Chapter 28: Rescuing Cao's Army, New Delicacies!

  Lü Bu quickly gathered his ships by the Yellow River and, with his remaining troops, crossed the river to Chenliu. At this time, Zhang Miao and Chen Gong joined forces with Lü Bu to resist Cao Cao's army retreating from Xuzhou.

  Lü Bu sighed in his military tent: "Gongtai, I didn't expect that I wouldn't be able to capture Fan County. If Fan County were captured, Cao's army supplies would fall into my hands, and Cao would surely lose!"

  Chen Gong cupped his hands and said: "My lord, this time it was also a miscalculation on the part of Gongtai. He did not expect Fan County to be so solidly defended. If Gongtai had anticipated this, he would not have let you lead the troops there, but instead would have gone to seize Dong'a and cut off Cao Ang's line of retreat!"

  Lü Bu nodded and said: "Gongtai doesn't have to blame himself, our army's great war with Cao is just about to begin!"

  Just as Chen Gong and Lü Bu were discussing how to deal with Cao's army, Hou Cheng suddenly came forward to report: "My lord, something is amiss! Rumors are spreading throughout the camp!"

  Lü Bu hastily asked: "What rumor?"

  "Hou Cheng hesitated for a moment, revealing an embarrassed expression and said: 'Master? This is not easy to say.'"

  Chen Gong asked: "General Hou Cheng, what is it that you cannot say? Speak quickly, the army's morale is unstable, how can we defeat Cao Cao?"

  Marquis Hou nodded and said: "Your Excellency, among the merchant teams traveling to and from Fan County, there is a saying that goes like this: 'The military power of Marquis Wen is the best in the world, but he is just a coward! It says that Your Excellency was defeated by Lü Rui in Fan County and did not dare to challenge him, directly attacking the city. The reputation of being the best in the world is empty!"

  Lü Bu let out a loud roar: "I'd rather die than be stifled! Gongtai, quickly dispatch troops with me to attack Fan County!"

  "Sir, please calm down. Fan County is just a small city. Cao Cao is the real enemy of Yanzhou Province. If our army defeats Cao Cao, how can Lü Bu protect himself?"

  Lü Bu thought for a moment and felt it was reasonable. Then he said: "Alright, Gongtai, let's quickly dispatch troops to Dong'a and engage in a decisive battle with Cao!"

  Chen Gong nodded and said: "Yes!" Then he retreated.

  Soon, Lü Bu led a large army to fight against Cao Cao at the border of Yanzhou. The two armies faced each other, and Lü Bu shouted loudly: "I am Lü Bu, Lü Fengxian from Pingzhou, who dares to fight with me?"

  Cao looked at Lü Bu and chuckled, "This man was defeated by my son, the number one in the world. He's not that impressive." Cao said: "Zhong Kang, go test him?"

  Xu Chu nodded and rode off to battle Lu Bu. After dozens of rounds, Xu Chu gradually showed signs of defeat. Cao Cao ordered Xiahou Dun's brothers to advance. Xiahou Dun, the one-eyed dragon, although blind in one eye, was still fierce. The three surrounded Lu Bu in the center.

  Lü Bu was enraged in Fan County, used the Overlord Whirlwind Slash, and knocked the three men back. Cao Cao was stunned for a moment, Lü Bu was so brave, then ordered Yu Jin, Li Dian, and Yue Jin to advance, six people surrounded Lü Bu.

  Lü Bu saw the three men coming again, shook his battle clothes, and then shouted loudly: "Well, come on!" After finishing, he swung the Fang Tian Hua Halberd and walked among the six generals.

  Cao Cao watched with a trembling heart, what's going on? Lü Bu was getting more and more courageous in battle, but his own generals were showing signs of fatigue? In fact, Cao Cao didn't know that 1+1 doesn't always equal 2, sometimes it can be less than 2. Famous warriors all have their own way of fighting, how can several people surround one person and coordinate with each other seamlessly? This is a big problem, will Xu Chu hurt Xiahou Dun? Nobody was clear, but Lü Bu was different, he was dancing around effortlessly, swinging his Guandao, riding his Red Hare horse, his spirit was high, his battle strength was extraordinary!

  Cao looked stunned, how did he run into Rui's business and nothing good came out of it? Didn't they say that Lü Bu was defeated by Rui? How could he be so brave? He had been deceived again!

  Just as Cao was watching in a trance, Chen Gong's ambush troops killed him. Cao was completely unprepared and hastily ordered his men to retreat. Although Cao was not pursued by Lü Bu, the Bingzhou army was stronger than the Yanping army, and most of Cao's army were former Yellow Turbans from Qingzhou, so their combat strength was insufficient. Cao fought hard against several people, covered in blood, before returning to the main camp!

  Afterwards, Cao and Lü fought for a hundred days, with both sides having wins and losses. Due to the severe drought in Yan Province, neither side had enough military rations to continue fighting, so Cao could only station his troops at Ju Ye to gather grain and fodder.

  In Lü Bu's camp, Chen Gong cupped his hands and said: "My lord, Cao Cao is short of grain. This is the best time for our army to advance. Please order the troops to march!"

  Lü Bu looked at Chen Gong and shook his head, saying: "Gongtai, Cao Cao is just short of food, but our army has no grain or fodder!"

  Chen Gong was taken aback and asked: "My lord, what's the meaning of this? Didn't the gentry of Yanzhou promise to supply our army with grain and fodder?"

  Lü Bu took out a letter and said, "Chenliu Zhang Miao sent a letter. A few months ago, when our army attacked Fan County, a group of soldiers robbed the merchant caravan of the Yan State aristocratic family. According to the survivors, it was I, Lü Bu, who sent people to commit the crime, but in fact, it was the Bingzhou army! Now, the Yan State aristocratic family will not provide us with grain and fodder!"

  Chen Gong looked at Lü Bu, then looked at the letter and sighed. No matter what this matter is, it has already become a settled case. Now there is only one place to eat grain, collect grain and grass, and solve the military expenses. After inquiring, Chen Gong stationed his troops in Shanyang, Yanzhou, replenished grain and grass, and prepared to fight Cao Cao again!

  Lü Bu received the news that Cao Cao's army was stationed in Ju Shui, and then took a large amount of grain to Cao Cao's camp. Ha ha, Cao Cao must be short of food, hurry up and sign an unequal treaty with Cao Cao, when Cao Cao becomes rich, ha ha, these are all considerable income!

  After a month of traveling, Lü Rui arrived at the military camp outside Juyang, where Cao Chun was in charge of guarding the city. At this time, Cao was inside the city in the governor's mansion.

  Lü Rui entered the military camp and was about to pay respects to Cao Chun when he heard a familiar voice: "Brother Rui? Brother Rui? You're here, come play with us!"

  Only then did Cao's sons and daughters, led by Cao Pi, come running over wearing ordinary soldier clothes, wanting to play with Lü Bu.

  Cao Pi jumped out and said: "Brother Rui is good!"

  Lü Rui hadn't responded yet when a slender figure appeared before him, bowing and saying: "Hello, Brother Rui!"

  Lü Rui took a look and smiled, "Hey, it's my own wife Xiao Caojie! How did she end up in the military camp?" Lü Rui touched Xiao Caojie's face and asked: "Jie'er, why are you also here in the military camp? Shouldn't you be with your mother-in-law and the others? And why are you wearing a soldier's uniform?"

  Cao Jie looked at Lü Rui and said: "Brother Rui, Mother and the others are all in the military camp, and they're all wearing clothes like this!"

  Lü Rui was stunned, what is Old Cao doing? A group of children and family members have all mixed into the army? Lü Rui asked: "Xiao Dingzi, what's going on?"

  Little Ding, surnamed Ding, is a steward of the Cao Mansion who takes care of this group of children. Little Ding bowed and said: "Your Lordship, this is an adult's rule, it seems that there are not enough soldiers in the army, this is used to deceive people, I heard it was like this, but even the lower officials are not very clear about it!"

  Lu Rui suddenly realized, Nai Nai's, it turned out to be like this. Historical records show that during the battle between Cao Cao and Lü Bu, due to insufficient military strength, they even used women to guard the camp, pretending to be strong, before concentrating their forces to defeat Lü Bu. It turns out there really was such a thing! No wonder, even the women of the Cao family were involved!

  Lü Rui muttered to himself, "Father-in-law, you go to the Cao family and just take the son will do, don't drag my little sister into this too. If something happens, I'll lose my wife. This can't happen, I must get Cao Jie to come to our Lord's estate in Fan County. Hehe, it's better than leaving her with that old scoundrel Cao."

  Lü Bu comforted the younger members of the Cao family and then went to find Cao Chun. Cao Chun told Lü Bu that Tian Feng was in the city discussing important matters with Cao Cao. Lü Bu was taken aback, "Tian Feng, you're here again to stir up trouble! This time I'll finish you off!"

  In the city, Taishoufu on top, Tian Feng looked at Cao in the main seat and bowed his hands: "Cao Gong, regarding the matter of going to Hebei, does Cao Gong have a decision? My master will definitely treat Cao's military officers well!"

  Cao looked at Tian Feng, fell into thought. The battle of Yan Province, his own strength was damaged, the military food was insufficient, Lü Bu's state army was fierce and difficult to deal with. At this time, Yuan Shao sent Tian Feng to come, hoping that Cao would go north to Hebei, cross the Yellow River, and Yuan Shao would arrange a place for Cao to rest and recover!

  Cao had previously inquired about this matter to Xun Yu, who expressed that if Cao were to go to Hebei, it would be equivalent to surrendering to Yuan Shao. Afterwards, it would be difficult for him to sit on an equal footing with Yuan Shao as a vassal lord, and he could only submit to Yuan Shao's authority. Cao thought about this and pinched the spot between his eyebrows, feeling torn and uncertain. If there were sufficient military rations, I would definitely engage in a decisive battle with Lü Bu!

  Tian Feng saw Cao Cao's hesitant appearance, and cupped his hands to say: "Lord Cao, I've heard that the Cao army is currently short of military rations. If we were to head to Hebei, my lord is willing to pay for the Cao army's military rations in place of them, and together deal with Gongsun Zan of Hebei. At that time, Lord Cao can still obtain the land of Youzhou and dominate one side!"

  Cao Cao listened and said, "The land of Youzhou? A poor and barren land, what use is it to me? Can I still compete with Yuan Shu for supremacy? I'm afraid all I can get is a beating!

  "Who says Cao's army is short of food? We have enough for three years!" A child's voice came from outside the door, and both Cao and Tian Feng were stunned, looking at each other unintentionally. They saw Lü Bu walking in with a folding fan.

  Cao's eyes lit up, Rui'er? Tian Feng, on the other hand, showed a bitter face, Lv Rui is back? Is he going to ruin his own good fortune?

  Lü Rui saw Cao Xing perform the ritual of father and son, then cupped his hands and said: "Rui'er, pay your respects to Zhongfu!"

  Cao was overjoyed and beckoned Lü Rui to his side, then asked: "Rui'er, why have you come here? Has something happened in Fan County?"

  Lv Rui scratched Cao's beard and said: "Uncle Zhong, I have brought 3 million dan of grain to relieve the crisis of Cao's army!"

  Cao was overjoyed and said: "Rui'er is indeed the lucky star of Mengde, with Rui'er here, how can I worry about Yan Province not being pacified?"

  Tian Feng listened, 30 million dan of grain and fodder? It seems that he is going to fail this time. Tian Feng was unwilling to give up, so he cupped his hands and asked: "Young Master Hou, do you really have 30 million dan of grain and fodder? Don't deceive Duke Cao!"

  Lü Rui retorted: "We must also thank Uncle Ben for these grains and fodder, as they were all collected by the Zhen family for Uncle Ben!"

  Lü Rui asked, Tian Feng was stunned. His own shortcoming! The grain and fodder of Yuan's army were lawfully seized by Lü Rui, and he had to buy them back at a high price. Hmph, Lü Rui would definitely be avenged. Tian Feng cupped his hands and said: "Since the problem of Cao Gong's grain has been solved, Yuan Hao will take his leave now. The lord is still waiting for my reply!"

  Cao smiled and said, "Since that's the case, Yuan Huan, please return and express my gratitude to Yuan Shu on my behalf. After Meng De's affair in Yan Province is settled, I will personally go to Ji Province to pay respects to Yuan Shu!"

  Tian Feng cupped his hands and said: "Thank you, Lord Cao! Farewell!"

  Looking at Tian Feng's departing figure, Cao burst out laughing and then picked up Lü Bu saying: "Cheng Yu should thank Rui'er for helping him out of trouble. The grain and fodder, I'll take them!"

  Lv Rui tore open the package, then took out a few IOUs and said: "Uncle Zhong, please sign these IOUs. These things were borrowed by Uncle Zhong and must be returned with interest!"

  Cao heard that and was shocked. It turned out that taking Rui's things wasn't for nothing, he had to pay the price, a 10% interest rate! A lot of money!

  Xun Yu bowed his hands and said: "My lord, this is the best way to solve our army's food and grass problem, please think thrice!"

  The rest of the strategists also nodded and said: "My lord, please think thrice!"

  Cao: "What's going on with you all? Have you all received benefits from Rui'er and are forcing me to make a decision?" Cao looked around at the crowd, sighed, and wrote the three big characters "Cao Mengde" on it! Lü Rui smiled and put the dried document into his bosom.

  The next day, Cao took Lü Bu to the outskirts for a hunt. The military provisions of Cao's army had been resolved, so he was in a good mood and wanted to relax.

  Just as Cao and others arrived at a small village, a little girl begging for food came over and said: "Everyone, buy me! Give my parents some grain, and I'll be yours!"

  Cao was taken aback, then inquired about the little girl's situation. Her family had not eaten for seven days, and her parents had been searching for tree bark to fill her stomach. After hearing this, Cao ordered someone to send some grain to the girl's family. Cao asked: "Is Wen Ruo? Is all of Yan Province like this?"

  Xun Yu bowed his hands and said, "My lord, the locusts in Yanzhou have caused great harm. Many places have no grain production, even near our Juyong, many villagers are starving, and some places are selling their children for food!"

  Lü Rui was stunned, exchanging children to eat, it was a very miserable scene, Lü Rui had seen it once and didn't want to recall it again. Lü Rui asked: "Uncle Wenruo, is the locust plague really that serious?"

  Xun Yu cupped his hands and said: "If Master Hou doesn't believe us, we can go take a look at the nearby crops!"

  Lü Rui nodded, then went with Cao and others to the nearby fields. "My goodness," he said, "these locusts are really numerous! One mu of land has 10,000 of them? It's impossible for there to be tens of millions of locusts as big as a thumb, no wonder the Great Han is starving so many people to death. When these locusts come, will there still be grain? They'll destroy everything!"

  Lü Rui looked at the locusts and couldn't help but drool, this is a good thing for future generations. Lü Rui asked: "Uncle Zhong, why don't we eat locusts?"

  Everyone was stunned when they heard it, eating locusts? Can locusts be eaten? This is a strange thing that has never been heard of for thousands of years. In the eyes of the people of the Three Kingdoms, insects are inauspicious things and are also rumored to be poisonous, so no one dares to eat them. Lü Rui was stunned after hearing everyone's explanation, "Nai nai", these ancient people actually didn't dare to eat this thing? No wonder, even in modern times, only the people of Guangdong and Guangxi know the deliciousness of these things.

  Lü Rui ordered Murong Ping to add a lot of grasshoppers, then stir-fry them in lard, and after they were done, sprinkle some salt on them. "Zhang Fu," he asked, "won't you all try some? They're really delicious!"

  Cao shook his head and said: "Rui'er, you eat this insect, aren't you afraid of being poisoned?"

  Lü Rui rolled her eyes and made a face, saying: "Zhang Fu, they eat grains, are grains poisonous?" After finishing speaking, Lü Rui ate a locust, the taste was delicious, great!

  Then Lü Bu ate a lot of locusts, and looking at Lü Bu's enjoyable appearance, Xu Chu couldn't help it. He was too hungry, and during this time, he hadn't even caught an old mouse. Xu Chu touched the locust with his teeth, then took a bite... the flavor? It really tasted good!

  Xu Zhu loudly exclaimed: "My lord, quickly, quickly eat, it's truly a delicacy of the mortal world!" Under Xu Zhu's lead, everyone started eating the locusts.

  The next day, Cao ordered his soldiers to catch locusts everywhere to alleviate hunger and leave the surplus grain for the people. In this way, the Eastern Han campaign of catching and killing locusts unfolded vigorously in Yanzhou! (Today's 12,000 words are done, thank you readers for voting for updates, thank you everyone for supporting Tu Zi!)