Three Kingdoms: I, Liu Feng, do not want to die

"This is a golden opportunity; we must seize it."

These eight simple characters represent both an affirmation of Liu Bei's intention to take Tongguan and a firm belief in his success.

Is Tongguan a natural fortress?
Even natural barriers need capable generals to defend them.

If Zhang He were still in Tongguan, Liu Feng would not agree with Liu Bei's intention to take Tongguan, but would try to get Zhang He to leave Tongguan, just like the surprise attack on Wuguan in the past.

Now that Zhang He is dead, the people of Tongguan are in a state of panic, which is the perfect opportunity to seize Tongguan.

Liu Feng's decision to abandon the plan to kill Cao Zhang and instead attack Zhang He indicated his intention to seize Tong Pass. The attack on Cao Zhang could only be considered a tactical victory, while the attack on Zhang He was a strategic victory.

Soldiers are valuable and quick.

Liu Feng did not give Tongguan much time to react.

After discussing with Liu Bei and Guan Yu, the group quickly assigned military tasks.

Liu Feng was in charge of leading the troops from Weinan City to attack Tongguan first, while Liu Bei and Guan Yu were in charge of mobilizing troops and supplies from Yongliang in the rear to assist in the attack.

Simultaneously.

Liu Bei then sent men to Tongguan to issue a proclamation, publicizing Liu Feng's defeat of Cao Zhang and the killing of Zhang He. He also made sure to mention in the proclamation that Cao Zhang abandoned Zhang He and fled alone.

Whether through military might or cunning, they employed every means at once, determined to seize the strategic pass of Tongguan before Cao Pi in Luoyang could send reinforcements.

After allowing the soldiers to rest for a day in Weinan City.

Liu Feng then led his loyal troops, including Wang Ping, Li Ping, Deng Ai, and Shi Bao, to Tongguan. Yu Zhujian, who had been appointed King of Xinjian by Liu Bei, also led his troops to accompany him.

Tens of thousands of troops marched straight to Tongguan Pass, their fluttering banners seemingly able to blot out the sky.

Even the biting cold wind could not deter Liu Feng and his generals from their determination to capture Tongguan.

"Come so fast!"

Looking at the densely packed troops beneath Tongguan Pass, Cao Zhang's pupils constricted involuntarily.

After the defeat at Weinan City, Cao Zhang's army was almost entirely wiped out, and the fate and whereabouts of generals such as Yang Qiu were unknown.

There were only Zhang He's three thousand soldiers at Tongguan Pass.

With three thousand soldiers at his disposal, Cao Zhang was capable of defending Tongguan.

The problem was this: Zhang He rescued Cao Zhang, but Cao Zhang abandoned Zhang He and left, leading to Zhang He being surrounded and killed by Liu Feng; and Liu Feng, deliberately sowing discord, had Zhang He's personal guards take Zhang He's body back to Tongguan.

This led to the soldiers at Tongguan not only being dissatisfied with Cao Zhang but also hating him.

"General Zuo disregarded the danger and personally led troops to rescue General Zhengxi, but General Zhengxi betrayed General Zuo. If he can betray even General Zuo, he will surely betray us when things get urgent."

"Now you want us to go and die? Why should we?"

"Why doesn't the General Who Conquers the West go and die himself, but instead drags the General of the Left down with him? He thinks he's so great just because he fought a weak Wuhuan in Dai County. He's not even half as good as the General of the Left."

"Let's all keep quiet. Two military officers have already been beheaded and their heads displayed today for disobeying orders."

"Hmph! He can't possibly kill us all, can he?"

"."

The chaotic morale of the troops at Tongguan made Cao Zhang even more anxious.

If Tongguan is not lost, Cao Zhang will still have a chance to make a comeback; if Tongguan is lost, even if Cao Zhang survives, he will be stripped of his title by Cao Pi and thrown into some remote town.

"Liu Feng, you treacherous dog! I regret that I cannot tear you apart alive!"

Cao Zhang angrily slammed his fist on the brick wall of Tongguan City Tower, the veins bulging on his rough hands.

Hate is hate.

Cao Zhang is now truly helpless against Liu Feng.

Although the military intelligence requesting reinforcements had been sent to Luoyang by fast horse, the distance from Tongguan to Luoyang was over 600 li. Even under ideal conditions of traveling day and night at full speed, it would still take a whole day. Due to various obstacles, it would be good if it could arrive in two days.

Even if the regular elite troops in Luoyang were mobilized, it would take three days to assemble and set off; if reinforcements were called in from other places, it would take even longer.

In addition, it is currently winter, which will affect the assembly and marching time. Roughly estimated, the reinforcements from Luoyang will arrive at Tongguan at the earliest in fifteen days.

With only 3,000 troops whose morale was wavering, even with the natural advantage of Tongguan Pass, Cao Zhang was not confident that he could hold out for fifteen days.

Close it.

Liu Feng spurred his horse out into the fray and shouted, "Cao Zhang, an old friend has come here. Why don't you come out of the city for a chat?"

Seeing that Cao Zhang did not respond, Liu Feng called out again: "Cao Zhang, I came to thank you, why are you being shy like a little woman? I won't eat you."

You helped me kill Kebineng and Budugen, thus eliminating the threat of the Xianbei invading Chang'an; you helped me kill Guo Huai and Zhang He, thus removing the obstacle to my attack on Tongguan.

You are my greatest benefactor!
"I always repay kindness. Hurry and leave the pass, and I will drink wine and compose poetry with you beneath Tongguan Pass, discussing the past and present, until we are thoroughly drunk."

Liu Feng understood "refinement" and also "yin and yang".

It seemed like an old friend had come to reminisce, but in reality, every word he said was a taunt to Cao Zhang. Cao Zhang was furious and angry: "Liu Feng, you dog, if you have the ability, then come and break through the pass. Why do you have to show off your verbal skills?"

When Liu Feng saw that Cao Zhang had responded, he couldn't help but laugh: "I love seeing your cowardly look of being angry, frustrated, and helpless. Now you're cowering in Tongguan like a stray dog, and the soldiers of Tongguan hate you like an enemy. Don't you know shame?"

You defeated general, a disgrace to your commander, how dare you even be a general on the battlefield? The world calls you one of my equals, a statement I find deeply shameful. Surrender now, lest you further embarrass your lord and bring disgrace upon him.”

Cao Zhang was furious.

If the troops at Tongguan were to submit to his orders, Cao Zhang would surely lead his troops out of the pass to fight Liu Feng.

However, the soldiers at Tongguan now deeply resent Cao Zhang because of Zhang He's death, and Liu Feng arrived too quickly, giving Cao Zhang no time to reorganize the army.

Let alone a battle at the pass, Cao Zhang had no confidence in even defending it. He could only stubbornly reply, "If you have the ability, then come and break through the pass. If you don't, then retreat quickly."

Liu Feng laughed loudly upon hearing this: "Cao Zhang, since you have volunteered to let me break through the pass, then I will show you! Issue my order: attack and break through the pass immediately! Whoever breaks through the pass first will be rewarded with a thousand gold pieces and enfeoffed as a marquis!"

During the Han Dynasty, marquises were divided into three ranks: county marquises, township marquises, and pavilion marquises.

Guan Yu only became a marquis after killing Yan Liang, and Wang Ping and Li Ping only became marquises after following Liu Feng in battle for many years.

now.

Liu Feng even promised that whoever first breached the pass would become a marquis of the village.

Under the reward, there must be a brave man.

This is an eternal truth.

The morale of the Han army is surging like a tidal wave, while the morale of the Tongguan army is in disarray. With the reward of a marquisate for a victory, all the generals and officers under Liu Feng are determined to capture Tongguan and compete for the marquisate.

"A bluff! Tongguan is a natural fortress; one man can hold it against ten thousand. What do we have to fear from these Han dogs!" Cao Zhang felt uneasy but refused to admit it, so he could only offer a defiant remark to boost morale.

Liu Feng stopped arguing with Cao Zhang and ordered his archers to shoot arrows with surrender proclamations onto the city walls.

Subsequently.

The daredevil soldiers launched a fierce attack.

Whether they can capture Tongguan is uncertain, but their sheer momentum is enough to intimidate the generals and officers at Tongguan.

"They actually dare to launch a direct attack on Tongguan?"

Tongguan Pass is a natural fortress, not just a name. It is bordered by the Yellow River to the north, backed by the Qinling Mountains to the south, and has only narrow passages to the east and west, naturally forming a "one man can hold the pass" situation.

Although there was no moat, there were still trench-like defensive fortifications. Throughout history, there have been no examples of battles that were able to break through Tongguan Pass through a direct frontal assault.

Although he had doubts, Cao Zhang dared not be careless.

While directing the defense, he also dispatched a supervisory team to prevent any Tongguan garrison commander from secretly opening the gates and surrendering.

Outside Tongguan Pass.

Deng Ai came to see Liu Feng and asked for permission to secretly cross the Yellow River and outflank Tongguan from the rear.

In this regard.

Liu Feng did not agree immediately, but instead asked, "Although the Yellow River is frozen now, it is still unknown whether the cavalry can pass through. If the ice layer is not thick enough, not only will the smuggling attempt fail, but it will also result in the loss of soldiers and the destruction of the morale of the isolated army."

Even though I value you highly, I will still handle this matter impartially to uphold military law. Have you two thought this through?

Deng Ai swore: "If I don't enter the tiger's den, how can I catch the tiger cubs? This humble general has no regrets."

Liu Feng had originally intended to take a roundabout approach, but seeing that Deng Ai had volunteered and was determined, he replied, "In that case, I will assign all the Zhuge Repeating Crossbows to your elite cavalry. Don't disappoint me!"

Deng Ai was even more excited.

At the same time, I also felt the heavy burden on my shoulders.

The Zhuge Repeating Crossbow was a secret weapon of the Han army. Once Deng Ai was defeated, the Zhuge Repeating Crossbow would be captured and copied by the Wei army.

The losses are not just about failing to breach Tongguan Pass!
"This humble general will certainly live up to his mission!" Deng Ai said firmly.

Although both were commanders of the elite cavalry, Deng Ai preferred taking risks more than Shi Bao.

In order to increase the chances of Deng Ai's successful surprise attack, Liu Feng had Shi Bao cooperate with Deng Ai to select 800 of the bravest volunteers from the 2,000 elite cavalry, all of whom were equipped with Zhuge repeating crossbows.

Subsequently.

Under Liu Feng's watchful eye, Deng Ai, carrying dry rations and water, headed towards the west bank of the Yellow River with eight hundred elite cavalry.

"Your Highness, do you think Shi Zai can successfully cross the river?"

"can!"

"Why is Your Highness so certain?"

"If even I don't trust them, who will? Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust."

These few words not only demonstrate Liu Feng's confidence in Deng Ai's secret crossing of the Yellow River, but also reveal Liu Feng's style of personnel management.

Once it's used, there's no questioning it. Even if it ultimately fails, it only proves the saying in the "Complete Essentials of Military Strategy": "Crossing the Yellow River in winter depends three parts on strength and seven parts on fate."

The key to success lies in accurately predicting ice conditions and weather, supplemented by intelligence misdirection, so as to replicate the battle example of "Iron Horse Breaking Tongguan on the Ice River" in history.

Liu Feng's trust and support gave Deng Ai and his eight hundred elite cavalrymen confidence and determination.

Deng Ai was very cautious.

Upon reaching the west bank of the Yellow River, scouts were sent to "test the ice." If the ice was not thick enough, boats would have to be used instead, although this would add three to five days to the journey.

This would not only increase the risk of a surprise attack, but also make resupply more difficult.

Deng Ai only brought dry rations and didn't have extra time to consume them.

"General, the ice is passable!"

The scout's report put Deng Ai's mind at ease.

"Heaven has granted my aid. I will cross the river!"

Deng Ai did not hesitate for a moment, and his eyes gleamed with determination to cross the river.

With the help of favorable weather, Deng Ai's eight hundred cavalrymen successfully crossed the Yellow River and arrived at Pujin on the east bank of the river.

The Wei army at Pujin never expected that cavalry would sneak across the Yellow River at this time. Although news of Cao Zhang's defeat was sent to Luoyang, it did not reach Hedong.

Furthermore, with Zhang He dead, the garrison at Pujin did not receive Zhang He's order to guard against the Han army's infiltration.

Speed ​​is of the essence in warfare, and this strategy essentially exploits information asymmetry. A lack of information and delayed communication can lead to serious misjudgments by the defending general, a crucial factor in the success of a surprise attack.

After eliminating the garrison at Pujin, Deng Ai briefly reorganized his troops before advancing eastward along the north bank of the Yellow River to Fenglingdu.

The terrain was flat for more than eighty miles, and they encountered almost no significant resistance.

Liu Feng's direct attack attracted Cao Zhang's attention, leading Cao Zhang to mistakenly believe that Liu Feng intended to coordinate with the defenders of Tongguan from within, thus misjudging Liu Feng's true killing move.

Fenglingdu and Tongguan are separated by the Yellow River. The water flows slowly and sometimes freezes. However, because it is close to Tongguan, Cao Zhang also deployed troops on the opposite bank of Fenglingdu to guard against it.

Although Cao Zhang did not have many troops at Tongguan, Deng Ai's eight hundred cavalrymen might not be able to defeat Cao Zhang if they crossed the river directly. If the surprise attack failed, all their previous efforts would be in vain.

After careful consideration, Deng Ai chose to cross the river at night.

Crossing the river at night, while more effective for a surprise attack, comes with a far colder wind than during the day, which is unbearable for most soldiers.

Fortunately, Deng Ai had an advantage.

This elite cavalry unit had lived in the southern desert for most of the year, and their ability to withstand the cold was far superior to that of soldiers from the Central Plains.

In addition, this group of elite cavalrymen were fierce warriors whom Liu Feng had generously supported. They were considered "lowly people" among the Xianbei and longed to make a name for themselves through merit.

These eight hundred cavalrymen were the most valiant and fearless among the elite cavalry.

Deng Ai had both favorable timing and popular support.

"To die or to live, it shall be tonight!"

The hazy moonlight shone on the ice, and Deng Ai, in an effort to boost morale, was the first to ride his horse onto the ice.

To ensure the success of the surprise attack, Deng Ai did not send scouts to "test the ice".

In other words.

If there wasn't enough ice, Deng Ai, who was at the forefront, could very likely have fallen into the Yellow River as the ice broke.

Deng Ai's fierce spirit of leading from the front also inspired the elite cavalry behind him.

If the commander is not afraid of death, why should the soldiers be afraid of death?
Eight hundred elite cavalry suddenly crossed the river, completely startling the Wei army on the opposite bank of Fengling Ferry.

In the middle of the night, they just braved the cold wind and came straight here?

Are you guys out of your minds?

After scattering the Wei army on the shore, Deng Ai did not continue his attack on Tongguan.

Military strategy dictates that "one should not attack a city while crossing a river, but rather use the river to control a vital passage," the purpose of which is to intimidate rather than launch a direct assault.

Although only eight hundred riders crossed the river, there may have been eight thousand riders who did not.

Blustering makes it easier for the Tongguan garrison to abandon the pass and flee.

Dawn broke.

News of Deng Ai's secret crossing of the Yellow River and his detour to the other side of Fenglingdu reached Tongguan.

Both Cao Zhang and Zhang He's former subordinates were utterly shocked.

"The Han army secretly crossed the Yellow River? Are the garrison troops at Pujin and Fenglingdu all useless?" Cao Zhang was furious, showing no remorse for his own tactical mistakes.

If Cao Zhang hadn't focused all his energy on guarding against the Tongguan soldiers secretly surrendering to Liu Feng, thus neglecting the possibility that Liu Feng might send cavalry to sneak across the Yellow River, Deng Ai wouldn't have been able to cross the Yellow River so smoothly and outflank Tongguan's rear.

If we really want to talk about grievances...

The Wei troops at Pujin and Fenglingdu are the ones who are truly wronged. They woke up to find themselves prisoners. Who can we complain to?

If someone had come to inform us in advance of Cao Zhang's defeat and Zhang He's death, we could have been on guard. Who would have bothered to guard against the Han army's sneak crossing of the Yellow River before Cao Zhang and Zhang He's defeat?

Liu Feng exploited an information gap, anticipating that Cao Zhang would not spread the news of the defeat and Zhang He's death to Pujin and Fenglingdu, since such dissemination might actually lead to the defection of the Wei troops in Pujin and Fenglingdu.

Cao Zhang was furious, while Zhang He's former subordinates at Tongguan began to have their own schemes.

The Han army did not attempt to cross the Yellow River secretly, and was able to rely on the natural barrier of Tongguan to block Liu Feng's strong attack. Now, the Han army has crossed the Yellow River secretly in a short time and formed a pincer attack on Tongguan from both the front and the rear.

If they continue to hold Tongguan, they will only face certain death.

Cao Zhang also sensed the thoughts of Zhang He's former subordinates. He frowned and shouted, "The reinforcements from Luoyang will arrive soon. Anyone who dares to be cowardly will be punished according to military law!"

However, this threat did not dispel the ulterior motives of Zhang He's former subordinates; on the contrary, it made them even more determined in their minds.

If it weren't for Cao Zhang, how could everyone have ended up in this situation?
“The General Who Conquers the West has made a series of wrong decisions, and now the Han army has been able to cross the Yellow River by stealth. If we continue to stay at Tongguan, our lives will be in danger.”

"But if we surrender, our families will also suffer as a result."

"If we don't surrender, won't our families suffer? If we die, it will be a serious crime of defeat and loss of territory, and our families will also be punished."

"Since we can't save our families anyway, we might as well surrender and save our lives. Maybe we can rescue our families in the future."

"Since we have decided to surrender, we might as well tie up Cao Zhang. This will not only avenge the abandonment of the Left General, but also bring us wealth and honor. As surrendered generals, if we cannot achieve great merit, we will find it difficult to establish ourselves in the future."

"rational!"

With Deng Ai appearing behind Tongguan, the panicked people at Tongguan were no longer under Cao Zhang's control.

In particular, Zhang He died because of Cao Zhang, and Cao Zhang killed several military officers at Tongguan to set an example in order to stabilize the morale of the army. This further fueled the anger of the soldiers at Tongguan towards Cao Zhang.

Few people were willing to wait for Cao Zhang to die at Tongguan!
Ever since.

After a brief discussion, the officers decided to send a letter of surrender as an arrow towards the outside of the pass, while simultaneously looking for an opportunity to capture Cao Zhang alive.

"Shi Zai actually succeeded?"

Upon seeing the surrender letter from the Tongguan garrison commander, Shi Bao couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Initially, Deng Ai hoped that Shi Bao would go with him, but Shi Bao thought the risk was too great and gave up the idea of ​​going with Deng Ai. Now that he has seen Deng Ai succeed, it would be a lie to say that Shi Bao has no regrets or envy.

a long time.

Shi Bao sighed inwardly: I am far inferior to Shi Zai.

The surrender letter from the Tongguan garrison commander not only informed Liu Feng of Deng Ai's current situation but also provided him with a golden opportunity to break through Tongguan.

Without hesitation, Liu Feng sent a letter of surrender to Tongguan while ordering his troops to launch a strong attack.

The purpose of sending the surrender letter was to respond to the soldiers at Tongguan who wanted to surrender, while ordering the army to launch a strong attack gave these soldiers an opportunity to cooperate from within and without.

The Han army secretly crossed the Yellow River, the morale of the troops at Tongguan was unstable, and Liu Feng led his troops in a strong attack.
One bad news after another left Cao Zhang exhausted.

It was dusk.

Exhausted, Cao Zhang could no longer stay awake and, without even eating, leaned against a pillar on the upper floor of the gatehouse to rest.

Several of Zhang He's former subordinates, who had long harbored thoughts of surrender, exchanged glances with Cao Zhang, who was snoring, and his equally exhausted personal guards, and immediately began to act.

Soldiers against soldiers, against generals.

Cao Zhang's personal guards were stopped by Zhang He's former troops, who then swarmed forward and bound Cao Zhang tightly.

Startled awake, Cao Zhang was furious: "You traitor! How dare you betray me!"

"You should have thought of this day when you betrayed General Zuo!" Zhang He's former subordinate punched Cao Zhang and cursed him viciously.

This punch made Cao Zhang see stars, and Cao Zhang was so angry that he cursed "traitor" loudly.

"Don't waste time, open and close the door quickly!"

Fearing unforeseen circumstances, Zhang He's former subordinates hurriedly opened the gates and let the Han army in.

As the Han army entered one after another, Cao Zhang's confidants at Tongguan had no chance to rescue him, and Zhang He's former subordinates, who were already dissatisfied with Cao Zhang, simply gave up resistance.

"Cao Zhang, how does it feel to be betrayed by your own people?"

Looking at Cao Zhang, who was tightly bound, Liu Feng's tone became more teasing.

Cao Zhang was both ashamed and angry: "Kill me if you want, why bother with all this talk!"

"You think I wouldn't dare kill you?" Liu Feng sneered. "If Zhang He hadn't come to your rescue, you would have been killed by me long ago. Poor Zhang He, he loyally saved you, only to be betrayed by you. Today you've been betrayed by Zhang He's former subordinates, just as the cycle of karma proves."

With Tongguan captured, Cao Zhang was no longer of any use to Liu Feng.

Moreover, if Cao Zhang is not killed, Zhang He's former subordinates at Tongguan will not feel at ease.

"killed."

A simple military order sealed Cao Zhang's fate.

Reality is like a game. In the early stages, when you are not strong enough, try to recruit others and avoid making fatal enemies. In the later stages, when you are strong enough, just start killing.

Those who do not surrender will be killed; there will be no hesitation.

After a while.

Cao Zhang's head was delivered to Liu Feng.

Liu Feng glanced at it and then ordered Shi Bao: "Send someone to deliver Cao Zhang's head to Hongnong, and send proclamations along the way. Anyone who does not surrender will suffer the same fate as Cao Zhang."

The next day.

Deng Ai returned from the ferry and bowed to Liu Feng, saying, "I am fortunate that I have not failed in my mission!"

Liu Feng laughed and helped Deng Ai up: "If it weren't for Shi Zai's secret crossing of the Yellow River, I wouldn't have been able to break through Tongguan so quickly. I am so fortunate to have Shi Zai's help!"

Deng Ai said excitedly, "This humble general's success is all thanks to Your Highness's might."

rear.

Upon receiving the news, Liu Bei was also greatly shocked: "I never expected that the King of Yan would have such a valiant general. To secretly cross the Yellow River is truly a remarkable feat!"

Liu Bei himself loved taking risks. During the Battle of Hanzhong, he personally crossed the Micang Mountains to circle around to the rear of Yangping Pass, where he launched a surprise attack and killed Xiahou Yuan.

Now, upon hearing that Deng Ai had secretly crossed the Yellow River and circled around to the rear of Tongguan, helping Liu Feng break through Tongguan, I couldn't help but feel even more admiration for Deng Ai.

Guo Youzhi, the Chamberlain, said: "I have heard that Deng Ai once studied under the Prime Minister and came from a poor family."

Liu Bei was even more delighted: "To be able to receive instruction from the Prime Minister, one must be a person of both literary and military talent; born into poverty, without the burden of a family; the Han Dynasty is blessed."

Just as an emperor needs an heir, so do civil and military officials.

Those like Deng Ai, who came from humble backgrounds, were also the emperor's favorites.

Without the burden of a family, they wouldn't prioritize family interests over royal interests, unlike those from aristocratic families.

"Now that Tongguan has fallen and Cao Zhang has been beheaded, Cao Pi in Luoyang must be in for a headache. Send an order to the Prince of Yan to postpone the advance and wait for me to enter Tongguan."

Liu Bei's eyes were fixed intently.

When Cao Zhang and the Xianbei invaded, Liu Bei had been living in Weiyang Palace for too long and wanted to experience the thrill of battle, not wanting his thigh muscles to return to their former state.

And now.

Liu Bei's thoughts had changed.

If Tongguan Pass has fallen, how far away can Hangu Pass be?
Liu Bei wanted to personally lead his troops into Luoyang!
Although conquering Chang'an was returning the old capital, Chang'an alone was not enough to satisfy Liu Bei's regret. In addition, since Chang'an was not conquered by Liu Bei, the credit should be given to the brothers Liu Feng and Liu Shan.

Only by personally conquering Luoyang could Liu Bei avoid any regrets! (End of Chapter)