Three Kingdoms: Heir of Wolong, my father-in-law is Guan Gong

The familiar tactical routine once again emerged in Cao Zhang's mind.

He came in with great momentum and left in great momentum.

This tactic is too dirty.

"General, should we chase them or not?" Qu Bei was also dumbfounded.

In the brief confrontation just now, Jiang Wei had the upper hand.

however.

Jiang Wei ran away!

Just because Cao Zhang was preparing to attack, Jiang Wei ran away.

What's the point?
You have the advantage and you still run away?
Cao Zhang was also in a dilemma.

Go after him, he's clearly stalling.

If we don't chase him, and just go south to Yingchuan, Cao Zhang will be trapped in a jar.

For a moment, Cao Zhang was in a dilemma.

"Go to Hulao Pass!"

Cao Zhang looked fiercely at the Qiang cavalry who were running and shouting at him, and suppressed his inner anger.

The purpose of going south to Yingchuan was to launch a surprise attack.

Now that the surprise attack has failed, it would be really stupid to continue to fight with Jiang Wei here!
When Jiang Wei saw that Cao Zhang changed direction, he guessed Cao Zhang's purpose.

Thirty thousand Qiang cavalry appeared behind Cao Zhang again and showed off their might.

But this time, Cao Zhang resisted the urge to compete with Jiang Wei and rode all the way to Hulao Pass.

He then went south through Hulao Pass to Chenliu to meet up with Cao Rui.

When Cao Zhang left, the Wei general Guanqiu Xing who was left guarding Hulao Pass was dumbfounded.

Jiang Wei and I are living in harmony here, so there shouldn't be any big deal.

result.

As soon as Cao Zhang arrived, Jiang Wei's several thousand fake soldiers turned into thirty thousand Qiang soldiers.

What made Guanqiu Xing most depressed was that Cao Zhang was gone!
They left without leaving a single soldier behind!

Zhang He had already transferred most of the main forces from Hulao Pass, and Cao Zhang led a large force to Hulao Pass but did not leave any soldiers to guard the pass.

How can you keep this?
"I, Guanqiu Xing, can only live and die with Hulao Pass today." Guanqiu Xing looked at the 30,000 Qiang cavalrymen at the pass with helplessness on his face.

Surrender is impossible.

Guanqiu Xing's youngest son, Guanqiu Jian, was promoted by Cao Rui and was now following Cao Rui in Chenliu.

Surrender.

Not only would the youngest son die, but Guanqiu Xing's family would also be affected.

Jiang Wei also knew it.

Therefore.

Jiang Wei did not persuade the enemy to surrender, but ordered 30,000 Qiang cavalry to shoot arrows at the top of the city.

Although cavalry lacks the means to attack a city, they do have their own methods.

In short, it was bullying the fact that there were few soldiers at Hulao Pass.

No matter how dangerous the pass is, there must be enough troops to ensure safety.

not to mention.

Jiang Wei went from west to east, rather than from east to west, so the advantage of defending Hulao Pass was reduced by half at the beginning.

When Zhuge Liang at Hangu Pass sent troops to transport catapults, all the soldiers at Hulao Pass were disheartened.

The catapults are here, how can we defend this place?
Chenliu.

Cao Zhang arrived with his cavalry.

Cao Rui was dissatisfied: "Why is it so late?"

Cao Rui knew exactly when Cao Zhang would arrive in Chenliu.

result.

However, Cao Zhang arrived several days later than expected.

"I originally wanted to go around Luoyang to launch a surprise attack on Yingchuan, but unexpectedly Jiang Wei hid 30,000 Qiang cavalry outside Hangu Pass, so I could only come here through Hulao Pass." Cao Zhang did not hide it.

The Cao Wei emperor in front of him had more imperial majesty than Cao Pi. Even Cao Zhang would feel three points weaker in momentum when he saw him.

Cao Rui's face changed and he shouted, "You came here through Hulao Pass. Did you leave troops to guard Hulao Pass?"

Cao Zhang said: "Hulao Pass has its own troops, why should I leave troops behind?"

Cao Rui wanted to say something but stopped.

I really want to argue with Cao Zhang, but I don't want to waste time.

"Guanqiu Jian and Zhuge Dan."

"The general is here!"

"You two must lead 5,000 soldiers to Hulao Pass to help us. You must guard Hulao Pass for me!"

"Order!"

After Guanqiu Jian and Zhuge Dan took the order and left, Cao Rui asked Cao Zhen to tell Cao Zhang about the recent battle situation and conditions in Chenliu.

Cao Zhen said succinctly: "In the past few months, Liu Bei's offensive has been extremely fierce; the army has advanced to Yongqiu, less than thirty miles away from Chenliu."

"Not only that, Liu Bei also sent troops to seize Chen County and Liang County, and the people of the two counties have submitted to Liu Bei."

"Your Majesty may have sent generals to rescue them, but they were unable to stop them."

"Now we can only defend the Chenliu area by the river."

Cao Zhang said: "Liu Bei is arrogant. He is bullying Your Majesty by daring not to leave the city for a decisive battle."

"Why don't I lead the cavalry to harass Liu Bei's food supply route? Once the food supply route is cut off, Liu Bei will be powerless."

Cao Zhen sighed: "Liu Bei has been very strict in protecting the grain route. Your Majesty has repeatedly sent troops to harass in the past few months, but none of them have succeeded, and instead a lot of troops have been lost."

Cao Zhang laughed and said, "I have 30,000 cavalrymen who come and go like the wind. How can the other generals compare to me?"

Cao Rui said: "Uncle Wang should not be underestimated. The people who protected Liu Bei's grain route were Guan Yu and Zhang Fei."

Cao Zhang was stunned: "Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are protecting the grain route?"

Cao Rui sighed: "If it weren't for this, this battle wouldn't have been so difficult for me!"

Good guy!
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are protecting the grain route. Liu Bei, do you have too many people and have no place to use them?
Although it sounds outrageous, the fact is that Liu Bei did have too many people he could use.

Veteran generals like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei didn't need to charge into battle and attack the vanguard.

instead.

The most important food supply route requires experienced veterans like Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

When it comes to robbing grain transport, the Pseudo-Wei had extensive experience and was very fond of using this tactic.

"No wonder His Majesty summoned me urgently." Cao Zhang's arrogance was also reduced by a lot.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were protecting the grain route at the same time, so Cao Zhang really didn't have the confidence to attack.

"What should we do in the current situation?" Cao Zhang asked.

Cao Rui said: "Although I cannot rob Liu Bei's food supply, Liu Bei wants a quick victory, but I don't need a quick victory."

"I expect Liu Bei will also seize the opportunity to rob the grain route, so I summoned Uncle Wang to come here to patrol and protect the grain route."

"As long as my food supply continues, Liu Bei will be unable to do anything to me."

"This battle is a test of the national strength of the Han and Wei sides."

"Let's see whose food and supplies can last longer!"

Cao Zhang was somewhat reluctant: "Your Majesty, this is a sign of weakness."

Cao Rui laughed contemptuously: "When great powers clash, it is like cooking a small fish. The most taboo is to use a strong fire."

"Liu Bei faked his death and came with 100,000 soldiers. The root cause is that Liu Bei is old."

"Zhuge Qiao has always been cautious. Although this layout is wonderful, it is also a bit impatient."

"With this arrangement, I guess Zhuge Qiao wants Liu Bei to complete the great cause of unification before his death."

"You force me to fight a decisive battle because you want me to become the Yuan Shao of the past!"

"But I have seven states in my hands, millions of registered households, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses. How can I let Zhuge Qiao take over in one battle?"

"As long as I don't make mistakes and don't rush into anything, Zhuge Qiao's schemes won't be able to shake me!"

Cao Zhang was surprised: "Zhuge Qiao is a little too confident."

"He actually wanted to destroy the Wei Dynasty in just a few years?"

"Do you really think we are as stupid as Sun Quan?"

Cao Rui's eyes were burning: "I will tear Zhuge Qiao's delusion to pieces!"

"Liu Bei can fake his death once, I don't believe he can fake his death twice!"

"The longer it takes, the closer Liu Bei will be to death."

"Then I'll see how Zhuge Qiao ends up!"

As Cao Rui continued to use delaying tactics to deal with Liu Bei, Hulao Pass was already in danger.

Not only Jiang Wei came, but Zhuge Liang also came in person. "Prime Minister, Hulao Pass is poorly guarded. I am enough to break through Hulao Pass. Why do you have to come in person?" Jiang Wei respected Zhuge Liang very much.

Zhuge Liang looked at Hulao Pass and said, "Boyue, Hulao Pass cannot be controlled by the Pseudo-Wei."

"Your Majesty will not be able to defeat Cao Rui in Chenliu without taking Hulao Pass."

"Deng Ai in Hanoi is also a man of great intelligence. If I don't come, I will always feel uneasy."

"Bosong took a risk this time. He wanted his benefactor to complete the great cause of unifying the world during his lifetime."

"However, are the pseudo-Wei monarchs and ministers incompetent?"

"With the power of seven states, as long as we fight with our benefactor in Chenliu, Cao Rui will not be defeated."

"Only by breaking through Hulao Pass and leading the Qiang cavalry into Yanzhou, Cao Rui would not dare to confront his benefactor in Chenliu."

"Cao Zhang is not very smart, Cao Rui is very resourceful."

"In a few days, Cao Rui's reinforcements will arrive at Hulao Pass. By then, you and I will be trapped in Luoyang, Enzhu will be trapped in Chenliu, and Bosong will be restrained by Sima Yi in Hefei."

"When our food runs out, our army will have no choice but to retreat."

"If we withdraw this time, it will be difficult to organize another Northern Expedition within ten years. The Lord cannot wait ten years."

After Liu Bei gave up the throne, Zhuge Liang no longer called him "Your Majesty" but "Lord".

In Zhuge Liang's heart, Liu Bei was always his benefactor.

Jiang Wei said sternly: "Student understands."

Hulao Pass was in danger, and Deng Ai in Hanoi was also extremely anxious.

Deng Ai wanted to save Hulao Pass, but was afraid that Zhuge Liang was in Luoyang.

As time went by, when Deng Ai decided to lead his troops to rescue, he encountered the fleeing soldiers from Hulao Pass.

"Hulao Pass was lost?"

Deng Ai was horrified and quickly led his troops back to his base, ordering all the cities in Hanoi to close their gates and defend themselves, fearing that Zhuge Liang would suddenly send out his troops.

Zhuge Liang's offensive this time was too strong.

Regardless of the casualties, a large number of rocks and arrows were thrown towards the top of Hulao Pass.

The entire Hulao Pass was almost covered with fallen rocks and arrows.

Guanqiu Xing fled in fear, surrounded by his personal guards.

When the Han flag was raised at Hulao Pass, Deng Ai knew that the tide of this battle had turned.

After capturing Hulao Pass, Zhuge Liang acted decisively and ordered 30,000 Qiang cavalry to plunder Cao Rui's food supply route along the Yellow River.

Most of Cao Rui's food and fodder had to be transported from Jizhou across the river to Yanzhou, and then from Yanzhou to Chenliu.

Yanzhou and Yuzhou alone could not support the military needs of Chenliu's army of more than 100,000.

The news of the loss of Hulao Pass reached Chenliu.

Cao Rui was so shocked that he sat up.

I'm really worried about what's going to happen.

Cao Rui thought he had responded in a timely manner, but Guanqiu Xing was defeated and abandoned Hulao Pass before Zhuge Dan and Guanqiu Jian arrived at it.

After asking for specific information, Cao Rui couldn't help but clench his fists.

"Even Zhuge Liang came in person!"

"Liu Bei is coming out in full force this time!"

Zhuge Qiao of Huainan, Liu Bei of Yuzhou, and Zhuge Liang of Guanzhong.

Almost all the talented men of civil and military affairs that the Han Dynasty could mobilize participated in this battle!
Two separate armies and one main army compete not only with each other's national and military strength, but also with their strategic coordination capabilities.

Obviously.

In terms of strategic coordination, Cao Rui's side was defeated.

Sima Yi held back Zhuge Qiao, Cao Rui held back Liu Bei, but Cao Zhang fell into Zhuge Liang's trap.

The original balance is broken.

Cao Rui is now in a difficult situation.

Let’s fight, but we can’t win.

Guard it, the food supply route has been attacked.

Although Cao Zhang had cavalry to protect the grain, no matter how well they protected the grain, there would always be unexpected events.

Just like Chunyu Qiong in the Battle of Guandu in the past, he was wiped out by a single mistake.

Cao Rui didn't dare to gamble!
"Pass on my order, retreat to Kuangting!"

There is Pu River in Kuangting.

Cao Rui intended to use the Pu River to resist Liu Bei, while also alleviating the pressure of attacks on the grain routes.

In this regard.

All the generals had no objection.

However, Cao Rui's retreat caused the people in Yuzhou to have more concerns.

Cao Rui's retreat meant that he was defeated.

Being pushed forward by Liu Bei all the way, the local noble families and powerful people in Yuzhou must have considered their own interests.

For a while, local nobles and powerful people responded to Liu Bei one after another.

When Cao Rui retreated, Sima Yi, who was far away in Huainan, suddenly felt that something was wrong.

"Your Majesty would actually retreat to Kuangting?"

"Hulao Pass must have been lost!"

Sima Yi was a wise man. After discussing it with Man Chong, he guessed the reason why Cao Rui retreated.

really.

a few days later.

Sima Yi received Cao Rui's order to mobilize troops.

He asked Sima Yi to lead his troops back to Yanzhou immediately and occupy the counties of Yanzhou and the strategic points of Mount Tai.

This military order made Sima Yi and Man Chong even more frightened.

“It’s actually gotten to this point.”

"Your Majesty is going to make a heroic effort to protect Yanzhou."

"But if we give up Huainan, Zhuge Qiao will definitely go east to take Xuzhou."

Sima Yi was worried.

Sima Yi did not want to see such a result.

Man Chong sighed and said, "Rebellious forces are rising and falling in Yuzhou. If you and I continue to stay in Huainan, we may become an isolated force."

"By then, it will be difficult to transport food and grass to Huainan, and the 100,000-strong Huainan army will collapse without a fight."

"Zhongda, if the city is lost, we can fight again, but it will be difficult to recruit soldiers if the troops are damaged."

"Let's go back to Yanzhou first."

Soldiers cannot be recruited endlessly.

Especially in recent years, the Pseudo-Wei has lost too many troops. If they continue to recruit, there will be more rebellious forces in the country.

What's more, the combat effectiveness of the newly recruited soldiers would be very poor.

Sima Yi and Man Chong did not hesitate much.

Not only did Hefei and Shouchun withdraw their troops, but Jia Kui from Lu'an and Sima Shi from Xiyang also withdrew their troops.

Only Wen Pin of Xinyang remained indifferent after receiving the order to withdraw troops.

Wen Pin is old and doesn't want to leave the south.

Although Wen Pin did not leave, he still ordered his deputy general to withdraw most of the troops, leaving only a small number of soldiers who were from Jingzhou.

The pseudo-Wei army retreated northward across the board, and a large number of soldiers and civilians were also forced back to Yanzhou.

Huainan, Qiao County, Runan County and other places have almost become wastelands.

This is a common tactic used by the Pseudo-Wei.

Separated by hundreds of miles of wasteland, Zhuge Qiao had to provide his own food and fodder, and he could hardly get any supplies on the road.

An invisible buffer zone was formed during the war.

"General, should we chase them?" Zhang Yi asked after he got the information that Sima Yi and his troops were retreating northward.

Zhuge Qiao shook his head: "Although these people did not leave with Sima Yi voluntarily, if we pursue them, no more than half of them will survive."

"We don't have enough food to feed them."

"Let them follow Sima Yi first, at least they can survive."

"Notify all the generals to move the troops to Xuzhou."

Zhuge Qiao shook his head.

It was indeed a bit wishful thinking to expect Liu Bei to unify the Central Plains during his lifetime.

But if Liu Bei could take Yuzhou and Xuzhou during his lifetime, it would not be difficult. (End of this chapter)