Deng said that in Chencheng, he was worried that Deng Zong would come back to confront him and expose himself, so he went to Zhu Fang and Hu Wudao: "It was because of my own fault that Yingchuan fell, but I was afraid that the king would punish me, so I lied that I was Deng Zong." Zong Bu saves me. Now that General Deng is back, he will definitely tell the truth to the king. Military affairs are no trivial matter. If the king finds out, he will not only kill me, but also punish you two. You two should find a way to save me now. Ah!" Zhu Fang and Hu Wu were shocked, and asked about the situation in detail, only to find out that the fall of Yingchuan County had nothing to do with General Deng Zong. The two of them resented Deng for not telling the truth, but it was too late now. In order to protect themselves, the three of them conspired together. Zhu Fang said: "Now Deng Zong is not guilty, but the king has called him back. If General Deng tells the king clearly what happened, the king will kill the three of us. This is also a serious crime that harms the country! The only way now is Just kill Deng Zong on the way and don't let him come back to confront him!" Deng said he was very happy after hearing this and sent his henchmen to ambush him on the road. General Deng Zong served his country loyally, but he never thought that someone was going to harm him. He was completely unprepared. On the way, he was tripped over by Deng Shuo's men with a horse rope and hacked to death on the roadside. Deng Zong was the fourth anti-Qin general sent by King Zhang Chu, and he was framed in this way.
The news that Deng Zong was killed on the way reached Chencheng. Everyone thought it was King Zhang Chu who ordered someone to do it, and there was a lot of discussion. After King Zhang Chu heard about this, he was very shocked and felt that something was strange, so he wanted to summon everyone to discuss the matter. Suddenly I heard that many people had gathered at the gate of the palace, and they asked to see him. King Zhang Chu asked everyone to enter the palace to talk. After they came in, they said: "Now that the Qin army is approaching, General Deng Zong is fighting Yang Xiong in Yingchuan. Why does the king want to send him back? He will come back as soon as he comes back, but why do you want to kill him on the way?" King Zhang Chu Not knowing who did this, he said: "It was Gu's intention to bring him back, but Gu did not send anyone to kill him." He asked Zhu Fang and Hu Wu to investigate the matter immediately, and said that they must Catch the murderer. Zhu Fang and Hu Wu accepted the order and walked out. Zhu Fang said to Hu Wu: "I didn't expect that he, Deng, said that the beauty was not shallow, but he tricked us. If the king knew the truth, our lives would be dead!" The more they thought about it, the more frightened they became, and they were very worried about things. It would involve him, so he put all the responsibility on Deng Shuo.
The next day, the two men went into the palace to see King Zhang Chu. When they saw him, they told him that Deng had taken concubines in Yingchuan for pleasure and had no regard for military affairs, which led to the failure. The fall of the county had nothing to do with General Deng Zong. . Deng said that he was just afraid that General Deng would come back and expose the truth, so he secretly sent people to kill General Deng who came to Beijing. "When King Zhang Chu heard this, he became so angry that he fainted with a loud cry. Seeing this, the ministers rushed forward to call for help. King Zhang Chu woke up and was filled with regrets, so he fell ill. Zhu Fang and Hu Wu took the Deng said he would imprison them first and wanted to kill them to silence them, but he was worried that King Zhang Chu would personally interrogate them, so he held off for the time being.
Yang Xiong heard that the Chu army suddenly changed its generals, so he and Qiang Yuan tricked the Chu generals into fighting. The two sides fought a battle, and the Chu army was defeated miserably. Yang Xiong killed the newly replaced Chu generals in one battle. Unexpectedly, the Chu army was defeated in this battle and retreated across the board. Yang Xiong led the Qin army to attack and advance until they reached Xu County and joined forces with Zhang Han. The Chu troops who came to Xu County to rescue Deng Zong heard that King Zhang Chu had killed General Deng Zong. They all said angrily: "Our king is so narrow-minded. He first killed General Ge Ying, and then killed the fake general." King, now he has killed General Deng Zong, and he may kill you and me someday. Such people will definitely not succeed!" After everyone said this, they ran away and stopped fighting the Qin army.
Zhang Han learned about the situation in the Chu army and was very happy, so he fought Wu Xu decisively. When Wu Xu heard that all the reinforcements had left, he couldn't help but feel nervous. He even lost the battle. In the melee, Wu Xu fought tooth and nail to break out of the encirclement, and went straight back to report to King Zhang Chu. King Zhang Chu was furious to death when Deng said that, but now that he knew what had happened, he said with regret: "General Wu came back because he couldn't defeat him. What a shame, Deng said! He fled without fighting the enemy, and even killed Gu." He is a general. Now the people's hearts have been lost, and it is all his fault. If Deng Shuo is not killed, it will be difficult to convince the public!" So he ordered the warriors to take Deng Shuo out of the prison and behead him immediately. Cai Ci and others in the superior state hurriedly advised: "Now that the Qin army is marching southward, it is overwhelming. Deng said that although he should be killed, there are no suitable generals who can resist the Qin army. It is better to keep him and let him perform meritorious service and make up for his past mistakes." King Zhang Chu gnashed his teeth and said: "With no one to lead the army, and being alone, letting a fearful man go to fight will definitely make Zhang Han laugh!" He beheaded Deng Shuo and showed his head to the public. King Zhang Chu announced Deng's crime of ruining the country to the public, and then immediately sent troops to Guling, Yangxia and other places to prepare for a decisive battle with Zhang Han in person. Cai Cidao said: "Zhang Han will soon attack Chencheng, and the situation is already very serious. Your Majesty, it is better to abandon the city and go to Jiujiang County to temporarily avoid Zhang Han's troops, and then join up with the rebels in the southeast to fight the Qin army again!" "King Zhang Chu said: "If Gu leaves, everything will be over here. If he escapes before the battle, what's the difference with Deng? Gu would rather die than leave! When Zhang Han comes, Gu will fight him to the death!" So he dismissed Cai Ci. et al.
After Zhang Han and Yang Xiong met in Xu County, Zhang Han said to Yang Xiong: "Zhang Chu's rebel general Song Liu has captured Nanyang. If they attack Wuguan again, Guanzhong will no longer be owned by the Qin State. You can lead an army with your speed. Ten thousand cavalry, quickly go south to attack Nanyang County, and then catch up with Song Liu from behind and kill him. This will relieve the danger of Wuguan." Yang Xiong said: "I am willing to be the vanguard going south, first kill Chen Sheng, and then Go after Song Liu again." Zhang Han said: "General, do you think your task is light? Wuguan is the southern gate of the Qin State. If it is lost, the rebels will march straight in, and the Qin State will cease to exist. How can we replace it? Who is fighting? This is an arduous and important task to protect our country. How can we take it lightly? The situation of the war here has been decided. Even if there are rebels to resist, it will be useless. It is inevitable to eliminate Chen Sheng. Why do you want to fight for this credit? Huh?" As soon as Yang Xiong heard this, he readily agreed. So he led more than ten thousand fine cavalry to kill Nanyang like a hurricane.
The next day, Zhang Han led the Qin army to continue marching southeast, and the army came to Jishui. At this time, Zhang He's army was camped on the opposite side of the river. Zhang He is a veteran and Lu Chen's deputy, who often manages Chen Cheng's defense work. Now that he was in danger, he was ordered to lead the Chu army to stop Zhang Han here. He built a stockade on the Wei River where the Qin army must pass, fortified it along the river, and patrolled day and night. After a few days, Zhang Han surveyed the surrounding terrain clearly, sent people to build dozens of pontoon bridges overnight, and then attacked. At this time, because the Chu army was small, it was ultimately unable to resist the Qin army. After the Qin army crossed the river, they fought with the Chu army. Zhang Hening refused to retreat, and the two sides launched a battle. As a result, all the Chu troops were killed. Zhang He was surrounded by Zhang Han's general Sima Yi and fought in the core. Everyone turned into bloody men and their strength was exhausted. In the end, General Zhang He could only sacrifice blood to Zhang Chu's banner, and then committed suicide. The scene was just like the situation where Chu general Xiang Yan committed suicide after being defeated in battle more than ten years ago. After Zhang He's death, the Qin army marched forward, and the road was clear.
Some soldiers who came back from the front to report Zhang He's death in battle reported to King Zhang Chu. King Zhang Chu was extremely sad and praised Zhang He: "This is the heroic model of the Chu people, I should imitate him!" When the news spread to the city, the people in the city were panicked, especially many of the people who defended the city fled. Seeing that the situation was over, Cai Ci and his colleagues persuaded King Zhang Chu to move as soon as possible. King Zhang Chu was unwilling to leave. Suddenly a sergeant came to report that Yang Xiong had attacked Nanyang. King Zhang Chu looked up to the sky and sighed: "The land that I didn't want to get was taken away by the Qin people again. This is really God's will!" The city was in chaos, the people were crying and running for their lives, and the officials and soldiers couldn't stop it.
King Zhang Chu said: "The people originally wanted to rely on the orphans, but now the orphans can't protect themselves, let alone them, let everyone go!" Cai Ci urged King Zhang Chu: "The matter is urgent, please leave quickly, the matter here is left to the old minister , I'm here to guard the city!" King Zhang Chu said: "Qin has many troops, how can you defend it?" Cai Ci said: "If the city is destroyed, there will only be death!" After saying this, the old man burst into tears. King Zhang Chu walked down the steps, helped Cai Ci up and said: "The old general is commendable for his loyalty and bravery, but... alas!" At this time, Kong Kun and Lu Chen were around, and King Zhang Chu said very sadly: "It's just that I didn't listen to your advice. , I always think that the Chu State has a large army and it is inevitable to destroy the Qin State! But who would have expected..." Cai Cidao said: "At present, even if Lu Wang is resurrected and Sun Wu is reincarnated, there is nothing he can do." Kong Yu said: "Please your Majesty, please retreat to Jiujiang immediately. Let's meet with the righteous soldiers from all over the southeast. The outcome is yet to be determined!" Cai Ci added: "I heard that Xiang Liang has raised troops in Jiangdong. Xiang Liang is the son of Xiang Yan. If we can get his help, it will be easier for the people to mobilize. King Zhang Chu said: "This is great. If Xiang Liang can take on the important task of overthrowing the violent Qin, I will have no regrets even if I die!" He immediately sent sergeants to the southeast to inquire about Xiang Liang.
Suddenly a sergeant ran in and reported: "Your Majesty, Zhang Han's army is less than twenty miles away from Chencheng." After hearing this, King Zhang Chu looked very solemn and said, "Since I raised troops in Daze Township and occupied Chencheng, The county will never go to the battlefield happily again. Now it is time to fight Zhang Han personally!" After hearing this, everyone said that they could no longer fight. King Zhang Chu said: "Even if I am defeated, I can still explain it to the heroes of the world, otherwise I will leave quietly and make everyone laugh!" He resolutely refused to listen to everyone's objections and immediately ordered his army to go to war.
The sergeants were very encouraged when they heard that King Zhang Chu was going to go on an expedition in person, and thousands of sergeants accompanied him. King Zhang Chu then took off his crown, took off his royal clothes, dressed them neatly, and then led everyone to kill towards the west of the city. They came to the west of the city and set up their formation. In a short time, the leading troops of the Qin army had already arrived. When King Zhang Chu saw the Qin army, he was not afraid, so he sent his troops to cover up and kill them. He fought hard. When the Qin army heard that King Zhang Chu was coming to fight in person, they were afraid of an ambush ahead, so they hurried back to report to Zhang Han.
Seeing that the Qin army had retreated, Cai Ci hurriedly said to King Zhang Chu: "Your Majesty fought very bravely, and the Qin army retreated. Before Zhang Han could kill him, we should retreat as soon as possible!" King Zhang Chu said: "I haven't seen Zhang Han yet. , how can Gu leave?" Cai Ci said: "If you see Zhang Han, the king will be trapped in a tight siege! As long as you can return to Jiujiang safely, you can regain your glory and continue fighting!" King Zhang Chu said to Cai Ci It makes sense, so go back. Everyone protected King Zhang Chu and came to the city. At this time, there were less than 3,000 soldiers in the city. Shangzhuguo announced impassionedly to the soldiers: "I will lead two thousand soldiers to defend Chencheng. You will protect the king's retreat as soon as possible!" After saying this, he said goodbye to King Zhang Chu with tears and urged him to leave immediately. King Zhang Chu was extremely sad, raised his head and shouted: "Whoever can let Gu reach Jiujiang safely, Gu will definitely be able to regroup and fight Qin again!" "'Although Chu has three families, if Qin is destroyed, Chu will definitely die'! I am willing to protect the king and go to Jiujiang Let's go!" King Zhang Chu saw that it was Situ Lu Chen. He was very happy and named Lu Chen the general of the queen. Lu Chen immediately said: "I am willing to fight to the death, and I will definitely be able to intercept Zhang Han and never retreat!" After saying this, he led an army to the rear. King Zhang Chu then got into his chariot and retreated as quickly as possible out of the south gate. The charioteer Zhuang Jia was driving for him. The rest of the ministers and family members also followed and galloped southward.
Zhang Han heard that King Zhang Chu was going into battle in person. He didn't know what was going on, so he immediately sent someone to investigate. The spies came back and reported that Zhang Chu's army was not found. Zhang Han felt relieved, so he went out with all his troops, and when they arrived at Chencheng, they surrounded the city. Then he asked people to shout into the city, asking everyone inside to surrender. Cai Ci Zhongyi Lingran of the Shangzhu Kingdom stood on the top of the city and said: "Zhang Han, our king is a hero. Even if he dies in battle, he will not surrender! Are you going to give up?" Zhang Han was furious and ordered The Qin army attacked the city. Cai Ci led his troops to resist and defend the city. But Zhang Chu's army only had 2,000 people. How could it resist Zhang Han's hundreds of thousands of Qin troops? At night, the city gate was breached. The Qin army rushed in. The officers and soldiers of the Chu army fought hand to hand and were all killed. At the end of the battle, Cai Ci of Shangzhu Kingdom saw that he would definitely die, so he shouted: "Kill the thief!..." He was shot by random arrows and died generously. One poem sighed:
Lao Ji reported to King Chen in full force.
Treat death as returning to the battlefield.
The history of Qing Dynasty is full of heroes,
Why don't you see Cai Cilang?
Zhang Han led his army to the Chu Palace, but there was no sign of King Zhang Chu. Knowing that he had escaped, he ordered Dong Yi to lead a light cavalry to pursue him. Dong Yi accepted the order, and after leaving the city, he rode hard and chased for more than ten miles. Suddenly, a burst of arrows shot out from the woods beside the road. It was Lu Chen who was ambushing him here. Dong Yi was caught off guard and was hit by several arrows. Most of the knights were shot to death. Dong Yi had no choice but to return injured and report to Zhang Han.
