Han Dang is stronger

Chapter 237 Brotherly Love
When Liu Laosan realized that the situation had suddenly reversed, it was already too late, and he had just received Xiang Yu's heartless reply from Zhang Liang. Xiang Kang immediately left Zhou Zeng and Chao Zhi to lead an army to preside over the situation, and personally led the Young Marshal Army The main force set off eastward and launched an attack on Liu Laosan's troops on the front line.

Xiang Kang has to do the same. If he can't take back Hangu Pass before the main force of the allied forces of the princes advances westward, block Xiang Yu's footsteps, and let the main force of the allied forces of the princes, which number as many as 40 or more (including the surrendered soldiers of the Qin army), enter Yimapingchuan smoothly In the Guanzhong Plain, the young commander's army can't resist even if everyone has three heads and six arms. Only by relying on the natural danger of Hangu Pass to defend with all their strength is the young commander's only hope to keep the Guanzhong Plain.

At this time, through the recruitment of soldiers and recruits, the total strength of the Young Marshal Army has reached more than [-], of which [-] were handed over to Zhou Zeng and Chao Zhi by Xiang Kang, and the other [-] old Korean soldiers were handed over by Xiang Kang. Kang was handed over to Han Cheng, and he was asked to return to Handi from Wuguan Road to restore the country, and the rest of the army went to battle. Under the leadership of Xiang Kang, they went straight to Ningqin along Qin Chi Road. The army's front team has also crossed Zheng County, less than forty miles away from Ningqin, which is controlled by Liu Laosan's partial division.

It was the turn of Zhou Bo, the third general of Liu Lao San who guarded Ning Qin, to be at a loss. Although Liu Lao San had ordered him to abandon the city and flee to the west when he found out that the young commander was killing him, he later received Xiang Yu's request to enter Guanzhong by himself. After the order to build the outer barrier of Hangu Pass, Liu Laosan, who did not dare to resist the order, was forced to order Zhou Bo, telling him to stick to Ningqin and wait to join his main force. But still still at Hangu Pass, Zhou Bo was caught in a dilemma, so he had no choice but to send his fast horse back to Hangu Pass while preparing to escape, and ask Liu Laosan for instructions.

Fortunately, Xiang Yu's envoy Zheng Chang and his party were faster after all. The front team of the Young Marshal Army led by Zheng Bu had just arrived outside Ningqin City. When they arrived at the city of Ningqin, they got in touch with the Young Marshal Army immediately, and explained their intentions to Zheng Bu. Zheng Bu didn't dare to make decisions without authorization, so he could only send someone to report the matter to Xiang Kang who was still on the way. , asking Xiang Kang to make a decision on this.

Without the perspective of God, Xiang Kang was stunned by the news sent by Zheng Bu's messenger, and he said in amazement: "Are you going to make peace with me again? What the hell is my elder brother doing? He did such a terrible thing just now. Want to make peace with me?"

"Could it be Liu Ji's deceit?" Chen Ping was also dubious, and said: "When we found out that we were advancing eastward, we knew that we were not our opponents, so we deliberately made a fake envoy from the former general, pretending to make peace and stabilize us temporarily. Buy him time for help."

"Does Liu Laosan have the guts?" Xiang Kang has some doubts about Liu Laosan's guts—with Xiang Yu's unruly temper, if he knows that Liu Laosan sent someone pretending to be his envoy to contact him, the consequences will be more than ordinary serious.

The analysis and guessing at this time is of course useless. After Xiang Kang made some calculations, he could only order Zheng Bu not to rush to fight Zhou Bo for the time being, and to lead the main force to continue forward, planning to meet the envoy sent by Xiang Yu at the base of Ningqin City Besides, they rushed to the outside of Ningqin City very smoothly in the evening of the same day, joined forces with the former army led by Zheng Bu, and immediately set up camp.

Zheng Chang's actions were also very fast. When the young generals were still setting up camp, he had already brought Xiang Yu's letter to meet Xiang Kang, and when he saw Zheng Chang, Xiang Kang immediately understood the matter It's not that Liu Laosan is playing tricks, but it really came from Xiang Yu's arrangement.Because Xiang Kang not only knew Zheng Chang, but also knew that he was the county magistrate of Wu County when Xiang Liang raised troops in Jiangdong, and was the first official of the Qin court who surrendered to Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu's absolute confidant.

This discovery made Xiang Kang secretly happy. He also said that his overbearing cousin really found out that he didn't want to fight his brother again. At the same time, the reason why Xiang Yu changed his mind introduced by Zheng Chang was also very reasonable. Kneeling in front of him, he begged Xiang Yu with tears not to kill Xiang Kang. Xiang Yu was moved by his family affection, so he decided to negotiate with Xiang Kang to resolve the dispute despite the opposition of outsiders.In addition, Zheng Chang directly told Xiang Kang that Xiang Yu had decided to make Xiang Kang King of Hanzhong, confer the land of Bashu in Hanzhong to Xiang Kang Jianguo, and the division of the ownership of the Guanzhong land would wait for Xiang Yu and Xiang Kang to discuss face to face.

After hearing Zheng Chang's introduction, Chen Ping, Uncle Zhou and the others present couldn't help but feel secretly happy, because Chen Ping, Uncle Zhou and the others knew very well that with the current situation of the Young Marshal Army, even if they took back Hangu Pass first and successfully captured the princes The possibility of the coalition forces blocking the pass is not great. If the coalition forces of the princes are determined to enter the pass, they can still enter from Wuguan, Puban and other places, making it impossible for the young generals who are not firmly established to defend themselves.Only by striking peace talks, can the young marshals be sure to keep part of their victories, and make a comeback with a stronger force when the opportunity arises.

Of course Xiang Kang is very aware of this, but Xiang Kang is a very careful person. After thinking for a while, he suddenly asked Zheng Chang: "Doctor Zheng, where is old Mr. Li Shiqi? Since my elder brother decided to negotiate peace, why did he hold him back?" Old Mr. Li won't let him go back with you to see me?"

Zheng Chang had been prepared for this question, and immediately answered, "General You, it's not that the former general didn't let you go, it's Mr. Li's temper, you know, it's really too stubborn, our former general asked him to come back to you Reporting this matter, he not only refused to accept the order, but also suspected that the former general was planning to slow down the troops, and wanted to temporarily stabilize your army, the right general, so that the former general could enter the pass calmly. He was very disrespectful to our former general. Temper, so he continued to be detained in the army."

Zheng Chang's explanation is quite reasonable, and old man Li really has this temper. At the same time, deep down in his heart, Xiang Kang also vaguely suspects that Xiang Yu wants to temporarily stabilize himself and buy time for him to calmly enter the military pass. He is quite good at military strategy It's not surprising that old man li has similar doubts.Fortunately, Xiang Kang had other options, so he suddenly asked, "Doctor Zheng, what is my uncle Xiang's attitude? Does he object to my elder brother's reconciliation with me?"

"You General, don't care about it." Zheng Chang hurriedly replied: "Master Xiang really has deep opinions about you, and he is very opposed to the former general's reconciliation with you, but General You, your brothers from the same clan are begging for help, and Master Xiang's relatives His son, General Xiang You, hugged Master Xiang's legs and wept and begged, but Master Xiang had no choice but to say nothing about this matter."

"It's hard for Brother Xiang You." Xiang Kang sighed and said, "Doctor Zheng, it's getting late and I'm tired too. Go down and rest first. We'll talk about this tomorrow."

Knowing that Xiang Kang was not someone who could be trusted casually, Zheng Chang immediately agreed in order not to reveal his flaws, without saying anything harsh to threaten Xiang Kang, and immediately went down to rest with Xiang Kang's personal soldiers.But what Zheng Chang never dreamed of was that as soon as he left, Xiang Kang immediately said to Chen Ping and Uncle Zhou next to him: "Zheng Chang told a lie, if my other brothers hugged Master Xiang's leg and cried and begged , I believe it, but when he said that Xiang You hugged his leg and cried and begged, I was the first to not believe it."

"Why is General You so sure?" Chen Ping asked curiously, "I remember when you were in Huaisi, General Xiang You was very close to General You."

"He is afraid of me, and he pretends to be close to me." Xiang Kang said with a sneer, "I am not afraid that you will know the ugliness of our Xiang family. My elder brother Xiang You did something wrong to me before, and I used tricks If I caught the present, none of our Xiang family members would spare him if I let it out. It was just that I let him go once for the sake of brotherly love. But I can see that he was just afraid of ruining his reputation. He didn't dare to do anything to me, and wished that I would die sooner in his heart, how could such a person sincerely plead for me?"

Chen Ping and Uncle Zhou looked at each other, and then Chen Ping said: "So, the former general is using a strategy of slowing down the army? Then what should we do now?"

Xiang Kang was hesitant. Although Xiang Kang was basically sure that Xiang Yu didn't really want to reconcile with him, his own strength was too different from that of the coalition forces of the princes. If he missed this opportunity and further expanded the armed conflict, it would only make him Xiang Yu's crusade against himself is even more famous.And if I continue to swallow my anger and give up enough benefits to satisfy Xiang Yu, I may hope to turn the false into true, just like Liu Laosan did in history, sacrificing Guanzhong to make a king of Hanzhong.

Looking forward and backward, Xiang Kang simply asked Chen Ping, "Mr. Chen Ping, what do you think should be done?"

Chen Ping also didn't dare to make a rash decision, and he replied after a long while: "Whether the former general is using the strategy of slowing down the army or not, since he took the initiative to ask for an armistice and peace talks, this is our chance to reconcile with him. We might as well push the boat forward and reach negotiations with Zheng Chang as soon as possible. Sacrifice the land and the city in exchange for the former general agreeing to stop fighting with us for a while, so that even if he wanted to turn his back on him, it would be a failure."

"It's too passive to do so." Uncle Zhou immediately said: "If the former general is determined to turn against us, no matter what kind of negotiation is reached, wanting to go to war is just an excuse. The only thing we have to do is to take down Hangu Pass as soon as possible to block the front. General and their way of attacking, so that we can prevent everything in case, otherwise, if the former general's army enters the pass, we will not even have the power to fight back."

"But if we do this, we won't have any chance to reconcile with the former general." Chen Ping also retorted: "With our current strength, even if we regain Hangu Pass, it is impossible to ensure that we can defeat the coalition forces of the princes. At that time, the former general will be completely enraged, and he will chase us fiercely, and even if we want to retreat to the Bashu Han, there is no hope."

The disparity in strength was too great, even the military genius Uncle Zhou did not dare to deny Chen Ping's deduction of the battle situation, so he could only turn his attention to Xiang Kang.After Xiang Kang frowned and considered for a long time, he could only say hesitantly: "How about this, Mr. Chen Ping, you arrange manpower, try to get rid of the people around Zheng Chang, and try to find out about my elder brother's situation for me, Don’t let go of any clues. Also, immediately send someone to invite me Mr. Zhang Liang, I want to ask for his opinion.”

Zhang Liang's attitude towards Xiang Kang has indeed completely changed. After returning to Xianyang this time, Zhang Liang took the initiative to report Xiang Yu's attitude towards Han Cheng without Xiang Kang asking. Xiang Kang also reciprocated and agreed to let Han Cheng lead two thousand Han The old military department returned to Han from Wuguan Road and severed ties with him, so as not to offend Xiang Yu and cause Han Cheng to lose hope of restoring the country. Zhang Liang was also very grateful for this, and offered to stay with Xiang Kang to help, and waited for a while to return to Han Cheng. Go to meet Han Cheng.Xiang Kang agreed with great joy, but Zheng Chang came too fast and in a hurry today, and Zhang Liang happened not to be with Xiang Kang, so he couldn't accompany Xiang Kang to meet Zheng Chang.

But it is a pity that after carefully understanding the specific situation, Zhang Liang, who also does not have the perspective of God, is also unable to make a decision. After racking his brains for a long time, Zhang Liang also came up with a more conservative idea to Xiang Kang, saying: "General Right, since You suspect that the former general is using a strategy of delaying the attack, and will turn against you again soon, so now you'd better go along with the flow, hurry up and agree to give up the entire Guanzhong, reach a negotiation with Zheng Chang immediately, and rush to react before the former general Before, I immediately led the army south to Hanzhong. In this way, even if the former general wanted to turn his back on him, he had no name to teach, and was blocked by the natural dangers of the Qinling Mountains, making it difficult to advance, so he could only push the boat along the way and allow you to gain a foothold in Hanzhong Bashu."

Of course, Zhang Liang's method is more secure, and Xiang Kang is almost a little moved, but when he thinks of giving up the fertile land in Guanzhong, Xiang Kang is reluctant from the bottom of his heart, so he can only agree to consider it. Of course Kang was tossing and turning and couldn't sleep, he didn't close his eyes all night...

Xiang Kang also underestimated Zheng Chang a bit. Although Liu Laosan took advantage of the loopholes in Hangu Pass, Zheng Chang had already ordered his two followers to die before he came to the Marshal's barracks. Let them never reveal a single word about Xiang Yu being "slightly injured" by Liu Ya, so although Chen Ping's young marshal army agents have tried their best, they have always found nothing, and they have not been able to get anything useful from them. something of value.

At the same time, Zheng Chang was also very calm, knowing that if he showed a little bit of eagerness to reach a negotiation, the notoriously treacherous Xiang Kang would definitely be suspicious, so it was almost noon the next day, and Xiang Kang was still undecided. Kang did not summon Zheng Chang, and Zheng Chang was not in a hurry to ask for a meeting, but his confident posture made Xiang Kang feel more guilty.

At this time, something happened that caught Xiang Kang by surprise. At noon, the scouts who went to Hangu Pass to spy on the news suddenly sent an urgent report, saying that the Tian An Department of the Qi Army had led the army to Hangu Pass and strengthened it. The garrison of Hangu Pass has more than [-] troops.Xiang Kang was furious when he heard about it, he rarely raised his hand to lift the case in front of him, and shouted angrily: "Now I'm even more uncertain about taking down Hangu Pass as soon as possible!"

Uncle Zhou next to him was also pale, knowing that even if his own army attacked immediately, it would be difficult to be sure to send new reinforcements to take Hangu Pass before Xiang Yu.Zhang Liang, who happened to be present, quickly exchanged glances with Chen Ping, and then hurriedly said: "General You, it's time to make a decision. We have very little chance of winning Hangu Pass first, so we can only hurry up and fight with Zheng Ping." Chang reached a negotiation."

Xiang Kang weighed the pros and cons for a long time with a grim face, nodded helplessly, and was about to call Zheng Chang to see him, but at this moment, a soldier suddenly rushed into the Chinese army tent, saluted Xiang Kang and said: "General You, our scouts caught a suspicious man on the small road to the southwest of Hangu Pass. The man claimed to be your old friend. He has an urgent and important matter. He wants to see you immediately."

"My old friend?" Xiang Kang asked suspiciously, "What's his name?"

"He refused to say his name, but only said that he used to be a soldier of Shiling Pavilion, and that you, General You, would understand what he meant." The soldier replied truthfully.

Before the soldier could finish his sentence, Xiang Kang showed ecstasy, and hurriedly shouted: "Quick! Bring him to see me right away!"

The soldiers agreed, and when he hurriedly turned around, Xiang Kang quickly added: "Wait, take him into the camp secretly, and issue a banning password! Anyone who knows this, who dares to mention the five words Shiling Tingtingzu in the future! Kill without mercy!"

It was rare to see Xiang Kang being so strict, the soldiers hurriedly sang promises again, and rushed out to pass the order, but because Zhou Zeng was still in Xianyang, none of the present Zhou Shu, Chen Ping, Zhang Liang and others knew that "the waiter The weight of the five words "lingtingtingtingzu" to Xiang Kang inevitably looked at each other in blank dismay, and curiously asked Xiang Kang the reason, but Xiang Kang suppressed the impulse in his heart and said, "You will know when that person comes. The news brought must be extremely important, otherwise, my good brother who is closer than his own brother would not take such a risk!"

I was so excited that my body couldn't help trembling slightly, but Feng Qi, Feng Zhong's brother of the same clan, was brought in front of Xiang Kang and told Xiang Kang. After Feng Zhong asked him to bring the two messages, Xiang Kang calmed down and told Xiang Kang Uncle Zhou and Chen Ping next to him smiled and said: "See? This is my real brother, this is the real brotherhood, no matter how dangerous it is, I have never forgotten my wife and child in Pengcheng, I didn't mistake him for this big brother."

"Now I can feel more at ease." Xiang Kang said to himself with a smile again: "Actually, when the Hangu Pass accident happened, I had already sent someone back to Pengcheng to deliver a letter to my second aunt, please ask her Take care of my wife and children for me. The second aunt has always loved me, and she will definitely not refuse. With her protection, even my third uncle, the shit-stirring stick, would not dare to do anything to my wife and children. Now the elder brother has made such a promise , I can feel more at ease."

As he spoke, Xiang Kang's tears slowly rolled down his face, thinking of the past events of his acquaintance and friendship with Feng Zhong, the brotherhood is better than brothers, and his clothes were wet with tears.

When Xiang Kang was crying emotionally, Uncle Zhou, Chen Ping, Zhang Liang and others were all smiling, with tears flickering in the corners of their eyes. I am very glad that Xiang Kang has such a brother with a different surname who values ​​love and righteousness like Feng Zhong. At such a critical moment, such critical and important news was sent in time.

Wiping away the tears on his face, Xiang Kang said softly to Feng Qi, the younger brother of Feng Zhong's clan: "Go down to eat and rest, don't worry, I will pay you back a hundred for all the suffering you have suffered along the way. times."

Feng Qi, whose feet were bloodstained, agreed excitedly, and hurriedly saluted, and as Xiang Kang's soldiers left, Chen Ping next to him wiped the corner of his eyes and asked, "You General, what should we do now?" ?”

"What should we do?" Xiang Kang laughed again, and said, "The hatred of massacring the city at Hangu Pass, and the hatred of deceiving others who have been slandered and framed to the limit, of course we have to seize the opportunity to avenge it."

Speaking of this in a gentle tone, Xiang Kang suddenly raised his voice and roared: "If I beat Liu Laosan this time so that even his mother can't recognize him, wouldn't I be too sorry for those innocent soldiers who died in Hangu Pass?" ?!"

Roaring out the humiliation of this period of time, Xiang Kang didn't even blink his eyelids, and immediately shouted: "Go and call Zheng Chang here, and promise to use Bashui and Jingshui as the boundary to divide Guanzhong equally, and call Mr. Liu." San immediately brought the army to take over the land of the city! Then, kill this idiot!"

(End of this chapter)