In the fourth year of Jian'an, March!
At dusk, the Long Xiao Battalion had already lit torches. The cold wind was biting, and the flags at the main gate of General's Stronghold fluttered noisily. The large characters "Long Xiao" and "Lu" on the flags danced in the wind.
A high platform had long been erected on the drill ground…
Many seats were placed below the platform, but not a single general sat down, all standing in solemn anticipation.
Cao Xiu, Huang Zhong, Wen Pin, Zhang Liao, Gao Shun, Zhao Yun… each stood ready, poised for action.
There were fewer strategists, with Cheng Yu, Yang Xiu, and Chen Gong all out on missions…
Xu Shu was the only one present, appearing somewhat solitary.
It could be said…
Every general, every soldier, and even every strategist in the Long Xiao Battalion, except for those who were away and unable to return, were gathered here at this moment… all of them!
In addition to them, there were also some imperial academy students, such as "Zhuge Liang" and He Yan, who possessed special skills, as well as many second-generation officials and second-generation military men, such as… Cao Ang, Cao Anmin, Huang Xu, Dian Man, Xu Yi, and others!
Behind them were the five hundred Long Xiao Cavalry, the seven hundred Elite Shock Troops, the three hundred Bing Province Wolf Cavalry, and three thousand newly trained spearmen in the truest sense.
Everyone looked up at the high platform, eagerly anticipating something.
It was only at this moment of departure that everyone realized that Lu Yu, Commander Lu, was the sole commander of the entire Long Xiao Battalion! He was the "military soul" that held these thousands of men together.
Finally, Lu Yu, in a rare appearance, donned a cloak and appeared on the high platform…
He wore the cloak not for show, but because the night wind was a bit cold.
Of course, despite the cold, Lu Yu tried his best to maintain a serious expression.
Seeing Lu Yu standing tall, the generals and soldiers arrayed below bowed in unison, a thousand voices simultaneously shouting, "Greetings, Commander!"
Lu Yu waved his hand… signaling that no formalities were necessary.
"The decisive battle between Cao and Yuan hinges on all of you, our soldiers. Before your departure, I, your Commander, hereby re-issue the military orders… and the rewards and punishments!"
Lu Yu did not, like historical commanders, first rally the troops or make grand promises…
Instead, he began by clearly stating the military discipline and defining the rewards and punishments!
Although the Long Xiao Battalion was not an ordinary military unit, Lu Yu understood deeply what soldiers fought for.
It was nothing more than money and power!
Without clearly defined rewards and punishments, who would risk their lives and shed their blood for you!
No matter how much pep talk or grand promises were made, without tangible benefits, it was all empty talk!
As soon as Lu Yu finished speaking, Cao Xiu stepped forward from the crowd below, turned, and faced everyone. Soldiers then brought forward a huge "trumpet"…
This trumpet had been crafted by Liu Ye from the workshop at Lu Yu's request a few days prior…
While called a trumpet, it was essentially the simplest form of an amplifier, with a wooden stand at the bottom. In later generations, it would be considered mere child's play.
However, in this era… without Lu Yu's blueprints, no one could have created such a device!
"Ahem…"
Cao Xiu coughed lightly, and the sound, amplified by the "trumpet," caused many soldiers of the Long Xiao Battalion to freeze in surprise…
Cao Xiu, not overly surprised, continued to shout:
"For this expedition, Commander Lu has set thirteen military orders!"
"First, disobedience is punishable by death. Second, desertion in battle is punishable by death. Third, failure to provide timely rescue is punishable by death. Fourth, cohabiting with civilian women is punishable by death…"
…
Not far from the Long Xiao Battalion, a cavalry troop slowly approached. The leader was not tall, not handsome, with narrow eyes, but who else could it be but Cao Cao!
It turned out…
Hearing that the Long Xiao Battalion was to depart ahead of schedule today, Cao Cao and his accompanying strategists and generals found it somewhat unexpected and decided to come and observe.
However… before they even reached the Long Xiao Battalion, they heard the deafening sound.
Instinctively… everyone reined in their horses.
"What a booming voice! It can carry so far…"
Cao Cao exclaimed.
Xun Yu stroked his beard and, with a knowing smile, explained, "No wonder the workshop was busy all night these past few days. I imagine they were rushing to complete this sound amplification device!"
Cao Cao nodded. "This wooden amplification device looks peculiar, but it seems to be quite effective! It's fortunate for Minister Lu… that he can come up with such rare inventions!"
Cao Cao glanced at the civil and military officials following beside him, his mind deep in thought…
But before he could fully ponder it, Cao Xiu's "thirteen beheadings" and "thirteen rewards" had already blurted out, reaching Cao Cao's ears.
*Hoo…*
Cao Cao let out a soft sigh.
He could understand the thirteen beheadings… but the thirteen rewards were a bit…
As Cao Xiu described them, these so-called thirteen rewards were incredibly detailed!
Including how much gold would be awarded for killing an enemy!
How much gold for capturing a flag!
How much gold for killing an enemy centurion, and what rank advancement!
How much gold for killing an enemy commander, and what rank advancement!
And so on, detailing every conceivable action.
In essence, it was a system of rewarding and compensating based on individual achievements, similar to the military system of Qin's unification. Though it sounded a bit archaic now, it was quite fitting for the occasion!
Just as Cao Cao had predicted…
Upon hearing the "thirteen beheadings" and "thirteen rewards," the eyes of the Long Xiao Battalion soldiers gleamed with a fierce light, yet their hearts also held reverence…
With clear rewards and punishments, at least for this decisive battle, they felt a sense of hope, a hope for money and power!
"…This military system simplifies complexities and returns to the basics. I didn't expect Minister Lu to also possess the talent of a commander!" Cao Cao remarked, but mused inwardly, "Is this the first time my son Yu has personally mobilized the troops before a battle?"
In the past, his son's surprises were generally about his grasp of human psychology, his grand strategic deployments on the battlefield, and his predictions of events. This kind of detailed troop deployment and command was something Cao Cao had never witnessed before!
For a moment, Cao Cao found himself looking forward to it.
Meanwhile, Xun Yu, after hearing these "thirteen beheadings, thirteen rewards," shrewdly sensed something.
"Prime Minister Cao, Commander Lu's military orders mention thirteen instances of 'beheading,' but…"
Xun Yu trailed off, hesitant to speak.
Cao Cao, however, waved his hand. "Continue."
Xun Yu's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued, "While he mentions beheading for this and that, there is notably no mention of beheading for plundering civilian property! This implies that if the Long Xiao Battalion were to go rogue, not only could they kill enemies, but… the common folk along the Yellow River might also suffer!"
*Hoo…*
Hearing this, Cao Cao paused. He turned and looked at Xun Yu with deep meaning.
His tone carried a peculiar weight.
"Wen Ruo, don't you know yet?"
"In recent years… with the increase in our troops, the military expenses have grown increasingly large! This is not the expenditure for a few thousand men, nor for tens of thousands, but for over a hundred thousand armored soldiers! Even with some special measures, our funds are still stretched thin…"
Cao Cao's expression turned serious.
When mentioning this…
He was actually thinking of the aristocratic families, of how they monopolized vast tracts of land and a large number of tenant farmers!
Although Cao Cao followed Lu Yu's strategies and adopted a more moderate approach to gathering provisions, and even… the current military farming and civilian farming initiatives were progressing with vigor.
However… the policies for military farming, while securing provisions, led to a decline in troop training and had a considerable impact on the fighting strength of the soldiers!
And civilian farming, limited by the amount of available land and the constraints of the aristocratic families, while yielding results, was still insufficient to support over a hundred thousand armored soldiers!
If not for the Long Xiao Battalion's tomb raiding and treasure hunting, the deficit in military funds would have been exposed long ago…
It was precisely because of this…
That Cao Cao faced immense economic pressure in this decisive battle between Cao and Yuan!
How Cao Cao wished for the day when he would no longer be constrained by the "coercion" of the aristocratic families, and when these lands would revert to his control. At that time, why would military farming be necessary? Civilian farming alone would be enough to support thirty thousand soldiers!
Similarly, at that time, soldiers would be soldiers, and farmers would be farmers. Only then could the full might of the army be unleashed!
—The poll tax system!
The solution was right before his eyes, but Cao Cao did not know… when he would have sufficient strength and confidence to implement this proposal, which would benefit both the military and the populace!
*Hoo…*
With this thought, Cao Cao sighed again. He continued, "For this northern expedition, whether it be the Long Xiao Battalion or the other battalions, each soldier has only been issued five hundred copper coins. How are these soldiers supposed to fight? If we were to add a clause like 'plundering civilian property is punishable by death,' then Commander Lu's 'thirteen rewards' would become mere paper! Who would serve with such dedication!"
Upon saying this, Cao Cao paused and said meaningfully, "Commander Xun, this decree of Commander Lu can be emulated by the other legions. Commander Xun, do not forget that the northern territories are still Yuan Shao's territory, our enemy. The people in the enemy's domain are also enemies. When one day, this territory becomes mine, Cao Cao's! Then, perhaps adding such a clause—'plundering civilian property is punishable by death'—it will not be too late!"
As he spoke this…
Cao Cao's eyes narrowed, and he waved his hand, signaling Xun Yu to continue listening to Lu Yu.
This was Cao Cao…
He could instantaneously transform into the "number one butcher knife of the Three Kingdoms," swiftly executing tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers!
He could also transform into a wandering poet, lamenting with "White bones lie scattered in the fields, for a thousand miles no chickens crow," and sighing over the suffering of the common people!
He would not abandon a strategic opportunity due to compassion, nor would he allow his soldiers to suffer from hunger and cold for the sake of some ethereal "will of the people"!
Yu'er's approach involved making choices, weighing the lesser of two evils…
Cao Cao greatly admired it, immensely admired it!
Cao Cao even felt that this approach was like him! Like a formidable ruler!
At this moment…
On the high platform of the Long Xiao Battalion's drill ground, another wooden "trumpet" was pushed towards Lu Yu.
Lu Yu shouted, "Soldiers, I know what you are thinking. The five hundred copper coins per person for this expedition is indeed too little, but upon your victorious return, I, Lu Yu, guarantee that every bit of merit, money, and grain you earn from killing the enemy will not be withheld!"
"Because… as far as I know, Yuan Shao is quite wealthy. He privately hoards ten million taels of gold, and his hidden grain supplies are even more abundant, five million shi. As for copper coins and wuzhu coins, they are countless… Yet, Yuan Shao is an extremely stingy person. He distributes very little to his soldiers and officers!"
"Yuan's camp alone hides ten million taels of gold! That's ten million gold! I have already requested permission from Prime Minister Cao. On the day of victory, half of all the gold, grain, and jewels will be submitted to the national treasury, and the other half will be distributed to all of you! This will serve as the 'thirteen rewards'!"
*Hoo…*
After a brief silence.
—"Defeat Yuan Shao, Divide the Gold!"
—"Defeat Yuan Shao, Divide the Gold!"
—"Defeat Yuan Shao, Divide the Gold!"
—"Kill…"
—"Kill…"
—"Kill…"
In an instant, shouts of killing rose to the heavens…
One louder than the next, one more unified than the next, from afar, they resembled surging ocean tides, their momentum seemingly capable of eclipsing the sun!
Upon hearing about the ten million taels of gold, every soldier in the Long Xiao Battalion erupted in cheers.
Indeed…
Compared to faith, real gold and silver were the most effective in stirring their blood, and indeed, their blood boiled even more intensely!
*Hoo.*
Looking at this scene, Xun Yu and Xun You let out long breaths.
Cao Hong, hearing about money… especially ten million gold, his eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "Big brother… does Yuan Shao really have that much money? Where is it hidden? In Ye City? Is it true or false!"
"Hahaha…"
Hearing this, Cao Cao laughed.
"What others say might be false, but Minister Lu is a great prophet. What he says, even if false, becomes true!"
Cao Cao gazed at the eager, exhilarated soldiers of the Long Xiao Battalion…
Then, he turned to the generals and said.
"The armies will set off in three days. When mobilizing the soldiers, tell them that Minister Lu said Yuan Shao has ten million gold. This narrative seems to be quite effective!"
For a moment, Cao Cao felt that his visit today was perfectly timed…
He was precisely worrying about how to mobilize the three armies and how to explain the five hundred coins to the soldiers!
After all, as Yu'er had said, the five hundred coins per person in military pay was indeed a bit meager!
At this moment…
Lu Yu signaled for the three armies' soldiers to quiet down, and he asked sequentially, "General Gao Shun? Has the Elite Shock Troop received the seven hundred Mo Dao?"
Upon hearing this…
Gao Shun stepped forward. "Received. For this northern expedition! My Elite Shock Troop is willing to take the vanguard!"
Lu Yu did not reply but continued to ask Zhang Liao, "The three hundred sets of fine steel armor for the Bing Province Wolf Cavalry? Has the workshop delivered them?"
"They have been delivered!" Zhang Liao also bowed. "Your subordinate is willing to lead these three hundred knights as the vanguard?"
Lu Yu remained noncommittal…
"General Wen Lie? How many riders are left in the Long Xiao Cavalry!"
"Five hundred!" Cao Xiu replied…
Fifty were assigned to Zhong Yao, and a hundred to Yang Xiu, and fifty to Chen Gong… out of the original seven hundred Long Xiao Cavalry, only about five hundred remained!
Lu Yu nodded.
"I trouble General Wen Yuan and General Wen Lie to lead the Bing Province Wolf Cavalry and the Long Xiao Cavalry to immediately depart and reinforce Bai Ma…"
"Understood!"
"Understood!" Zhang Liao and Cao Xiu bowed to accept the order.
Although they were only eight hundred men, due to their equipment and the glorious past achievements of the Long Xiao Battalion, they… had no fear!
"Where are General Wen Pin? Where is Xiahou Zilin?" Lu Yu's voice continued.
"Your subordinate is present."
Wen Pin and Xiahou Mao stepped forward!
"The three thousand spearmen? Are they ready for battle?"
"The three thousand spearmen have long been eager!" Wen Pin said with a bow…
"The three thousand spearmen are poised and ready!" Xiahou Mao also bowed!
Logically, Wen Pin was a humble person, but… after training these spearmen for so long, he was too eager to take the field. The words "eager" and "longing" were precisely his inner thoughts.
"Good… The Mo Dao troops and the spearmen will accompany me. We will depart for Yanjin in three days!" Lu Yu announced loudly.
*Hmm…*
His order caused the generals present to be slightly taken aback.
This deployment seemed somewhat strange!
Considering the comparison with Yuan Shao's army, the Long Xiao Battalion already had fewer troops, and now… they were being divided into two forces. This…
In fact, it wasn't just these generals.
Even Cao Cao, outside the military camp, was confused.
He gently tapped his forehead.
"Commander Lu is dividing his forces into two? What is the reason for this?" Cao Cao mused, instinctively looking at Xun Yu.
Xun Yu was also contemplating…
He felt that Lu Yu's deployment must have a deep meaning, but the specific meaning? For the moment, he couldn't quite grasp it!
There were two key points here.
Firstly, the eight hundred cavalry were to depart immediately. If their speed was also considered, then… they might reach the front lines in about fifteen days! This meant arriving at Bai Ma City Stronghold… It was heard that Yan Liang had already crossed the Yellow River and was about to launch an attack on Bai Ma City Stronghold!
And the Elite Shock Troop and the spearmen were both infantry…
If their departure was delayed by another three days, it might take a month to reach Yanjin… Why was this the case?
Secondly, it was known that Cao Cao's main army comprised fifty thousand troops, led by Cao Ren and Cao Hong, and they would set off in three days. Lu Yu deliberately amassed the infantry of the Long Xiao Cavalry with the main force. Was this to confuse Yuan Shao?
Xun Yu analyzed it to this extent…
But he couldn't delve any deeper.
Meanwhile, Xun You, stroking his beard, fixed his gaze…
"So that's how it is!"
"Commander Lu and I have thought of the same thing!"
As he said this, Cao Cao and Xun Yu both looked at him. Xun You, however, waved his hand, giving them a signal… indicating that it could not be discussed in public.
Cao Cao and Xun Yu understood…
"Haha…"
Cao Cao smiled faintly and immediately ordered, "Return to the Minister's Residence!"
As he said this, he did not forget to remind them.
"Wen Ruo, Gong Da, you both come with me!"
Evidently… Cao Cao was now exceptionally curious about Yu'er's deployment. What mysteries lay hidden within this deployment?
…
…
Not long after, in the study of the Minister's Residence.
Xun You's words still echoed in Cao Cao's ears.
—"Commander Lu and I have thought of the same thing!"
This only increased Cao Cao's curiosity.
Cao Cao and Xun Yu repeatedly questioned Xun You, but Xun You calmly proposed setting up a chessboard… and smilingly placed black and white pieces on the board.
The black and white pieces, moved by his hands… formed a finished game…
Cao Cao's mind was not on the chessboard, but Xun You suggested that Cao Cao try playing a few moves.
Xun You was playing black, and Cao Cao was playing white.
On the current chessboard, the upper half had two groups of black pieces deployed, and the lower half had two groups of white pieces… Xun You, playing black, moved a piece from the defense of the black pieces on the left half, making a move as if to penetrate into the white pieces' territory.
And Cao Cao immediately understood…
Xun You was simulating the current battlefield along the Yellow River…
The two parts of the black pieces represented Cao Cao's control over the two city strongholds of "Yanjin" and "Bai Ma," while the two parts of the white pieces represented Yuan Shao and Yan Liang…
Among them, the black pieces representing Yan Liang had already penetrated into "Bai Ma," surrounding it completely!
Seeing this, Cao Cao became serious. Xun You was asking him to simulate Yuan Shao's actions.
And now…
The position where Xun You placed his black piece… was to strengthen the defenses at Yanjin… and simultaneously, to draw out troops and make a move as if to depart from Yanjin and outmaneuver Yuan Shao's main army.
Cao Cao immediately placed his white pieces at the main force's position, making a defensive move… that was correct. Given Yuan Shao's cautious and suspicious nature, he would indeed deploy his forces in this manner!
Unexpectedly…
Just as Cao Cao was deploying defenses at the main army's location.
Xun You directly scattered several additional pieces at "Yan Liang's" position…
Cao Cao was surprised and instinctively asked, "Where did so many 'pieces' come from all of a sudden? Can these 'black pieces' just appear out of thin air!"
Xun You smiled faintly.
"General Zhang Liao and General Cao Xiu, leading the eight hundred Long Xiao Cavalry, are not these 'black pieces' that appeared out of thin air?"
*Huo…*
In an instant, Cao Cao's understanding dawned.
Yu'er was planning to… achieve a perfect time differential at Bai Ma City Stronghold!
*Hoo…*
Cao Cao's gaze was fixed on the chessboard, his eyes constantly shifting. This was an extremely subtle time differential, yet it was also a precise control over time down to the "instant" and "moment"!
No wonder… Xun You understood it so quickly.
Taking a risky gamble…
Yu'er was taking a risky gamble, and Xun You… most enjoyed taking risky gambles!
…
…