Shu Han Confucian General of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 259 The fight is about to start again
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

There were three roars in a row, and a silver spear stabbed three times like lightning. Three Xianbei knights clutched their bleeding throats one after another and fell off the horse.Awaiting their fate, only death.Even though they were about to die, their eyes were still full of horror, because they couldn't even catch the shadow of the three guns, and they had already turned into dead souls.

This is already the border of Wuwei. Zhao Yun and Zhang Ren's [-] reinforcements, after joining Pound's more than [-] cavalry from Yinping, all went to help Ma Chao resist the Xianbei.As a result, just after entering the border of Wuwei, Zhao Yun met a group of Xianbei troops on a narrow road, and they fought hand to hand.

In less than half an hour, 79 people died under Zhao Yun's silver spear, including many famous warriors of the Xianbei tribe.Many Xianbei warriors with higher martial arts were upset and went forward to challenge, but were killed by Zhao Yun with faster and fiercer moves.Such a killing machine made even the Xianbei people, who had always been bloodthirsty, feel terrified.

Once again, Zhao Yun easily killed a young handsome Xianbei who didn't know what to do, and Zhao Yun shivered suddenly, because he heard an extremely lewd voice: "Haha, brother-in-law, I'm here to help you!"

"The eldest son is here!" Pound said happily when he heard this, and then hacked to death the two enemy soldiers around him with a knife.But I saw a group of people and horses galloping towards a general. This man was wearing a Shu brocade battle robe, a bronze lion helmet, and a warm but lascivious smile on his face. He was Zhao Yun's shameless brother-in-law, Xiliang Shenwei. General Tian, ​​Ma Chao and Ma Mengqi, the current governor of Liangzhou!

"Meng Qi, how's the situation?" Regardless of Ma Chao's cramp-smiling face, Zhao Yun asked the most important questions first.

"It's not very good!" Ma Chao's smile disappeared when he heard this, and he sighed instead.Seeing that Zhao Yun still wanted to continue listening, Ma Chao gritted his teeth and continued: "These bastards of Xianbei were suddenly killed by the coalition forces, and three of the eight Qiang tribes were uprooted in an instant by them, and they were almost wiped out. I joined forces with the rest People are fighting with them, I don't want those two bastards, Ma Wan and Yang Qiu, to be mixed with Xianbei people. I have fought several times, although I have not lost, but there are too many enemy troops, and I am a little bit unsustainable! Brother-in-law, you come to help me, and this is the only way to save the day!"

"Mawan and Yang Qiu have turned against each other again, what's going on?" Zhao Yun immediately felt that there was a lot going on here.After Ma Wan and Yang Qiu were captured that day, they surrendered, but they turned their backs now.If it weren't for their poor strength, Ma Chao would suffer a big loss this time.

"Ah, according to what Cheng Yin said, it was Cheng Gongying who lobbied them. He didn't listen. He didn't want Ma Wan and Yang Qiu to rebel against each other again!" Ma Chao said bitterly.

"Who is Cheng Gongying?" Zhao Yun didn't know anything about Xiliang, so he asked again.

"This person is a famous scholar in Xiliang, and he has always had a deep friendship with Han Sui. Han Sui was punished before, and he disappeared, but he didn't want to be a lobbyist today!" It was Fazheng on the other side who spoke.After a pause, Fazheng asked Ma Chao again: "Master Spurs, I'm afraid this Cheng Gongying was just sent by others, not the mastermind behind the scenes."

"What Xiaozhi said is true. According to Cheng Yin, Cheng Gongying claimed that he was sent by Cao Cao's old thief to persuade them to rebel!" Ma Chao said bitterly.

"Sure enough it's Cao Cao!" Fazheng was also shocked when he heard the words, and Zhao Yun sighed when he saw this: "Fortunately, Xiaozhi and Kong Ming reminded me that I have sent scouts to pay attention to Xiaoguan at any time. If there is any abnormality in Xiahouyuan, you can report it at any time." .But right now, we need to beat back these Xianbei people first!"

"That's it!" Ma Chao said bitterly, and the two rectified the army and horses, and stood together with the Xianbei army again.Just as Zhuge Liang expected, the Xianbei people were beaten by Cao Cao with nowhere to go and nowhere to go. Due to the drought this year, they only dared to come to Xiliang to see if they could stutter.Although he knew that Ma Chao's bad luck was not easy to touch, but in order to survive, he had no choice but to bite the bullet.Under the leadership of the new Xianbei King Tuoba Yuan, the various ministries of Xianbei assembled an army of [-] and directly killed Xiliang.

After Cao Cao learned of the news, he immediately sent Cheng Gongying to Xiliang to persuade Han Sui's old troops to take the opportunity to cause chaos.Cao Cao knew that once Ma Chao intervened in the war in the Central Plains, he would be overwhelmed to face Liu Bei.Therefore, even if Xiliang were to be turned into ruins, it would be better than Ma Chao being so alive and kicking now.It's a pity that now Jushou and Tian Feng are stopping Xia Houyuan's army in the Longxi Three Counties Group, and it is extremely difficult for him to intervene directly.Therefore, this is the only way to fan the wind and light the will-o'-the-wisp.If this is the case, even if Ma Chao and Zhao Yun repel the Xianbei people, they will be seriously injured.What's more, Longxi's harvest this year is also mediocre. Even without this battle, it is not yet known how much of Ma Chao's [-] Xiliang army will be devoted to the battle in Guanzhong.

"Cao Cao's timing is very accurate!" Zhao Feng could only sigh in this way afterwards.Although everyone agreed on a three-year truce, Cao Cao obviously didn't want Liu Bei to rest too steadily, so he made so many small moves in advance.After the small action, it is the big action.

"General, Xia Houyuan personally led an army of [-], and has now crossed the Wei River from the lower reaches, settled in Mei County and Xiegu Pass, and threatened Hanzhong!" Tan Ma reported to Zhao Feng in Baocheng that day.

"Understood, hurry up and investigate!" Zhao Feng frowned slightly after waving his hand to signal the visitor to retreat.Sure enough, Xia Houyuan came to attack taking advantage of his lack of troops.In this way, I am really not easy to deal with.

"Chencang Jiancheng is guarded by General Leitong with an army of [-]. If Xiahouyuan wants to break it, it will take a lot of effort. Now Xiahouyuan abandons Chencangcheng and leads a large army to threaten me in Hanzhong. He wants to take advantage of my lack of troops and take it down in one fell swoop. Hanzhong!" Zhao Feng pondered after hearing the news.

"Exactly, if there is a loss in Hanzhong, then the three counties of Longxi will not be able to protect. Unknown general, how do you plan to defend Hanzhong?" Lu Xun, the army's staff officer, asked after hearing the words.

"Xiahouyuan's army is several times stronger than mine now, so I can only defend according to the steep valley road in Hanzhong, so I must send people quickly to keep Lord Xuchang informed. I think Cao Cao is not just attacking Xichuan!" Zhao Feng nodded.

"I think so too!" Lu Xun nodded.Both of them sighed secretly, the lack of troops, especially the cavalry, has become their biggest problem now.Zhao Feng ordered Chen Shi, Gao Xiang and the others to set up camps at the dangerous places along the valley roads, and prepared more rolling logs and rocks to keep Xia Houyuan away.A few days later, Zhao Feng's military report had also arrived at Liu Bei's place in Xuchang.

"The matter in Xiliang is very strange, but right now Ma Mengqi and Zilong have been entangled, Xia Houyuan has sent troops into Hanzhong, and General Zhao has insufficient troops and can only defend to the death. Since last month, Cao Cao has begun to mobilize Hebei troops to station in Ye It is close to the city, and then crossed the Zhang River and settled in Liyang. It is expected that Cao's army will gather in Liyang at the moment, and I am afraid that there will be no less than 20 people!"

In the Chu Palace in Xuchang, Pang Tong pointed at the map with a small stick, and told about the current military situation.In addition to Pang Tong, other important civil servants and military generals are also listed.After hearing all of Pang Tong's words, everyone was clear in their hearts: It seems that the short and stable days are coming to an end, and Prime Minister Cao is here again.

"Cao Mengde is the most unfaithful guy, he said he would take a break for three years, but now it's only been more than two years, but he's fighting again!" Liu Bei said helplessly.

"My lord, please don't wrong Prime Minister Cao. He said that it will take three years, and he will wait for another year after the mobilization of soldiers and horses is completed before officially declaring war. The matter of Guanzhong can be entirely blamed on Xia Houyuan and the Xianbei people. In this way, it has dragged on for three years, but it can be regarded as unreliable!" Sun Qian who was on the side laughed.When everyone heard the words, they all burst into laughter.

"Exactly, winter is about to begin, and Liyang is located in the interior, so the Jingxiang navy cannot attack in time, so Cao Cao took the opportunity to cross the river for a decisive battle." Pang Tong nodded.After a pause, Pang Tong continued: "It's just that this matter is very difficult at the moment. General Zhao Xichuan, General Ma Xiliang, and General Zilong are all trapped, and it is difficult to intervene in the Central Plains battle. I can handle it by myself!"

"However, is it true that Cao Cao stationed troops in Liyang for the purpose of invading Yanzhou?" Xu Shu, who had been silent all this time, suddenly asked.After hearing his words, Sun Qian and Jian Yongshang, who were a little slow-minded, were confused, while Lu Su and Pang Tong, who were quick-witted, were already deep in thought.

"What does Yuan Zhi mean by that?" Liu Bei asked strangely.Cao Cao stationed troops in Liyang, and across the Yellow River was the hinterland of Yanzhou.If he didn't invade Yanzhou, where else would he go?
"In the previous battle in Xuchang, Cao Cao was trapped and died in Yanzhou by us, and he almost died. If it weren't for Guo Jia's strategy of the iron chain warship, Cao Cao would have already been awarded the leadership. With the lessons learned from the previous battle, would Cao Cao dare to command an army in Yanzhou?" Xu Shu said Gu Zi said, as soon as these words came out, more and more people thought about it.

"That's not necessarily the case!" After hesitating for a while, Jian Yong said cautiously: "Yanzhou is the land that Cao Cao has ruled for a long time. If he sends troops to Yanzhou, there must be someone to respond to him. In this way, isn't it possible for Cao Cao to take Yanzhou in one fell swoop? Or, Cao Cao has a series of chain warships, and I am afraid that the strength of my navy is helpless!"

"That being said!" Xu Shu's tone was as calm as ever, and he continued to speak: "Our army's water warfare is far superior to Cao Cao's. Cao Cao is good at using troops, so he will not turn a blind eye to this. In this situation, will Cao Cao still think about it? Attacking the strong with the weak? As for the serial warships, if you attack them with fire, they will be reduced to ashes. Cao Cao is skilled at using troops, so he naturally knows the secrets of them. Therefore, I boldly said that this time Cao Cao gathered troops and Li Yang, probably for the sake of It's a false move. The real intention is still in Jingxiang!"

After Xu Shu finished speaking, everyone fell silent.Everyone was thinking about whether his words made sense. After a long while, Sun Gan said, "According to Yuanzhi's intention, Cao Cao's army in Liyang is now no less than 20. Is it just a feint?"

"First of all, it is still unknown whether the 20 army is Cao Cao's bluff; secondly, even if there are 20 troops, only tens of thousands of Jingxiang or Yangzhou naval forces are enough to make him look at the river and sigh; moreover, Cao Cao dominates the strength of Hebei. Strong, even if he hoards 20 troops in Liyang, it doesn't mean he can't intervene in other places!" Xu Shu's tone did not change at all, just said lightly.

"Yuan Zhi's words are not bad!" Everyone was still thinking, but Liu Bei suddenly said.After a short pause, Liu Bei asked directly: "So, Yuan Zhi, from your point of view, where is Cao Cao's real attacking direction?"

"Here!" Xu Shu pointed directly at a place on the map.

"Wancheng?" Li Yan, governor of Yanzhou, couldn't help but exclaimed when he saw this.Considering the importance of Xuchang, Liu Bei deliberately merged Xuchang and even the entire Yingchuan County into Yanzhou.Li Yan's governor's mansion is only one street away from Liu Bei's palace.It is just a few steps away when you encounter major events.

"Exactly, now Cao Cao is in the south of the Yellow River, and there is only Henan County. If he wants to send troops to the south, he will not let this springboard go, but go to Yanzhou, which is thankless!" Xu Shu said plainly.There is a sense of self-confidence in the peaceful words, and even people can't help but believe him.

"Since this is the case, in Yuan Zhi's opinion, what should we do?" Liu Bei raised his head and asked.

"Strike first is the best!" Xu Shu took it for granted, and then Lu Su also said: "Now that Xia Houyuan's troops invaded the land of Xichuan, no matter whether Cao Cao admits it or not, we can fight with him justifiably. Henan County is isolated to the south of the Yellow River. , is the springboard for Cao Cao to advance. Because of this, even though Cao Pi was in our hands, Cao Cao would not give up Henan County, and would rather give up the five counties of Qingzhou and Yanzhou."

"Furthermore, Luoyang is in Henan County. If Luoyang is lost, Cao Cao will not mess around! Moreover, after capturing Luoyang, he can overlook Guanzhong, threaten Xiahouyuan, and relieve General Zhao's pressure." Pang Tong continued to add .This can't be said in too much detail. If Liu Bei captured Luoyang, then his series of actions would be hard not to remind people of Emperor Guangwu of ZTE's Han Dynasty.Although the morale of the army and horses under Liu Bei's rule has been greatly improved, but it is not easy for Liu Bei to show his wisdom and martial arts too much while the emperor is still in Yecheng.At this point, it's basically about the same.

"I think so too!" Liu Bei nodded, looked at the people in the room, and Liu Bei began to nod: "I intend to enter the land of Henan. This time, I will lead the army personally. The third brother led Qingzhou Xuzhou army ten Wan, Wenyuan and Jingzhong led 30 troops from Yanzhou and Yuzhou, Zhongye led [-] troops from Jingzhou, and then transferred [-] troops from Yangzhou and Jiaozhou, making a total of [-] troops. Yuanzhi and Gongtai are in charge of military affairs with the army, Ziyu, you and your second brother will sit in Jingxiang and preside over all military affairs in the rear!"

"Brother, don't I want to go?" Guan Yu was a little surprised when he heard this.Liu Bei looked at Guan Yu with a surprised face, and sighed after a long time: "The battle in Xichuan is tight now, and Bo Tao's troops are less than half of Xia Houyuan's. If no one sits in Jingxiang and presides over the rear military affairs, it is really hard to feel at ease!" Paused After a pause, Liu Bei said again: "Zijing, you go to Qingzhou to assist Wen Zhang, so that you can do everything right!"

"I understand!" Both Guan Yu and Lu Su nodded.Now the territory under Liu Bei's rule is far greater than when he was Xuzhou Mu.In the case of three wars, if there is no one with sufficient weight to sit in the rear to ensure safety, it is really difficult to deal with any emergencies.In fact, the best candidate should have been Liu Bei, but now that he is facing Luoyang, which is close at hand, he can't help but want to go out in person.As for Zhang Fei, the past in Xuzhou is vivid in his memory, and it is unrealistic to expect him to sit in the rear.After much deliberation, only Guan Yu and Lu Su can be so independent.Considering that Guan Yu has always been contemptuous of scholars, Liu Bei deliberately left Zhuge Jin, who is relatively mediocre in intelligence, but a master of interpersonal relations, in Jingzhou to assist Guan Yu in Jingxiang.At the same time, although Pang Tong, Xu Shu, and Chen Gong are resourceful, they are not their directors. Liu Bei took them with him on this expedition, and let Lu Su, the veteran of the Xuzhou faction, sit in Xuzhou, Qingzhou and even Yangzhou to coordinate everyone to ensure the rear Stablize.

Early winter of the 14th year of Jian'an, 209 AD.After two years of truce between Cao and Liu, the battles in Guanzhong and Nanyang resumed.Liu Bei led an army of 30 in the Northern Expedition, approaching Luoyang.When the news came, the whole world was shocked.

(End of this chapter)