Chapter 40: Victory

  Mobilize the troops, gather the defeated soldiers and captives, defend against the enemy's return. A night passed quietly, at this time, Guan Yu and Wu Qing also took up the statistics of the war results.

  The main force of the army left 2,000 soldiers to guard the camp. This time, they beheaded over 300 people, captured more than 1,500, and over 100 escaped or went missing. Moreover, they also obtained countless weapons and equipment, as well as more than 30,000 stones of grain and fodder!

  30,000 dan of grain and fodder, that's nearly 2 million catties, if we ration it carefully, it's enough to sustain the lives of 10,000 refugees. Although this amount of food is nothing in Chang County, it's still a huge harvest!

  In the next few years, grain and fodder will be the most important strategic materials. The Yellow River is in a severe drought, and Cao Gong's army can only use human flesh as military rations, which is also the first time the Han Dynasty has experienced a sharp decline in population. The harm is even more serious than that of the Yellow Turban Rebellion!

  The role of grain and fodder can be imagined, so the 30,000 stones of grain and fodder are absolutely precious materials, although they may not seem like much in Chang County.

  "General, Master Xianshi has news!"

  At this time, the two generals were overjoyed at the results of this night raid, but they were still extremely anxious and worried about their master Zhang Xu's situation.

  "Oh, let someone take a look!"

  Guan Hai immediately stood up and hastily said, while Wu Qing also showed a look of urgency!

  "Haha, Master Xianshi is indeed clever and resourceful. That night, we captured 2,000 prisoners of war, and using the tactic of 'golden cicada shedding its shell', we lured the enemy into a trap. This is what I call a successful night raid!"

  Guān Hài burst out laughing and said.

  "Haha, and also caught a big fish, that Yuan Tan's confidant Guo Tu, this is one of the actual power strategists in Yuan Shao's army!"

  Wu Qing also smiled and said.

  "This time, Chang County has finally made a name for itself!"

  Guan Hai and Wu Qing were overjoyed, they are generals who don't think too much, as long as they can win the battle, it's a good thing. But at this time, Zhang Xu was worried, after all, he heard the news of Guo Tu's capture, Yuan Shao indeed had the intention to conquer Qingzhou, which made him extremely difficult!

  After all, if Yuan Shao's strategy is to take Qingzhou, although Tian Kai and Kong Rong will be the first to bear the brunt, but this time if he comes with the banner of eliminating this "demon", it will inevitably make Tian Kai and Kong Rong restless. After all, Donglai County may be a poor place in their eyes, but it also has 13 counties! They don't want a powerful force to appear in Donglai County!

  "Gongzi, ah, Gong, are you really going to give up on Youzhou and miss the great opportunity to destroy Yuan Shu's general, Gongsun Zan, in order to start a war with Qingzhou?"

  Zhang Xu asked with a seemingly smiling yet not quite smiling expression.

  The following Guo Tu's eyes rolled continuously: "This Daqu commander is right, saying that Benchu Gong knows that his own eldest son was severely injured by you, so he will surely raise troops and attack you. Moreover, it can also temporarily reconcile with Tian Kai Shuai Jun and Kong Rong Xiansheng!"

  Kuo Tu said with an air of superiority.

  "Hmm, Ben Chugong's power is clear, and so is his love for his son. Alright, Mr. Guo Tu, if you can persuade your eldest son to surrender the troops under his command, I can guarantee that he will be allowed to return to Ji Zhou with a personal guard, and we will also spread the news that our army suffered heavy casualties and barely won."

  Zhang Xu suddenly moved in his heart and said, after a pause, "Moreover, at that time, Mr. Gong Ze will also make great contributions. That is to protect the meritorious, I will also have a generous gift for Mr. Gong Ze!"

  Zhang Xu, however, had the intention of bribing this official, after all, this official was a red person in Yuan Shao's army, if he could pull up his relationship with Guo Tu, it would be very beneficial to his career!

  Guo Tu heard this and was also deeply moved in his heart. After all, this person is greedy for life and afraid of death, loves fame and fortune, although doing so would indeed result in heavy losses, but it can save Yuan Tan's face. Although the losses are heavy, they have also severely damaged the enemy army. If Zhang Xu really propagates like this, it will not have a great impact on Yuan Tan's prestige.

  He is a member of the Yuan Tan system, and Yuan Tan has a relationship with him that is both glorious and damaging. Moreover, he can also return with honor and receive generous rewards.

  The only thing that is hesitant in his heart is whether Zhang Xu's words count or not.

  "Heh heh, don't worry, Mr. Gong Ze. Our family still has great respect for Ben Chu Gong. Otherwise, with my power, it wouldn't be difficult to eliminate the 5,000 troops of Yuan Tan, who is now in a state of panic. I believe you are also aware of my methods, Mr. Gong Ze!"

  Zhang Xu said with a smile that was not quite a smile, "This is the threat. The carrot has already been extended, it's just a matter of whether or not to accept it!"

  "Good!"

  "Please, General Guo, don't go back on your word. Otherwise, even if it means death, I'll make sure that Ben Chun Gong avenges me!"

  "Good!"

  Zhang Xu smiled and said, without correcting Guo Tu's mistake, let him think he was a member of the Yellow Turban Army. After all, the fighting power of the Yellow Turban Army was something that the lords looked down upon, this was his good opportunity to muddy the waters!

  …………

  "Great young master, this matter is also feasible. If it's really as Mr. Guo said, then we can give it a try!"

  Zhu Ling heard Yuan Tan's inquiry, and immediately said that after all, although they now have 5,000 troops, in this place, he also has no great chance of escaping. If it is really possible to leave behind a thousand close relatives to return, then it would be a great opportunity!

  Although Zhu Ling was somewhat resentful in her heart, for the sake of the way of taking and abandoning, she still made a clear distinction.

  "Yes, young master, as long as the green hills remain, we won't worry about firewood. Although you lost this time, it's still an honorable defeat! I believe that in front of our lord, you also have a say!"

  Guo Tu has already benefited from it, and after the success, there will be even greater benefits, so he naturally spared no effort in persuading Yuan Tan!

  "Your Highness, for now we'll retreat temporarily, but that doesn't mean there won't be an opportunity. When the time comes for you to reign over Qingzhou, compared to this clown, you will surely rise above and shine. For your safety, it's not a bad idea to agree for now!"

  Although Zhu Ling was somewhat displeased with Guo Tu's words, failure is just failure after all. Although he was loyal, it didn't mean he was stubborn and unreasonable. At this time, he naturally wouldn't offend Guo Tu while also provoking the Crown Prince.

  "Alright, since you both said so, I'll agree. But after going back, we still need to get a unified statement from Father!"

  Yuan Tan nodded hesitantly.

  "Alas!"

  With a sigh in his heart, Zhu Ling, who had been a great general with a place at the table in Cao Cao's army since that day, could only nod in agreement...