The early morning sun shines through the sparse clouds, reflecting on the ruins of Hefei City, as if wearing a warm and glorious garment.
The native master and a group of craftsmen and strong men shuttled among the ruins, filling the gaps in the city wall with wood and stones, and repairing the city's defense brick by brick.
The craftsmen rolled up their sleeves, took their tools, and worked together to carry out construction in an orderly manner.
Some people are repairing the city walls, some are repairing the city gates, and some are building defensive towers.
With the unremitting efforts of the craftsmen, the north side of Hefei City gradually regained some defensive power.
The newly built houses stood proudly, and sections of city walls towered into the clouds. Hefei, an indestructible fortress, once again stood in front of Sun Quan.
only...
Before, he was looking at Hefei from the city walls and seeing Hefei's fortified city, there was nothing he could do about it, but now it's different.
When he was on the city, he wished that the city walls were so strong that they could withstand millions of troops.
"Is there any movement from the Wei army in the north?"
Sun Quan's face was solemn and confident, and his eyes were bright, revealing wisdom and decisiveness.
His movements are confident and calm, his steps are steady, his demeanor is majestic, and every step appears sonorous and powerful. His gestures are natural and appropriate, sometimes waving, sometimes clenching fists to express determination, demonstrating his leadership style.
Three days ago, he made a major decision and asked Lu Xun to attack the Wei camp.
result...
Big win!
That's Wei Jun!
Many of my Jiangdong ministers fear him like a tiger. What about now?
It's not that I, Sun Quan, were defeated, and I waited obediently north of Feishui River, not daring to attack the city.
Once the grievances and anger that had been accumulated for many days were vented, not to mention how comfortable Sun Quan felt now.
"There is no movement from Zhang Liao and Cao Hong, but I heard from the detective that King Cao Pi of Wei is coming soon, and I am only a few days away."
Cao Pi?
"How many men does he have?"
"I heard there are 200,000 troops!"
Two hundred thousand?
Sun Quan estimated in his mind that even if the two hundred thousand were included in the civilian auxiliary troops, the number of soldiers would be seventy or eighty thousand.
This is still the least.
This is a formidable enemy!
After defending this wave of offensive, Hefei is truly in his hands.
"Hefei is an important land. Now that we have it, there is no reason to throw it away. What can you do?"
Sun Quan looked around at the generals, and his main gaze was fixed on Lu Meng and Lu Xun.
"My lord, the Wei State is powerful. We should repair the city, build a defense line, and focus on defense. We cannot fight with the Wei army out of the city. After all, we do not have enough troops."
Insufficient troops are naturally a problem, but the most important thing is that field battles are not sneak attacks, they are head-on confrontations.
The strength of Jiangdong's infantry is still not as good as those tall and powerful Central Plains men.
Exploit strengths and avoid weaknesses.
Now that Hefei has been captured and time has been bought to build the city's defense line, it is natural to defend the city well.
"What do Boyan think?"
Lu Xun's eyes flashed and he said: "Of course what the Governor said is reasonable, but if we insist on defending, it may be difficult to defend Hefei. Even if we have time to repair the city, can the repaired city really stop the Wei army from attacking the city?"
"What does Boyan mean?"
Keep, keep, keep!
He, Sun Quan, had had enough of being a loser.
I, Kodong Kaner, am not inferior to others. Am I born to hide in the city and be a coward?
"My lord, I still say what I said, keep the Wei army out of Hefei!"
Keep the enemy at bay.
The idea is good, but...
How to achieve this strategic goal?
Sun Quan's suspicious eyes were naturally noticed by Lu Xun.
"The water diverters enter the Feishui River, join forces with the infantry, and attack Chengde together. If Chengde is captured, Hefei will definitely be in the hands of the lord!"
After Zhang Liao and Cao Hong were burned in Wei Village, they had already retreated into Chengde City.
There are nearly ten thousand soldiers. Although Chengde City is not a fortified city, it is not easy to capture it!
Even if the navy is used, it is only possible to attack the city.
Sun Quan's eyes flickered, and on the side, Gu Yong stood up immediately and said, "Bo Yan's plan is very dangerous. There are ten thousand Wei soldiers in Chengde City. How can we capture it before Cao Pi's army comes? It's too risky. , My Lord, in my opinion, we should follow the Grand Governor’s plan!”
After Gu Yong stood up to express his position, several people came forward and expressed the same meaning as Gu Yong.
Sun Quan was sitting on the main seat and saw everyone's expressions. Most of them were probably just like the governor, choosing the safe way.
He remained calm and just said: "With the strength of Jiangdong alone, I cannot compete with Wei State. However, what if Liu Gong of Jingzhou can help?"
Liu Gongsi?
Everyone was stunned.
While everyone was thinking, Sun Quan clapped his hands and glanced at the attendant beside him. The latter immediately understood and shouted at the top of his voice: "Summon Zhuge Jin, the commander-in-chief, into the hall!"
Zhuge Jin?
Gu Yong took a breath of air.
This person has returned from a mission and I didn’t know?
Cold sweat broke out on his forehead unconsciously.
Lu Meng frowned slightly, but did not speak.
Lu Xun was always there, and he had known this news for a long time.
After a moment, Zhuge Jin, dressed in counselor's robes, walked slowly in from outside the hall.
"My lord, Zhuge Jin, pays homage to my lord!"
"Get up."
Sun Quan waved his hand, helped Zhuge Jinxu up, and then asked: "Will Prince Liu Gongsi of Hanzhong agree to send troops this time?"
The two had already exchanged good words with each other last night. Zhuge Jin immediately stood up, raised his head and said: "My lord, the crown prince of Hanzhong, Liu Gongsi, admires your majesty and majesty, and hates your majesty for being humiliated by Cao Cao. As soon as he heard that my lord wanted to join forces." We allied ourselves with the King of Wei, and for a moment I longed for him, wishing I could kneel on the ground, and immediately agreed to send troops."
This rainbow fart made Sun Quan beam with joy.
"Hahaha! Hahaha!"
Sun Quan first laughed twice and said: "Then Liu Gongsi is my son-in-law after all. That's very polite. However, if he is willing to send troops, how many soldiers can he send?"
Zhuge Jin said on the side: "Send out all the troops in Jingzhou and guard Jiangxia in Jin. You can send troops to Lujiang County at any time. Liu Gongsi, the crown prince of Hanzhong, has already arrived in Xiyang City and can send troops to Runan at any time. Guan Yunchang, the Hou Tinghou of the Han Dynasty, has arrived early. Chen Bing, Ye County, as long as he is willing, he can invade Yingchuan and run across the hinterland of Wei!"
After everyone listened to Zhuge Jin's words, they didn't dare to speak for a moment.
It's not that I don't dare to speak, but that for a moment, I don't know what to say.
These words...
Why does it sound a bit fake?
"Then Prince Liu Gongsi of Hanzhong, will he really honor his promise? Didn't he lie to me, Jiangdong?"
Gu Yong's face was particularly disbelieving.
Zhuge Jin's face didn't turn red, and his heart didn't beat. He said very calmly: "It's the truth."
"It's just...that the Crown Prince Liu Gongsi of Hanzhong is very cunning. Why does he want to help me Jiangdong?"
I can’t figure it out. Gu Yong can’t figure it out!
"Because of my lord's righteousness, and the concerted efforts of Miss Xiaohu, Mrs. Sun, and Mrs. Bu, I was able to persuade Mr. Liu."
Three people working together?
Why does this sound weird?
Feeling the strange looks from the officials in the hall, Sun Quan suddenly felt that the color of the military crown on his head had changed.
"snort!"
He immediately snorted coldly and said, "I believe in Ziyu's character. He will never target someone without reason."
Zhuge Jin opened his mouth, but in the end he didn't say a word.
What I just said is half true and false. It is true that Liu Gongsi formed an alliance with him in Jiangdong, but...
It was a lie to send troops.
That Mr. Liu was as cunning as a fox.
He wouldn't do anything that would cause him to suffer a loss. If he wanted this kid to suffer a loss, he didn't have the ability.
"With the help of my good son-in-law Liu Chan, will he be afraid of the Wei army?"
"this..."
Gu Yong rolled his eyes slightly, but still said: "Far water cannot cure near thirst, please think again, my lord."
These officials of my own are really too cautious.
"Pa bang bang~"
He stretched out his hand and slapped it twice, and the attendant beside him quickly shouted: "Summon Zang Ba's envoy into the hall!"
Zang Ba’s messenger?
Gu Yong was shocked again.
He didn't know about Zhuge Jin's return, so why did he still not know when Zang Ba's envoy came?
Have all the reports he made by the master's side disappeared?
Soon.
Wearing the envoy's robe, the envoy Zang Ba slowly walked into the hall.
"The envoy pays homage to the Marquis of Wu!"
"No need to be polite."
Sun Quan went straight to the point and asked, "What do you mean you came here this time?"
Zang Ba's envoy had been listening outside the hall for half an hour, and he didn't know Sun Quan's intention to see him this time.
In order to convince his subordinates, let Jiangdong send troops!
This coincided with the purpose of his mission. Therefore, Zang Ba's envoy also tried his best to cooperate with Sun Quan.
"My lord Zang Ba raised an army of 100,000 and deployed his troops outside Shouchun City to stop the Han thief Cao Pi's army of 200,000. Not only that, my lord also invited the crown prince of Hanzhong to attack Wei on three sides, and Jiangdong Xiang assisted him. , Not to mention Cao Pi bringing an army of 200,000, but even if he brings an army of one million, what is there to fear?"
"What?"
"Is this happening?"
"Then Zang Ba can really gather an army of 100,000 people?"
...
As soon as Zang Ba's envoy said this, Jiangdong's officials in the hall started talking about it.
The Zang Ba envoy smiled softly and said: "If you don't believe it, you can send envoys to investigate the information. If the information obtained is different from what I said, you can take my head!"
This person dares to say such big words, which means that this matter is true.
Even the most stable Gu Yong was shaken for a moment when he heard that Jiang Dong had formed an alliance with Liu Chan and Zang Ba at the same time.
If this is really the case, then there is really a chance to mobilize troops to achieve success at this moment.
"My Lord has agreed that if we can win this battle, we will send Jiujiang County to Jiangdong."
Jiujiang County?
"What?"
Gu Yong exclaimed and asked, "Seriously?"
Messenger Zang Ba nodded heavily and said, "This matter couldn't be more true!"
Jiujiang County not only has Hefei, but also Shouchun!
To defend the river, you must defend the Huai River.
By guarding Shouchun, he Jiangdong can not only guard his current foundation, but also push his rule to the Huaihe River area, if such a goal is really achieved.
The scope of this rule directly expanded to hundreds of miles!
Even Gu Yong was moved, let alone the officials in the hall.
Especially the generals, they immediately screamed and asked for battle!
This is a real benefit. After taking advantage of it and having merit, isn't this newly acquired land given to them?
There is a promising battle, and they will naturally fight it with all their strength.
This is about one's own vital interests.
"So, you still want to stop me from sending troops?"
Gu Yong's eyes rolled slightly, and he immediately stepped forward and saluted: "My lord is so well prepared, this matter must be a sure thing. If that's the case, why should we stop him?"
"Send troops, send troops!"
Someone made a noise below, and then, there were only two words left in the entire hall:
"send troops!"
"send troops!"
"send troops!"
...
Seeing the military generals in the hall who were eager to fight, Sun Quan also had a smug smile on his face.
This is right!
Listen to me, Sun Zhongmou, you are right!
In the hall, Lu Meng looked at the proud lord Sun Quan, then at the submissive Gu Yong, and at the calm Lu Xun, his brows furrowed deeper.
Although this Gu Yong has been confronting the master in the hall, maybe it is the double act played by Gu Yong and the master?
Whether it's Zhuge Ziyu or Zang Ba's messenger...
Today, the Lord gathered everyone in the lobby, not as if they were here to discuss matters, but as if they were here to perform a play.
and...
This scene was really beautifully performed.
Lu Meng was a little worried: he hoped that the situation would develop as his lord thought.
But this thought didn't last long, and Lu Meng laughed to himself.
What did he think about these questions?
Although he is the Governor of Soochow, it seems that he will not hold this position for a long time.
Without the Lord's trust, this position will belong to someone else sooner or later.
Hey~
Lu Meng sighed.
He was thinking of avenging Jiangling that day, but...
Do you really have a chance in this life?
...
Three days later.
The east bank of Feishui River.
A few days ago, the Xuzhou soldiers led by Zang Ba set up a camp. The camp was majestic and covered a vast area.
The flags were flying in the camp, and the military flags were embroidered with the character Zang, shining with cold light.
The village gate is towering and tall, reinforced with solid wood, like a huge copper wall and iron wall, which is intimidating.
There are many archery towers in the village, and each of them is occupied by soldiers, holding long bows and filled with arrows, ready to fire at the enemy at any time. The guardrail iron plates on the city wall are continuous, protecting the entire wall, enough to withstand any attack.
Along the inside and outside of the village wall, there are dense traps, including deep pits, spikes, trip wires, and bow and arrow traps hidden in the deep grass. Any enemy who tries to get close will fall into them and lose their combat effectiveness.
Arrow towers and beacon towers were set up around the camp, standing high on the wall of the camp, overlooking the surroundings. Once an enemy attack was detected, an alarm would be issued immediately.
The atmosphere in the entire camp was tense and solemn. Soldiers wearing armor and holding weapons stood guard on the city wall and were ready.
Obviously, Zang Ba planned to stay here for a long time.
However, he wanted to stay, but some people didn't want him to be an eyesore here.
Cao Xiu led the tiger and leopard cavalry and came to Zang Ba's camp aggressively. He loudly called for formation and provoked the Xuzhou soldiers to fight.
"Rebel, do you dare to come out of the city and fight to the death with your Grandpa Cao Xiu?"
"A guy without eggs is still called a hero? I think he's like a bear!"
"Are all the men in Xuzhou bloodless? They are just cowardly turtles?"
"Xuzhou rats?"
...
Cao Xiu's voice was almost hoarse.
However, the Xuzhou soldiers closed the gate of the village tightly and remained unmoved. They just stayed quietly in the village without any intention of attacking.
Seeing that Xuzhou's troops could not move out, Cao Xiu had no choice but to personally lead the tiger and leopard cavalry to attack the camp.
He charged bravely and took the lead into the trap area of the camp, but he did not expect that Zang Ba's archers who were ambushing in the trap area fortress were already ready.
Following the order, Xuzhou soldiers' archers fired thousands of arrows, and dense arrows flew like black clouds, covering the entire charging area. The Tiger and Leopard Cavalry were overwhelmed by the rain of arrows. They were unable to move forward or retreat for a while, and fell into a state of embarrassment.
Cao Xiu realized that the situation was not good, so he had to order a retreat and led the remaining tiger and leopard cavalry to rush out of the camp.
The rain of arrows continued, and the tiger and leopard rode in the rain of arrows and fled, in a state of embarrassment.
Zang Ba, who was on the camp, spat fiercely.
"Tiger and Leopard Rider? I'm not going out to fight in the field. Let me see what you can do to me?"
He dared to stay here because he had opened up the front line between Xiquyang, Yinling, and Huailing, and the transportation of grain and grass supplies was smooth. Otherwise, how could he dare to stay in the encirclement if his way back was cut off?
certainly...
Staying here is definitely risky.
Cao Pi's army of hundreds of thousands is right beside him, and the land of Qingxu behind him may also be unstable.
The alliance between Liu Gongsi, the crown prince of Hanzhong, and Sun Zhongmou of Jiangdong may not be reliable.
but...
If you want to achieve extraordinary things, you have to risk your own life and your family.
king...
Not that easy!
He, Zang Ba, can only gamble his life now!
