With a faint doubt and uneasiness, Sima Yi and Zhang Chunhua arrived in Linyu with Yuan Xi in a carriage.

Just as Tadun and the Yuan brothers relaxed their vigilance and celebrated their celebratory efforts because they "against others without fighting", Cao Cao had already led more than 10,000 cavalry and the most elite tiger and leopard cavalry. Under the guidance of Tianchou, he climbed Xu Wushan along the abandoned road in the Western Han Dynasty, left Lulongstop and marched northward quickly, leaving the territory of the Han Dynasty and entered the Fancheng of the Xianbei territory.

When Guo Jia and Cao Cao learned of the outpost report that Yuan Xi deployed the troops along the Xuanshui coast went straight to the Xianbei border, which was less than fifty miles southeast of Fancheng, Cao Cao couldn't help but take a breath:

"I didn't expect Yuan Xi to do this. Fortunately, we sent someone to investigate first, otherwise they would easily notice the scheduled march according to the scheduled route. The hard-working plan would probably be overwhelmed."

But Guo Jia was not surprised at this, and he said to Cao Cao:

"It seems that we can only circle a little bigger, and we must speed up the marching speed and abandon the excess food and supplies. Otherwise, even if we have precise plans, the longer we will be able to be noticed by Yuan Xi and Tatun."

Speaking of this, Guo Jia's words reminded Cao Cao. He remembered the content reported by the spy who had been placed beside Sima Yi. Naturally, he was very clear that Sima Yi was under Yuan Xi's tent at this time. During the previous battle of Guandu, Cao Cao had already seen that Sima Yi's talent was different from ordinary people, but he always felt that Sima Yi was an unpredictable existence for him.

Guo Jia, who has always been very confident, is unusually cautious, which shows that he also knows that Sima Yi is likely to become his opponent. Even a person who is so nervous has aroused Cao Cao's interest in Sima Yi even more.

Guo Jia got what he wanted from Cao Cao's expression. For him who is now weak, his purpose has been achieved. He lying on the bed and showed a smile that is not easy to detect.

Cao Cao had always disapproved of Guo Jia's military trip to the expedition. The climate in Xianbei grazing areas was complex and harsh, so it was not suitable for people like him who had almost reached their limit.

However, Guo Jia strongly asked to follow the army and he didn't care about his physical condition at all:

"I don't have much time left, and this is my last battle, so I don't want to lie on the sickbed and end my life in a cowardly manner. What's more, after pacifying the Wuhuan and Yuan family, Gongsun Kang of Liaodong will inevitably bow to you. There will be no big waves in the north within decades. Next, you can travel all over the world and pacify the world."

Guo Jia's words almost reached the depths of Cao Cao's heart, which was his goal and ambition.

He sat beside Guo Jia, held his hand tightly, and said emotionally:

"Although I have always been surrounded by many outstanding strategists, the first person who knows me like you is."

At first, Guo Jia was loyal to Cao Cao, and his original intention was to find out Cai Yan's whereabouts and the cause of the drama's death. However, as he got along with Cao Cao for a long time, he found that Cao Cao's charm really attracted him. This is also an important reason why Guo Jia did his best to help him.

Facing Cao Cao's sincere words, Guo Jia was also quite moved:

"I was as tired of political affairs as Xun Yan, so I didn't want to join the official career. Yuan Shao and Gongsun Zan, the princes who were a hero, were all people who only wanted to achieve their ambitions but were short-sighted. It is undeniable that you also have great ambitions, but what is different from them is that your ability is enough to match your ambitions and will definitely dominate for the future, but..."

Although Guo Jia wanted to say something next, Cao Cao understood what he meant:

"But the world's evaluation of me will not be positive. There should be many words like "insulting me," he said.

Cao Cao stood up and walked to the door with his hands behind his back, looking up at the sky:

"If I care about the world's evaluation of me one by one, then I will not be Cao Mengde they know, aren't I?"

Looking at Cao Cao's open-minded back, Guo Jia couldn't help but smile:

"That's right, lord..."

When Cao Cao heard Guo Jia call him "Lord" for the first time, he subconsciously turned around and looked at him in surprise:

"Feng Xiao...you..."

Guo Jia forced himself to sit up from the bed, raised his hands and bowed respectfully to Cao Cao:

"The thing that I, Guo Fengxiao, is the most proud thing in my life, is that I have the honor to plan for you. I am just regretful that I can't continue to see you and make peace..."

This is exactly what Cao Cao has never dared to face. He sighed deeply and told Guo Jia his true thoughts without reservation: "To be honest, my eldest son Cao Ang died in Wancheng in his early years. It turns out that I wanted him to inherit my great cause a hundred years later, but things went against my wishes. What I value most now is my youngest son Chong'er. I originally wanted to entrust him to you after I die, but now you..."

Speaking of this, he couldn't help but sigh, "Why did God treat me so carelessly? He gave me two people who really understand me, one was Xi Zhicai, who had long been dead, and the other was you Guo Jia and Guo Fengxiao. It's a pity..."

When he got here, Guo Jia took this opportunity to ask Cao Cao about what he wanted to ask before:

"I heard that lord, you are still carrying a seventeen-year-old boy when you go to the army this time?"

Although it was strange to Guo Jia's question, Cao Cao had no intention of hiding Guo Jia, so he told Guo Jia and Pan:

"This man from Lingling, Jingzhou was named Zhou Buyi. I heard that he had outstanding talents. When he was in Jingzhou, Liu Bei relied on him very much, but he didn't expect that a person like him would appear in Youzhou thousands of miles away."

Guo Jia, who saw through Cao Cao's thoughts at first sight, quickly understood that Cao Cao had quietly looked for a replacement after his death, and he did not reject this: "At this moment, among the counselors you trust, the most important Xun Yu is obviously aimed at the emperor who is ambiguous to you. His loyalty to you is based on this; although Xun You didn't say it, he might be generally similar to Xun Yu in his heart; the rest of Cheng Yu is loyal to you, but it is not enough to rely on him alone to fight the east and west, and fight the south and north. This Zhou Buyi is not very old, but his scheming is different from ordinary people, and he is a talent worth cultivating."

Seeing that Guo Jia seemed to agree with him doing this, Cao Cao was very excited: "That's what I think. He is about the same age as Chong'er. I plan to let him be Chong'er's companion to cultivate the future bond between them."

For some consideration, the person Guo Jia really wanted to recommend was Sima Yi. He also knew Cao Cao's complex mentality of refusing to use Sima Yi and being wary of it. Especially after Chen Qun told him that someone had been following Sima Yi, he further verified his ideas.

With Cao Cao's attitude clear at the moment, Guo Jia was not good at saying anything.

Within three days in Linyu, he was celebrating with others, and his optimistic attitude of singing day and night was completely opposite. Sima Yi was still thinking hard about something wrong that he had not expected.

After Sima Yi thought about it, he only got one conclusion:

He had already made complete defense, and it was impossible for Cao's army to step beyond the line without making any sound.

But this reason alone could not convince himself. In a moment of indifference, he emotionally pushed the wine bottle filled with clear water on the table beside him to the ground. The bronze wine bottle rolled on the ground and made a loud sound, and anyone spilled the ground.

"Damn it! Why didn't I think... Did I overestimate myself?"

It happened that Zhang Chunhua, who was carrying the refreshment, walked outside the door. She was surprised to see Sima Yi's entangled performance. She quickly went into the house and placed the refreshment on the table, then bent down and picked up the wine bottle:

"What's wrong with you? Are you still thinking about what you were thinking about before?"

Sima Yi, who was angry with his incompetence, had to restrain his willfulness after seeing Zhang Chunhua:

"I'm sorry, I scared you, right?"

Zhang Chunhua shook his head, but expressed his anxiety about Sima Yi's situation:

"Originally, Brother Yuan Xi and Chief Tadun were frowning day and night for Cao Cao's affairs. You solved the urgent problem for them and put them in the cheers of victory. Why are you, the number one hero, still depressed?"

Sima Yi was very calm and he scoffed at the blind optimism of Tadun and others:

"Silly... Cao Cao's style of using troops is either not to send troops. Once the army is raised until the other party dies or surrenders, he will not give up easily. He must have another intention, but I can't think of it. It seems that I am stupid too."

After hearing Sima Yi's self-deprecation, Zhang Chunhua completely disagreed. She pointed to the map that Sima Yi was spread on the table and said:

"You have blocked all the routes that can attack Liucheng. Where can they have an offensive path? Cao Cao can't cross the border and go around a long section of the road to attack Liucheng, right?"

As the saying goes, a word woke up the dreamer. Sima Yi suddenly realized the enlightenment and stood up. Looking at the Xianbei territory at the border with Youzhou, he couldn't help but clenched his fists and hit the table hard: "Yes, why am I slow to react! Why didn't I expect it?"

This sentence made Zhang Chunhua unable to understand:

"I heard from my brother Yuan Xi that the Xianbei has always been in conflict with the Han Dynasty. During the reign of Emperor Huan, he sent large troops to conquer the enemy, but he was defeated. In addition, he had few contacts with the Yuan family, which had been in Hebei for many years. If Cao Cao directly led the army through the territory of the Xianbei, I think they would never agree. If they were not done well, it would lead to a war with the Xianbei."

Sima Yi shook his head: "You only know one but not the other. The Xianbei and the Han Dynasty had friction and few friendships. The Xianbei during the Tanshihuai period was indeed very powerful, but then the Xianbei was divided into three major forces, among which Ke Bineng was the strongest, followed by Bu Dugen. The most complex and weakest power were the "Eastern Lords" in the critical and Youbeiping County and Liaoxi. They were several small groups that had been alliances at first, and they could not achieve great things at all. Even if Cao Cao passed through the world in a grand manner, they would definitely not dare to stop it. If so, now the main forces of the Wuhuan and Yuan brothers were all placed in western Liaoxi, so that would come... "

Thinking of this, Sima Yi knew that he underestimated Guo Jia's strength, so he quickly expanded his previous scope and finally found that he could avoid Wuhuan's eyes and become the best springboard for entry:

White Wolf Mountain...

This conclusion made Sima Yi very panicked. He immediately realized the seriousness of the problem and grabbed Zhang Chunhua's shoulder tightly, looking as if he had encountered something extremely urgent:

"Not good, Liucheng, the base camp behind Tadun, is in danger!"

Time was running out, and Sima Yi quickly led Zhang Chunhua directly into the banquet hall held by Tadun. The guests were full of guests surprised by his and Zhang Chunhua's sudden visit. The originally noisy banquet suddenly became silent.

Yuan Xi saw this scene and quickly put down the wine bottle, stood up and introduced to Tadun:

"King, this is Sima Yi, the young military advisor I have always mentioned to you. If it weren't for his advice, we wouldn't have been sitting here so easily now, so he is the number one hero."

After hearing this, Tadun also looked at Sima Yi with surprise. When he was about to stand up and prepare to toast Sima Yi, Sima Yi forced his breath and said, "It's not the time to relax. Cao Cao may have set up another way to attack Liucheng from the rear. I suggest you be prepared quickly, otherwise you may fall into an extremely passive or even destructive situation!"

As soon as these words came out, the seat was filled with an uproar, and everyone looked at each other and kept talking. Yuan Shang put down the wine bottle and pointed at Sima Yi:

"You are the one who suggests that we consolidate the defense line in western Liaoning. Now that Cao Cao's attack route has been blocked by us, will he fall from the sky? Don't you exaggerate here and want to ask for a reward!"

Sima Yi's words did make Tadun very uncomfortable. He had always thought that he had defeated the invincible Cao Cao and continued to expand himself because of this. At this time, Sima Yi said this like pouring cold water on him.

At this time, Yuan Xi was the only one who remained calm. He immediately became alert after hearing Sima Yi's words:

"Zhongda, where will Cao Cao attack Liucheng from?"

"I think they should leave Lulongshe from the Xianbei border and attack Liucheng through Bailang Mountain..."

Before he finished speaking, Sima Yi's words caused Yuan Shang and Tadun to laugh to the sky. Tadun pointed at Sima Yi and looked at Yuan Xi and said with a smile:

"Brother Yuan Xi, this is the young and promising military advisor you mentioned? I think that's all. I might as well teach you that the Xianbei controlled a vast area and is of great strength. They have always been incompatible with the Han court. If Cao Cao crossed the territory of the Han Dynasty and marched from the Xianbei, it would inevitably cause friction with the Xianbei. How could he shoot himself in the foot?"

Manzu followed Tadun and Yuan Shang to mock Sima Yi. Sima Yi, who felt that he had no time to argue with them, put all his hopes on Yuan Xi: "I have said this, so it's not convenient to say anything more. If the general believes me, he will quickly lead the army back to defend Liucheng, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable..."

After saying that, Sima Yi turned around and left the banquet. Zhang Chunhua was afraid that Sima Yi would do something dangerous, so he quickly followed him and left, leaving a numb person in the same place.

Yuan Xi, who believed in Sima Yi, hurriedly chased him out. Seeing that Sima Yi was about to step on the back and leave, he immediately stepped forward and reached out and pulled the reins tightly: "I believe in you, I will lead my troops back to defend Liucheng immediately, please stay."

Zhang Chunhua was very reluctant to leave: "Didn't you promise me that you won't leave until you fulfill your wish?"

In response, Sima Yi explained: "I am not going to leave, but I just want to go to the Bailang Mountain area to survey the terrain first. I am not sure whether they must have passed by, so I have to make sure whether my judgment is correct."

No matter what Sima Yi's real purpose was, he went to Bailang Mountain to explore military affairs in person, but in fact he helped Yuan Xi. After hearing this, Yuan Xi gradually loosened the reins tightly in his hand. Although he admired Sima Yi's courage, he was not at ease with his safety: "It's just that the Xianbei garrison around Bailang Mountain is very scattered. If you go alone, if they find it, you will probably treat you as a detailed example. I think it's better to send a team of people to go with you."

Sima Yi shook his head and declined Yuan Xi's kindness:

"I can hide myself by myself. Even if I encounter Xianbei and Cao's army, I can escape unscathed. But if you let a large group of people act with me, it will not only be easy to be exposed, but it will also make them confirm that I am an invader, but it will be even more dangerous."

Indeed, Sima Yi's words made Yuan Xi unable to argue. Just when he was in a dilemma, Zhang Chunhua stood up:

"If I go with him, it will be difficult to explain if he goes alone, if the enemy finds it. If he and I can disguise themselves as brothers and sisters, it will inevitably greatly reduce the danger of being treated as fine works."

As soon as Zhang Chunhua said this, he was immediately strongly opposed by Sima Yi: "No! This time, it is not as usual. The situation in Bailang Mountain is unclear. If you, a woman, follow me, will distract me from taking care of you. At that time, it is very likely that both of us will be in danger."

The two of them couldn't stand up, and Zhang Chunhua was determined to go with Sima Yi:

"I never want to experience the torment of waiting silently anymore. Instead of doing this, it's better to die with you."

Yuan Xi, who was standing by, deeply understood Zhang Chunhua's determination, and for this he spoke to Sima Yi:

"You just let her go with you, otherwise you will follow you even if you leave her behind."
To be continued...