan Shu's strength very well. This guy had a negative impact on the army, so it would be better if he didn't cause trouble.

Therefore, Cao Cao did not say much. The two were not in the same camp, so why bother doing good deeds without any reputation?

Seeing that Cao Cao was really going to leave, Yuan Shu wanted to use his status as a rear general to intimidate him: "Cao, if you dare to leave Jingzhou, you will never be able to gain a foothold in any place where I am!"

This threat is not serious and Cao Cao doesn't care. As long as his elder brother Yuan Shao doesn't say anything, everything will be fine.

Yuan Shu had no choice but to yell, "Cao Aman, name your price!"

Cao Cao then returned and said, "I just want to get what I deserve."

Yuan Shu's brows were furrowed into a shape of a "川" (川) character. He had indeed swallowed that batch of military equipment. It was absolutely impossible for him to spit it out.

"Change the conditions." Yuan Shu said: "I will submit a petition to recommend you as the governor of Chenliu County."

Seeing Cao Cao was unmoved, Yuan Shu added: "The Governor of Yanzhou!"

Cao Cao refused without a second thought: "General Hou, there is no need to waste your words. I will get my share and join forces with you to deal with the invasion of the governor of Yangzhou."

"Cao, Aman!" Yuan Shu was furious: "You really are obsessed with money!"

Seeing Cao Cao still looking calm, Yuan Shu had no choice but to say, "Okay, okay! I'll give it to you!"

"But I'll be frank with you. If you take the benefits and don't do anything, don't blame me for being merciless!"

Cao Cao disagreed. He said that everyone was a military commander now, so who was afraid of whom? It was not like before when he could still use official positions to pressure others.

However, he still had to do the superficial work: "Thank you, General Hou, for your help."

When Cao Cao went down to reorganize the troops, Yuan Shu summoned his adviser Yan Xiang and asked him what to do about the matter.

"That's easy." Yan Xiang suggested: "My lord, all you need to do is give Cao Cao the discarded weapons among the army, and then select the worst war horses."

"Great!" Yuan Shu couldn't help but slap his thigh and praise: "Cao Aman! Let's see what you say this time?"

The two of them did not agree on which batch of military equipment it was. Everything Cai Mao prepared was good stuff, and Yuan Shu was reluctant to give it up.

Now is the perfect time to give the entire army a good change.

the other side.

Cao Ren, Cao Hong, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan and others received their weapons and came to the central army tent to complain to Cao Cao.

"Captain! Yuan Shu is going too far!"

"Just get by with some defective products."

"It's better not to take this job!"

Facing the generals who were in a state of panic, Cao Cao asked with a smile, "Why are you panicking?"

The generals were confused.

Cao Cao remained calm. He stood up and walked outside the tent. In the confused eyes of his generals, he pointed to the port in the distance.

"Cai Degui promised me."

"If he breaks his promise, the Jingzhou navy will be used to pay off his debt."

The generals' eyes lit up, as the equipment of the Jingzhou navy was even more luxurious than the weapons they were wearing.

They have been envious for a long time.

Cao Cao asked with a smile: "What are you waiting for?"

The generals cried out.

"Just wait and see. If I, Xiahou Yuanrang, miss even one arrow, I won't be called Xiahou Dun!"

Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren, and Cao Hong: "Me too!"

Cao Cao chuckled and said, "You are all called Xiahou Dun."

The generals laughed.

"That's enough!" Cao Cao ordered, "Don't go too far. Speak politely and don't hurt anyone."

"This is a military order!"

"Here!"

Cao Cao added: "There is one more thing we must pay attention to!"

"We can only take 4,000 sets. One more set is not allowed. If there is one less set, military law will be imposed!"

The generals laughed.

Cao Cao did not forget to add: "Open your eyes and don't just take the expensive ones. Leave some for your friends."

(End of this chapter)