When Xun You saw Xia Houyuan returning to camp with a sad face, he hurriedly asked, "Is it possible that Liu Qi refuses to let him go?"
Xia Houyuan smiled bitterly and said: "This son loves money as much as his life, so why shouldn't he be released? It's just that he didn't act as the military advisor expected, so I'm afraid the plan will fail."
Xun You asked: "What are Liu Qi's conditions?"
Xia Houyuan told Liu Qi's words, and for a moment he was worried about gains and losses, not knowing whether to be happy or disappointed.
After Xun You heard this, he stroked his beard and smiled and said: "General, don't worry. Although Liu Qi did not act according to my plan, in fact, he has different approaches but similar results. This so-called hero has the same vision!"
Xia Houyuan said in astonishment: "He only wanted two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and he didn't threaten me to withdraw my troops. How can we make the same difference?"
Xun You said: "Since the last grain shipment in the twelfth lunar month, the total amount of money and grain left in the army is about three million. Liu Qi just proposed this, and his original intention was to ask us to withdraw."
"Oh?" Xia Houyuan suddenly became energetic, clasped his fists and said, "I would like to hear the details."
Xun You said: "Liu Qi exchanged money and food for people. It seemed like he was asking for money, but in fact he was forcing the general to withdraw his troops. The deadline was only one day. If the general wanted to deliver the goods on time, he could only send all the money and food. If there was no food and grass, how could he be in Jigu? To station troops? And leave 500,000 grains and fodder just for our army to retreat. It allows the general to redeem people without forcing too much, which is just right."
"So that's it!" Xia Houyuan turned from worry to joy and suddenly frowned: "How does Liu Qi know the precise amount of food and grass for our army?"
Xun You sighed: "There are many enemy troops. My nephew went to Taibaidao to ambush, and Liu Qi knew the news. I expected that this plan had been set up at that time. It is really hard to guard against."
"Investigate, the whole army must conduct a thorough investigation, don't let this ruin the military affairs."
Xia Houyuan was shocked and angry, and ordered the whole army to investigate again, asking Xun You to prepare money and food to transport to the foot of the mountain, and exchange hostages with Liu Qi.
Xun You left the tent, but secretly sighed in his heart. Liu Qi knew the exact amount of money and food, but he was afraid that it would be leaked from Xia Houwei's mouth.
However, this played into his heart, making Liu Qi think he had a plan, so he could use it to turn defeat into victory in one fell swoop and turn the tide of the war.
After loading the money and grain into the truck, Xun You mobilized 50,000 logistics troops and horses to exit Jigu, making a move to withdraw his troops.
The next day, Xia Houyuan transported money and grain to the mountain, and met Liu Qi in the valley. After checking the amount of grain and grass, calculating the money, he took Xia Houwei back.
Xia Houwei's face was full of shame, and he knelt in the central army tent, begging for punishment, and even risked his own life to clarify his will.
Xun You advised: "Victory and defeat are common matters for military officers. This matter is entirely due to my lack of precautions and leaking information. It has nothing to do with the young general."
Xia Houwei said: "But all the money and food were taken away by Liu Qi. There is no food in the army, and it is too late to transport it. Father, please don't miss the national affairs because of me."
"My son is really a man!" Xia Houyuan was very satisfied with his son's integrity and said with emotion: "As the saying goes, a gentleman's revenge is never too late in ten years. It's okay not to mention this matter. I retreat first. I have my own countermeasures as a father. I'll tell you before the snow comes. shame."
The grain and fodder had been delivered in full, and it was useless to talk more. Xia Houwei sighed, exited the tent in shame, and hid in the back camp without seeing anyone.
On that day, Xia Houyuan sent an order to pull out the camp and return to Jigu Dazhai, and another batch of troops retreated. The next day, the entire army pulled out of camp and retreated from Jigu one by one, leaving only 5,000 elite soldiers to guard the Chiya Pavilion Road to prevent Liu Qi from pursuing him.
As Xun You expected, as soon as Cao's army retreated, Liu Qi couldn't wait to go down the mountain and set up camp in Jigu. On the one hand, he divided his troops to capture Chiya in Xiegu, and on the other hand, he marched to Taibaidao to prepare to contact Zhao Yun.
The scout reported the news, and Xun You said: "Zhao Yun has broken through Sanguan and is besieging Chencang. Liu Qi has no worries at this time and will definitely attack the Chiya Plank Road. He will use his plan tomorrow to catch him off guard."
Xia Houyuan's face was full of excitement, he clenched his fist and said: "Younger Liu Qi, he always prides himself on being clever and scheming, playing tricks on his opponents, how could he expect that this time he is the one in my game, the son in the game?"
After suppressing it for a long time, Xun You couldn't help but get excited and said: "Liu Qi has stationed grain and grass on Baxiantai. He only needs to burn down the camp and recapture the mountains to replenish the grain and grass. The enemy has no grain and will retreat to Hanzhong. The general marched in with all his strength. This is all the way to turn the tide of the war, and the Prime Minister will be very happy if he hears the news."
Xia Houyuan cupped his fists and said, "It all depends on the military master's clever plan."
Xun You sighed: "I was too cautious before. If the general hadn't insisted on sending troops to attack the foot of the mountain and injure Huang Zhong, how could we be in today's situation?"
Xia Houyuan immediately sent the order, and the battalions who were temporarily stationed in various parts of the Xiegong were ready. As soon as the fire broke out in the Xiegong, they moved forward one by one, turned back and fought back to Jigu, and moved forward bravely to counterattack with all their strength.
Xia Houwei was eating in the camp. He was shocked when he heard the general's order. The generals in the camp were also confused. They thought the general's order was wrong and hurriedly asked Xia Houyuan for questioning.
Xia Houyuan laughed and said: "How could my son know his father's clever plan? It's ridiculous that Liu Qi's son is so self-righteous. This time, he will be ruined and your reputation will be ruined. If you can capture and kill this son, when the prime minister returns from the northern expedition, he will rule the world." What’s next?”
The camp was re-erected in Jigu, and the valley was full of tents. Han army flags were flying, and people and horses came and went in an endless stream every day.
On the high mountains in the distance, a few pairs of eyes were staring at the movement in the valley. Feng Kai was ordered to ambush in the remote mountains on the left and right, preparing to attack the camp.
Xiahou Yuan retained Captain Guo Huai to assist in the battle. Although he was still young, he was well versed in military matters.
Feng Kai saw Liu Qi sending another army into Taibai Road and said worriedly: "Liu Qi has been sending troops to Chencang for the past two days. It is very likely that Zhao Yun is already attacking the city. If Hao Zhao cannot defend it, all our previous efforts will be in vain!"
Guo Huai said with a smile: "General, you are too worried. Hao Zhao is good at guarding. There are 30,000 defenders in Chencang, which is enough to match the 100,000 army. In the past two days, the enemy's defense has been lax. As long as you and I attack the city, kill Liu Qi, and take Hanzhong directly. Zhao Yun had to retreat."
"What Bo Ji said is absolutely true!" Feng Kai nodded, patted Guo Huai on the shoulder and laughed: "Hao Zhao is from your hometown, and you recommended him to General Xiahou. This attack and defense have made great achievements, and the young man has a bright future. "
Guo Huai clasped his fists and said, "It's all thanks to General Xiahou's respect. I'd also like to thank General Feng for his support."
Feng Kai was very satisfied with this young man who was neither arrogant nor impetuous. The two of them went down the mountain and spread the news to everyone. They ordered the ambush soldiers to rest early, make food at the third watch, and gather together at Jigu at the fourth watch.
It was after the third watch of the night, the moon was dim and the night wind was still cold. Cao Jun was already ready to go. He followed Feng Kai and Guo Huai quietly down the mountain and divided into five teams to approach Jigu.
After Cao's army retreated, as long as they guarded the two mountain passes, no more enemy troops would invade. The Han army relaxed its vigilance and only patrolled with a team of men and horses at night, mainly to prevent fires.
Feng Kai knew that this battle was important and did not dare to be careless. He personally sneaked outside the camp to investigate. As expected, the Han army had already fallen asleep and was completely defenseless. He couldn't help but said with great joy: "Prime Minister Hongfu, God is really helping me!"
Then he ordered people to send out fire horns into the canyon to the east. After waiting for a response from the other side, he immediately divided his troops and went straight to the Han army's camp to cover them up.
