Guo Yuan didn't have time to listen to his nonsense, so he whipped the horse on the buttocks. The horse neighed, spread its hooves, and ejected. There was immediately a cloud of dust behind him. The whole army followed immediately.
Guo Yuan marched hurriedly to Anyi City. It was already the afternoon of the third day, and most of the soldiers were tired. Guo Yuan ordered Zhaishan to be established, and he would first have a good meal to restore his combat effectiveness.
Ma Chao would not give him such a chance. The straight temperament of the people from the northwest made him restless and just wanted a quick victory. In the evening, he proposed to Ma Teng: "Father, the thieves are coming from far away, and the soldiers and horses are tired. At this time, we can take the opportunity to rob the camp."
Ma Teng also thought so: "Meng Qi, my father will give you ten thousand horses, so go and rob the camp with Pang De."
A temporary wooden wall was built around Guo Yuan's military camp. Guo Yuan knew that Ma Chao was good at fighting, so he did not plan to fight quickly. He had already sent people to Taiyuan to ask Gao Rou for reinforcements.
Xia Zhao led his soldiers to fight, but he was scolded. Let the soldiers accompanying the army publish seventeen fifty-four military orders, requiring everyone to strictly guard the gates of the village, not to go out to fight, and to control the main road from Anyi to Shangdang Pingyang, waiting for the rescue of the army.
Ma Chao took Pang De with him, tied his horse's mouth with a collar, and wrapped the horse's hooves with cloth, and quietly approached Guo Yuan's camp. Guo Yuan and the soldiers were so tired that they had already fallen asleep.
However, he has been in battle for a long time and knows that when the stronghold is unstable, it is most likely to be robbed. Therefore, fifty teams and nearly two thousand guards were deployed at the front gate facing Anyi, rotating every two hours. , a thousand soldiers above were preparing for battle with spears, while the soldiers below were hiding in the space between two rows of tree trunks, with their bows fully drawn and on full alert.
Due to time constraints, Ma Chao had not yet had time to dig trenches and lock the camp with iron chains. It was right for Ma Chao to choose this time to rob the camp, but the mistake was that he was headstrong and had too few people with him. It doesn't matter if there are few people with him. Zhang Liao has 800 cavalry, breaking Soochow's record of 100,000.
The problem is that although Ma Chao is brave and outstanding, his commanding ability is not as good as that of famous generals like Zhang Liao and Yu Jin. In addition, Guo Yuan's method of setting up a stronghold was quite unique, so he did not take any advantage.
The night is boundless and everywhere, like a sleeping sea, in which everything is trapped and becomes a prisoner of darkness. Ma Chao's three thousand troops were approaching Guo Yuan's camp in the distance quietly.
The soldiers in the camp, with the bright lights in the camp, can see about fifteen or sixty feet away from the camp in front of them. This distance is the critical killing distance of bows and arrows, and it is also the distance from which enemy soldiers can launch a charge.
Days of fatigue had affected the soldiers' vision and hearing. When Ma Chao's army reached twenty feet away, someone vaguely saw ghosts moving forward.
Everyone immediately became nervous, and someone shouted loudly: "Look, look, are they enemy soldiers?"
The captain in charge of the patrol did not dare to blow the horn hastily. He stretched his neck out from the two wooden fences, looked at it twice with blood-red eyes, then immediately retracted and shouted: "Quick, blow the horn, the enemy soldiers are coming to rob you." Camp."
Isn't it too late to blow the trumpet now? The specialty of Xiliang soldiers is their fast horses, long spears, and they are good at running in the field. It's a bit like the Hu and Qiang people's style. The horn in Guo Yuan's stronghold turned into Ma Chao's charge horn. At the same time, the Xiliang soldiers who had been suppressed for a long time roared in unison, jumped into a gallop, spit out the murderous aura that had been suppressed in their chests for nearly half an hour, and broke through the night into the sky. .
Ma Chao took the lead and rushed toward the village gate with his gun drawn. Strange, why didn't the soldiers in the village shoot arrows? Are they all idiots? A flash of realization flashed through his mind, damn it was broken.
The sitting horse suddenly neighed, and fell to the ground as soon as its hooves softened. Dozens of horses around it also neighed and fell down at the same time. Pang De kicked his stirrup anxiously behind him. When Ma Chao rushed out, he remembered Yuan Jun's iron caltrops. He was about to remind him, but before he could say it, Master Ma had already rushed out.
"Set the arrows, shoot the arrows." Guo Yuan ran out of the commander's tent in his underwear, shouting at the top of his lungs as he ran: "Set the arrows, shoot all the arrows out, and shoot the stubborn Xiliang army to death."
A round of powerful arrows shot out from the hands of the two thousand soldiers guarding the stronghold, forcing Ma Chao's army back into chaos, thus buying time for the soldiers to dress and organize themselves into formation.
Ma Chao jumped up from his horse, stepped on the corpses of men and horses along the way, fled to the middle road, grabbed a war horse, ordered the soldiers to dismount, held up their shields, stepped on the corpses of men and horses, and broke into the village on foot. He also ordered Pang De to suppress the cavalry behind him, and only waited for the infantry to open the gate of the village before charging in.
Guo Yuanjun, who was sleeping, heard the continuous sound of the horn and the loud sound of killing. They jumped down from the bed made of wooden boards, put on their leather armor, picked up spears, bows and arrows and rushed out.
There was chaos in the camp for a while, but was subdued by the team captains. Everyone organized their own teams, and then gathered under their respective captains. The archers spread out towards Zhaishan in batches and angles. The infantrymen ran up the wooden ladders built from tree trunks to the second floor and began a bloody battle with Ma Chao's army.
The cavalry remained motionless, as calm as clay and wood sculptures, watching the battle in their respective defense areas, preparing to meet the enemy or break through.
Ma Chao was fighting and felt that something was wrong. Here and there, it was a robbery camp, it was simply a siege. The opponent's two-layered wall was almost a foot high, with arrows flying wildly below and spears matching the top. His soldiers struggled to climb up Zhaishan halfway, but were stabbed down with a spear. They fell to the ground and turned into giant hedgehogs with arrows standing upright.
Although the exhausted Guo Yuanjun suffered more casualties than them, Ma Chao brought too few men and could not withstand such consumption. Even if one soldier could be exchanged for two, he could not afford to fight. Guo Yuan's side There are at least 20,000 to 30,000 people left.
Ma Chao saw that this was no longer possible and that he could not do a business that was losing money. He looked at the situation and decisively ordered his troops to retreat. He had also been fighting with his father since he was a child. Of course, he would not give Guo Yuan a chance to cover up the attack later. The cavalry in the team prepared for the battle on the spot. The infantry who charged first turned back, bypassed the two wings of the cavalry, and retreated. The enemy soldiers were forming camps step by step, and one hundred men and one hundred men retreated.
Xia Zhao once again committed the problem of coveting small profits. As soon as he saw Ma Chao withdrawing his troops, he would open the gate of the village and pursue him. Guo Yuan grabbed him: "We can't pursue him. Although the enemy soldiers withdrew, there was no chaos. Although our army won, the losses were much greater than that of the other army. Brothers are too tired and need to rest. We cannot fight with Ma Chao." , if he wants to leave, just let him go."
In view of the serious lesson learned last time, Xia Zhao did not persist. He didn't dare, Guo Yuan's eyes widened, and his shoulders were almost crushed with his fingers as thick as carrots.
"General, I understand. Good advice, general. Good advice."
For three consecutive days, Guo Yuan closed the gate of the village tightly. He did not attack the city or call a formation. He just asked the soldiers to divide into pairs and take turns to rest. Ma Teng couldn't wait any longer. He had to pull out this nail immediately, otherwise the Guanzhong Allied Forces would not be able to enter Bingzhou, or they would voluntarily withdraw and return to Xiliang, Guanzhong, because he did not have enough food.
Guo Yuan was in charge of the camp and blocked his way. Unless the nail was pulled out, the battle would be impossible to fight. When Anyi is captured, he will garrison it and let the coalition forces cross the river to fight Yuan Jun. He has done everything he should do, and the rest is a matter for the coalition forces and Cao Jun.
Ma Teng looked back at Li Ru and said, "Mr. Wen Yi, do you have any strategies to deal with the current situation?"
Li Ru hesitated and said: "In my opinion, the most important thing now is to send people to Sizhou and ask Mr. Chen Gong to allocate food and grass. Then Xu Tu can proceed slowly and slowly think of a solution."
Li Ru continued, "Military provisions are one thing. It's best to ask Prime Minister Cao to send troops to attack Liyang on the eastern front to cooperate with our army. In addition, Ru has a plan to retreat in order to advance, which requires some risks. I don't know if the lord can adopt it." "
Five days later,
When Guo Yuan heard the news that the Xiliang soldiers had withdrawn, he laughed and said, "As expected, the traitors have eaten up all their food and stayed here." Then he ordered Deng Sheng, He Qun, and Xia Zhao to retake Anyi City.
When Guo Yuan entered the city, the soldiers reported that Fan Xian from Hedong had sent a letter of surrender, saying that he was willing to send troops to intercept Ma Teng. Guo Yuan weighed and thought again and again, thinking that if what the letter said was true, he would be able to seize a county in Hedong without any effort and pose a major threat to Cao Cao on the western front.
The matter is of great importance, so I must go there and explore the truth. Without consulting Deng Sheng, Xia Zhao and others, he directly ordered Deng Sheng's 10,000 troops to defend the city. He and Xia Zhao led the troops across the Yellow River and advanced to the east of the river. While dispatching troops and horses, he reported the battle situation to Gao Rou and Jizhou.
Six days later,
Bad news came from Hedong. When Guo Yuan pursued Ma Teng's Xiliang army, he was ambushed by Ma Chao and Pang De. Deng Sheng was killed in the battle, and more than 15,000 sergeants were killed or injured. Xia Zhao and He Qun protected Guo Yuan with more than 10,000 soldiers. The remaining soldiers were defeated and fled back to Pingyang to defend themselves, waiting for reinforcements.
At the same time, Ma Teng followed Li Ru's advice and stopped in Hedong. He did not advance half a step forward, but sent Ma Chao and Pang De to join the alliance alliance.
Inside the coalition tent seven days later
"Huh!" Liang Xing, one of the princes, slapped the table heavily, his dissatisfaction was palpable: "What a Ma Teng, what a Huaili Hou! With the dignity of one person, let us wait for more than ten people to be equal here in vain, really What a big rack!”
Ma Wan over there also sneered and said: "It's no wonder, he is the descendant of General Fubo Ma Yuan, a famous Han Dynasty family, a clank tiger general, how can he be on the same level as us mountain villagers? Just wait!" At that time, we can also take a look at the scene after the ambush, but there is no such shop after passing this village!"
At this moment, after Chen Gong heard what everyone said, he did not take any advantage. He stroked his beard and shook his head with a smile, and said: "Why are you so anxious, gentlemen? I think the Marquis of Huaili was delayed by some trivial matters, so he was delayed. After all, it was a major event to send troops. We have to allow others to make good purchases and purchases, right? Everyone, just be patient and wait for them to come."
Duan Yan, a prince, sneered when he heard this and said: "You should be a good old man and say this good thing! As everyone knows, we are sending troops this time for your Prime Minister Cao! We are also helping Prime Minister Cao in his emergency. The scolding is also to scold the Prime Minister, but how could you just flick your sleeves and push them all away?"
Chen Gong was not annoyed when he heard this, he just smiled slightly and said: "What Yuexianghou said is a bit wrong. Prime Minister Cao is the same as everyone else. They all work for the court and share the emperor's worries. Why should he say anything for himself? The Yuan family rebelled against Yue and did not respect the orders of the imperial court. I have to punish them according to the decree of heaven. It is for the sake of the world! It is not beautiful to say anything about helping Prime Minister Cao. Such disobedient words can no longer be said in the future. "
Duan Xuan had no choice but to swallow this dumb loss angrily, and stared at Chen Gong in embarrassment and sulked.
At this time, I suddenly heard the sound of brisk footsteps outside the tent, "Mr. Chen said it well, better than everyone present. They are all doing things for the court and benefiting the world. Why should you be so pretentious?" , Can't even wait for a good person, how can such a person accomplish great things?" said the handsome man in silver armor.
Chen Gong didn't recognize the person who came, but he didn't dare to show off. He stood up, held his hands in greeting and said, "Who is your Excellency?"
The man in silver armor had a smile on his face, and ignored the questions from all the princes. He gently raised his hands to Chen Gongyi and said loudly: "I am Ma Chao. I am the eldest son of Marquis Huaili. Today, in honor of my father, I am leading my troops." The general is here to help Mr. Chen in the attack on Hedong. We have been delayed for some days due to the preparation of food and fodder. I hope that Mr. Chen will bear with me."
But Duan Xuan laughed strangely and said in a harsh voice: "Marquis Huaili is really a powerful man. This time he gathered for the expedition, but he didn't move. He only sent his eldest son to help. General Fubo later came. , Duan Mou admires, admires!”
Hearing this, Ma Chao chuckled slightly, rolled his eyes at Duan Yan and said, "There are too many people in the world who admire my ancestors and my father. You can be considered a prince, so there is no need to join in the fun." Duan Yan said. Hearing this, his face suddenly turned green.
"Everyone, who wants to be the vanguard in this expedition to Hedong? Test the strength of the enemy's army?" Hearing Chen Gong ask, everyone, you look at me, I look at you, but no one is willing to take the risk. Take this risk.
Ma Chao sat on the right hand side of Chen Gong. He glanced coldly at the hesitating princes, smiled disdainfully and said, "We are just a bunch of rats, how dare you call yourself a prince?"
"You...what do you mean?" Prince Li Kan turned his head and glared at Ma Chao with a look of resentment on his face.
"It's not interesting." Ma Chao didn't even look at Li Kan. He cupped his hands and said, "Mr. Chen, I am not very talented at Ma Chao. I would like to be the vanguard and help the Duke to attack Hedong. You and I can work together to capture Gao Rou alive and defeat Bingzhou! As for the others who can only fight in a nest, they are just looking at it." Those useless losers should be dismissed as soon as possible and sent home."
"How dare you, Ma!" All the princes were furious.
But seeing Li Kan standing up first, he raised his hands to Chen Gong and said, "Mr. Chen, I am not very talented. I would like to be a pioneer in attacking the land east of Hedong to share the emperor's worries. I hope Mr. Chen will agree!"
Behind Li Kan, the candidates also stood up and said: "I am willing to go with General Li!"
Duan Yan had just confronted Ma Chao and almost had a fight. Now seeing Ma Chao's arrogant words, he secretly thought that if he was really allowed to take the position of vanguard and make great achievements, would this place in Guanzhong still have his own place to stay in the future? He stood up casually and said, "Duan Xuan also wants to go with you."
"Okay, okay!" Chen Gong tried to dissuade him, glanced at Ma Chao helplessly, and said: "Since the three generals Li, Hou, and Duan are determined to make contributions to the country, the three of you will be the vanguard and lead the troops first. Then I and the other princes will lead the majority and arrive later, what do you think?"
"No!" The three of them were overjoyed when they heard this. They eagerly took over the position of vanguard and gave Ma Chao a demonstrative look.
Ma Chao didn't care. He looked at the three of them as though they were nothing. He turned to Chen Gong and said, "Looking down at this tent, there seems to be no one from Jincheng and Han Sui's army. I wonder if they will come to help when they go north?"
Chen Gong has lived in Guanzhong for a long time and is deeply aware of all the grievances between the Ma and Han families. He smiled and said: "General Han is stationed in Jincheng. The journey is far away. I'm afraid he won't be able to come by himself. But I heard that he has sent his general Yan Xing to The troops are coming to help, but they haven't arrived yet, so we might as well go ahead and meet with General Yan later in the day, it's not too late."
