Ji Han Liu Zhang

"Jing" means capital; "Zhao" means vast; "Yin" was first seen in oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions of the Shang Dynasty. It is a pictophonetic character, representing a hand holding a stick to control power; or it is thought to be a hand holding a pen to represent governing affairs, so Yin is extended to refer to the name of an official.

Jingzhao Yin got its name from this, which means the official in charge of governing the capital, as distinguished from the more common governors and county magistrates.

However, the capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty was Luoyang, which was located in Henan County. Therefore, the name of Henan County was changed to "Henan Yin" in imitation of the name of "Jingzhao Yin".

As the capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Henan Yin had a respected status for more than two hundred years. As for today, Dong Zhuo rebelled, Luo Jing was burned down, and its prosperity was no longer there. In addition, the emperor moved to Xu County, and the status of Henan Yin plummeted.

However, although the political status of Henan Yin declined, militarily, Henan County was particularly important because it was located in the heart of the Central Plains, bordering Shandong to the east, Guanzhong to the west, Jianghuai to the south, and Hebei to the north. It was a transportation hub connecting the east, west, south and north.

At this moment, Zhong Yao, the Yin of Henan, was worried about this.

At first, the Hebei army marched south in three routes, one of which was led by Gao Lan, who intended to invade Henan from Henei. After consultation between Zhong Yao and General Cao Ren, who was in charge of Henan, Zhong Yao decided to pacify the rear while Cao Ren led his troops to defend Mengjin and Xiaopingjin.

Cao Ren was a talented general. He blocked Gao Lan's troops north of the Yellow River, and the troops in Hebei were unable to invade Henan.

Recently, Gao Lan suddenly led his troops away. Cao Ren passed the news to Zhong Yao and gave his judgment. One possibility was that Gao Lan was making a feint to make Cao Ren relax and then launch a surprise attack on Mengjin and Xiaopingjin. The other possibility was that something happened in Bingzhou and Gao Lan had to lead his troops to rescue.

After receiving the news, Zhong Yao pondered over it secretly and believed that there was most likely a change in Bingzhou, and Gao Lan had to be led away. As for the change in Bingzhou, Zhong Yao suspected that it was the Qin King in Guanzhong who took action to reap the benefits.

However, Zhong Yao was not sure. He was worried that it might be the first inference given by Cao Ren. Gao Lan led his troops away to confuse them, let them relax and slack off, and then take the opportunity to attack Henan Yin.

Therefore, in order to seek peace of mind, Zhong Yao and Cao Ren's troops remained in Mengjin and Xiaopingjin and did not return to Luoyang.

For the next few days, there was no movement north of the river, and no military mobilization. At this time, Zhong Yao relaxed a little, but things suddenly changed.

The commander of Hangu Pass in the west of Luoyang brought news that troops from Guanzhong were invading Hangu Pass. This made Zhong Yao nervous. He sent someone to notify Cao Ren, and warned the commander of Hangu Pass not to go out to fight, but to wait for Cao Ren's troops to arrive at Hangu Pass before discussing the matter.

After all, the land of Henan Yin is the key point of the world, so it attracts the attention of people from all directions. Regarding the fact that Henan Yin is being attacked one after another, Zhong Yao made a conclusion in his heart that this is all because Henan Yin is important in military terms.

Although most of Henan Yin's troops were stationed in Mengjin and Xiaopingjin, Zhong Yao was not overly worried about Hangu Pass, because Hangu Pass, as a fortress famous since the Qin Dynasty, was an extremely stable and strong city.

As long as Cao Ren rushed to Hangu Pass, Henan Yindang would be safe again. With confidence in Cao Ren, Zhong Yao waited for good news.

However, within a day, the news of the fall of Hangu Pass reached Luoyang and landed on Zhong Yao's desk.

Zhong Yao was shocked. He read the details of the battle report. The details said that the people in Guanzhong had no time to build weapons but attacked the city like ants. The attack was very fierce. When the guards of Hangu Pass were gathered to the west of the city, a troop of soldiers rushed out from behind Hangu Pass and attacked from both sides, causing Hangu Pass to collapse.

Exhaling heavily, Zhong Yao forced himself to calm down. The fall of Hangu Pass was now a foregone conclusion, and he needed to think about his next move.

First of all, Cao Ren’s troops could no longer approach Hangu Pass and had to return to Luoyang to hold the city and ensure the safety of Luoyang’s defenses.

The second thing was to send a letter to Cao Cao, the prime minister who was fighting against Yuan Shao at Guandu, telling him the news of the fall of Hangu Pass so that he could make preparations early. After writing two letters, Zhong Yao wiped the sweat from his head, with a puzzled look on his face.

It shouldn't be!

Zhong Yao didn't understand. At this time, Hebei was in a strong position and Yuan Shao had a strong army. It was very unreasonable that King Qin Liu Zhang did not think of attacking Hebei, but instead led his troops to attack Henan Yin.

Even if one is just an average person, one should know that when two weak ones are against one strong one, the two weak ones must help each other and fight against the strongest one. However, it is really incredible that King Qin Liu Zhang came to invade Henan Yin and attack Cao Cao, who could be his ally, at this time.

into the night.

Zhong Yao could not sleep and stood on the city wall of Luoyang, waiting for Cao Ren's arrival. After receiving his message, Cao Ren said that he would march overnight and would arrive in Luoyang tonight.

When the time came to the first watch, there were restless sounds from under the city wall.

"Mr. Zhong, open the city gate quickly." Cao Ren's shout came from under the city.

Hearing this familiar voice, Zhong Yao gave an order and the city gates opened wide, allowing Cao Ren's troops to enter the city.

After settling the troops, Cao Ren came to Zhong Yao.

"Liu Jiyu is really hateful and stupid. At this moment, my brother is in a stalemate with Yuan Benchu ​​in Guandu, and Liu Jiyu is actually attacking my Henan Yin and intends to plot against Luojing..."

Cao Ren was indignant, and his words were full of confusion: "If the news reaches Guandu, our army will be shaken, and my brother will be defeated. The Central Plains will be taken by Yuan Benchu, and how can the Guanzhong area be preserved intact?"

"It is said that Liu Jiyu is wise in military strategy and knowledgeable about worldly affairs, but what happened today fully demonstrates his stupidity."

"Yes." Zhong Yao nodded, expressing his agreement: "Liu Jiyu only gained the position of Henan governor during this trip, while Yuan Benchu ​​gained all the Central Plains. He really forgot the big picture for the sake of small gains."

Zhong Yao and Cao Ren were both confused and felt that Qin King Liu Zhang's behavior was unreasonable. At this time, a messenger brought a piece of news - Cao Cao got Xu You to surrender and learned about Yuan army's grain storage point. He led his troops to attack Wuchao at night and burned most of Yuan army's food and supplies. Yuan army had to retreat, and Cao army pursued them and made many gains.

"We won." Cao Ren was delighted at first, and then asked the messenger: "We really won."

"General, Sikong really repelled Yuan's army and saved Yanzhou." The messenger gave an affirmative reply.

Cao Ren laughed out loud a few times, his face full of joy, he was happy for Cao Cao, but soon the fall of Hangu Pass made the joy disappear in an instant.

Although we don’t have to worry about the battle at Guandu now, Hangu Pass has been lost and Luoyang City is under the attack of the troops from Guanzhong. If we are not careful, the governor of Henan will be captured by Qin King Liu Zhang, which is a more threatening thing than Yuan Shao’s army marching south. (End of this chapter)