The Han River is an extremely important tributary of the Yangtze River, running through the entire Hanzhong Prefecture from west to east.
Almost all important towns in Hanzhong Prefecture are located on both sides of the Han River, and official roads are also built quite close to the Han River.
The official road covered with white snow was filled with marching soldiers.
They were wearing crimson mandarin duck battle coats and helmets with red tassels on their heads. They either carried long spears or three-eyed blunderbuss on their shoulders. They looked relaxed and strode forward briskly.
Chen Wang rode a war horse and led dozens of personal guards to the side of the team. His eyes swept past the soldiers who were marching on the official road beside him.
This army marching on the official road is the guerrilla battalion under Chen Wang.
From Hanzhong to Guanzhong, due to the obstruction of the Qinling Mountains, there were originally only four roads connecting them. These four roads from east to west were Ziwu Road, Tangluo Road, Baoxie Road and Chencang Road.
During the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, Lianyun Road was built, which is not far to the west of Baoxie Road and leads directly to Baoji in Fengxiang Prefecture.
The military order delivered by Hong Chengchou was for Chen Wang to lead troops to suppress a group of bandits in the Shangluo Mountain area in the south of Xi'an Prefecture.
The best route is actually to start from Mian County, then pass through Lianyun Road to Baoji and enter the Guanzhong Plain, and then go eastward into Xi'an Prefecture to go to Shangluo.
This is the fastest and easiest way to go.
However, Fengxiang Mansion had been plundered several times, and all the states and counties were in dire straits. They still needed help from the court, so how could they possibly supply the military rations used along the way?
Therefore, the military order issued by Hong Chengchou was for Chen Wang to lead his troops from Mian County, march through the Hanzhong Basin towards Shiquan, and then go north from Ziwu Valley to Xi'an Prefecture.
Chen Wang withdrew his gaze and rode forward onto a high slope.
The scenery in front of us remains unchanged. The river is rushing eastwards and the mountains are rolling in a thousand twists and turns.
"How far is it from Fucheng?"
Chen Wang frowned slightly and asked around.
If the record is correct, at the end of this month, Hanzhong Mansion will undergo drastic changes.
When Chen Wang passed Hanzhong Prefecture on the road, he heard the news that Zhang Yuan defeated the Hanzhong Prefecture officers and soldiers at Buckwheat Mountain, and then came to Chenggu County.
Feng County and other places are also experiencing turmoil, and there is a commotion among thieves. It is feared that a large-scale civil uprising will break out in a short time.
He deliberately stayed in Mian County for three days before leading his troops to the east. However, the east seemed extremely calm, and there was not a single bit of news yet.
After hearing Chen Wang's question, Hu Zhili immediately rode forward and lowered his head to report.
"This is still about thirty miles away from Hanzhong City. According to the current marching speed, we can reach the outside of Hanzhong City before dusk today."
In addition to serving as the supervisor of the Supervision Office, Hu Zhili also served as a guard in the Chinese Army and was in charge of the exchange of military orders.
"Last night I heard the sound of the cavalry returning to camp. What's the situation to the east now?"
Chen Wang turned his head slightly, looked at Hu Zhili and asked.
Many matters have been weighing on his shoulders these days. Leaving Dingjun Mountain now is only temporary and cannot be walked away.
Chen Wang never thought about giving up the business he had been doing on Dingjun Mountain for several months.
Occupying Dingjun Mountain can not only affect Mian County, but also radiate Ningqiang, Yangping, Lueyang and other places, and can effectively control the western area of Hanzhong Prefecture.
Guan Qilin has now been tied to the chariot by Chen Wang, because his only son Guan Wenyou is now serving as the general manager under Chen Wang.
In the Ming Dynasty, the relationship between the garrison and recruiting soldiers was not antagonistic. A large number of soldiers came from garrison camps in various places.
Many battalion generals and battalion officers were even promoted or transferred from the garrison army.
Qi Jiguang led the battalion, but he was actually a guard officer. In the 23rd year of Jiajing, he inherited his ancestor's position and was appointed as the commander of the Dengzhou Guard, thus entering his official career.
"Yesterday, the detective cavalry came to report that soldiers and horses from all over the city were gathering outside Hanzhong Prefecture to rush to reinforce the city. Zhang Yuan, the black killer tiger, is now entrenched in the Buckwheat Mountain area and is restless. It seems that he has a tendency to leave Buckwheat Mountain."
Hu Zhili frowned, pondered for a moment and then replied.
"Taking Ziwu Road to Xi'an Prefecture, Chenggu County is the only way we must pass."
Chen Xiang's mind moved slightly. He looked at the map of Hanzhong Prefecture many times and remembered the mountains, rivers and town locations clearly.
Buckwheat Mountain is just to the southwest of Chenggu. The distance between the two places is only more than twenty miles. From the top of Buckwheat Mountain, you can directly see the city wall of Chenggu County. This is already an extremely close distance.
As long as Zhang Yuan wanted to, he could lead the army to surround the entire city on that day.
"Buckwheat Mountain was defeated. The Hanzhong Guard lost almost a thousand men. The rest are now retreating to Chenggu County."
"The soldier was a commander of the Hanzhong Guard. The reason for the defeat seems to be that the commander was shot dead on the battlefield, and his soldiers were scattered as a result, which led to the collapse of the army."
Hu Zhili raised his hand to wipe off the white snow on the edge of his helmet, his expression a little solemn.
"Not all the fleeing soldiers returned to Chenggu County. Many of the deserted soldiers wanted to run back to their respective guard posts, but most of the defeated soldiers seemed to have been captured..."
】
Hu Zhili's eyes flickered, he glanced left and right, and then whispered.
"Everyone inside and outside the city of Hanzhong is now in panic, and everything is in chaos. There are no merchants on the streets, only soldiers and civilians with weapons and weapons. All surrounding towns and villages are under martial law."
"It seems that troops are still gathering in Hanzhong City, preparing to rush to Chenggu County..."
Although he had expected it in his heart, Chen Wang still couldn't control his emotions. The hand holding the riding whip tightened suddenly, and the big stone hanging in his heart suddenly fell.
Chen Wang raised his riding whip and pointed forward, trying hard to suppress the excitement in his heart and said in a cold voice.
"Hurry up and report the situation in Hanzhong to the military gate."
Hu Zhili accepted the order with his hands raised, then named a few people, and galloped forward quickly.
In fact, Chen Wang had already written the text as early as Dingjun Mountain, and now he just had to wait until the time came to submit it.
"Command the entire army to advance quickly and capture Hanzhong City before dusk today!"
Chen Wang glanced back at the advancing group of infantry and ordered in a deep voice.
When the military order is given, the cavalry is ordered to gallop.
The flags waved and the trumpets continued.
The bugle sounded, and the slow current above the official road suddenly became violent and turned into turbulence, rushing forward.
Chen Wang turned his head and looked at the official road beside him, where there were groups of infantry advancing head on.
They were neatly dressed, carrying weapons on their shoulders, looking ahead and moving forward silently.
Beside him were a group of elite armored cavalry with pierced armor and murderous intent.
The clang of wheels rolling across the stone road, the footsteps of boots hitting the ground, and the sound of thunderous hooves of horses speeding past all converged together, as loud as a swollen river after a heavy rain.
Chen Wang had seen such a scene a few months ago, but at that time he was just an ordinary servant cavalry.
But now Chen Wang is no longer the servant cavalry following others. Now the army marching on the official road is his army. It listens to his orders and obeys his military orders. Life.
Chen Wangzheng turned his head, looked ahead, and gently urged his horse to step away.
Troubled times arise in all directions, and if you have soldiers, you will be the grass-headed king!
The army of soldiers and horses is the foundation for a life!
In Shaanxi, we are just birds in a cage and fish in a net, unable to fly or swim happily.
If you stay in Hanzhong, you will be like a fish entering the sea and a bird flying into the sky, no longer bound by a cage or net!
There were large groups of mules and horses in the army, and they were marching on the inner road, so there was no need to worry about ambushes or ambushes.
When Chen Wang gave the order for a rapid march, the army's marching speed increased sharply.
But we still waited until dusk before completing the remaining thirty miles and arriving outside Hanzhong City.
It was not that the march was not fast, but that they encountered a wave of fleeing people along the way.
The carriages and horses of the rich and powerful gentry were lined up in front of the head. Guards and servants were holding swords and guarding the sides. Behind them were a group of ordinary people with their wives and children. The crowd was surging and stretched for more than ten miles.
Because of this, we delayed our time and arrived at Hanzhong Mansion at dusk.
Arriving outside Hanzhong City, you can see the tense atmosphere inside and outside Hanzhong City.
The walls of Hanzhong City were filled with soldiers and civilians holding weapons. The gates on all four sides were closed tightly. There was not a single soul on the streets outside the city, except for the lack of lights and candlelight in the houses.
Everyone who wanted to leave had already fled Hanzhong Fucheng, leaving only those who didn't want to leave and those who couldn't.
Chen Wang's expression did not change. He did not do anything else. He just ordered his soldiers to set up a military camp on the spot in the west of Hanzhong City.
However, Chen Wang was not looking for anyone, but someone wanted to look for him. The person looking for him was Lin Daoquan, the prefect of Hanzhong Prefecture.
Chen Wang led his soldiers through the deserted streets, and finally saw the prefect Lin Daoquan in the government office of Hanzhong Mansion, wearing a crimson official robe, his head buried in a eucalyptus slip, with a tired face.
Lin Daoquan's purpose was simple. He wanted Chen Wang to stay and help defend Hanzhong Fucheng.
Lin Daoquan knew very well that the Hanzhong Guards were useless. Lin Daoquan felt that it would be impossible to defend Hanzhong City with them alone.
"Military orders are like mountains and must not be disobeyed. The military gate has issued a military order, ordering me to leave Hanzhong to suppress the remnants of the Shangluo bandits. I really dare not disobey my order."
Chen Wang's eyes didn't show any emotion, but he still responded with a troubled expression.
"However, my official has learned about the situation in Hanzhong and has ordered me to fly to the military gate. If the military gate changes the military order, my official will definitely..."
Chen Wang didn't finish what he said, because when he was speaking, Lin Daoquan had already raised his hand and stopped what he was going to say next.
Chen Wang didn't continue speaking. Anyway, it was just a lot of empty talk.
"There is nothing wrong with General Chen obeying the military orders of the Commander-in-Chief, but God is not going as he wishes. If the current problem is not solved, I am afraid that General Chen will not be able to go to Xi'an."
Lin Daoquan's expression changed slightly, he picked up a piece of silk cloth and coughed several times, as if he was not feeling well.
Chen Wang raised his eyebrows, feeling a little confused.
"General Chen is not well informed."
Lin Daoquan put down the silk cloth in his hand, looking a little weak, but still quite energetic.
"Just yesterday, Zhang Yuan led 50,000 troops out of Buckwheat Mountain and surrounded the city and county. The road to the east has been blocked..."
Lin Daoquan waved lightly, and the attendants on the left and right brought up a map and placed it on the table next to Chen Wang.
Lin Daoquan stood up, walked to the map, and sighed.
"The real situation in Hanzhong today is far more corrupt than what General Chen knows. Hanzhong is already in danger..."
Chen Wang looked slightly solemn and stood up.
Lin Daoquan pointed to the map placed on the table and fully explained the current situation in Hanzhong Mansion.
Zhang Yuan, the Black Killer Tiger, defeated the Hanzhong Guards at Buckwheat Mountain. The Hanzhong Guards who were killed abandoned their helmets and armor and could only retreat to the city.
The Hanzhong Guards suffered far more losses than the rumored thousand men, with more than two thousand casualties and more than a thousand people fleeing and being dispersed. Today, there are only more than a thousand defeated soldiers left in Chenggu.
The commander who led the troops on the expedition has died, and now the one leading the troops in Chenggu County is a Qianhu.
The Hanzhong Guards originally did not have many soldiers in total. In order to conquer Zhang Yuan, they recruited troops from thousands of households in various places and improvised a large army.
Now that they were defeated at Buckwheat Mountain and lost more than 2,000 soldiers and generals, it can be said that Hanzhong Wei has no strength to fight anymore.
Previously, Tanqi came to report that troops were gathering outside Hanzhong City to rush to reinforce the city, and Minzhuang began to assist in the defense of the city, but in fact it was only announced to the outside world.
The military order received by the Hanzhong Guard was to protect Hanzhong. As for Chenggu County, it had been secretly abandoned long ago, and the remaining soldiers who fled to Chenggu were ordered to be transferred back to Hanzhong.
Because Hanzhong City needs to face not only the threat from Zhang Yuan to the east, but also people in Baocheng just to the north of Hanzhong City are now in panic.
In mid-December, just after Chen Wang led his troops through Baoxie Road, a civil uprising broke out in Feng County.
This time the people's uprising was not suppressed like in the past. This time the people's uprising was led by someone and there were connections behind the scenes. It was a planned and organized riot.
The followers first numbered in the thousands and then expanded like a balloon to tens of thousands along the way. The leader of the bandits was known as the Golden-winged Peng, and no one knew his origin.
Under his leadership, the rebel army defeated the officers and soldiers in a row, surrounded Feng County, and once captured the city wall.
Later, Nei Ying's plan to capture the city failed and was discovered by the magistrate of Feng County, so they withdrew from the siege of Feng County and turned south.
When Jin Chipeng led his troops southward, he swept away the decline in Feng County. He first broke through Sanjiangkou, then Heiguba, and went straight south through Hutou Pass, arriving at Jitou Pass.
There were only a few hundred troops guarding Jitou Pass. Most of the troops guarding the pass were old and weak. The elite troops were mobilized by the Hanzhong Guard to suppress Zhang Yuan.
The Baocheng County Magistrate who turned the tide last time and personally led the people to guard Jitou Pass has resigned.
The hundreds of guards at Jitou Pass were no match for the tens of thousands of rogue bandits. In just two days, Jitou Pass was breached.
Today, Baocheng is surrounded by people, and the surrounding towns and villages are suffering from military disasters.
Baocheng is dozens of miles north of Hanzhong Mansion. You can get from Baocheng to Hanzhong City in one day.
The current situation in Hanzhong Mansion is exactly as recorded in "The Chronicles of Rogue Bandits".
The bandits came from Sanjiangkou in Feng County, passed through Heiguba, and gathered in the east of Baocheng County.
Then the troops were divided into three groups: one group attacked Yang and Yangping Pass. Attack Hanzhong, Chenggu and Yangxian all the way. Attack Jiezhou all the way.
