"After the Jurchens established the Jin Kingdom, they were like wild dogs, manic and restless. Whenever they saw a stranger, they would bark and show their teeth, and they were aggressive. They no longer had the simplicity of the past."
Xu Guanzhong wrote these few words in extremely fine plum blossom seal script on the booklet he carried in his arms all year round.
Cao Cao was convinced of this, and this was their most personal experience as they followed Wanyan Loushi's army.
The Jurchen generals were extremely curious about the more than 100 Song people who appeared in their ranks, and this curiosity was reflected in crude provocations again and again.
Whenever they camped, groups of Jurchen soldiers would come up like the wind. With their crude and ignorant faces, they would provoke or force Cao Cao and the Song people in a more direct or very direct way. They pick up armor and weapons, or push and shove each other for fun.
If only Ma Zheng and others were here, he would probably have no choice but to be bullied and take whatever he wanted. However, how could Cao Cao be easily bullied? Ignoring what the visitor said, he just sneered, widened his eyes and said carelessly: "My brother Tai Wanyan Loushi invited me to fight against the Liao army. He said personally that we are brothers. Could it be that you Jurchens are like this?" Do you treat brothers?"
He had long seen that Wanyan Loushi had great authority in the army, so as soon as this big hat was pressed, the only thing the Jurchen general could say was: "Huh, that was Loushi Meng'an trying to trick you for a moment, you Song Dynasty People have always been weak, why should we be brothers with our Jurchen heroes?"
This is what Cao Cao was waiting for: "You said we are weak? Okay, let's challenge each other! Where is Lin Chong——"
Fortunately, as guests invited by Wanyan Lou's room, the Jurchen generals did not dare to bully the smaller ones, and all provocations usually ended in combat.
A group of brothers took turns to fight, and the outcome was naturally more victory than defeat - among the Jurchen generals, there was indeed no shortage of warriors. Except for Lin Chong, Shi Wengong, Sun An, and Hua Rong, even Luan Tingyu and Sun Li did not necessarily dare to claim victory.
But even if there are more victories than fewer defeats, it is enough to make the word "weak" become empty talk. Although this outcome spreads, it will attract more provocateurs the next day.
After two or three days of this, Cao Cao gradually realized that the source of the Jurchens' hostility was actually the relatively refined and elegant attire and behavior of his group!
In fact, if you pay a little attention, you can find that even an ordinary soldier in the Song army, the quality of his clothes, the stitching, even the various small items he carries with him, and even the way he eats and sleeps, compared with these Jurchens, everything reveals the peace and harmony of the Celestial Empire. There is a huge difference between turning into foreign barbarians, and this is the source of the Jurchens' disgust.
Xu Guanzhong was a little puzzled by this. In his opinion, the Jurchens more than ten years ago did not have such obvious ferocity and mania.
The Jurchens at that time were much poorer than they are today. Nowadays, most of these Jurchen soldiers have a lot of gold and silver on their bodies. However, in the early years of the Jurchens, even copper and iron were luxurious and rare. Even the leather clothes to keep out the cold were mostly sheepskin, Dog skin, which is often passed down from generation to generation, is particularly dirty and smelly.
But in extreme poverty, they appear kind, humble, generous, and even timid.
He then talked about the years when he traveled around the north with his father: At that time, relying on Xu's father's superficial medical skills, they were the guests of various Jurchen tribes. When each patient was cured, the Jurchens were so grateful that he could not wait to see them. I even took out my heart and offered it.
Sometimes when his father and son's journey was blocked by wind, snow, thunder and rain, they would knock into a shabby room to seek shelter. Those brave men who could fight bears would always show modest and shy smiles and do their best to take the best food from home. He went out to entertain guests and expressed sincere admiration for the behavior of his father and son.
After all, Cao Cao was much more transparent. After hearing what Xu Guanzhong said, he immediately smiled and said: "Guanzhong, you don't know something. At that time, the Jurchens had been bullied by the Liao people for more than a hundred years, and they could not help but consider themselves inferior in their bones, so they were kind and honest. Now they often The defeat of the Liao Kingdom was a time of anti-slavism and arrogance. In my heart, I thought I was the first class of people in the world, but there were many inferiors to us, so naturally I couldn't help but be furious. In fact, if we look closely at the reason, it is just jealousy. Haha, If they take over all the Liao Kingdom in the future, and see the prosperity to the south, their jealousy will inevitably increase, and they will have thoughts of destruction."
Xu Guanzhong said worriedly: "If you say so, you must not let them enter the Central Plains."
Cao Cao's smile gradually turned cold: "It doesn't matter, what he relies on is just his strength. If he realizes that he can't defeat China in the future, he will naturally return to his kind and honest appearance."
Guanzhong was deeply impressed after hearing this.
In order to avoid trouble, Cao Cao made friends with the generals and some famous warriors with gifts. There were only two kinds of gifts: one was fine wine, and the other was erotic palace. Within two days, no one came to provoke him, and they all made love to each other. They all regard Lao Cao as their confidant.
This is actually human nature - in a dirty and dirty place, if a well-dressed person suddenly comes, it is natural to be hostile, but if that person shows a certain strength, shows an approachable attitude, and deliberately makes friends, then everyone will definitely They are all proud of having a well-dressed friend.
When Wanyan Loushi saw it, he nodded secretly: I have always heard that the Han people in the Central Plains are good at planning, and now I see it is true. Not many of us Jurchen heroes are good at this skill of being hard-handed and soft-handed.
In fact, the soldiers below have been provocative for days. As the coach, how could he really not know? He just pretended not to investigate and secretly watched how Cao Cao and others responded. Little did he know, how could Cao Cao notice such a little trick? He didn't even think about it, he just treated it like a wild dog: give him a kick to let him know that he is not easy to bully, and then threw a bone at it, and the dog naturally shook its head and tail.
The army surrounded Yizhou for several days. It was already December. On this day, the sky was full of snow and it started to snow.
Li Taibai once wrote a poem: The snowflakes on Yanshan Mountain are as big as mats. This place is still further north of Yanshan Mountain. Once it snows, the mountains and rivers will be white in a short time.
Wanyan Lou's room convened all the generals for discussion, and frowned and said: "This is a mistake made by a certain family! I originally wanted to surround Yizhou and use it as bait to catch the two big fish of Resentful Army and Yelu Dashi, but who would have thought that this would suddenly happen? It's snowing heavily, and it won't stop for a few days depending on the situation! Now it's snowy like a curtain, and it's hard to see anyone half a mile away. Moreover, the snow is deep and there are no hooves, making it increasingly difficult to convey the message. If he evades the spies and sneaks up on our army in the snow, But it’s not easy to play, can you and others do something about it?”
The father and son of the Han family and the Jurchens tried to defeat the enemy. After hearing this, they frowned and thought hard. They all felt that they had no good idea. Only Cao Cao lowered his head and said nothing.
Wanyan Loushi observed the words and expressions, and suddenly said: "Wu Jiedu, if you have a good plan, you might as well tell it and let everyone take a look."
Cao Cao thought for a moment and smiled slightly: "In my opinion, since the wind and snow prevent it, wouldn't it be the same for the enemy and me? Now that the news is gone and the bait has failed, then we can take advantage of the snow to seize the city, and then do this , and so and so.”
After hearing this, the Han family father and son gradually showed surprise.
After listening to Xu Guanzhong's translation, Wanyan Lou's family was overjoyed at first, and then frowned and said, "Brother Wu's back plan sounds extraordinary, but the front plan is very problematic. It should be noted that attacking a city is not easy, let alone braving the wind and snow? You people from the south may not have experienced the winter in our northern country. When it snows heavily, the city wall is as frozen as ice skates. How can you get up there?"
Cao Cao smiled and said: "Since I told you this plan, I am sure of it. Brother, you only need to act according to the plan. I will bring my brothers to break the city for you."
Wanyan Lou's eyes stared straight at him and said: "Brother Wu, although we are brothers, it is not easy to be kind in the army. It is a small matter if you cannot take the city, but it is a big deal if you weaken my spirit."
Cao Cao laughed: "How about I just accept the military order?"
Wanyan Lou's room slapped the table and said, "Okay! If you can defeat the city with these few people, half of the money, food and population in the city will be given to you as a reward."
Cao Cao smiled and said: "My family is thousands of miles away, so what is the use of this money, food and population? I will give half of what you reward me to you, and the other half to Emperor Aguda."
At that time, Cao Cao and Wanyan Lou's family wanted to bring several long ropes. Late at night, they took a group of Song people without lighting torches, wrapped their horses' hooves in soft cloth, and left the camp to see Yizhou.
Originally, according to Lao Cao's idea, it was enough to bring only his own brothers, but those soldiers in Dengzhou had seen Cao Cao and others defeat the Han family and his sons in Tushan. They were so majestic. In the past few days, they had seen Cao Cao deal with Jurchen provocations and look down on them. , felt admiration in their hearts, and asked for orders from Sun An and Sun Li one after another. They wanted to go to war. Hu Yanqing also led several of his subordinates to accompany him. Except for Jie Bao, who was still injured, only Ma Zheng and a few subordinates were left. Dare to follow and stay in the big tent trembling.
Hu Yanqing was quite excited along the way and said in a low voice: "When Ban Chao was sent to the Western Regions, thirty-six people traveled across the desert, and the power of the Han Dynasty spread far and wide. Unexpectedly, I, Hu Yanqing, also learned from the predecessors."
Since Hu Yanqing bravely stepped out on Tushan Mountain, Lao Cao's attitude towards him has become much closer. Previously, the Jurchen army provoked him, and he went out to fight twice. Although he failed both times, he still won the respect of Lin Chong and others. . Hu Yanqing interacted with these heroes, and the cautious and cautious attitude he had cultivated in the officialdom for many years was slowly changing, and his true colors were gradually revealed.
We braved the snow and darkness, dived one foot at a time, and arrived at the gate of Yizhou City. Sure enough, no defender found us. Hu Yanqing said happily: "The Liao army underestimated the enemy so much that they are really defeated."
Cao Cao laughed in a low voice and said: "The powerful generals like Wanyan Loushi all thought that it was impossible to attack the city in such a wind and snow, so the defenders were naturally careless. Moreover, if they could insist on keeping sentries in such a cold weather, the Liao army would not be like this. Repeatedly failed."
Hu Yanqing chuckled, stretched out his hand to touch the city wall, and immediately made a sad face: "Wu Jiedu, let me tell you how dare the defenders be so careless. They had already poured water on the wall, and now it is all frozen. How can it be slippery? have to?"
Cao Cao said disdainfully: "The ice formed by watering it is the leftover leftover from Wu's previous life, so how difficult is it to break it? Hum, brother Shi Qian, this first skill can only be taught by you!"
What a "flea on the drum"! Hearing this, he perked up and said with a smile: "Brothers, brothers, Commander Hu Yan, let's see what I can do!"
After saying that, he took out a pair of gloves from his arms and put them on: the fingers and palms were all short hooked blades! Then he took out two iron palm claws and put them in front of his feet. Like an old ape with steel fingers and iron claws, he only climbed up. Why is it that the wall is so slippery that it is difficult to stand on it? All I saw was a burst of smoke floating above the sky!
In just a few breaths, Shi Qian had already climbed to the top of the city wall. He poked his head out silently, looked around and saw that the guards were all huddled at the corner of the stairs warming themselves by the fire. He smiled and turned over gently. After untying the long rope tied to Bingo and slowly lowering it from the city wall - Xie Zhen, San Ruan, Jiao Ting, Li Jun and Zhang Shun, one by one, grabbed the rope and climbed up steadily.
Among these people, Xie Zhen is a top hunter. He is an expert at climbing mountains and walls. San Ruan and Li Zhang are both heroes on the water. They are also agile in climbing poles and jumping waves. However, Jiao Ting is a good athlete. Kungfu, strong hands and feet, flexibility and balance, so with only one rope, it is effortless to get up to the ice city.
The eight people were divided into two teams. They were short as a cat and walked around from left to right. When they met the defenders gathered to warm themselves by the fire, they jumped out with a few swords. It only took a stick of incense. On this wall, there were dozens of soldiers guarding the night. , was killed without saying a word.
Then the seven of them gathered together and came down, killed more than ten people in the city gate, and opened the gate without making a sound.
Cao Cao laughed: "Brother Hua Rong, send out the signal!"
Hua Rong nodded and took out a loud arrow that was packed with flammable materials that he had prepared. He ignited it on the fire and shot it when he looked into the air. He saw a flash of fire, with a sharp whistle, and it flew for more than twenty people. It is ten feet high or low, and even if there is heavy snow in the sky, it can be seen for miles around.
Cao Cao and others took out the torches they were protecting in their arms, folded them and lit them. They mounted their horses one after another, holding torches in their left hands and weapons in their right hands. They all roared and rode into the city.
There are only a thousand or so defenders in this city. Even if they were arrayed for battle during the day, they would not be able to compete with Cao Cao's group of tigers and wolves. What's more, on a snowy night, when everyone is dreaming? When Cao Cao and others entered the city, it was like divine soldiers descending from heaven. How could the city have the slightest ability to fight back?
They woke up quickly and rushed out of the camp. They were met with swords and guns. The people behind them were so cruel that their livers and gallbladders were shattered. They knelt down and asked to surrender. Hu Yanqing jumped on his horse and danced with his spear, killing several people in a row. Blood sprayed on the ground. On the white snow, I could feel the heroic spirit and couldn't help laughing. Even the generals under his command were all excited and roaring.
When Wanyan Loushi and his troops arrived, Cao Cao found that Yizhou had been occupied by Cao Cao. Each of the four gates was guarded by men. The whole city was full of soldiers and civilians, and not a single one could escape.
The Jurchen generals touched the cold city wall and looked at the hanging rope. They were all dumbfounded. Lou Shi also exclaimed: "Brother, how can you climb such a city wall?"
Shi Qian's gloves and iron soles had already been put away, and Cao Cao said sternly: "Nothing but your heart and ears! Brother Lou's platform is like this city wall. If you think you can't climb it, you will definitely not be able to climb it. On the contrary, you will not be able to climb it." If you have deep faith in yourself and believe that you can climb it, then you will definitely be able to climb it!”
Oh! What a profound truth! Lou Shi couldn't help but nodded: "I understand! When I was fourteen years old, I encountered a tiger in the mountains and had no way to escape. I thought to myself, either it dies or I die, so I focused on fighting hard and finally stabbed the tiger to death! I want to come here That’s what you said about your intentions, brother! The knowledge of you Han people in the Central Plains is really profound."
Cao Cao nodded: "That's the truth." He couldn't help but be surprised in his heart: At the age of fourteen, you are not mature enough and have insufficient strength, but you actually have the power to stab a tiger? If you put it in the Central Plains, I'm afraid it would have already become famous.
Wanyan Loushi was very happy when he saw that he understood it correctly. He couldn't help but look up and down the city wall, as if he was eager to give it a try.
Cao Cao quickly said: "Brother Lou, have you arranged any arrangements in the camp?"
Wanyan Loushi remembered the business and gave up the idea of climbing the wall. He nodded excitedly and said, "It's all as you said. Only a few people were left to guard it. I told them to pretend to be lazy. Then I dug many big pits in the inner camp and filled them with cloth, Covered by snowflakes, if you don’t step on it, you will never know whether it’s true or false! The Han family’s father and son led people to guard the central army.”
Cao Cao frowned and said: "After all, they are newly surrendered. If the resentful army comes to kill them, they are old friends. Just in case..."
Lou Shi smiled and waved his hands: "Brother, don't worry. If there hadn't been this snow, I don't know whether it was the Resentful Army or the Yelv Rock that arrived first. However, the wind is blowing and the snow is strong at the moment. It's okay if no one comes. If someone comes, it must be the Yelu Rock." also!"
When he said this, Lao Cao suddenly realized: That's it! After all, the resentful army is Han Chinese in the north, and their loyalty to the Liao Kingdom is bound to be limited. With such heavy snow, they dare not take risks easily, and only truly loyal ministers are willing to contribute.
He blurted out: "So, this Yelv Stone is a loyal and good person of the Liao Kingdom?"
Lou Shi put away his smile and nodded: "This man is young and well-known. He is now about thirty years old, but he is a talented man in both civil and military affairs. According to the rules of the Liao Kingdom, Khitan people do not need to take the imperial examination, but he decided He wanted to participate, won the Jinshi, and entered the Hanlin Academy. The Liao people called Hanlin Linya, so everyone called him Linya the Great Stone! A few years ago, he was sent to be the governor of the Prefecture, and he fought with our army several times. His martial arts were really extraordinary. He is also very resourceful in fighting and has never suffered a loss, so he was recently appointed as the military commander of Liao Xing Army."
Cao Cao couldn't help but get excited after hearing this: "If he is really a general, I am afraid that he will not let go in such a snowy day. I am afraid that he will not let go. Brother, please stay in this city. When I return to the camp, I can at least meet him for a while. !”
There are different teachings: There is solid ice in Yizhou City, and fleas on the drum can climb up with iron fingers. The wind and snow drove the soldiers and horses in, and the pits were densely packed waiting for the eagle to fly.
(End of chapter)
