Wang Lang obeyed the imperial edict, and at the age of seventy-six, he galloped day and night. It only took him seven days to reach Cao Zhen's army from Luoyang.
At this time, Cao Zhen had already sent Han De, the forward of the Western Expedition Army, to capture Dali County, and then ordered Han De to suspend the attack, rest and defend on the spot, and begin the task of setting up defenses on the spot.
One thing to say is that Cao Zhen really looked down on Sima Yi, thinking that the old boy was dishonest, unpredictable, and even suspected of stealing credit. However, Cao Zhen really didn't think there was anything wrong with Sima Yi's counterattack strategy.
Although this strategy was the main framework proposed by Sima Yi, Cao Zhen also nodded in agreement and perfected it together. As a mature military general, he would not leave aside a mature strategy that has been repeatedly discussed and verified and rely on himself to take action on the battlefield. Use your brain to think of a strategy that you don’t know whether it will be successful or not.
Although Cao Zhen sent troops without permission this time, he still adopted the original strategy, and Cao Zhen himself had no intention of modifying it.
Therefore, Cao Zhen chose to take the initiative to slow down the attack speed after conquering Linjin, attracting the main force of Shu thieves to gather, and assume a confrontation posture on the spot.
The strategy requires this, and Cao Zhen is just acting according to the plan.
Of course, in addition to this reason, there was also a practical reason that forced Cao Zhen to suspend his march.
After all, this dispatch of troops was done in a hurry. Although Cao Zhen had the authority to order Guo Huai of Wuguan and Wang Chang of Tongguan to obey orders, the logistics preparations were not fully in place after all. In order to dispatch troops quickly, Cao Zhen did not have time to do so. Concerned about these things, we can only set off with some food and grass. Subsequent food and grass supplies will still need to be provided by Luoyang.
Cao Zhen was also afraid that the Emperor of Wei would be dissatisfied with his unauthorized sending of troops and would choose to call him back to Luoyang, or not provide food and fodder for Wei's Western Expeditionary Army. When that time came, Cao Zhen's counterattack would completely fall short.
Therefore, for the sake of safety, Cao Zhen chose to rest for three days after capturing Linjin County. After receiving a report from the rear and learning that the second batch of grain and grass had been transported on the road, he felt relieved and allowed Han De to lead 10,000 troops. , attack Dali County.
After that, Cao Zhen began to stand still.
On the one hand, this is the strategic plan, and on the other hand, Cao Zhen is also waiting for Wang Lang to come to the army.
The quick horses in the army had already passed the news to Cao Zhen in advance. Cao Zhen knew that Wang Lang came under the emperor's order, so Wang Lang's purpose of coming this time was very important.
Whether the emperor acquiesced to his unauthorized sending of troops to the west, or whether he sent Wang Lang to recall him, Cao Zhen could not determine until Wang Lang arrived.
During this period of time, Zhang Xi, who was on the opposite side, had also led troops to Chongquan County and began a confrontation with Cao Zhen's Western Expeditionary Army.
After Wang Lang arrived at the Wei army camp, Cao Zhen personally went out to greet Wang Lang and took Wang Lang into his tent. However, he did not ask Wang Lang's purpose of coming first, but secretly ordered Wang Chang to report the enemy's situation first.
What Cao Zhen meant was to tell Wang Lang that now the main force of the Shu thieves in Guanzhong had arrived in Chongquan County. Even if he wanted to retreat, it would not be so easy to return to the pass.
In other words, Cao Zhen was threatening Wang Lang in a different way so that Wang Lang would not convey his intention to withdraw from the army in the first place.
Then, Cao Zhen took the initiative to ask Wang Lang about his purpose of coming and the emperor's attitude.
Wang Lang is also an old fox who has been in official circles for a long time. How could Wang Lang not understand Cao Zhen's little thoughts.
Moreover, Wang Lang's visit this time was not to ask Cao Zhen to return to his army. At this time, Cao Rui and the Wei court still knew the priorities and knew how to adapt to the situation.
In the face of a formidable enemy, we must first defend against the enemy invaders. There is no reason to fight internally first.
This is how Cao Zhen asked Wang Lang about the emperor's will, and Wang Lang replied, "The emperor loves his generals."
Cao Zhen was not "the emperor's favorite general". He himself knew best that he could say that Cao Zhen was a clan general that the Wei Dynasty could rely on, but it was far from the level of the so-called "the emperor's favorite general".
Not to mention, Cao Zhen knew how serious his crime was by sending troops without authorization. In other words, because of his surname, Cao Rui was unlikely to behead him. But after returning from the Western Expedition, Cao Zhen also knew, and he estimated He would lose his military power and become just a rich man like Xia Houmao.
Cao Zhen was mentally prepared for this. He just wanted to counterattack, regain the old land, and wash away the shame. Cao Zhen was willing to accept any punishment.
But now, Wang Lang went and said the words "The emperor loves his generals", and when they stopped in Cao Zhen's ears, the meaning was different.
This means that Cao Rui has acquiesced to Cao Zhen's unauthorized deployment of troops to the west this time. Coupled with Wang Lang's subsequent words, it clearly expresses Cao Rui's attitude - everything is just to win first, and the rest will be discussed later.
This information made Cao Zhen breathe a sigh of relief.
As long as they are not here to ask him to return to the army, nor are they asking Wang Lang to seize his military power, then Cao Zhen can accept anything.
In addition, Wang Lang, an old fox, also knew how to measure his words and spoke nicely. He could not only convey the emperor's will, but also clearly express his own intention. Cao Zhen really disliked having such an old man who was like a "supervisor of the army" and a "staff officer". How disgusting.
Cao Zhen even took the initiative to introduce to Wang Lang the current situation of Zuo Fengyi.
Wang Lang listened to Cao Zhen's introduction in detail and carefully wrote down the information. He would write a letter to the Emperor of Wei in Luoyang later.
But Wang Lang also knew that he was not good at military affairs. Although he could understand what Cao Zhen was talking about, he was limited to making suggestions and giving advice. Wang Lang still knew himself and would not interfere.
Wang Lang's only military advice to Cao Zhen was one sentence.
"Before I left Xijing, the emperor warned me many times that I should not be arrogant in the army. I must obey the command of the governor and act according to the military strategy. I will keep it in mind."
On the surface, Wang Lang was talking about his own affairs, but in fact, Cao Zhen could understand it. This was the emperor's warning to himself to act in accordance with the original strategy and not to make blind orders or make blind changes.
Wang Lang said it tactfully, and Cao Zhen had no intention of modifying his strategy. Therefore, although Cao Zhen's words sounded a little strange, he didn't think there was anything wrong in the end.
but.
"That being the case, I also have something that requires Situ Gong to take care of." After Cao Zhen reassured his inner concerns, he also saluted Wang Lang and said, "Food and grass are the top priority in the army and must not be ignored. Please also ask Situ Gong to take care of me." I am in charge of grain and grass affairs, and I will ask the emperor to send grain and grass to the army as soon as possible to prepare for the next war."
On the one hand, since Wang Lang has come to the army, Cao Zhen must also arrange a job for him to express his respect for him.
It doesn't matter whether Wang Lang does it himself, but Wang Lang must be given the right.
On the other hand, Cao Zhen also wanted to express that he had no objections by handing over the important task of supplying food and grass to Wang Lang.
If such an important matter as food and grass is handed over to the envoys sent by the Emperor, it is equivalent to handing over the lifeblood of the entire Western Expedition Army to the hands of the Emperor's envoys. Even if Cao Zhen has other intentions, the soldiers under his command will not follow Cao Zhen. They rebelled together.
Wang Lang was also very satisfied with Cao Zhen's understanding of current affairs. He accepted the appointment and sent a memorandum to the emperor later to reassure the emperor. Although Cao Rui didn't say it, he must have been on guard against this matter. After all, if Cao Zhen rebelled, , the influence is still great.
After making compromises with each other, Cao Zhen sent Wang Lang back to his camp to rest. It was not until the next day that Cao Zhen officially raised the tent and began military discussions.
Now that the worries are gone, it's time to consider military strategy.
"This time the army is marching westward, the Shu thieves have reached Chongquan. I wonder if the Governor has a clever plan?!"
Wang Lang, as a veteran of three dynasties and a special envoy appointed by the emperor, naturally took the initiative to raise this question.
Although he had been warned, Wang Lang still needed to observe Cao Zhen's specific actions to see if he would strictly follow the original counterattack strategy.
And Cao Zhen was not vague. For the first time, he began to talk to the generals in the army about the original strategy of the Northern Expedition.
"The imperial court has been preparing for this Western Expedition for a long time. It has already had a clever plan to defeat the enemy. The generals don't have to worry about it." Cao Zhen said a few words first, and then began to talk about the plan. "The troops of the Western Expedition were divided into two groups. Guo Boji led the troops and horses out of Wuguan, and the governor personally led them all the way out of Tongguan. This was a false and real strategy. Although the 50,000 troops and horses led by the governor were many, they were not the main attack, but only to lure the enemy. , Guo Boji's journey is the key to defeating the enemy. Now the Shu thieves Zhang Xi, Wei Yan and others have fallen into the trap and led their troops to Zuo Fengyi to confront us. We need what we need and try our best to contain these two people. Just let him return to the army easily."
Wang Lang nodded slightly and said, "In other words, in this battle, we only need to hold back the Shu thieves in front?!"
Cao Zhen also nodded and said, "Yes."
Wang Chang, who had been kept in the dark, finally understood the entire battle plan at this time. He was puzzled by Cao Zhen's hesitation in leading the army some time ago, and finally realized that his side was not the main attack at all, but It's a containment.
However, there is still a problem.
"Commander, Mr. Situ, there is still something unknown about the last general!" Wang Chang thought for a moment and said, "Zhang Xi, the Shu thief, has always been unpredictable. We and the army came with the general trend, but if we stay here for a long time, it is difficult to protect Zhang Xi. I'm suspicious."
An army of 50,000 invaded Zuo Fengyi. In the early stage, they attacked like a tiger, but now they are hesitant like a pig. With such a huge contrast, Zhang Xi can't help but be suspicious, right? !
After Wang Lang heard this, he looked at Wang Chang in surprise.
Although they have nothing to do with Wang Chang's Taiyuan Wang family, Wang Lang and Wang Chang are both descendants of aristocratic families. Why does Wang Chang, a descendant of the Taiyuan Wang family, feel a little afraid of Zhang Xi? !
What's even more terrible is that Cao Zhen is still thinking solemnly about what is going on? !
That Zhang Xi, hasn't he already fallen into Sima Zhongda's scheme? Why do you all still have this attitude? !
I had a viral cold and was hospitalized on the third day.
(End of chapter)
