Chapter 8, Cao Xin offers a strategy
You must let me go to Xuzhou! ? '' Glancing at Zhou Fang beside him, Cao Anmin looked at his cousin in front of him and, for a moment, found it hard to believe as he said: `` You must understand, the lord wants you to keep an eye on me... ''
Who is it?! The sudden turn of events left Cao Song utterly astonished, causing him to scramble to his feet and retreat to the corner of the wall, crying out in panic as he backed away.
As soon as the words were spoken, Cao Anmin shook his head and said, "In this way... Angdi is bound to lose"
No need, just the two of us, Zhou Fang and I, are enough! With more people, we might raise suspicion from Tao Qian of Xuzhou! At this moment, Cao Anmin did not hesitate either; he cupped his hands and exchanged a glance with Zhou Fang, signaling him to turn the horse and leave.
At present, with a wry smile, Cao Anmin looked at the soldiers behind him, noticing that most were infantry. He then shook his head and said: "Although our army has five thousand troops, we only have eight hundred cavalry, while the remaining over four thousand are all infantry. At this marching speed, it is likely to take half a month to reach Rencheng..."
Once again chuckling, Cao Anmin immediately said with a smile, "Come here and listen closely."
As Cao Song said, especially tonight, Cao Song could not concentrate at all. While looking at these books, his mind kept wandering to other matters. Ever since entering Xuzhou, he repeatedly recalled Cao Anmin's words: 'Once I go to Xuzhou, I fear there will be no turning back.'
The glint of the blade ceased, and Cao Song immediately collapsed to the ground, blood pooling around him, reflecting the visage of the former, yet at this moment, Cao Song had already lost consciousness
Pfft ... ...
Upon hearing Cao Anmin's words, Cao Ang's eyes immediately lit up, and he hurriedly said, "Is there such a brilliant plan in the world?"
It is of no consequence. The journey to Rencheng is indeed long, but since you wish to go, then go ahead. Although I am uncertain whether your choice is the right one, after all, we have been playmates since childhood, and I regard you as my elder brother. What need is there for me to impose any restrictions?
At this moment, Cao Song suddenly saw the leader awaken with a start and exclaimed, "You... you are not the Captain Zhang sent by Lord Tao to fetch me? What is the meaning of this?"
A sharp blade suddenly pierced through the door from outside, directly striking the attendant. Perhaps due to the sight of the shadow, as the attendant's chest was pierced, a tall shadow was simultaneously cast upon the door.
Waving his hand, Cao Song shook his head and said calmly: "Forget it, no need for that. I will rest now, you may go down as well..."
Old Grandfather, it is already late at night, it would be better to rest early
Thank you for your understanding, Angdi. I am truly ashamed of my lack of integrity
With a twitch of his brow, Cao Anmin was unaware of what the other party was about to say
Puff... ... '' Uh... ... ''
As they spoke, they spurred their horses and, with Zhou Fang, the two riders galloped towards the other road leading to Xuzhou at the city gate
In the midst of his joy, Cao Ang was momentarily taken aback upon hearing the previous person's reminder, and then asked in confusion, "What is the reason for this?"
The attendant responded with a sound, then turned and walked away. However, just as the attendant was about to open the door and leave...
Cao Ang felt a moment of difficulty upon hearing this, but suddenly noticed that Cao Anmin also had a bitter expression, as if he had thought of something. He then suddenly smiled and said: "Elder brother, how about this..."
Hearing Cao Ang's words, Cao Anmin did not take them to heart, but instead returned the courtesy once again
Within the city of Xuchang, five thousand troops marched out in a grand procession. At the forefront was a young military general with a resolute countenance, followed by two tall personal guards and a multitude of cavalry and infantry behind them
It was only then that I noticed the sky had unknowingly turned completely dark. Looking at the attendant beside me, I couldn't help but ask: "What time is it now?"
However, Ang Di, remember that you can only take eight hundred cavalry with you, while over four thousand foot soldiers must be stationed at this checkpoint
In this way, with a sudden realization, Cao Ang immediately understood the intention of the former. He then clasped his hands and said with admiration: "Those who mock my elder brother should really see that if we can successfully slay that scoundrel Cao Mao, my elder brother should be credited with the primary achievement..."
As he spoke, a flash of white light suddenly passed by, and the dagger in Zhang Kai's hand swiftly sliced through the air
For some reason, I feel unusually restless tonight; even these books are unable to calm me down. I do not know why... My heart is very unsettled...
However, Cao Ang said: "Why not you and this Zhou brother go to Xuzhou..."
Within Xuzhou, it is located in Yang County, which is over one hundred miles away from Xiapicheng
Brother Anmin, at this rate, I do not know how many more days it will take to reach Rencheng. Upon arriving at a city gate, Cao Ang suddenly reined in his horse and turned to look at a tall, handsome cavalryman behind him, who stood at a height of seven feet.
What my elder brother said makes sense..." Cao Ang frowned slightly, clearly in strong agreement with Cao Anmin's words, yet he could not help but express his frustration, saying: "What can be done about this
Upon hearing this and the words in the picture book, Cao Song was instantly enraged, his white hair standing on end, and he shouted furiously at Zhang Kai in front of him: "You are no different from a bandit!"
With a cupped fist, Cao Anmin said in a deep voice: "Not at all, I have returned only to ask Brother Ang how he intends to act in this campaign against Cao Mao."
Whispering a few words into Cao Ang's ear, it was in an instant that the other party became increasingly alarmed. By the end, the former could not help but smile with delight and hurriedly exclaimed:
At this moment, upon hearing the other party's words, Cao Anmin suddenly burst into loud laughter and confidently said: "I have a plan that can help Angdi obtain Cao Mao's head within five days, and... without losing a single soldier of Angdi's!"
However, as the two walked a short distance, Cao Anmin suddenly reined in his horse and turned back. Before Cao Ang could utter his farewell, the former returned to Cao Ang's side once more
This departure to Xuzhou... may very well be a day of no return...
A gentle smile appeared on Cao Ang's face, adding a touch of sunshine to his resolute features. Cao Anmin never expected that Cao Ang, who had perished alongside him in history, would be so loyal and righteous, which made him feel somewhat moved at that moment
Has the elder brother changed his mind? Seeing Cao Anmin return after leaving, he thought the other party had backed out, thus his expression slightly changed
At that moment, the attendant noticed that the old gentleman seemed a bit unwell, and said: "Shall I go and ask Captain Zhang to bring a bowl of soup to help you calm your nerves"
Upon hearing Cao Anmin's question, Cao Ang did not immediately react and casually replied: "Of course, we will concentrate 5,000 troops to launch a fierce attack on Rencheng..."
Although Rencheng has only 3,000 troops stationed, when the lord attacked Yanzhou, the city lord voluntarily surrendered, thus the city walls of Rencheng remain intact, and the troops and supplies are well-prepared. Moreover, by the time you reach Rencheng with your marching speed, Cao Mao will undoubtedly be fully prepared. Not to mention the ambushes along the way, attacking the city will also be a difficult task. Even if you have over 10,000 elite troops at this moment, it would not be easy to breach Rencheng in a short time.
Time and again, the thought of Cao Song arises in my heart, making it increasingly difficult to find peace of mind
Wonderful, wonderful! My elder brother is truly a divine being! Excellent, excellent! I shall act immediately and head to Rencheng tonight! Thus, this Rencheng can be easily broken with a light touch, ha ha ha ha!
In the inn room of Yang County, Cao Song was holding a scroll of books, reading it carefully by candlelight. However, upon hearing the words of his attendant beside him, he glanced at the sky outside the window.
Three hours later
Oh? Is it already the hour of the Rat?" Surprised, I glanced at the other person, then set the scroll in my hand aside, and suddenly said with curiosity:
Only Cao Ang remained standing in front of the soldiers, watching the slowly fading figure on the distant road, and could not help but wonder: "Since my elder brother is capable of devising such a brilliant plan, why did he not mention it during the banquet that day... Alas, it is truly unfathomable..."
Hehe, elder brother, you jest. I have five thousand troops, while that fellow Cao has only three thousand. How can five defeat three not lead to victory?
Upon hearing Cao Song's words, the general let out a cold laugh, looking at the blood of the attendant on the ground, and said with a sinister grin: "Tao Qian, a mere commoner! Just a false gentleman, yet he dares to claim righteousness! Hmph, I have followed him for so many years, yet because I am a former member of the Yellow Turbans, he does not value me. It is better not to serve as this colonel..." As he spoke, he gazed at Cao Song, his eyes flashing with a hint of coldness. "I had no intention of killing you, but your wealth is too conspicuous, drawing too much attention. Do not blame me, Zhang Kai, for acting in the name of justice today, hahahaha..."
The Art of War states: "Speed is of the essence in warfare. How long will it take for your infantry to reach Rencheng? Moreover, my strategy requires that the fewer troops you bring, the better, but it cannot be too few; eight hundred men will suffice."
In an instant, a single sentence awakened Cao Anmin's heart, causing his body to tremble involuntarily at that moment
With a loud bang, he kicked the door fiercely.
Very well, once we pass through the city gate, there are two roads: one leads to the State of Rencheng, and the other heads towards Xuzhou. Brother, you may take several hundred riders to Xuzhou. If the old lord truly wishes to take risks, he can also ensure his own safety. " With that, he clasped his hands and Cao Ang spoke with even greater bravado.
At this time, it had been a full three hours since leaving the city of Xuchang. Cao Anmin, as commanded by Cao Cao, took on the role of an ordinary bodyguard for Cao Ang alongside Zhou Fang. However, despite being a bodyguard, Cao Ang placed great importance on Cao Anmin, frequently asking him questions.
No
A fierce-looking general with a broad smile was the first to enter, followed closely by a dense crowd of soldiers.
Returning to the old gentleman, it has already passed the hour of Hai, and it is now a quarter past the hour of Zi
Take care, Brother Zhen. Cao Xin is leaving
However, at the moment before Cao Song's death, it seemed as if, in the depths of fate, that phrase once again surfaced in his mind
It is night
A surge of blood simultaneously erupted in the room
"Robber? Hmph..." Slowly gripping the dagger at his waist, the gloom on Zhang Kai's face intensified. Looking at Cao Song before him, he suddenly shouted, "I am indeed a robber!"