Three Kingdoms: Ancestors of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 147 Detour to Xiao Pass
The next day, in the early morning, Panxukou was clear, and the thin mist slowly passed through the gaps in the woods, and the sun shined gently on everything through the faint mist.

The army of thousands of people in the forest slowly marched northward along the Xiaoguan Road, the flags were buzzing in the army column, the spears were like a forest, and the soldiers lined up neatly.

Beside the large army, Cao Zhen led his horse and saw Zhang He off on foot.

Cao Zhen stopped, held the rein in his hand, stared at Zhang Yun with bloodshot eyes, and said sincerely: "Junyi has traveled thousands of miles from Jingzhou to Longyou, and now he is going to go to Liangzhou by detour through Xiaoguan. The truth is I feel uneasy, but after thinking about it again and again, there is no one in the army who can take on this important task, and this important task is none other than Junyi."

Zhang He straightened his back, looked vigorous, walked with his sword, and said boldly: "General, serve the country faithfully, so why bother to speak bitterly. It is also an honor for a man to walk in the world with a sword and fight north and south for the country." ) How to repay the favor of promotion? The only way is to die in battle.”

Cao Zhen listened to Zhang Yun's unlucky words, and said solemnly: "The general is the pillar of the country, how can you say death so lightly?"

Hearing Cao Zhen's words, Zhang Yun couldn't help being grateful and said, "Jun Yi knows it!"

Cao Zhen stroked the smooth mane of the war horse, pondered for a long time, and continued: "Jun Yi rode 6000 people on this trip, and met Xu Jingshan (Xu Miao), the governor of Liangzhou. He has 4000 people under his command. You lead, go south to rescue Long."

"True rate of the rest of the army, join Yongzhou Inspector Guo Boji, take the Guanlong Road to attack Yang, and contain Zhuge Liang's army. If the main force of the Shu army is in the east, the northern part will be empty. I hope Junyi seizes this good opportunity and don't miss it."

"I really heard Xu Jingshan's report. You Chu, the prefect of Longxi, is still holding on to Longxi County, and Nan'an County has surrendered. The enemy general Wei Yanzheng led 8000 people to confront Xu Jingshan. If Junyi can rush to Chedaoling Road (Note ①), we will meet up Xu Jingshan, taking advantage of his unpreparedness, coupled with the elite Chinese army, will surely be able to defeat Wei Yan."

"If Jun Yi can defeat Wei Yan, he can go south to join You Chu, the prefect of Longxi, and go east together. At that time, the real is in the east, and the king will attack Zhuge Liang from the west. Then he will be defeated, and the return of Longxi is just around the corner."

Cao Zhen let go of the reins, held Zhang He's wrinkled hands tightly, and said sincerely: "The hope of Longxi is all in Juner."

Zhang He nodded, stared at Cao Zhen with burning eyes, and replied solemnly: "I dare not betray the trust of the country."

Cao Zhen took his beloved war horse and handed the reins to Zhang He. Under Zhang He's surprised eyes, he stroked the soft yellow mane.

Cao Zhen said in a warm voice: "When Junyi travels far, the only horse he loves can be given to you. This horse was obtained from Zhen's expedition to Hexi. It is named Huang Piaocong. It can travel thousands of miles a day. The saddle is stable when it runs, and it is comfortable to ride. It can be used by you. ride."

Zhang He looked at Huang Piaocong in front of him. He had a stout physique, plump muscles, big and round eyes, and huge nostrils. He was in the shape of a famous horse, and Zhang He was instantly moved.

Zhang He stroked Huang Biaocong, who was very meek and rubbed his mane against Zhang He's face.The original refusal words suddenly got stuck in his throat, making him unable to speak out.

Cao Zhen seemed to see Zhang Yun's embarrassment, and said with a light smile: "I have been in the army for many years, and I seldom rode. It is just right to give it to you. I hope you don't want to refuse. The army has traveled far, and you can ride this horse to catch up."

Zhang He looked at Cao Zhen gratefully, pursed his lips, cupped his hands and said: "This trip will definitely live up to the great trust of the country and the general."

After finishing speaking, Zhang Yun got on his horse, raised his whip lightly, and rode his horse far away to catch up with the army.After Cao Zhen followed, he bid farewell to Zhang Yun with his eyes.

Half a day later, Cao Zhen led an army of 4000 people, traveling eastward from Guanlong Road, trying to join Guo Huai who was sticking to Qingshui County, and approached Lueyang together.

At this time, Zhuge Liang, who was far away in Lueyang, was meeting Guan Xing, Wang Ping, and Huo Yi in the barracks.

Guan Xing was dressed in black robes and a Jinxian crown. He cupped his hands respectfully and said, "I have seen the Prime Minister, and I am here to serve as a soldier at His Majesty's order."

After hearing this, Zhuge Liang showed a smile, stroked his beard, and said: "The soldiers have been out of Shu for three months, and the big battle is imminent. At this time, the labor force is good, and it can boost the morale of the army."

After a pause, Zhuge Liang continued: "I don't know what else His Majesty can entrust to you?"

Guan Xing raised his head, looked at Zhuge Liang, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty is worried about the lack of military personnel under the Prime Minister, so he ordered Zijun and Shaoxian to be transferred to the army and wait for the Prime Minister's dispatch."

Zhuge Liang couldn't help laughing, stroked his beard and said: "Your Majesty knows me too! There are still a few lands in Longxi that have not been pacified, and Liang Zhengsi lacks manpower. A few days ago, Liang was thinking about when Zijun would come to Longxi and help me in Jieting. Thinking that Zijun and Shaoxian are here today, it will solve Liang's urgent need."

Wang Ping and Huo Yi bowed their hands again.

"I don't know how your Majesty is in Hanzhong these days?" Zhuge Liang asked after pondering for a while.

Guan Xing thought about the words, chose the appropriate content, and said: "The state ordered Zhang Yi, Jiang Wan and others to transfer important memorials to Hanzhong for correction. Besides, I am worried about the progress of the battle in Longxi?"

Zhuge Liang stood up, handed the battle report on the case to Guan Xing, and said: "This battle report has just been written, and when Anguo comes, I can hand it over to Anguo and bring it back to the country."

Zhuge Liang couldn't help pacing, stroking his beard, and said slowly: "At present, the war is progressing well. Ji County of Tianshui County has just surrendered. Except for Chengji County in the north, the whole territory has been surrendered. The prefect Deng Shizai is arranging spring farming for the county people."

"Yangling, the prefect of Nan'an County, surrendered, but the north was not pacified. Xu Miao, the governor of Liangzhou, led 8000 cavalry to the south, and Wei Wenchang led [-] people to confront him at Chadaoling."

"In February, the prefect of Longxi, You Chu, made an agreement with our army that if the Wei army could not reach Longxi County within a month, it would surrender the county. In this way, Longxi County can be pacified in less than half a decade."

"But these are trivial matters. At present, General Zhang Yun of the Wei Army is stationed at Fanxukou with heavy troops. He wants to save Longxi, but he is blocked by Jieting. When reinforcements arrive later, there will inevitably be a big battle. This battle will determine the land of Longxi. belong."

Zhuge Liang stopped, looked at the three people under the steps, and said in a deep voice: "Wang Anguo will report to His Majesty, don't worry about the battle in Longxi. Within a month, Longxi will be settled. It's spring plowing at this time, and the journey from Guanzhong to Longxi is long. I don’t know how many corvees there are, if the spring plowing is delayed, how can the people in Guanzhong feed?”

"That's why the Wei army must be in a hurry to fight, but our army has already stationed in Lueyang, and we are not worried about confronting Cao's army in the Longshan area. At present, the only person who is worried is Xu Miao, the governor of Liangzhou, but his soldiers are only a few thousand. General Wei has already confronted him, and I can only think about it for a few days before there is good news to the army."

Zhuge Liang said to Guan Xing confidently, hoping that he would spread the good news to the country, so as to reassure Liu Chan and the ministers in the court.
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① The Chad Ridge Road was opened by General Meng Tian sent by the Qin Emperor to the west.Since ancient times, the Yellow River is the first natural barrier leading to the Central Plains, and Chad Ridge is the second natural defense line.

(End of this chapter)