Chapter 371 Preparing for Robbery
"Don't worry, I have already told your majesty about this matter in advance." Zang Ba said in a deep voice.
"The food and grass we have stored can last until the beginning of next autumn if consumed normally. But if we continue to eat like this, with the addition of these bandits, I'm afraid we won't be able to hold out until early spring," Xu Shu reminded.
"Most of these grains and grass were transported when Zilong was here, when the various princes were busy defending and unable to take care of it."
"Although Your Majesty is still transporting food and fodder, the amount that can be transported is very limited due to the weather and the constant harassment from Cao Cao and Yuan Shao."
"When the weather gets colder, it will be even more difficult. And when the ice and snow melt, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao will be free, and I don't think we will be able to transport any grain in."
"According to my estimation, given the current situation, if we want to survive until next autumn harvest, we can only take in 30,000 bandits at most."
Zang Ba heard this and shook his head: "Not enough."
"Yuanzhi, I know how difficult our current situation is. But these bandits must be eliminated!"
"If we expand one more mile, we will have an extra mile of space to maneuver when Yuan Gonglu and others attack us in the future."
"Recruiting two more bandits will give us an extra soldier to send out when we attack in the future."
Zang Ba, who had experience as a senior bandit, knew best the importance of strategic space.
Once Yuan Shao's army surrounded the mountain, his greatest advantages were his iron feet and huge strategic maneuvering space, both of which were indispensable.
"Xuan Gao, I know that. But a good cook cannot cook without rice. If there is not enough food and grass, no matter how many soldiers there are, they will only be a burden and will drag down the army."
Zang Ba stood with his hands behind his back, pacing back and forth in the tent. After thinking for a long time, he suddenly stopped and a look of determination flashed in his eyes: "Yuanzhi, I have a plan."
Xu Shu's eyes twitched slightly when he heard this.
"Are you planning to go down the mountain to rob?"
What other options are there at this time? They have always been engaged in farming, fishing and hunting, but for so many mouths, it is just a drop in the bucket.
What's more, the meat is fine, but sorghum and other things can only be prepared for emergencies.
The combat effectiveness of Zang Ba's army is largely based on excellent logistics. Once the quality of food declines, the combat effectiveness will definitely be limited.
After all, not all troops can march long distances on an empty stomach, and a lot of training also requires adequate nutrition.
Moreover, after being used to a good life, morale will inevitably be low if the food standards are suddenly lowered.
Xu Shu didn't think Zang Ba could come up with any good idea except robbery.
Zang Ba smiled slightly: "Great minds think alike."
"It's so cold, Yuan Shao and Cao Cao would never have thought that we would take the opportunity to leave Mount Tai and attack their hinterland."
"Hehe." There was a hint of helplessness in Xu Shu's eyes.
"Xingba probably thought the same thing when he attacked Zhou Yu's army before."
In his opinion, he could easily guess what these thieves were thinking with his toes.
When in doubt, launch a surprise attack first.
The only thing he wanted to do was rob, he had no other thoughts.
"They can think of it, but Mount Tai is so big, how can they know where we will attack? As long as we conduct reconnaissance in advance, it shouldn't be a problem."
"It's a pity that your majesty's talent is not bestowed on me, otherwise this matter would be convenient."
Zang Ba said with some regret.
"Then do you think they won't guess where we're going to attack?" Xu Shu asked with a sigh.
I have to say that what Zang Ba said does make sense.
The biggest advantage of his soldiers is their fast marching speed. As long as they are careful and avoid dangerous places and terrain, they can just run away even if they are ambushed.
Especially now that the weather is cold, the extraordinary physical strength and training of their soldiers can be brought to the extreme.
"Of course you have to make the decision on this kind of brain-intensive matter." Zang Ba threw the question to Xu Shu without hesitation.
When it comes to playing tricks, he is definitely no match for the evil-minded Xu Shu.
Xu Shu casually opened the map around Taishan County and began to think.
First, eliminate those that are extremely dangerous. Secondly, eliminate some that seem to have very low danger levels. After all, these places can easily be designed by the other party.
Xu Shu finally decided on more than ten locations, then picked up a pen and wrote them down on the papers beside him, then tore them into small balls, held them in his hands, and placed them in front of Zang Ba.
"What does it mean?" Zang Ba couldn't help but ask when he saw this scene.
"Draw lots! Close your eyes." Xu Shu gestured slightly.
???
"Is it so careless?" Zang Ba asked with a look of doubt.
Xu Shu rolled his eyes at Zang Ba and said unhappily, "There are a lot of counselors on the other side, many of whom are as smart as me. Wouldn't it be uncomfortable to compete with them for no reason?"
"I carefully selected these places based on the terrain, the enemy's defensive habits, and our marching capabilities. You can give any of them a try."
"You draw lots and let God decide. Even if the counselors under Yuan Shao and Cao Cao have supernatural powers, they can never guess where we are going to attack."
Great skill comes without effort.
Xu Shu is very self-aware. He may not be able to outwit his opponent, so he just chooses with his eyes closed.
Zang Ba listened to Xu Shu's explanation, nodded slightly, and at the same time, he suddenly realized something.
How can a stupid person deal with a smart person? He can only use random punches to defeat the master, not playing by the rules.
As long as you act according to your own ideas, the other party may guess them. It is better not to think about it and see what the other party does.
He casually grabbed a ball of paper from Xu Shu's hand. When he unfolded it, he saw the words "Xuchang County" written on it.
Seeing this, Xu Shu frowned slightly.
Xuchang County is a relatively dangerous one among the dozen or so places he wrote about.
Although the surrounding terrain is mostly mountainous, which is suitable for Zang Ba's army to fight, and it is not too far from Mount Tai, this is an important route for transporting grain, so the number of Cao's troops stationed here must not be too small.
Zang Ba grinned and said, "Yuanzhi, it seems that God has pointed out an exciting path for us."
"This Xuchang County is one of the main routes for Cao Cao to transport grain and grass. If we can take it, we will definitely have a good harvest. However, there are risks and opportunities. We have to think carefully about it."
Xu Shu nodded: "Since we have been selected, we will act accordingly. However, we must make adequate preparations. Send a few capable scouts to investigate the situation first."
"Don't go too far, just a few people will do. There's no need to get any overly confidential information, just get a rough idea of the situation in the county and how many soldiers there are."
"You should quickly organize the soldiers. We will set out in two days. We must fight quickly and decisively."
Zang Ba nodded solemnly.
Robbery is a risky business.
If we don't make adequate preparations in advance, we will be in trouble once we are surrounded.
"By the way, if there are any bandits in the camp who are familiar with the surrounding situation, they can also learn about it in advance."
(End of this chapter)
