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. His second son Cao Zhi stood next to him. Cao Zhi was only seventeen years old this year, with great talent and extremely intelligent. Cao Cao loved him very much. He ordered his eldest son Cao Pi to guard Yedu, and his second son 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!"

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 discussions. Could it be that the Prime Minister no longer used him as a literary officer?"

Cao Cao nodded, "This man has a great military talent, and it is a bit useless to use him as a literary agent. He is willing to join the army himself. 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 speaking, 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 I will have the possibility of winning, so I decided to send 300,000 troops to fight the Yangtze River."

Xun Yu was shocked and hurriedly said, "Prime Minister, don't send 300,000 troops. If you add twice the civilians, you will be a million people. With the current national strength, you may not be able to support this war."

Cheng Yu next to him smiled and said, "Wen Ruo was worried too much, in fact, there was no need for twice the civilians. The combat readiness had been completed. At most, 100,000 civilians and 30,000 boatmen were conscripted. The civilians were mainly used for transportation between Wancheng and Fancheng. I think 300,000 troops were indeed needed, otherwise it would 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 300,000 troops are almost a vast army. If they all go south, Zhongde would consider whether Ma Teng's Xiliang army would 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 is very likely to lead the 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, "Please speak Zhongda!"

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 can use the emperor's edict to Ma Teng and Han Sui. Whoever they recovered Jiuquan County will be granted the title of Liangzhou."

Before Sima Yi finished speaking, Cao Cao applauded and laughed, "Miushy, this is the plan of killing three soldiers with 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, "So what do they know? They are neither nephews nor brothers. 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 Tengsuo will not believe it, and he will doubt that Han Sui has concealed himself. If the two have estrangements, 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 wonder 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 when he went to Dongwu last year, and the civil servant group within 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 Dongwu to deal with him. As long as Dongwu is willing to withdraw his troops, Sun Quan could be allowed to be Duke Wu. In addition, the opposition within Dongwu has gained power. Under their pressure, Sun Quan will definitely shake his will and weaken the Sun-Liu alliance."

Sima Yi had a thorough look and sharp strategy, and could 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!"

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Sima Yi and Xun Yu both said goodbye and left, and Cao Zhi also went, leaving only Cao Cao and Cheng Yu 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 descendants of the Prime Minister 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 descendants if they are a small Sima family."

Cheng Yu smiled bitterly in his heart. He found that Sima Yi was extremely utilitarian. It was a blessing to use such a person well. If he didn't use it well, it was a disaster. However, Cao Cao attaches great importance to him now, and Cheng Yu is 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 when he made more achievements, and it would also convince others."

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. The emperor appointed Liu Jing as the governor of Jingzhou. He did not come to Beijing to thank him for his kindness. It was a despise of the emperor. The prime minister could deceive the emperor and conquer Liu Jing."

Cao Cao laughed, "What a crime, 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 Wenyuan have a plan to defeat the enemy?"

Cheng Yu also smiled slightly, "Wen Yuan 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, "I am not aware of the Prime Minister!"

"Wenyuan doesn't have to be too polite, please sit down!"

Zhang Liao sat down and said, "There is a plan for humble position, but Xiangyang can be obtained. I wonder 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 by one, one by one, and one by one, and the other by the attack on 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 strategy of obtaining 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. You have to go to Yong to enter Fangling, threaten Xiangyang by land, and force Liu Jing to withdraw his troops from Xiangyang."

Cao Cao pondered for a moment and happily agreed, "Then I will appoint Wenyuan as the main general, Yu Jin and Zang Ba as the deputy general, Mao Jie and Sima Yi as the counselor, and Runan Prefect Li Tong sent 60,000 troops to attack Anlu County to support him. Anlu's ward is the famous general Wenpin, hoping that Wenyuan will not disappoint me."

"The humble position will not disappoint the Prime Minister!"

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In March of the 13th 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. The emperor issued an edict and appointed Cao Cao as the general of the Southern Expedition, and held a feud to conquer Liu Jing, the governor of Jingzhou.

Cao Cao then ordered 300,000 troops and ordered Man Chong to lead 10,000 troops to Hefei and enter Wuhu. He ordered Cao Ren to lead 30,000 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.

Cao Cao personally led more than 100,000 troops to march towards Nanyang, and the large-scale southern expedition of Cao's army in the 13th year of Jian'an kicked off.

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Chapter completed!