On the flat ground, yellow sand fills the sky!
Cao Xiu led a group of elite tiger and leopard cavalry, marching mightily on the land of flying yellow sand, with momentum like a rainbow.
A group of cavalrymen wore shiny iron armor and looked majestic like tigers and leopards on the battlefield.
The tiger and leopard cavalry rode forward. The high heads of the war horses reflected the cold light flashing on the armor. They took powerful steps. Their expressions were resolute and their eyes were like lightning, like sharp blades unsheathed.
Behind the tiger and leopard cavalry was a huge infantry force.
Most of the soldiers wore heavy armor and were armed with spears and swords. Some soldiers did not have iron armor and wore straw armor or leather clothes.
The younger one was probably twelve or thirteen years old and was wearing an adult's robe, which looked a little funny; the older one had silver hair and a haggard face, and didn't look like he could live for a few more years.
Huhuhu~
The spring breeze blows, but it brings up bursts of yellow sand, as if the sky and the earth are shrouded in a layer of yellow mist.
The hoofs of Cao Xiu's horse stepped on the yellow sand, making a rhythmic dull sound. He was wearing armor and a helmet, and his eyes were firm. He seemed to be able to penetrate the smoke and dust of the battlefield and see every detail.
The accompanying soldiers and civilians drove ox-carts and horse-drawn carriages, carrying military supplies, and formed a long dragon-like team, moving forward slowly as the army marched.
The dust was flying, and their faces were obscured by the dust. Occasionally they would spit out a mouthful of thick phlegm full of grit and complain a few more times.
But that’s about it.
escape?
Behind the civilian husband, there are soldiers from Wei who are on guard. The name is protection, but in reality they are surveillance. Who dares to escape?
The swords of these soldiers are about to be chopped off. The white knife goes in and the red knife comes out. This is no joke.
"arrive."
Cao Xiu looked at the camp not far away and the Baoxin City further away. He raised his hand and said, "The army is resting where it is. I'll go see Lu Chang first."
Jumping off his horse, Cao Xiu and a group of soldiers walked towards the camp.
At this moment, the camp gate has already been opened.
At the door, Lu Chang, wearing black armor, came to greet Cao Xiu with a group of military officers and generals.
"General Cao, please."
Cao Xiu nodded, gestured to Lu Chang, and said, "Please."
The two of them took the lead to walk towards the main tent of the Chinese army. The subordinate officers and Cao Xiu's personal guards behind them were in tacit understanding. They followed the two of them step by step, one by one.
"What's the situation ahead? Will Zhongda's plan work?"
Sima Yi also informed Cao Pi of his plan, and had to deal with it in advance. Otherwise, Cao Xiu would not have rushed over in such a hurry.
Shouchun is not stable now!
"Success or failure depends on these days."
"If we can really defeat the Hanzhong Crown Prince Liu Gongsi, it will be a great morale boost. If we can kill him or capture him alive, the current decline will be wiped out!"
Lu Chang glanced at Cao Xiu and said, "I hope so."
As the two of them talked, they quickly arrived at the main tent of the Chinese army.
Lu Chang and Cao Xiu shared the main seat.
As soon as he sat down, Cao Xiu spoke.
"Our army only has enough food and grass for a few days. I would like to ask the general to send some food and grass over for emergencies."
How many days of food and grass?
Lu Chang was shocked.
"The general brought his army here, but why is there no food and grass?"
Most of the food and grass were gathered in Shouchun. Cao Xiu just came from Shouchun. How could there be no food and grass?
"The food and grass in the South Ru River Food Road are now in the praises. As for the food and grass in the North Ru River and Ying Shui Food Road, it is not enough to support the army."
After saying that, Cao Xiu sighed softly.
"The main reason is that wars are raging and all parties need food."
War breaks out?
Lu Chang was stunned.
Facing the current situation, Cao Xiu felt heavy and sighed deeply, then turned to Lu Chang beside him.
The doubtful look on Lu Chang's face was also noticed by him.
There was a hint of helplessness and worry in Cao Xiu's tone: "General Lu, the current situation is indeed not optimistic. There is Zang Ba in the east who is fomenting rebellion in Xuzhou, and there is Jiangdong Sun Quan in the south who is eyeing him. The burden on the king is heavy!"
Um?
Lu Chang frowned and asked: "Didn't Zang Ba die in the army? As for Jiangdong Sun Quan, didn't we ally with him? How come there is another war between these two places?"
I originally thought that what Cao Xiu brought was strong reinforcements, but now it seems that this is not the case.
"That's a long story."
Cao Xiu shook his head and said: "We thought Zang Ba died in the army before. However, there was news that he had borrowed three thousand troops in Jiangxia to stabilize Guangling County. After gathering the troops, there was a plan. Thousands of people are heading towards Xiapi."
"Is this happening?"
Zang Ba has resurrected, and if he is not eradicated, there will be chaos in Xuzhou!
Lu Chang also knew the seriousness of the matter.
"Originally, Jiang Gan had already persuaded Yili to surrender and went to attack Pengcheng. As a result, Yili's army had just arrived at the foot of Pengcheng. Before they could attack, news came that Xiapi was surrounded by Zang Ba. All Xiapi in Pengcheng would be attacked by Zang Ba and his son. With his hands, the two counties of Donghai and Langya surrendered, and Xuzhou was in turmoil. The king had to send generals to quell the rebellion, and he mobilized many elites and supplies."
As the battle line lengthened, the loss of food and grass greatly increased. This is also the reason why Cao Xiu's army had no food.
"As for Sun Quan from Jiangdong, he is a person who is accustomed to betraying alliances. When he heard about the turmoil in Xuzhou and our army was involved, he immediately broke the alliance, sent out troops again, and surrounded Chengde. Alas! Originally, the king wanted to come to Runan in person. , now for a while, we actually can’t arrive, so I have to lead some elite tiger and leopard cavalry, plus 10,000 infantry to come for reinforcements.”
After hearing what Cao Xiu said, Lu Chang felt a lot heavier.
"Then what is the mission that the king has given me?"
"Just hold down Mr. Liu first, and then attack Mr. Liu after the situation in Xuzhou calms down."
It seems that Shouchun held another meeting not long ago, and this time Cao Pi adopted Jia Xu's plan.
First pacify Xuzhou and Jiangdong, and then attack Runan.
"Since we are going to involve Liu Chan, can we put Mr. Zhongda's plan on hold for now?"
"No!"
Cao Xiu's eyes were firm, and he said: "We cannot let Liu Chan know the weakness of our army. At this time, we should fight back hard and hit him with one punch to avoid hundreds of punches. Only by fighting this battle can we stabilize Runan."
When Lu Chang heard this, his face showed a thoughtful expression.
"Besides, I have an army of tens of thousands, and it might not be possible to pacify Runan. Last time I was defeated by Liu Chan. This time, I want to get back my capital and profits!"
Seeing Cao Xiu's fighting spirit, Lu Chang felt worried in his heart.
At this moment, there were soldiers outside the tent coming to deliver orders.
"Two generals, the commander of the army has a message: When the fish takes the bait, act quickly and according to your plan."
The fish takes the bait?
Cao Xiu was stunned for a moment, turned to look at Lu Chang, and asked, "What does it mean when this fish takes the bait?"
Lu Chang looked serious and said: "Lan Zhan sneaked out of the city this morning, and Zhongda sent people to follow him all the way. I think we will see results. Then Liu Gongsi sent troops."
Cao Xiu immediately became excited when he heard that there was meat to eat.
"Just in time, our elite tiger and leopard cavalry have arrived, and I will definitely kill him without leaving a trace behind!"
He is not afraid of frontal combat, let alone ambushing others.
When Cao Xiu went out to fight, the most annoying thing was not that he had to fight with the enemy in bloody battles, but that he couldn't find anyone at all.
No one dares to fight with him!
As soon as they heard the reputation of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, or saw the flag of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry from a distance, they ran away.
Now that there is an opportunity to make meritorious deeds, how could he miss it?
"How can we fight again when the general has marched a long distance?"
Cao Xiu disagreed.
"If ordinary soldiers march like this, they will certainly not be able to fight. However, those under my command are capable of hundreds of battles. If we go to fight now, we will be invincible!"
"this"
Cao Xiu stood up directly and said, "General Lu, there is no need to worry, I have my own ideas."
"That's fine."
Lu Chang also stood up slowly. He cupped his hands towards Cao Xiu and said, "General Cao, please!"
now.
Twenty miles south of Baoxin City.
In an abandoned post pavilion, Lan Zhan, dressed in regular clothes, was pacing back and forth. His brows were furrowed and his face was anxious. He looked towards the south from time to time, but every time he looked, he was disappointed.
Where are people?
Where are the people!
Lan Zhan sighed deeply. If no one came yet, he would have no choice but to go back.
"County Lord, here we come, here we come!"
His subordinates shouted loudly several times, and Lan Zhan finally came to his senses, only to see a puff of dust rising from the south.
It seemed like a large army was coming.
Dong Dong Dong~
The sound of the cavalry trampling the ground was also shocking.
Master Wang!
Master Wang has arrived!
"Hahaha~"
Lan Zhan laughed loudly and said: "Now that Master Wang has arrived, I want to see why Sima Yi opposes me everywhere! Follow me to greet Master Wang!"
"Xu~"
Zhang Bao, wearing red armor, reined in his horse and stopped outside the pavilion.
"I'm Lan Zhan, who is the general?"
The man in front of me was Lan Zhan, the commendation orderer. Before Zhang Bao got off his horse, he said condescendingly: "I am Zhang Bao, the left guard of the Prince's Mansion. Lord of the county, please get on your horse. Your Highness wants to see you."
Get on the horse?
Your Highness wants to see me?
"I have many arrangements in Baoxin City, and I also have the defense plan of the Wei army outside the city. Wouldn't the general send troops to attack it?"
Zhang Bao looked at Lan Zhan in front of him with a serious look on his face. He took a deep breath and said firmly: "Your Majesty, the fact that you were able to obtain the defense map of the army was actually leaked by Sima Yi on purpose. His purpose was obvious, which was to lure us here and catch us all in one fell swoop. , this is his poisonous plan."
A poisonous plot?
Lan Zhan was stunned.
"This is impossible. The military defense map was not given to me by Sima Yi on purpose, but by me who got Zhao Yuede drunk."
"How could Zhao Yue get the military defense map? And he deliberately came to your house?"
"this"
Lan Zhan was silent.
When Zhang Bao said this, all of this was indeed too much of a coincidence.
Zhang Bao's eyes glanced sharply at Lan Zhan, as if he wanted to see through his heart: "Then Sima Yi deliberately targeted you, I'm afraid he also wanted to force you to rebel. The current situation is very urgent, and the county magistrate must not reply to the letter of praise. It's better to follow me. Go to Xinxi and pay homage to His Highness.”
When Lan Zhan didn't answer, Zhang Bao thought he was worried about his family members in the city, so he continued:
"Don't worry, your family members in the city have been secretly transferred out of the city."
After Lan Zhan listened to Zhang Bao's words, he was silent for a moment, with a hint of contradiction and bitterness in his eyes.
His voice trembled slightly, but he said firmly: "General Zhang, I understand what you mean, but please general also understand my situation. My people are all in Lan's Wubao outside Baoxin City. If I leave , Wubao will definitely be attacked, and our Runan Lan clan will face the danger of annihilation."
He took a deep look at Zhang Bao, with perseverance and determination in his eyes: "My life is not worth mentioning, but I can't give up on my Lan clan. Please give me a force, general, and let me go and defend Lan's Wu." The fort also delays time for Your Highness to attract the Wei army."
Delay time and attract Wei Jun?
Zhang Bao's eyes lit up.
perhaps
The mission given to him by His Highness needs to be changed.
I thought I couldn’t make meritorious deeds!
Now, it's time for me, Zhang Bao, to show my resourcefulness.
"Is Lan's Wold Fort strong?"
As soon as he heard that Zhang Bao was willing to send troops to defend, Lan Zhan immediately said: "Wubao was built by our people for decades. There is countless grain and grass in Wubao, enough to support an army of ten thousand people for several years, and there are even more equipment to defend the city. "
In troubled times, aristocratic families must rely on weapons to maintain their reputation.
The way for aristocratic families to survive is naturally these forts.
"Well, I, Zhang Bao, will go with you to Lan's Wubao to stop the Wei army!"
"really?"
Hearing this, Lan Zhan was overjoyed.
There are only a few hundred Xiangyong in Lan's Wubao. If it is attacked by a regular army like the Wei army, it is estimated that it will be broken within an hour or two.
But if you add the thousands of people under Zhang Bao.
It’s sure to last for months, or even longer!
"I, Zhang Bao, have said what I have said, and it is hard for a horse to catch up with me!"
"No!"
Huang Chong shook his head immediately.
"Your Highness wants us to come to support you, not to engage in battle with the Wei army."
Zhang Bao disagreed.
"I will not accept your fate. If Brother Huang is afraid of death, he can go to Xinxi in person and inform His Highness of the situation. With His Highness's wisdom, he will definitely agree with my current decision!"
Fighter plane, fighter plane, fleeting.
Even at the risk of being dealt with by military law, he did this!
"Forget it, I will send someone to inform His Highness about this. As for me, it is better for me to follow your general."
Cowardly and afraid of death?
I, Huang Chong, am not afraid of death.
"Time is of the essence, County Lord. I will go to Lan's Wubao as soon as possible to arrange defenses."
Lan Zhan nodded, his expression very serious.
"Wubao is heavily guarded inside and outside. With Wang Shixiang's help, the thieves will not be able to defeat it. General, follow me!"
With that said, everyone ran towards the northwest.
Lan's Wubao is fifteen miles west of Baoxin City, on the side of Ru River.
"Lan Zhan didn't return? Instead, he led the Jingzhou soldiers to the northwest?"
Northwest?
Sima Yi frowned.
"If he doesn't steal compliments or attack camps, why would he go to the northwest?"
Zhao Yue hesitated for a moment, then stood up and said, "Sir, I know why Lan Zhan wants to go to the northwest."
"Why?"
Baoxin County Lieutenant Zhao Yue swallowed a mouthful of saliva and said: "Lan's Wubao is in that direction."
"Lan's Wold Castle? Not good!"
Sima Yi seemed to have thought of something, and said quickly: "Inform Lu Chang and Cao Xiu, let them lead the troops to Lan's Wubao, and capture Lan's family before they escape!"
In Sima Yi's opinion, Liu Chan must have seen through his plan.
Knowing that stealing a camp or a city is impossible.
So he took the next step and stole people!
Moving the Runan Lan Sect to Xinxi is not without gain.
but.
hehe!
How can I, Sima Yi, fulfill your wish?
(End of chapter)
