After Pei Gong's army arrived in Gong County, they defeated the Qin army, then crossed the Luoshui River, controlled the ferry, and then sent an order to march to Luoyang. Pei Gong and Zhang Liang were riding in the same chariot at this time, and behind them were the two generals Xia Houying and Ji Xin who were eager to try. At this time, all the generals of the Chu army were wearing bright clothes and armor, and their weapons and ornaments were shining golden in the sunlight. Some war horses also neighed, and the red flags at the front made a sound. From a distance, this team looked like a red sea wave, rolling onto the vast plain to the west of Corpse City and then stopping.
News had been reported to Luoyang long ago. Zhao Ben heard that the Chu army had taken the initiative to fight out of the pass, so he calmly organized his army to fight. Not long after, the thick and tall east gate of Luoyang City slowly opened. Because the Qin Army admired black, those Qin Army’s chariots and warriors were like an evil general emerging from that world. , looked eerie and terrifying, and in just a split second, they surged toward the east like an overwhelming force, followed closely by neat cavalry and infantry. In order to defend their territory, the soldiers of the Qin army also came with force. After crossing a wide flat land, they came to a relatively open plain and stopped. After all the noise stopped, both sides remained quiet for a moment. This kind of silence is terrifying, like two bulls preparing for a duel.
On this side of the position, Pei Gong and Zhang Liang stared at each other. After a while, Zhang Liang seemed to see some problems and approached Pei Gong. Apparently, he said important confidential things. After Zhang Liang finished speaking, Peigong nodded frequently. Then the commander issued an order. He asked the infantrymen in the front row to push the prepared cross antlers to the forward position. The antlers were like a row of fences blocking the front, and he also moved the crossbowmen to the forefront. . Behind the crossbowmen were two rows of infantry, both holding long weapons and a row of hooks. They were specialized in stabbing the enemy's horse's belly and hooking its legs. When the Chu army entered Shenyuan Pass, they abandoned all their chariots on the road in order to block the enemy, so some of the current chariots were re-equipped in Yingchuan. However, the Chu army's cavalry had an absolute advantage because most of the horses were taken off the chariots. Pei Gong also knew very well that they were not here to fight the Qin army this time, but to bluff. As long as they lure the enemy here, their goal will be achieved. But Zhao Ben secretly made up his mind. He was determined to annihilate the Chu army here. He also vowed to capture Pei Gong and make Pei Gong the second Zhou Wen.
The governor of the county, Zhao Bi, and all the generals of the Qin State knew very well: just a month ago, the imperial court executed General Yang Xiong on charges of incompetence in combat, and passed the notice to the first two counties and ten passes. Needless to say, if anyone still fails to fight effectively now, it will be Yang Xiong's fate. Although it is said that the Qin State destroyed the Great Wall by itself, there is no other way. The reality is so cruel. In this way, who of the soldiers of Qin is still fighting to the death on the battlefield? Because of the last fright, Zhao Ben often seemed to have that bloody thing in front of his eyes. Every time he thought of that incident, it was as if he saw his own end, so apart from being frightened, the only thing left was to go all out. . Because Zhao Ben was frightened, he often couldn't help but think about it. Now he was trying his best to forget about that thing, and trying to bring himself back to reality, back to the battlefield in front of him, and pointed at Pei Gong angrily. The ground roared: "Liu Bang! You little pavilion chief, you are an arrogant person, do you want to walk leisurely like a horse from here? Are you dreaming? Now the Qin State has ten soldiers and horses stationed in Luoyang. Thousands of people, and heavy troops have been deployed in Henan, Xin'an, Mianchi, and Shaanxi counties. The total number of soldiers and horses in various places is a full 200,000 people. Coupled with the strong cities, every place is an unbreakable stronghold. There is also the world-famous Hangu Pass. It is a pass that only one man can pass, and no one can open it! You want to pass through here, it is simply wishful thinking! I still advise you to go back to your remote Pengcheng as soon as possible! Tell that sheep herder again My master who was born as a child, don’t even think about getting even half a step closer to Hangu Pass! It was like this a hundred years ago, it is like this now, and it will be like this in another hundred years! Hahaha!” A burst of ridicule immediately erupted from the Qin army’s position. . But the governor seemed to lack confidence when he said this, because what he said was indeed an exaggeration. Where did Sanchuan County get the 200,000 troops?
But Pei Gong is not an incompetent person who can be intimidated by a few words. He has always been a male chauvinist, and now he is the commander-in-chief of the Chu army. Although his strength is weak, he is now strong enough to conquer the Central Plains. Showing the heroic spirit of a man he was born with, not only was he not frightened, but he laughed, and finally fell forward and backward with laughter. This laughter simply baffled Zhao Bi and his Qin army. After Pei Gong laughed, he replied in a strong and powerful steel voice: "You have a hundred thousand people now, right? I also have a hundred thousand people, do you dare to charge?" Zhao Ben replied angrily and angrily: " Liu Bang is a traitor! I want to fight you alone, do you dare? If you let others come, you are not your mother's son." After hearing this, Liu Bang was furious. This was obviously Zhao Ben's attempt to expose him. short. Because everyone knows that Pei Gong has no martial arts, let alone go into battle to kill the enemy. However, Pei Gong did not get angry. Instead, he laughed and said: "Zhao, you are a ball! I am not afraid of you! Do you think I am just Can't I kill you? Will the battlefield always be your world? I will have a duel with you today!" When the soldiers behind Pei Gong heard this, they were all shocked. They did not expect that Pei Gong was going to duel with Zhao Ben. . However, because of Pei Gong's foul language, Qin general Zhao Bi, who had long been angered, drove his chariot out of the position in advance, fearing that Pei Gong would not fight.
According to the rules of war in the Cold Weapon Age, when the generals or warriors of both sides are dueling, other people are not allowed to participate in the battle, let alone shooting cold arrows. But Liu Bang's decision frightened his brothers and also frightened Zhang Liang. Everyone knows that Pei Gong's martial arts are very average. At best, he can hunt and ride horses. He is just a handsome man and a Confucian general. But how can he go into battle to kill the enemy? At this time, Pei Gong also noticed Zhang Liang's concerns, so he smiled and said: "Sir, don't worry, I have Brother Xiahou as a soldier, and Brother Ji Xin personally drives the car. How can Zhao Bi defeat me? In the previous battle at Puyang Brother Xiahou is like the God of War, allowing me to escape unscathed in the melee between the two armies and when all the arrows are attacking. I know his ability, and besides, there is brother Ji Xin today, hahaha!" These words from Pei Gong This sentence actually inspired Xia Houying and Ji Xin's fighting spirit. They thought: Today they can only fight bravely, and they must protect Pei Gong no matter what. However, when they were about to go into battle, there were still people who tried their best to dissuade them. Pei Gong repelled them and ordered Ji Xin to drive out to fight immediately, determined not to let Zhao Ben see the joke.
This performance of Pei Gong is a manifestation of bravery: a true hero, once a critical moment comes and he needs to step forward, he will often stand up without flinching and shoulder the historical mission entrusted by the times. An ordinary person may never have the opportunity to show courage in his life, but for those successful heroes, in addition to possessing superhuman IQ and excellent emotional intelligence, they also need to have a bit of courage to face death when necessary. Pei Gong used this. Sanshang showed himself to be a successful hero.
Ji Xin then drove forward, and Xia Houying, who was standing next to Pei Gong, mustered up his courage, looked in the direction of Zhao Ben's chariot, and rushed forward bravely. Pei Gong also held the spear tightly and stared at the weapon in Zhao Ben's hand with all his attention. The soldier next to Zhao Ben was definitely not a vegetarian. At this time, he also made a wailing sound in his throat. The chariots on both sides made a rumbling sound. The two chariots were gradually approaching. Just as the axles of the chariots were wiping each other, Xia Houying had the first round of competition with the Qin Army warrior. Neither side had any stabs. to each other's body. The driver turned the car around again and started the second round of competition. Xia Houying rushed forward angrily, his eyes carefully looking for the gap that could kill the opponent, and the Qin Army soldier was also looking for the key that could kill Xia Houying. The two chariots came a little closer than before. As a result, their weapons collided hard, sparks flying, but neither of them hurt each other. By the third round, the war horses had slowed down, but the two chariots stopped at the same time less than two meters apart, so that the warriors on both sides could launch an assassination, and their long weapons could just stab each other. , the two warriors fought for more than ten rounds. Xia Houying pretended to attack with all his strength and stabbed the enemy general in the armpit. But the enemy general who was fighting with all his strength was staring closely at Ge Feng sent by Xia Houying, but before he could raise his head, Xia Houying stabbed Chang Ge upwards, and Ge Feng was not deflected. Without slanting, it stabbed into the throat of the Qin warrior. The Qin warrior turned over and fell to the ground, dying. When Zhao Ben saw that the soldier had been killed, he personally raised his spear to stab Xia Houying. Pei Gong took this opportunity and quickly picked up an arrow and shot at him. Zhao Ben hurriedly lowered his head and dodged Pei Gong's arrow, but he panicked, and then Xia Houying stabbed him several times. Seeing that the two men were attacking him at the same time, Zhao Ben hurriedly ordered the driver to retreat with his horse, but Pei Gong asked Ji Xin to drive after Zhao Ben.
When the Qin army's deputy general saw the Chu general chasing their county guard, he suddenly gave an order and the chariots at the front were ready to charge. Zhang Liang saw that Pei Gong was getting further and further away from the Chu army's position, so he hurriedly asked the messenger to call for gold and withdraw his troops. Ji Xin was also afraid that something would go wrong, so he quickly turned his horse's head and galloped back to the position. At this time, the soldiers of the Qin army saw that Pei Gong had escaped, and they all shot arrows at the chariot. Xia Houying put down his sword, threw the shield with his left hand, and raised the sword with his right hand. He knocked down the arrows and protected Pei Gong back to his position.
Seeing that he had been defeated for a while, Zhao Ben said to Pei Gong: "Liu Bang, I was going to capture you alive today, but you were lucky enough to win. This is nothing. Let's have a truce for now. Do you dare to duel tomorrow?" Pei Gong laughed and said: " Stay with me until the end! You try to send someone who is capable!" The two parties then returned to their camps to rest.
After Zhao Benchi returned to his position, he summoned the generals for discussion. In a short time, Yang Xiong's generals Jin Choufu, Yuan Yang, Yang Chun, and Pan Long came to Zhao Ben and said: "Master Zhao, we have followed General Yang through life and death. Now that General Yang is dead, we must take his place." Revenge!" Zhao Ben also said angrily: "What you said makes sense. I will continue to challenge Liu Bang in the future. You are divided into four groups. When you see me leading Liu Bang to the position, you all attack together. You will definitely We must capture Liu Bang alive!" Zhao Bi said to Lu Fan again: "General Lu will lead 10,000 elite troops to the north tonight, from the bank of the river to the east, and around to the rear of the rebels. When the battle begins tomorrow, you will lead the troops to kill him. Towards Liu Bang's rear camp, we will attack from front to back and must capture Liu Bang alive." Then he said to Dou Xian, the governor of Hanoi County: "Your Excellency, I will take full command of the Chinese army tomorrow. If we surround Liu Bang, you will lead the chariots and soldiers to help me capture the leader of the thief alive. . As long as we attack from the front and back, even if we can't catch Liu Bang, we can still kill half of his men!" After listening to Zhao Bi's instructions, the generals agreed and prepared to go.
Because it was June, the Central Plains was very hot. In the Chu army's camp, Pei Gong and the generals were discussing tomorrow's battle. Suddenly the sky was covered with dark clouds, followed by strong winds. Suddenly there was a sharp flash that tore the sky in half, followed by a very loud thunder, and then it started to rain heavily. Not long after, a sergeant came to report that the lightning had just hit the flagpole of the rear camp, and the military flag suddenly caught fire and turned into ashes in a short while. After hearing this, Pei Gong felt that something was a little bad, so he asked Zhang Liang: "Master Situ, what is this sign?" Zifang was silent for a while and then said: "Our rear camp will definitely be in trouble. If the enemy doesn't come tonight A sneak attack means that when we fight tomorrow, they will attack our rear camp." After listening to Mr. Zifang's words, Pei Gong sent Cao Shen and Fan Kuai to lead their own troops and horses, and immediately went to the rear camp to ambush. The two accepted the order and went out to set up an ambush in the rain.
After a while, Zifang thought again: "Now Qin's laws are very strict. Since Yang Xiong was killed, all the generals of Qin have been in danger and frightened. If Zhao Bi continues to challenge you tomorrow, he will There will definitely be a murderer, or some conspiracy." Pei Gong said: "I can be more cautious. If there is any accident, I will return to the camp immediately." Zifang said: "For everyone's safety, I will send someone to notify you immediately. Mr. Xiao He, asked him to send two troops and horses respectively, one to go to Gong County overnight to meet us, and to station the troops and horses behind the camp. If anything happens, they will come from the east to help the troops. In addition, another Send a few troops with flags and drums to rush to the south bank of Luoshui River in Luoyang. When we were fighting the most intense, we asked them to wave flags and shout, pretending to cross the Luo River to attack Luoyang. Once Zhao Bi found out In this case, they will be afraid and retreat, and we can take advantage of the victory to pursue." Pei Gong followed the instructions of Zifang and immediately sent someone to notify Xiao He. After Xiao He received the order, he sent Jin Qiang, Jin She, Wang Hui, and Fu Kuan to lead 3,000 soldiers to Gong County to meet Pei Gong, and summoned Ou, Xue Ou, Chen Bi, Lu Ze, and others to lead 500 troops and horses. Go to the shore of Luoshui to ambush.
That night, Pei Gong and others waited until dawn, but the Qin army did not attack the camp. Early the next morning, Pei Gong ordered the sergeants to have breakfast early and then prepare for battle. As soon as Chen Shi arrived, he heard trumpets and war drums ringing in the enemy camp. After a while, Zhao Bi led the Qin army to fight out. Zhao Ben came to the front of the battle and shouted loudly: "Where is Liu Bang? Do you still dare to challenge?" Pei Gong laughed on the opposite side and said: "When have I ever been afraid of you? Let me tell you, not only am I not afraid of you, I will kill you You, then break into Hangu Pass and kill Xianyang!" Zhao Ben said angrily: "Okay, I know you are determined to have your own way. Let's fight again today. Who can kill whom?" After that, he ordered the soldiers to go straight. Drive towards the battlefield. Pei Gong also continued to let Ji Xin drive and Xia Houying served as a soldier and galloped out of the position.
Just like yesterday, the two sides attacked each other three times, but each time Zhao Ben moved a certain distance closer to the Qin army's position. Zhang Liang felt something was wrong, so he asked Zhou Bo, Li Shang, Guan Ying, Chai Wu and other generals to prepare for a charge. Just as Pei Gong and Zhao Ben were carrying out the fourth round of attacks, suddenly a golden drum sounded in the Qin army's formation, and the four cavalry groups of Yuan Yang, Jin Choufu, Pan Hu, and Yang Chun suddenly rushed out, spitting out steaming fire. With murderous intent, they all rushed towards Pei Gong's chariot. Zhang Liang hurriedly ordered Zhou Bo and others to rush to the battlefield to fight. After receiving the order, Zhou Bo and others let go of their bridles, whipped their whips and galloped forward. The four generals were like four dragons, galloping towards the battlefield in an instant. When Pei Gong saw that Zhao Ben had violated the principle of duel, he scolded him for being dishonest and wanted to chop off Zhao Ben's head immediately. But Zhao Bi had no shame and shouted: "Whoever captures Liu Bang alive will be granted the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households, and whoever kills Liu Bang is willing to give up the county governor! Kill him!" After saying this, he was the first to assassinate Pei Gong. Xia Houying was furious and said to Pei Gong: "Pei Gong, you use a big shield to protect your body, the enemy will resist me!" So he picked up the weapon in his hand and rushed towards Zhao Ben. At this time, the sound of killing on all sides shook the ground, and thousands of horses galloped. When Ji Xin, who was driving, saw the Qin cavalry arriving, he tied the horse's reins together and tied them around his waist. Then he took off the prepared bow and arrow and shot at the enemy indiscriminately. Some Qin generals who could not dodge fell from their horses one after another. The four-pronged Qin army fought with the Chu generals first to reach Pei Gong's chariot. Xia Houying opened his bows from left to right, like a god of war, and fought against the five Qin generals. At this critical moment, Zhou Bo and others also arrived. They each intercepted a general and started fighting together.
Dou Xian, the governor of Hanoi County, was guarding the Qin army's camp. Seeing that Zhao Ben had surrounded Peigong, he ordered all the chariots and soldiers to attack the Chu army. Qin general Lu Fan came to the rear of the Chu army and stopped fighting until the battle broke out between the two sides. Then he shouted and surrounded the Chu army's rear camp. At this time, Cao Shen and Fan Kuai, who were ambushing on both sides, saw that the Qin army was indeed coming to take the retreat. They were so impressed by Zifang's prediction that they rushed out to meet the Qin army. Jin Qiang and other four generals had also arrived from Gong County. When they saw the sound of killing in front of them, they rushed into the enemy's formation with shouts. In this way, the three Chu armies were like three tornadoes, but they surrounded Lu Fan's 10,000 Qin troops and fought.
The two sides fought for an hour. Xia Houying was afraid that something might happen to Duke Pei, so he picked on more than a dozen of Qin's generals, fought back Zhao Bi, and stabbed Yang Chun to death in front of the car. , and then killed the Qin soldiers until they fell on their backs. Later, under the protection of the generals, they fought their way out of the siege. At this time, Zhao Ben saw that Lu Fan had not yet killed him, so he sent someone to find out what was going on. Suddenly, a sergeant came to report that the Chu army was ready. They had ambushed soldiers and horses in the rear camp and were fighting with Lu Fan's army. Zhao Ben was furious and ordered all the generals to work together to capture Pei Gong alive. Zhang Liang saw the huge formation of Qin's chariots and slowly pressed them forward, and asked the Chu army's crossbowmen to fire arrows together. Zhao Bi led the Qin army to advance bravely. They seemed determined to capture Peigong. Suddenly, news came from the direction of Luoyang that the Chu army was on the opposite side of the Luo River and was preparing to cross the river. After Zhao Bi heard the news, he was afraid that Luoyang would suffer losses, so he had to order his troops to withdraw back to the camp. The Chu army did not pursue them, so they slaughtered Lu Fan's soldiers and horses, and then all retreated to Gong County. After the war, Pei Gong asked the sergeants to calculate their military merits. Xia Houying once again showed his talents in this driving duel and gained a lot. Among the generals of the Qin army he killed, there was a large cabinet containing the seals of the non-commissioned officers with official seals. Pei Gong was very happy and gave Xia Hou Ying the title of "Teng Gong". From then on, people called Xia Hou Ying Teng Gong.
The county guard Zhao Bi returned to Xixiang. At this time, Lu Fan, Dou Xian, Jin Choufu and other generals also came back one after another. Seeing that he still failed to capture Pei Gong this time, Zhao Ben was very sad and said: "General Yang Xiong was convicted because he failed to capture Liu Bang. Now we have not been able to capture Liu Bang. We don't know when the disaster will come. !" All the generals were frightened, and they all discussed together: "Your Excellency, the bandits are rampant now. We have tried our best, but we still can't wipe out the rebels. We must take a long-term approach. I hope your Excellency will first withdraw the troops to Luoyang, which belongs to Sanchuan. Fundamentally, once there is a mistake, things will not go well. If you can defend Luoyang, you can report the truth to the court and ask the court to send troops for reinforcements as soon as possible, so that nothing will happen." Zhao Ben said: "I am the governor of Sanchuan, and I have a very heavy responsibility. And Generals, you are ordered by the imperial court to assist me in guarding Sanchuan. Although Xixiang is a small place, its location is crucial. If I retreat to Luoyang, the rebels will definitely come to rob this city. If I do not retreat, it will mean fighting to the death. Determination." So he asked Jin Choufu, Yuan Yang, and Pan Long to help him defend the corpse town. Dou Xian, the governor of Hanoi, withdrew to Luoyang to defend. Lu Fan immediately went to guard the ferry south of the city to prevent the Chu army from crossing the river. In this way, the three of them formed a cornering force, they could all rescue each other, and they could also firmly control Luoyang City. After listening to Zhao Bi's words, everyone felt that it made sense and immediately executed the order. Dou Xian came to the city and actively prepared defensive equipment while continuing to strengthen the city wall. When Lu Fan came to the ferry in the south of the city, he first gathered all the boats and rafts along the coast to the north bank, then demolished the pontoon bridge, and built dozens of miles of obstacles and beacon towers on the north bank of the Luo River to strictly fortify it.
This time the Chu army fought in Corpse Township and suffered a tenacious sniper attack from the Qin army. This made the Chu army soldiers feel the power of the Qin army and confirmed what Mr. Zifang said. Pei Gong admired Zhang Liang's foresight from the bottom of his heart, so he stationed his troops and horses to rest. Half a month later, Peigong heard that the Qin army had built camp walls and beacon towers on the north bank of the Luo River, and had also built fortifications from Xixiang to the Yellow River. He was shocked and thought that it would not be easy to capture Sanchuan. Suddenly, a sergeant came to report that Zhao general Sima Yan had arrived at the Yellow River and was preparing to cross the Yellow River from Pingyin. He asked Pei Gong to send troops to meet him.
Pei Gong was a smart man, and he thought that General Zhao might be a pioneer sent by King Zhao and General Xiang Yu to explore the way. Because Xiang Yu had defeated Wang Li and solved the siege of Julu, if they crossed the river in advance, they might enter the pass in advance, so he said to Zhang Liang: "If Sima Xuan crosses the river, it is very likely that they will overtake him." "Gong." Zhang Liang said: "This is a perfect opportunity to bluff. Now you personally lead the army to attack Pingyin again. Firstly, it proves that we have not given up attacking Sanchuan. Secondly, it can draw Zhao Ben's attention to Pingyin. He They will definitely send more troops to Pingyin Crossing, so how can the Zhao army cross the river?" After hearing Zhang Liang's plan, Pei Gong was very happy and asked Zhang Liang to guard Gong County. Then he led dozens of generals including Cao Shen, Fan Kuai, Zhou Bo, Li Shang, Guan Ying and most of his lieutenants to immediately go north and gallop along the Yellow River towards Pingyin Ferry.
Zhao Ben heard the report and thought that Pei Gong was going to join forces with the Zhao army to attack Luoyang City, so he personally led the Qin army to fight. At this time, Sima Xun had led the Zhao army across the Yellow River. Seeing Pei Gong coming to meet him, he joined forces with him to fight. After the Qin army arrived, Pei Gong and Sima Yan joined forces to fight the Qin army. In a short time, Pei Gong was defeated and fled, and Sima Yan was surrounded by Zhao Ben and fought. How could Sima Yan be Zhao Bi's opponent? He was defeated in a short while and had to cross the Yellow River to escape again. Zhao Ben destroyed all the floating bridges and Pingyin Crossing was completely blocked.
Zhao Ben then occupied the ferry. Hearing that Pei Gong was going to attack Xixiang again, he came to pursue Pei Gong. Seeing that the purpose of sending troops had been achieved, Peigong withdrew to Gong County along the city wall built by the Qin army. In the following period, there were no major battles between the two sides. Zhang Liang persuaded Pei Gong to withdraw his troops and horses from Fengshi to ensure the smooth flow of Shenyuan Pass. He also asked Pei Gong to plant a false flag along the Luo River as a suspicious soldier to alert the Qin State. The State of Qin continued to mobilize troops and horses from Guanzhong and continuously sent troops to Sanchuan.
