"Dull pain?" Cao Xiu shook his head.
These days, dull pain can represent a variety of diseases. All five organs are located in the abdomen, and dull pain is almost a synonym for illness.
Cao Xu continued to ask, "How did Lü Fan die?"
Cao Qi answered, "Lü Ziyang died of old age. This person was over seventy, and death was inevitable."
"My subordinates gave the governor's letter to Lü Fan's son Lü Ji, and bowed in grief at Lü Fan's shrine on behalf of the Grand Marshal." Cao Qi added, "There was no slightest overstepping of the rules."
"Since the person is already dead, what can a bow do? Would I blame you for that?" Cao Xu sighed, "A month ago, he paid homage to my birthday celebration, yet I couldn't ignore the propriety."
"Since Bó Lián has already paid his respects, I won't send you again. You can go down later and write me a letter to Lü Ji for expressing condolences. That's all."
"My subordinates understand," Cao Qi answered.
After Cao Qi left, Cao Xu ordered someone to invite the Governor of Yangzhou, Jiang Ji, into the mansion.
Jiang Ji is indeed a capable minister. Compared to Liu Feng and Wen Huicun in the past, he seems to be even better.
Over the past year that Jiang Ji has served as the Governor of Yangzhou, he has worked in perfect harmony with Cao Xu in both military and civil affairs, without any slightest discord.
Jiang Ji assisted Cao Xu in many beneficial administrative affairs, including clearing waterways, managing the military and civilian communities of the garrisons, and repairing the forts in the Huaihuai region.
After straightening out the camp of Wu's surrendering troops and managing the farmland, Cao Xu and Jiang Ji were both commended by the king.
Jiang Ji walked in slowly, smiling at Cao Xu as he entered, bowing as he approached and said, "What is the Grand Marshal calling me here for?"
"Zitong, take a seat." Cao Xu pointed to the chair beside him, "Cao Qi just returned from the East, and he said that He Qi died of illness and Lü Fan died of old age."
"The two important officials of Wu in the Eastern region almost died simultaneously." Cao Xu looked at Jiang Ji, "Zitong, do you think we should take some action?"
"Action?" Jiang Ji directly replied, "The Grand Marshal wants to cross the Yangtze River to attack Wu? Or attack Ruru?"
Cao Xu shook his head, "How to attack, whether to attack at all, I haven't decided yet."
"This opportunity of Lü Fan and He Qi's simultaneous deaths is truly regrettable if we don't seize it! What do you think, Zitong?"
Jiang Ji looked at Cao Xu: "The king is still in Qin State. We have no imperial edict and are not responsible for defense, how can we dare to advance troops on our own?"
"Besides, Wu only lost two elderly generals; it's not as if all the leading military officers have died. What impact can that have?"
"Grand Marshal, I suggest not to move."
A trace of regret appeared on Cao Xu's face, and then he sighed, "Then don't move."
"Come, Zitong, let's write a joint memorial to send to Luoyang, stating the circumstances of this matter."
Jiang Ji nodded gently: "That's right. The Grand Marshal can have someone draft the memorial, and I will sign it later."
Although Cao Xu listened to advice and immediately abandoned his plan to attack Wu on the occasion, Jiang Ji, the shrewd man, saw that Cao Xu had already shown some signs of foolishness.
What is the current time?
The king led the entire central army to wage fierce battles with the Shu troops in Qin State and Wudu. Apart from Henan and Yangzhou, which are still rich in troops, all other states are now vulnerable.
The provinces of Sili, Yanzhou, and Jizhou are sending grain to Yongzhou day and night, with no surplus grain available to support military operations in Yangzhou.
Furthermore, it is the country's policy to defend its territory. Last year, the king personally attacked Nanping in order to create a stable external environment, restore national strength, and accumulate strength.
Such a plan to attack Wu on the occasion is not even a thought, let alone telling someone about it.
Do you, Cao Xu, believe that all the achievements from last year's victory were earned by you as the Grand Marshal?
After Jiang Ji signed the memorial, he left the hall, his evaluation of Cao Xu decreased further in his heart.
……
In Qin State, the army of the Great Wei continued to face off against the Shu army in two divisions.
The Wei army has its own advantages, as does the Shu army. However, the two armies have different strengths.
The confidence of the Great Wei comes from more ample troops, a more elite central army, and the potential achievements that could be brought by the secondary forces led by Lu Xun and Xiuai in Dacheng, Wujie, Yinping, and other areas.
The confidence of the Shu army lies in its proximity to Shu territory, easier access to grain and military supplies, and the stable rear provided by Wu Ying at Wu Xing and the support he offers.
The two sides do not have the same confidence.
At this moment, in the central camp of the Wei army, Cao Zhen looked somewhat anxious.
"Your Majesty, why haven't we received any news from Lu Sun and Xiahou Xian?" Cao Zhen asked, bowing, "It's already the twenty-eighth day. Could there be some trouble with their forces?"
Cao Rui glanced at Cao Zhen, composedly saying, "Lu Sun and Xiahou Xian have 20,000 cavalry. Although there are 10,000 Qiang cavalry among them, it's still 20,000 for sure."
"With 20,000 cavalry at their disposal, what could possibly go wrong? Zhuge Liang isn't a god; he can't just burn the cavalry away with fire. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei have been dead for years!"
Cao Zhen smiled apologetically and said, "Let's send someone to inquire."
"General Cao!" Cao Rui looked at Cao Zhen, "Please calm down! I believe in Lu Sun and Xiahou Xian. Do you believe that their military reports will arrive by the end of the month?"
Cao Zhen nodded, "Your Majesty's words are law, and I am definitely convinced."
As the two were speaking, the military report from Qian Zhao was brought into the big tent by Yang Fu.
Cao Rui flipped through the military report and then handed it to Cao Zhen, "The Shu troops across from Qian Zhao have been attacking for three days in a row, and then have been silent for three days."
"The Shu troops here have also been inactive; it seems that Zhuge Liang is determined to pull back and not engage in battle with me."
"General Cao, Marquis of the Eastern Commandery, think of some ways to make Zhuge Liang move. Although I am not afraid of a prolonged battle with him, I don't want the Shu army to be so comfortable."
While Cao Zhen was still pondering, Sima Yi came up with an idea: "Does Your Majesty want to use military force or strategy?"
Cao Rui laughed, "How should one use military force? And how should one use tactics?"
Sima Yi cleared his throat and said, "Let me start with military force."
"Yes." Cao Rui said.
"If we are to use military force, we can order the construction of thunder carriages," Sima Yi said slowly, "The Shu army has been camped in a line along the river valley, with high fortifications, have they not?"
"Since the army has nothing to do here, collecting supplies and launching a million stones at the Shu army's camps is an option. Their forces should be unable to deal with this for a time."
Cao Rui nodded, "That's one. What about using tactics?"
Sima Yi smiled and said, "The Great Wei is upstream and the Shu army is downstream. According to the terrain of Chiting, the Shu army's camps must be between their campsites."
"Build rafts, write about Zhuge Liang's tyranny on them, in order to make the different troops of the Shu army suspicious of each other."
Yang Fu, sitting beside him, seemed to light up and added eagerly, "Your Majesty, in addition to speaking about Zhuge Liang's tyranny, I think there are many things that can be used to insult the Shu rebels!"
"Cough cough." Cao Rui coughed twice and said, "Speaking about tyranny is fine. Insulting is not necessary. As the emperor is present in the army, we need to maintain our dignity."
"If people speak of this battle in the future, they will say that I descended the river and sent bamboo slips to curse the Shu army, which sounds too unpleasant." Cao Rui glared at Yang Fu, "We cannot insult; we can only tell the truth."
Yang Fu bowed his hands and said, "What's the big difference between telling the truth and cursing the enemy? After all, they are both truths about the Shu rebels."
Cao Rui replied, "What do you want to write, Jing?"
Yang Fu replied, "My entire life is filled with hatred for the Shu rebels. If I were to find evidence that could refute the Shu army, I would probably have to talk about it for three days and three nights."
Sima Yi showed some impatience: "Yang Jing, get to the point! Don't make everyone wait anxiously!"
Yang Fu nodded and said, "Let's start with Liu Bei."
"For instance, Liu Bei likened himself to Guangwu but never set foot in Luoyang for forty years."
"For example, Liu Bei fled from the north to the south, several times losing his wife, which is a display of the style reminiscent of Han Gaozu."
"Again, for example, Liu Bei seized the power in Jingzhou and took over Liu Qi's domain, and then gave up his power in Sichuan to protect himself..."
Cao Rui looked at Yang Fu in surprise, "I never realized that Jing is so good at insulting! Your examples alone will make the Shu army lose face."
Yang Fu calmly bowed, "I still have more to say!"
"For those generals, I can tell them that the commanders of the Shu army did not have a good ending."
"Guan Yu fought a whole life, but he was betrayed by his ally and his body and head were separated. Zhu Yu boasted of his heroism, but he was unable to control his subordinates and was assassinated by his side."
"And there are people like Feng Xi, Zhang Nan, Fu Rong, Ma Liang..."
"And there is the filial son Ma Chao..."
"Cao Rui interrupted helplessly, stopping Yang Hou from continuing to speak. "In my opinion, it's better not to mention these things to the Shu army."
"The Shu army has all sorts of issues among their people. What if they start pointing fingers at our Warring States ministers? In the days when Emperor Wu was establishing his empire, not all of our ministers were sages either."
As he mentioned this, Cao Rui naturally thought of figures like Jia Xu and Chen Yu, or Generals Xia Hong and Cao Ren who had died in battle or after the war.
After all, the older brother should not ridicule the younger one. If true, such a propaganda war will inevitably lead to both sides being disgraced.
By calling off Yang Fu, Cao Rui naturally indicated his agreement with Sima Yi's first suggestion.
"Sima Yi's suggestion is correct. General Cao, order the army to prepare thunder carriages. Let's see if they can be effective in this narrow valley!"
"Following your orders. Thunder carriages are indeed excellent. I will arrange people to do it right away." Cao Zhen replied.
While Cao Rui was discussing with his ministers in the tent, someone brought in a freshly delivered military report.
Cao Rui took it and read it for a moment before laughing, "As I said, Lu Xun will definitely send the army's situation to me by the end of the month. He was only half an hour late, and his military report has already arrived!"
Cao Rui handed the military report to Cao Zhen and said, "Lu Xun was delayed for some time in Dacheng and Tangchang, but he has already moved south from Wujie and is heading towards the bridgehead of Yinping."
"At this pace, he will reach Bai Shui Pass in no time!" (The chapter ends)
