I rode and slashed unparalleled in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 632: The General's Order Is Issued! Cao Mengde's Dream Shattered in Luobei (Combined Chapter 5K)

On the south bank of the Yellow River, Mengjin in the north of Luoyang, and Xiaopingjin Pass.

This place is bordered by the Yellow River to the north and Mangling Mountain to the south. It is a pass built on the dangerous mountains and rivers. Together with Mengjin Pass to its west, it is one of the eight passes in Luoyang and is an important lifeline for Luoyang in the north.

If the enemy crosses the river from Hebei and threatens the capital, the first thing to do is to capture this pass.

The person responsible for capturing this pass was Cao Cao, the governor of Dongjun.

Compared with Yuan Shao and others who stationed their troops at Hulao Pass and stood still, Cao Cao was definitely a true man of action.

In Yuan Shao's anti-Dong Zhuo alliance in Guandong, he led the only force that was currently fighting against Dong Zhuo's army, and had achieved some good results.

Thanks to Su Yao's attraction of Dong Zhuo's main force in the southern part of Luoyang, the Battle of Bianshui that led to Cao Cao's defeat in history did not happen.

Just before Su Yao was confronting Dong Zhuo's army, Cao Cao led the soldiers of Dongjun County and the volunteers recruited by his relatives Xiahou Dun and Cao Ren in his hometown, crossed the river, bypassed Hulao Pass, and returned to Hanoi.

There, Cao Cao joined forces with the troops of Henei Prefect Wang Kuang and Black Mountain Captain Zhao Silang. Together, the three parties swept away Dong Zhuo's forces in Henei County north of the Yellow River, and then crossed the Yellow River again and seized Mengjin.

And here they encountered fierce resistance for the first time.

Dong Zhuo's garrison at Xiaopingjin Pass had been harassing them ever since they began crossing the river.

After they successfully crossed the river, they frequently set up ambushes and sneak attacks. Even after they finally retreated to the pass, these people did not blindly defend themselves, but launched relentless harassment and counterattacks against the coalition forces of Cao Cao and others.

"Dong Zhuo's powerful army is indeed worthy of its reputation!"

In the big tent of the camp in front of the pass, Cao Cao sighed helplessly.

He originally thought that he could continue to make great progress with the combined forces of 20,000 troops from the three great princes, but he did not expect that he would find it difficult to make any further advance at the small Pingjin Pass.

"The Dong army in Xiaopingjin is so difficult to deal with. No wonder Yuan Benchu ​​dared not move in front of Hulao Pass."

Wang Kuang also shook his head and sighed, feeling quite troubled:
"Based on our current efficiency, I'm afraid it will take us more than a month to gnaw on this bone?"

"More than a month? That assumes that Dong is crazy and doesn't send reinforcements to us."

Cao Cao snorted and laughed, his expression not looking very good.

Cao Cao was dissatisfied with the progress of the war.

The only thing worth looking at about Wang Kuang and Zhao Silang’s troops are their heads.

During the earlier sweep in Hebei, everything went smoothly thanks to the outstanding performance of his subordinates Xiahou Yuan, Le Jin and others.

However, when it came to the siege, where they had to fight with swords and guns, the difference in the quality of the troops was fully revealed.

His own 5,000 troops could at least touch the city wall a few times, but Wang Kuang's bandits and Zhao Silang's bandits would scatter in panic if they were fired at from above. They were really a complete burden.

Because of this, Cao Cao has been very angry these days.

If you don’t know how to train soldiers, you might as well just hand them over to me and let me train them myself!

"If we can't quickly enforce military discipline and improve the morale of the army, based on our current performance, once the Dong bandit reinforcements arrive, I'm afraid they will immediately chase us down the river!"

"Why is Governor Cao so pessimistic?"

Zhao Silang was surprised when he heard Cao Cao's pointed remarks:
"As long as we station troops here, we will be doing a service to the coalition forces."

"As long as Lord Su launches an offensive in the south, we will be able to break through here soon."

Cao Cao snorted coldly without saying anything, while Chen Gong beside him cupped his hands:

"Captain Zhao is overly optimistic."

Chen Gong knew that neither Cao Cao nor Wang Kuang would be interested in this black boy who came from a mountain bandit family, had no military experience, and always spoke nonsense, so he stepped forward and said:

"The Champion Marquis is indeed very brave and he occupies Yique Pass, so he can attack or defend."

"But, after all, they only have less than a thousand cavalrymen, and it is a bit difficult to be a small army. It is really impossible to expect the Champion Marquis to break the deadlock..."

Chen Gong shook his head and advised:

"Captain Zhao, I know you have a long history with the Champion Marquis, and that you have always had a close relationship with him."

"However, marching and fighting is not about chivalry. Personal bravery is useful, but it is only a little bit and cannot determine the overall situation."

"If we want to win the battle against Dong Zhuo, we must rely on the performance of our army."

After Chen Gong finished speaking, he looked around and saw Wang Kuang stroking his beard and nodding, while Zhao Silang frowned slightly, as if he was wavering, so he continued:
"Now that the coalition forces have gathered in Luoyang, our army has made the first military achievement and is the first to win. We are truly the most courageous and capable fighters in the coalition forces."

"And I believe you all know that my army is behaving this way, because the soldiers of Lord Cao are brave and good at fighting, and have strict discipline."

"The troops under his command, like all of you, were mostly recruited on short notice. However, under the leadership of the Lord, they turned decay into magic, and each of them is as brave as a tiger."

"On the other hand, although you are numerous, you are like a pile of scattered sand and it is difficult for you to form a joint force."

Chen Gong changed the subject and looked directly at Wang Kuang and Zhao Silang:

"If we continue to fight on our own, I'm afraid that before Dong Zhuo's reinforcements arrive, we will be thrown into disarray."

Wang Kuang frowned when he heard this.

Although he was a little unhappy with Chen Gong's accusations, they had indeed discovered many problems with their own troops during the past few days of fighting side by side with Cao Cao.

So he had to admit that Cao Mengde was really good at training troops.

But that's it.
"Master Chen, if you have any questions, just tell me directly."

Chen Gong was delighted to see Wang Kuang finally speak, so he stopped beating around the bush and stated his thoughts directly.

"what?!"

"You want to collect the soldiers we are waiting for and let Cao Taishou train with us?"

Wang Kuang was shocked. He didn't expect Cao Mengde to come up with this idea!

The 10,000 soldiers under his command were recruited from Hanoi and his hometown in Taishan. They were his wealth, so how could he let them go so easily? !
This Cao Aman may look plain, but he is actually very brave.

You're actually planning to take my military power? !

Wang Kuang immediately rejected Chen Gong's suggestion.

Seeing Wang Kuang's grim expression, Cao Cao quickly tried to smooth things over, but at the same time he continued to make the request to borrow troops.

"Your words are too serious, Lord Wang. Please listen to what I have to say. State affairs are the most important. I, Cao Mengde, have absolutely no selfish motives."

Wang Kuang snorted coldly, while Cao Cao continued to talk about how difficult it was to conquer Xiaopingjin and how powerful Dong Zhuo was.

If they want to achieve success and protect the country, they must work together.

I was just helping to train the troops and had no intention of seizing military power.

And as long as they are willing to let him train his troops, he will never take all the credit for the victory for himself.

"Don't you think that Governor Wang wants to conquer this pass as soon as possible and gain the honor of advancing to Luoyang?"

"Don't you think Captain Zhao wants to conquer this barrier as soon as possible to help Lord Su relieve the pressure?"

There was some sincerity and excitement in Cao Cao's words. He looked at Wang Kuang and Zhao Silang with sharp eyes, trying to persuade them.

Upon hearing this, Wang Kuang frowned and remained silent.

He knew very well that what Cao Cao said was true. Xiaopingjin Pass was indeed difficult to attack, and taking down this pass was of great significance to the coalition forces. However, he always had concerns about handing over the military power.

Zhao Silang seemed even more hesitant. He looked at Wang Kuang, then at Cao Cao, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

At this moment, Chen Gong spoke again, and he said in a calm tone:

"Grandmaster Wang, Captain Zhao, you may have some concerns, but please rest assured that Grandmaster Cao is only taking over the military power temporarily. After we capture Xiaopingjin Pass, the military power will be returned naturally."

"Besides, Governor Cao is good at training his troops, and this is obvious to all. Don't you want your soldiers to become as brave and skilled in fighting as Cao's army?"

It would be strange if you don’t want to.

No one can refuse to have a strong army that can fight.

In the end, although they were still hesitant, after being persuaded by Cao Cao and Chen Gong, for the sake of the greater plan, for the sake of great achievement, and for the sake of everything else, the two of them finally decided to grit their teeth and agree to this decision, handing over the army to Cao Cao for unified training, striving to break through Xiaopingjin and enter Luoyang city first!

After receiving their agreement, Cao Cao was overjoyed. He bowed deeply, praised the two for their wise decision, then immediately turned his back to them, unable to conceal the joy on his face.

He and Chen Gong's plan was successful!

After obtaining the right to train troops and leading these people to perform great deeds, will the military power be returned?

Even if Cao Cao wanted to return it, these soldiers would probably not be willing to do so.

Hahahahaha!
Twenty thousand troops are at hand!
My, Cao Cao's, road to greatness begins now!

Su Yao, Su Yao, although I, Cao, seem to be one step behind you, don't be too proud too soon. How could I let you get ahead of me?

You know, the one that sticks out first will rot first. Winning first doesn't count as winning. This drama has just begun. Let me catch up with you!

It has to be said that this successful operation between him and Chen Gong really made Cao Cao very happy.

If it weren't for his years of cultivation as an official, he really would not be able to hold back his expression and would have wanted to laugh out loud on the spot.

Who knows, at this moment
Just as Cao Cao turned his back to the two of them, with a look of surprise on his face, suddenly, the curtain of the big tent was drawn open, and Xiahou Dun rushed in and reported urgently:
"not good!"

"Little Pingjin changes dramatically!"

"On the top of the city wall, a big flag with the word 'Su' suddenly rose up!"

--"What?!"

Everyone in the tent was shocked.

The expression on Cao Cao's face suddenly froze.

However, Cao Cao was still a very well-mannered man and did not show any panic-stricken or inappropriate look.

Cao Cao took a deep breath, calmed himself, raised his hand to signal Xiahou Dun not to panic, swallowed his saliva, and said:

"Yuan Rang, don't be anxious. Speak slowly."

"What happened inside the pass?"

"Which Su character is this Su flag?"

Cao Cao seemed to be asking in a steady manner, and he even picked up the teacup and took two sips to show his composure. However, Xiahou Dun was still in a state of confusion, and almost knew nothing about the question.

Things happened too suddenly, and he rushed to report it as soon as he discovered the change.

However, there was one thing he was sure of:

"In this world, who else can make the entire city change its flag and banner? Which Su character can do that?"

"Only the champion Hou Suyao!"

"puff--"

"what?!"

Cao Cao spat out a mouthful of water on this side, and Chen Gong on the other side also screamed in surprise.

Only Zhao Silang clenched his fist excitedly:
"Lord Su is indeed amazing!"

"I knew it would be Lord Su!"

——“No, no, no!”

At this moment, Wang Kuang, who had been stunned, came to his senses. He excitedly grabbed Zhao Silang's shoulder and shouted to Xiahou Dun:

"Are you sure it's the Champion Marquis's flag?"

"Doesn't he only have a few hundred riders?"

"Isn't he confronting the Dong bandit army at Yique Pass in Luonan?"

"How could he appear in Xiaopingjin in Luobei???"

"Did he fly over here?!"

Wang Kuang's barrage of questions left Xiahou Dun speechless, but he still persisted:

"If not, you can't say that he has defeated the thief Dong, right?"

"Just relying on such a small force?"

As he spoke, Wang Kuang hooked his little finger, his face full of inexplicable astonishment.

"What Governor Wang said is correct. Even if the Champion Marquis is very powerful, it is too sensational to say that he can come here."

Cao Cao coughed twice, trying to regain his dignity:

"If it's just the Su flag, maybe the thief Dong sent another general with the surname Su, or maybe he is planning some evil plot."

"What Governor Cao said makes sense."

Cao Cao's words immediately eased the emotions of everyone in the tent, and they tried to consider the sudden change of flag in Xiaopingjin from another perspective.

Zhao Silang was thrown aside, watching everyone discussing various possibilities in a daze, feeling that it was a little unreasonable.

I just think these people are a little crazy.

It was a bit like those people he had met before who were afraid to face reality.

Lord Su is a star from heaven who has descended to earth!

He is a master who is more powerful than the God of Heaven and can ride on the clouds and reach the moon in the sky!
How could such ordinary people as them imagine this?
However, in response to Zhao Silang's statement, everyone at the scene gave a wry smile and kept their distance.

While saying yes and asking people to quickly check the details of the Xiaopingjin incident, he continued to discuss his own affairs, leaving Zhao Silang aside.

until
"Report!"

"Lord Cao, Governor Wang, Captain Zhao!"

"The Luoyang envoy has arrived!"

--"What?!"

"Luoyang Envoy???"

Xiahou Dun's return shortly afterwards once again stirred up the hearts of everyone in the tent.

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao, Wang Kuang, Zhao Silang and others all looked at each other in surprise.

"Is it true that the thief Dong is going to play some tricks?" said Cao Cao.

"Drive him out, beat him out!" Wang Kuangyan said.

They had the same attitude towards the so-called Luoyang envoys.

Han thieves are incompatible!
Not killing Dong Zhuo's envoy was already a sign of their benevolence and righteousness.

However, they did not expect
"It's not Dong Zei's!"

Xiahou Dun panted and stamped his feet, saying:

"Yes, it belongs to the champion Hou Suyao!"

"what?!"

"Is this true?!"

Three shocks a day.

Cao Cao, Wang Kuang and others were almost numb from the shock.

I can't believe this is true.

If they were Su Yao's envoy, then obviously, the most unbelievable result had already appeared before their eyes.

However, reality will naturally not change according to their personal will.

The envoy produced a document with Su Yao's seal and Lu Zhi's handwriting, and his identity was beyond doubt.

The news brought by the messenger made people drop their jaws.

"What kind of waste is Dong Zhuo?!"

Wang Kuang blushed and said:

"Tens of thousands of troops can't defeat a few hundred cavalrymen, but the champion marquis's men are getting more and more powerful?"

"With this lousy chess player's level, is he qualified to roar at the court, trample on the nobles, and depose and enthrone the emperor?!"

This ending was so shocking to them.

Who would have thought.

Just when they thought they were the only team to achieve good results and were preparing to continue to make an all-out effort to defeat the enemy and win merit.

Su Yao over there has already told them the facts.

Stop fussing.

I'm done! ~
The thief Dong ran away.

The capital was also recovered.

Now, Su Yao's envoy single-handedly persuaded Xiao Pingjin to surrender.

All the efforts of these people have been in vain.

Wang Kuang's words shook the tent to the point of collapse, and no one on the scene spoke.

Only Cao Cao, after being silent for a while, suddenly raised his neck and laughed three times:
"Wang Taishou, Wang Taishou, it's just the level of Dong Ze, the lousy chess player. He is blocking us at this little Pingjin Pass!"

Cao Cao's hearty laughter was mixed with a bit of self-mockery and helplessness.

He tried to hide his disappointment and despair by laughing.

However, it was not successful. After laughing, Cao Cao felt an even greater sense of emptiness as if his dream had been shattered.

That’s right, the dream is shattered.

The reality is cruel. Just now, the messenger who suddenly arrived did not just bring them the good news or convey the good news from the coalition forces.

The messenger brought something even more difficult for him to accept and endure.

The Champion Marquis Su Yao and the former Shangshu Ling Lu Zhi jointly drafted a chariot and cavalry general order in the capital:

"The thief Dong Zhuo held the emperor and the ministers hostage and fled west in defeat. Fortunately, the champion marquis Su Yao was extremely brave and recaptured the capital. This was a great victory for the Guandong coalition forces, and the cause of defeating Dong Zhuo entered a new chapter."

"Today, General Su Yao, in view of the steep terrain and narrow roads of Hangu Pass, which are unable to support hundreds of thousands of troops, the allied forces of the Guandong princes are hereby disbanded from today onwards."

"From now on, the mission of the Western Expedition to suppress the bandits will be undertaken solely by Marquis Guanjun and General Su Yao. We must bring back the emperor as soon as possible and rescue the captured court officials."

"This is truly an extraordinary time. I hope that the princes who have not been summoned will put the overall situation first, return to their homelands, guard the borders, protect the territory and the people, perform their duties loyally, and abide by the loyalty of a minister. Without an imperial decree, you must not leave your fiefdom!"

"If anyone disobeys this order, they will be severely punished in the future. In serious cases, they will be charged with treason!"

At the same time, this edict naturally also included a letter of thanks and rewards to the princes for their early response to the call, as well as a promise of rewarding them according to their merits after His Majesty was welcomed back.

But that's about it.

For Cao Cao and others, the most important issue was that, naturally, there was no summons for Cao Cao and Wang Kuang in either the imperial edict or the envoy. Instead, Zhao Silang received an order to lead 2,000 soldiers to assist in the defense of Xiaopingjin.

"So, this is where I, Cao Mengde Road, end up?"

"Outside this little Pingjin Pass?"

"Do I have to go back home and leave so early?!"

Cao Cao screamed in his heart, he was eager to hear words from the messenger that would reassure him.

However, he gained nothing. The messenger just conveyed the order from the General of Chariots and Cavalry as if it were a routine matter and then rode away on a fast horse.

Although there are many messengers like him, who come out of the eight passes and go to various places.

However, there are so many princes in the world, and he still has a lot of places to run to.

This order of the General of Chariots and Cavalry was quickly spread throughout the country by the express horse.
(End of this chapter)