Chapter 986 (1/2)

”Has the son of heaven been removed?”

”The Duke of Qi can rest assured that the emperor and the officials have been moved down to Piyu by car.”

Cao Cao said, and nodded.

Pengcheng is a famous historical city. It was the capital of Xiang Yu, the overlord of Western Chu 400 years ago. However, Pengcheng is too close to Yuzhou and Yanzhou. Once Liu Ye sets up an army, Pengcheng will bear the brunt.

Today, the reason why Cao Cao can compete with Liu Ye is actually at a disadvantage in terms of military strength, but politically, because he supports Liu Bian as the son of heaven, he is able to form a situation in which the East and the West emperors stand together in the world. If Liu Bian is captured by Liu Ye, then Cao Cao will have a bad name.

Therefore, Cao Cao ordered Liu Bian to go to xiapi palace temporarily. Xiapi is located in the heart of Xuzhou, surrounded by Pengcheng, Huainan and Qingzhou, which is relatively safe.

”Order the whole army to abandon Xiaopei and other cities, and shrink to the vicinity of Xiaoxian county to resist Liu Ye!”

At Cao Cao's command, Cao's army near Xuzhou was immediately mobilized. He ordered people to build two fortresses around Xiaoxian County, which formed a corner with Xiaoxian county. The three villages were in a corner against Liu Ye.

After Liu Ye's 100000 Xiliang cavalry regained Xiaopei and other cities, he arrived in Xiaoxian County, where he could not help but look dignified.

”It seems that Cao mengde intends to fight a protracted war with our army this time.”

In addition to the Xiaoxian city and the two fortresses, several trenches have been excavated outside the city. In front of the trench, there are many antlers and javelins. If you want to break through such a heavily fortified city, you can only take human life to fill it.

”How many Cao troops are stationed here?” Liu Ye turns his head and asks Guo Jia.

”Duke Qin, originally there were about 50000 Cao troops stationed in Xuzhou. However, it is said that the general personally led the troops to March eastward, and Cao Cao urgently recruited 30000 troops from the garrison. Therefore, there are about 80000 Cao troops in Xuzhou. In this way, the enemy's military strength is equivalent to that of our army.” Guo Jia replied.

Because of the shortage of food and grass, Cao Cao carried out a large-scale military garrison. When it was necessary, the garrison troops could be transformed into the army at any time. Although the combat effectiveness was slightly insufficient, it was enough to defend the city.

”So, Qingzhou and Huainan should have mobilized some of the garrison troops?”

”Yes, Qingzhou and Huainan should have mobilized 10000 to 20000 troops in each area.”

Jiangdong was captured by Cao's army for less than a year. In order to obtain the support of Jiangdong gentry, the garrison system was not implemented.

”So it's really a tough battle.” Liu Ye sighed with emotion.

Today, only Liu Ye and Cao Cao are left in the world. As long as this war can be won, the Han Dynasty will be reunified. However, Cao Cao is very powerful. Liu Ye wants to defeat Cao's army in a short time, which is not so simple.