After repelling the traitors in one battle and relieving the siege of Black Mountain, Xu Chu, a fool, said with a smile on his face.
However, Yuan Xi is still self-aware. It is true that the appearance of the Thunderbolt Chariot frightened the Black Mountain Army. However, if he really thinks that Zhang Yan's retreat was scared away by the "Thunderbolt Chariot", it can only be said that there is something wrong with his IQ.
In fact, the Black Mountain bandits had become war-weary after continuously attacking Dingxiang City. With reinforcements from all walks of life gathering, Zhang Yan knew that there was no hope of conquering Dingxiang, so he ordered a retreat. In a word, the retreat of the Montenegrin Army is related to the appearance of the Thunderbolt Chariot, but it is by no means the main reason.
"The Black Mountain thieves are not scared away! Besides, this Thunderbolt Car was also conceived by Mr. Liu and Ma Jun. Xian Yong was only responsible for manufacturing it!" Yuan Mai smiled and passed the credit to Ma Jun and Liu Ye.
After witnessing the power of the revamped Pili Chariot, Sima Yi and Tai Shici praised it in unison: "Oh, if I hadn't seen the power of the new Pili Chariot with my own eyes, it would be unbelievable. I would never have thought that Ma Deheng had such incredible manufacturing skills. Even if Lu Guogong loses class, it’s nothing more than this!”
After the rebels retreated, the soldiers and people in Dingxiang City cheered. Yuan Xi and Yuan Mai led their troops into the city to reward the soldiers and people.
Before the crops in the wild could be harvested, the Black Mountain Army came to the city. During the siege, Zhang Yan sent people to harvest all the crops in the wild. At this time, the Dingxiang granary was exhausted, and feeding the soldiers and civilians in the city became a big problem.
Fortunately, Yuan Xi came with a month and a half of military rations this time. He originally wanted to fight a protracted battle with the Montenegrin Army, but he did not expect that the rebels retreated in one battle and there were still 20,000 stones of food and grass in the army.
Yuan Xi sent Yuan Mai to allocate 10,000 shi of grain to the people in Dingxiang, and promised the people that soon, grain and grass would be transported to Dingxiang from Jinyang, Shangdang, Hanoi and other places to help the people tide over the difficulties. , will never let his people go hungry.
Ten thousand shi of grain, totaling 1.2 million jins, was distributed to more than 30,000 soldiers and civilians in the city. Each family could receive 40 jins, plus the grain stored in their homes. It would not be a big problem to persist for a month or two. At that time, food and grass aid from various places will be sent over.
After receiving the millet, the people breathed a sigh of relief and were no longer afraid of going hungry. The people were all grateful to the governor for his generosity and kindness!
In addition to distributing food to the residents of Dingxiang, Yuan Xi also suspended the payment of soldiers' military salaries and distributed military money, cloth and other materials to the people to rebuild their homes.
This time, under the fierce attack of hundreds of thousands of Black Mountain bandits, Dingxiang was able to stand firm. In addition to the soldiers led by Wang Ling to defend, the people of Dingxiang City also contributed a lot.
Many people even demolished their houses and used bricks and tiles to prevent the bandits from attacking the city. If the army and the people had not worked together, Dingxiang would not have been able to hold on until reinforcements arrived!
Holding plump millet grains and jingling money, tens of thousands of people in Dingxiang all shed tears and knelt down on the streets to express gratitude: "Thank you, General, for the food. Thank you, General, for the money. Long live the General!"
Suddenly, the passionate people knelt on the ground and shouted "Long live" together, like a mountain roaring and a tsunami, resounding through the sky.
"Fathers and fellow villagers, please get up quickly, please get up quickly... I am your parent official. It is my duty to protect your lives and maintain your lives. I, Yuan Xi, have no shirk in my duty! Don't shout like this, everyone. Someone with ulterior motives will catch me by my hair and accuse me of being treasonous!" Yuan Xi said in fear.
Yuan Xi was dressed in a green robe and a red cloak. Under the protection of Xu Chu, he led Sima Yi, Wang Ling, Sun Li, Qian Zhao and others to patrol along the street, comforting the people, walking among them, and bowing his hands to the people on both sides. While shouting loudly.
Yuan Xi had to personally take part in the post-war pacification work. After all, this was just after a bloody battle. Improper handling would cause changes in people's minds. Only Yuan Xi, as a general, handled it personally could give them a sense of security and honor. feel.
"This time, the Black Mountain bandits came with great force. Hundreds of thousands of people invaded the territory, but they failed to step into Dingxiang City. In addition to Wang Taishou leading his troops to fight to the death, it is also inseparable from the help of all Sangzi fathers and elders who risked their lives. Many villagers I spilled my blood on the city head and defended the city with my life. I promise here that all those who are injured or killed in their families will receive generous compensation. In the next few years, the government will fund the construction of new houses for you. Absolutely We won’t let Sangzi, whose house has been demolished, become homeless!”
"Long live the General!"
"Long live the General!"
"Long live, long live!"
After listening to Yuan Xi's words, tens of thousands of people in Dingxiang cheered in unison again, and once again shouted "Long live" in excitement.
Yuan Xi hurriedly raised his hands to stop: "Fellow folks, please don't shout like that, you can't do it, you can't do it!"
No one in the crowd shouted: "The emperor claims to be long live, but he doesn't care about the life or death of our common people; the general not only protects our lives, but also gives us money and food. In our hearts, the general is our long live!"
"Well said, the general is our long live!"
"Long live Long live Long live!"
The voices of the people rose again, like a roaring mountain and a tsunami.
Seeing that he couldn't stop it, Yuan Xi had no choice but to let them shout. Anyway, he didn't force them.
What's more, in Hebei, there is no difference between himself and the emperor. Of course, I can only say this in my heart.
Thousands of people shouted in unison, which was very helpful. In my impression, only a super leader could enjoy such a dignified appearance. I was also very proud today!
After the peace of the people was completed, Yuan Xi went into the military camp to reward the three armies, and finally led a group of senior generals into the prefect's mansion to discuss their merits and award them.
This time, Wang Ling was able to successfully resist the invasion of the Black Mountain Army. Wang Ling took great credit. Yuan Xi gave Wang Ling the title of "General Polu" and continued to serve as the acting prefect of Dingxiang.
Other generals Tai Shi Ci, Sun Li, Qian Zhao and others were also granted titles one by one. Sima Yi made many ingenious plans and made great contributions. He was promoted to Military Advisor Zhonglang General and awarded the title of General Pi.
Zhuge Liang was also awarded the position of Military Advisor Zhonglang General by Liu Bei after he came out of the mountain. This shows that Yuan Xi still attaches great importance to Sima Yi.
Just when Yuan Xi felt that nothing was missing, Sun Li stood up, pointed to a young military general with a pale face behind Qianzhao, saluted Yuan Xi and said: "General, Wen Ji has done a lot to fight against the Black Mountain bandits this time." No, he first beheaded Wang Dang and then assisted me in defeating Sun Qing. His contribution is far greater than Li He and Qian Zhao. Sir, please give me the title, General!"
"Oh, is this happening?" Yuan Xi glanced at him and asked.
After listening to Sun Li's words, Yuan Xicai turned his attention to the young general behind Qianzhao, and saw that he had a slim appearance, a gentle manner, and a height of seven feet and eight inches. His physique was not burly, but rather thin; of course, this was also related to his age. , looks like he is just twenty-three or four years old.
At first, Yuan Xi thought this was just a confidant of Qian Zhao, so he didn't pay special attention to it. Now he heard Sun Li express his special merit for him, which attracted Yuan Xi's attention.
Hearing Sun Li say that his name was Wen Ji, it seemed familiar, but he couldn't remember it for a while, so he had to smile and ask the young general: "Is what General Sun said true? Who is your surname, and where is your ancestral home?" ?Do you hold any position now?"
The young general came out and said: "Returning to the general, the villain's surname is Wen Ji, his ancestral home is Qiao County, Pei State, and he is now serving as a lieutenant under the command of the prefect. What General Sun said is true, but it is not the result of his humble position, it is just It was just a fluke, and the entire army sacrificed their lives, so we were able to defeat the Black Mountain Bandits by luck!"
When he heard Qiaojun Wenji, Yuan Xi's ears buzzed, and an inexplicable excitement suddenly spread throughout his body, so that he could no longer listen to what Wenji said...
I really have no eyes for gold and jade. I didn't realize that Wen Ji was the grandfather of the famous Wen Yuan in the late Three Kingdoms period. He was a general of the Wei Kingdom in the later period. He was a handsome man who could stand alone. He actually appeared quietly in his palace. My subordinates, this huge harvest is really unexpected!
Yuan Xi praised him kindly and said: "Very good. Wenji will definitely have a place in Hebei for you to use your skills! This time, you have made great contributions to killing Wang Dang and defeating Sun Qing. You will be promoted to General Pi. Damn it." When training soldiers and going into battle to kill the enemy, there must be no mistakes!”
"Thank you, General, for your support. I am willing to follow you around, and Wen Ji will repay you to the death!" Wen Ji immediately stepped out of the line, bowed to Yuan Xi and promised.
Everyone gets promoted, and everyone gets a reward, so everyone is happy!
Hundreds of military chefs set up stoves in the open air, making pots and pans noisily. They were very busy. After a short time, the aroma of mutton was wafting over Dingxiang.
The soldiers who had been tired for a long time and had no time to eat a delicious meal could finally relax, drink a pot of turbid wine, and feast. cheers
The laughter is endless.
The next day, Sima Yi advised Yuan Xi: "My lord, although the Black Mountain bandits have retreated, their vitality has not been damaged. Our army should continue to pursue them until they reach the foot of the Taihang Mountains. Even if the bandits cannot be eradicated, Zhang Yan's vitality will be greatly damaged. I don’t dare to do it again for a moment!”
"Oh? What Zhongda said is true. I will personally lead the troops to pursue Zhang Yan!" Yuan Xi followed Sima Yi's words and decided to lead his troops eastward to continue to pursue Zhang Yan.
Immediately, he ordered Taishi Ci and Duan Pixi to lead 3,000 cavalry as the vanguard to the Meng County area in the east to find the main force of the Black Mountain Army and engage in a decisive battle with them. He, Sima Yi, Zhang Liao, Zhao Yun, and Xu Chu led two horses to march subsequently. Wang Ling was left to take care of the aftermath in Dingxiang, repair houses and resettle the people.
As for Zhao Zhao, he has a heavy responsibility and can no longer continue to conquer with the army. Since he led his troops to leave Yanmen, the Xianbei, Northern Xiongnu and other foreign tribes in the north were ready to move and wait for an opportunity to enter Yanmen to plunder, so he led his troops and returned with Wenji overnight.
The Battle of Dingxiang lasted for more than twenty days, and the Montenegrin Army suffered heavy losses. Zhang Yan initially brought 70,000 soldiers and horses, and later summoned various ministries to come to support. 40,000 horses and horses came one after another to obey the order, plus 7,000 regular troops under Gongsun Xu; the total force to attack Dingxiang was close to 12 Thousands of people.
But from the beginning to the end, they did not step into Dingxiang City, and lost troops and generals. Under the obstruction of reinforcements and city defenders, the Black Mountain Army suffered countless casualties, and the number of troops lost reached more than four people. This made Zhang Yan feel like a lump in his throat, and he really couldn't swallow it. Get this bad breath!
Although the main force of the Montenegrin Army is composed of ignorant ordinary people, there are also smart people in the army. After retreating to Meng County, Zhang Yan convened the military think tank to discuss how to deal with the big rock Yuan Xi who was now at the height of his power.
After some discussion, they came to the conclusion that Yuan Jun's boulders were launched by trebuchets, which were powerful and had an extremely long range.
Some think tanks suggested that countless huge pieces of cowhide be sewn and soaked in water before the battle to increase the toughness of the cowhide. This would block the stones shot by trebuchets on the battlefield and reduce the casualties of our own soldiers.
Following his plan, Zhang Yan ordered his men to slaughter more than a hundred plundered cattle, sewed countless huge cowhide pieces, soaked them in water, and prepared to use them to resist the boulders launched by the trebuchets during the battle.
With the method to deal with the "Thunderbolt Chariot", Zhang Yan had the confidence. In addition, it was difficult to swallow the humiliation of losing troops and generals. After retreating to Meng County, he stopped retreating and set up troops to plunder the territory, intending to capture Yuan Xi's troops. The main force was attracted to come for a decisive battle.
Yuan Xi learned that Zhang Yan was plundering Meng County and urged his troops to advance quickly. Within a day, he met the bandits in the vast territory of Meng County. The two armies formed a formation and fought in the wilderness.
"Thunderbolt, launch!"
Following the order from Yuan Mai's Pili Battalion, the Pili chariots in Yuan's army's formation made a "squeaking, squeaking" sound and began to throw stones at the bandits' formation!
"Put up the cowhide to block it!"
Seeing Yuan Bing launch a boulder again, Zhang Yan hurriedly ordered to use cowhide to block it.
The bandit soldiers shouted, and the soldiers in front grabbed the huge cowhide sewn together and held it above their heads to block the stones thrown by the catapult.
Sure enough, with the sound of "Puff", the stones thrown by the catapult fell on the cowhide. Like a fist hitting cotton, the force was completely removed. Although it could hurt and kill several thieves, But the power is not as good as before.
"Haha...this cowhide really works. Let me see what your rock dump truck can do to me?"
Zhang Yan was so proud that she laughed loudly on the horse. With a wave of the big sword in his hand, he ordered the whole army to move forward, carrying the cowhide, until they were hand-to-hand with the officers and soldiers, and then relied on the advantage of numbers to win.
With the shouts of killing that shook the world, the two armies were entangled, bayonets were red, and flesh and blood were flying!
Although the officers and soldiers are elite and the weapons are well prepared, their strength is far behind that of the Montenegrin Army, which is several times their own strength. After a fierce battle, both sides suffered casualties. Although many thieves and soldiers were killed, many officers and soldiers were injured in hand-to-hand combat. After dusk, both sides withdrew their troops.
Back at the military camp, Yuan Xi was unhappy. Unexpectedly, the advantage of the Thunderbolt Chariot was eliminated so quickly. The Black Mountain Army in Meng County still had 60,000 to 70,000 people, and the total horse and infantry troops in his hands were only 1,000. Even if he could defeat Zhang Yan, he would end up killing 1,000 enemies. A situation of self-destruction of eight hundred...
Just when Yuan Ximen was depressed, Sima
Yi came again to offer advice: "Don't worry, my lord, Zhongda has a plan to defeat the enemy!"
"Oh, Zhongda, please tell me, do you have any way to defeat the Black Mountain Bandits?" Yuan Xi asked overjoyed.
Sima Yi said softly: "The bandits in the Black Mountains are complex. Many commanders are from various states. They cannot work together to form a rope. Although they appear to be similar, they are actually very different. We have captured many bandits in the army, but we are looking for someone who can speak the truth. , make them sneak back to various ministries in Montenegro, promise them official positions, lure some of them to defect with large sums of money, and surprise Zhang Yan in front of the battle, maybe they can defeat Zhang Yan!"
"Okay, this plan is feasible! Zhongda, go and make arrangements." Yuan Xi glanced at Sima Yi and said.
Yuan Xi clapped his hands and agreed. Since he was able to lure Chang Tun and others to surrender, he might be able to lure other Qu commanders to surrender today. Why did he forget this method? What a fan of the authorities!
Yuan Xi immediately sent Sima Yi to carefully select dozens of eloquent and intelligent people among more than 2,000 Montenegrin prisoners, and promised that if anyone could persuade some of the thieves to defect in battle, he would be heavily rewarded. And canonized official positions. Sure enough, someone volunteered and was willing to sneak back into the Black Mountain Army to persuade Commander Qu to surrender and abandon the dark side.
