Chapter 372 Two armies
Yuzhang County, Nanchang County.
As the seat of Yuzhang County and a hub of water and land transportation, it has always been extremely prosperous and is one of the few big cities in the south. Although it cannot be compared with Wu County, it is not far behind compared with Shanyin.
But right now, the atmosphere in Nanchang County is quite tense.
Pedestrians came and went in a hurry, and although the shops were open, there was a desolate atmosphere.
Everyone in Nanchang County, from the powerful nobles to the common people in Cangtou, knew that the county guard and General Zhengnan were at war, and they also brought in the Shanyue barbarians, but the result was a huge defeat.
Nowadays, Nanchang County is under martial law, leaving only one city gate for people to enter and exit.
This is not because Zhu Hao is particularly close to the people, but it is a common practice.
If all the city gates are closed, the people will not even have overnight firewood at home, or they will starve to death in two or three days.
It was under such circumstances that Yu Fan entered Nanchang County. After a little inquiry, he got Hua Xin's address.
Hua Xin was living in seclusion in Nanchang County at this time. At this time, the scenery was far from the original time and space.
In the original time and space, Hua Xin completed the triple jump within a year. First, after Zhu Hao was killed by Zuo Rong, he became the deputy governor of Yuzhang County. Immediately afterwards, Liu Yao died of illness a few months later, and was appointed governor of Yangzhou by Liu Ji and other Liu Yao's old supporters.
After that, he was persuaded by Yu Fan to lead the entire Liu Yao Group to surrender to Sun Ce, and became the Yangzhou Mu Group, which was quite large in the early stage of Sun family politics.
But now because of Liu Feng, Zuo Rong has never escaped to Yuzhang, and now he is beheading him in Jurong to show the public, and he is reported to Xuzhou.
In this way, Zhu Hao was living well in Yuzhang, and Hua Xin's position as governor was naturally gone.
Fortunately, Zhu Hao respected Hua Xin quite a lot and often gave him many gifts. Although Hua Xin did not accept the gifts, with Zhu Hao's attitude, he still lived a very comfortable life in Nanchang County.
The next day, Yu Fan arrived at Hua Xin's house without any entourage, no gifts, and no honorific.
Hua Xin was a little surprised when he heard the servant came to report, and immediately went to the hall to invite Yu Fan in.
"I have met Mr. Ziyu in Yufan, Yuyao."
After Yu Fan entered the hall, he cupped his hands towards Hua Xin.
Hua Xin asked in surprise: "But Yu Zhongxiang of Yuyao?"
Yu Fan nodded and said, "It's just me, but Mr. Ziyu also knows Yu Fan."
Hua Xin said in surprise: "It is really Zhongxiang. Jingxing and Xin are old acquaintances and often exchange letters. He praised you very much in his heart and sent the article you wrote together with the letter. Zhongxiang Xiangbo is so knowledgeable and the articles are so eloquent that Hua couldn’t put it down. ”
Hua Xin was full of praise for Yu Fan, but Yu Fan acted very indifferently and didn't seem to be very happy about it.
Hua Xin has a reserved and low-key temperament, but is sensitive and suspicious. This was clearly demonstrated when he and Guan Ning were studying together. It's a pity that although Hua Xin's acting skills are superb, he can't match Guan Ning's insight into people's hearts, and he ended up being cut off.
Although he didn't know why Yu Zhongxiang was acting like this, Hua Xin had already noticed that the other party was not doing well.
Sure enough, Yu Fan started to complain immediately: "Fan, I am fortunate to be promoted by the emperor, entrusted with important tasks, and serve as a meritorious officer. I dare not slack off in the slightest. When the grand thief was crossing the river, the news of my father's death had just come back. Fan is keeping filial piety to his father at home, but he also goes out to serve the king as a dog and horse. "
"The purpose of turning over a man who is not fame and fortune is actually to repay the favor of the court and to return the virtue of the king."
Yu Fan stared at Hua Xin with burning eyes and said, "I, Mr. Ziyu, am a famous scholar in the Central Plains. He is respected by all scholars. He must have the heart to serve the country and secure the people."
Hua Xin finally regained some composure after being slapped with anger by Yu Fan.
Hearing this, he quickly responded: "Why did Zhongxiang say this? Xin reads sages, governs classics, and practices morality. How can he not be loyal to the emperor and appease the hearts of the people?"
But Yu Fan pressed forward step by step: "If that's the case, then why did Mr. Zhu Fu fight against Master Wang and Mr. Ziyu didn't give any advice? Does Mr. Ziyu think that he can stop Zhengnan from entering by just sitting back and watching Zhu Wenming go on a military rampage? Yuzhang? ”
Hua Xin's body trembled, and he felt very annoyed.
As Yu Fan said, Zhu Hao was not fully aware of the fact that he colluded with Zu Lang and other Shanyue chieftains to fight against Zhou Yu's army.
It's just that he knew that Zhu Hao was headstrong and self-willed. He was cautious on the outside and narrow on the inside. He couldn't even do superficial things. Even though Zhu Hao was very polite to him now, he might fall out on the spot if something didn't go his way. In addition, he has a high reputation and is very popular in Yuzhang. As a result, Hua Xin is even more afraid to make suggestions.
This is Hua Xin's character. Historically, he was a veteran of the Han Dynasty. Although he lost even the Three Dukes due to the change of dynasties, if Cao Pi hadn't been too short-lived and Cao Rui was a man of skill, it's hard to say what Hua Xin's fate would have been. .
But if you ask Hua Xin to stand up and lead the team to oppose Cao Pi's usurpation of the throne, it would be too difficult for Hua Ziyu.
After all, in such a matter, Xun Yu could only resist softly and use non-violence and non-cooperation.
Xun Wenruo is already weak enough, and Hua Ziyu is more flexible than him, so it is naturally impossible for him to stand up and oppose.
Hua Xin really admired Yu Fan, and the other party's words had the moral upper hand. Even with Hua Xin's ability, he had no words to defend himself.
Yu Fan suddenly calmed down at this time, and did not continue to pursue him fiercely. Instead, he straightened his crown robe, straightened his body, and spoke again: "Fan has three doubts. I would like to ask Mr. Yu Ziyu for advice. Please help me." Confused.”
Hua Xin paused in his heart, took a deep look at Yu Fan, and immediately replied: "I don't know what Zhongxiang has any doubts about. Although Xin doesn't dare to ask Zhongxiang for advice like this, he is willing to tell everything he knows."
Yu Fan raised his hands and bowed in thanks, and immediately asked: "Sir, you think Zhu Wenming's reputation is at home. Who is it with General Zuo of Jiangbei, the prince of this county?"
Hua Xin was stunned for a moment, then slowly shook his head and said: "It's not as good as that."
In fact, this was not Hua Xin's sincerity. Neither Yuan Shu nor Wang Lang thought highly of him. But now Yu Fan is asking in such a high-profile manner, obviously there is something behind it.
Hua Xin had already guessed Yu Fan's intention, so he agreed to his words. Besides, what he said was not a lie. Compared with Yuan Shu and Wang Lang, Zhu Hao was not as famous as these two people.
Sure enough, Yu Fan continued to ask: "How much financial resources does Yuzhang have? Are the weapons and weapons good? Who are the soldiers and people brave and fruitful compared to this county?"
Hua Xin naturally shook his head again and said in denial: "It's not as good as that."
Yu Fan showed a proud look and asked again: "In the third month of the expedition to the south, we went to Wu County, and half a year later we returned to Kuaiji. Our troops were like gods, and our wisdom was extraordinary. General Zuo was tied up in one night, and Sun Xian's bandits were on the run for half a day. In the six counties of Jiangdong, we conquered the south in July. After returning to the fifth, there is only one county in Yuzhang that does not know how to survive and resists. This week, General Zhou defeated Zhu Wenming again. The vanguard has reached the north of Nanchang City. Zhu Wenming wants to defend the isolated city. Sir, do you think the resources in the city will be enough? Knowing its shortcomings, why didn't we plan for it early? It would be too much later, and it would be useless. Now that the army has arrived at Jiaoqiu, I will go back. If the royal army comes to the city and is unable to greet them, I will say goodbye. .”
Hua Xin was shocked. This was an ultimatum issued by Yu Fan, especially the sentence saying goodbye to me. It was a naked personal threat.
Those who do not surrender will die!
Hua Xin knew that this included him.
So, he sighed and said: "I am going to the south to report to the imperial court, and I am dedicating myself to the entrustment of the common people to stabilize the southeast for the emperor and the imperial court. Zhu Wenming is the emperor's homage, but he resists the king's master. He deserves to be punished!"< br>
Yu Fan's eyes lit up and he felt satisfied knowing that Hua Xin had finally made a decision.
Don't underestimate Hua Xin's influence in Yuzhang. Although the prefect of Yuzhang is Zhu Hao at this time, his power is no longer as strong as Hua Xin. The main reason is that the most loyal troops in Zhu Hao's hands have been defeated by Zhou Yu, and almost the entire army was wiped out.
This song is a private soldier of the Zhu family who has followed Zhu Jun for many years and is good at fighting. If Zhu Hao hadn't been such a waste, he would have to pay a high price to completely wipe out this private soldier.
For Zhu Hao, there is another very troublesome thing.
That was the 3,000 soldiers and horses he sent out, of which only 300 were his personal troops, and the remaining 2,700 or so were local Nanchang county soldiers.
The leading generals among these people are all descendants of Nanchang's rich families, and the soldiers and horses under their command are also from Nanchang County.
Now Zhu Hao has lost them all. Not only is he extremely weak, he also has a heavy burden on his back. Nowadays, everyone in Nanchang County from top to bottom is very dissatisfied with Zhu Hao, and resentment has been piling up, just one spark away.
And Hua Xin is undoubtedly the best Mars.
********
Hou Guan, outside Dongye County.
Zhao Yun's army has successfully landed and surrounded Dongye County.
Zhao Yun was planning to proceed step by step with the plan that Liu Feng had mentioned, but the generals under his command came to him one after another. Dong Xi, Gan Ning, Yuan Xiong and other generals came to Zhao Yun's main camp to see him.
Zhao Yun was confused and immediately invited the generals to come into the big tent to discuss matters.
As soon as Gan Ning sat down, he straightened his body and shouted to Zhao Yun: "General, there is an epidemic in my camp."
Zhao Yun was shocked, but he didn't expect Dong Xi and Yuan Xiong to speak together: "There is also an epidemic in the general's camp."
Zhao Yun did not dare to neglect and hurriedly asked for details.
Dong Xi, Gan Ning, and Yuan Xiong spoke to each other and discovered that the symptoms of the diseases in their camps were very similar, and they were probably the same disease.
Patients with this disease have chills all over their bodies and often shivering, accompanied by symptoms such as fever and sweating.
Zhao Yun's expression suddenly became solemn. They were the Northern Army. They came from afar. What they were most afraid of was the epidemic.
Therefore, Liu Feng mobilized a large number of medicinal materials and doctors in Kuaiji to accompany them south to prevent this situation.
Although the powerful nobles of Hou Guan and Dongye were numerous in number, their combat power was not that strong. In a normal confrontation, even if they had a numerical advantage, they would never be the opponents of Zhao Yun's troops.
But if an epidemic breaks out, the outcome is hard to predict. Let alone conquering the city, even the army may not be able to survive.
"Don't panic, gentlemen."
As the commander-in-chief, Zhao Yun naturally cannot panic. Not only must he not mess up his position, but he must also comfort the generals and give them confidence.
"Before departure, we have already made arrangements for the expedition to the south. Please first ask the doctors to assign diagnosis and treatment to each camp and wait for the results to come out."
Later, Zhao Yun ordered a new camp to be built and the patients were sent to the new camp. The old camp also needed lime disinfection and boiled water for drinking.
Soon, the doctor reported the situation.
The results were serious, as doctors determined that these patients were suffering from miasma.
"It's actually miasma!?"
Yuan Xiong was originally from Jiangdong and an old southerner who followed Sun Jian in the war. Naturally, he knew the power of the miasma best.
Gan Ning and Dong Xi also changed their expressions upon hearing this.
Dong Xi was originally from Kuaiji, so he naturally knew the miasma very well, while Gan Ning was from Yizhou, and the miasma in Yizhou was equally severe.
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, the biggest enemy when opening up the south was miasma, which caused far more harm than natural disasters such as swamps, salt erosion, and typhoons.
Of course, miasma is just a name for this era, and its name in later generations is malaria.
Before humans extracted penicillin, people almost turned pale at the smell of malaria. It is no exaggeration to say that the mortality rate of this disease can reach up to 90%, and there were almost no treatments at the time.
It is precisely because of the malaria factor that the mortality rate of reclamation in the south is extremely high, the efficiency is extremely low, and the cost is extremely heavy. It can be said that it was thanks to countless bones that the dense forests in the south were destroyed and the south was transformed into a livable environment.
However, people don’t know that there was actually a specific medicine for malaria in ancient China.
Cinchona trees existed in southern China, Taiwan and other places in ancient China, and the bark and leaves of the cinchona trees were the best special medicines.
Taking a step back, Artemisia annua from the north also has certain curative effects. Although it is not as effective as the cinchona tree, it is at least the right medicine.
When Liu Feng went south this time, he had already prepared a large amount of Artemisia annua. After arriving in Kuaiji, he immediately started looking for cinchona trees.
Therefore, when Zhao Yun went south this time, he brought a large amount of leaves and bark of Artemisia annua and Cinchona trees with him on the ship.
"Don't worry, generals!"
Zhao Yun shouted and immediately appeased Dong Xi and other generals.
"This time we go south, Zhengnan is already prepared for the miasma."
Malaria is mainly a disease transmitted by mosquitoes sucking blood, so isolation has little effect. On the contrary, eradicating the eggs in ditches and placing more mugwort have a good effect.
Zhao Yun immediately issued orders according to the pamphlet given by Liu Feng, and asked Liu Yan, a disciple of Hua Tuo in Xuzhou, to take over the patient camp immediately. At the same time, he allocated a large amount of bark and leaves of Artemisia annua and Cinchona bark and leaves for Liu Yan's use.
In addition, Zhao Yun also ordered the troops to eradicate weeds in the surrounding ditches, clean up the ecology around the station, and at the same time collect a large amount of mugwort and smoke it to kill insects.
After intensive diagnosis, treatment and actions, the miasma was immediately suppressed as soon as it emerged. A large amount of Artemisia annua and Cinchona also stabilized the patient's condition quickly.
The stabilization and reduction of patients caused the spread to further decline, and a huge disaster gradually dissipated before it was formed.
As the commander-in-chief, Zhao Yun was under extremely heavy pressure, so it would be fine if he failed to advance into the Houguan area. If the 15,000-strong army was really ravaged by malaria, only twenty-three out of ten of them would be able to return home.
When he thought of Liu Feng's expectations and importance, Zhao Yun felt as if he was bearing the weight of Mount Tai.
(End of chapter)