The development of the matter was no different from what Lei Tie said. All 3,500 soldiers in Tianxiong Pass surrendered.
After handing over the prisoners, Lei Tie took the more than 300 people of Guanghan nationality under his command and the 200 people Xun You found for him on the road overnight and headed straight for Zitong.
On the second day, the remaining troops under Liu Zhang arrived at Jiameng Pass one after another. Then a serious problem arose. There were not enough soldiers under his command!
Liu Zhang now has Zhao Yun, Taishi Ci, Dian Wei, Huang Zhong, Zhang Liao, and Gao Shun under his command. There were 10,000 soldiers in the Wufeng camp, 2,800 in the Wuwei camp, 5,000 in the Wushe camp, and 5,000 in the Han Xing camp and the Han camp combined. The total available troops are only 22,800!
This does not include the need to leave soldiers to guard Jiameng Pass, but also needs to guard the more than 6,000 prisoners in Jiameng Pass and Tianxiong Pass!
Before the expedition, I thought Hanzhong County had a surplus of nearly 60,000 troops, but I didn't expect to face a shortage of troops and horses so soon!
"Gongda, ride a horse to convey Wenhe's message. When transporting grain and grass, send the field army over. With our small strength, I'm afraid Zhang Wei won't even take it seriously!"
"As you command!"
After much deliberation, Liu Zhang chose the Tuntian Army between the Tuntian Army and the Xiyuan Imperial Guard Army brought back by Luoyang.
The garrison army was selected from more than 20,000 bandits. They had been trained for many years, so at least their loyalty was guaranteed. The most important thing is that many people already have families in Hanzhong, which is also the basis for loyalty protection.
In the final analysis, Liu Zhang's side did not expect that things would develop so smoothly, and the strategic goal from the beginning was Jiameng Pass.
The plan couldn't keep up with the changes, and now Zitong was within easy reach. Liu Zhang really didn't want to give up this great opportunity! As long as Zitong is captured, it is equivalent to driving a nail into the center of Guanghan County! In the future, you can gradually encroach on Guanghan County through Zitong!
Liu Zhang looked at the people in the room. The top priority now was to leave a general to guard Jiameng Pass.
Jiameng Pass is surrounded by water on three sides. The enemy can sneak attack from Langzhong through the water, so this place must be guarded by generals.
"Now we need to advance towards Zitong and make Zhang Lu fear our front. Someone must stay at Jiameng Pass to defend it."
"Lord, not only Jiameng Pass, but also Tianxiong Pass on Niutou Mountain. There are 6,000 prisoners in the two passes. This mission is not easy!"
Xun You pointed out the current problems one by one, and at the same time reminded everyone not to be careless.
After careful consideration, Liu Zhang finally made a decision.
"Ziyi, you will lead the five thousand Wufeng Battalion to garrison Jiameng Pass and Tianxiong Pass."
Taishi Ci was a little disappointed, but he still accepted the order.
"I will obey your orders!"
"Zilong, you lead the remaining 5,000 Wufeng battalion and escort these 6,000 prisoners back to Nanzheng. These people are called Yizhou elites by Zhang Wei. Let them go to farm first."
Liu Zhang would definitely be reluctant to kill them. These will be his people from now on. At present, Shu County, Jianwei County and Guanghan County are not under his rule, and these surrendered troops have no loyalty at all.
"Lord, this way you won't have any cavalry by your side!"
Zhao Yun's voice revealed concern. Judging from these two battles, the role of cavalry is very critical and is indispensable for breaking through Baishui Pass and Jiameng Pass. Moreover, the cavalry also plays an important role in protecting Liu Zhang.
Now all 10,000 of the most elite Wu Feng battalion were sent out. No wonder Zhao Yun was so worried.
"Zilong, don't worry. Didn't Lei Tie say that Zitong's terrain cavalry can't be used at all? You can rest assured. With Dianwei and Gao Shun by my side, I will naturally be safe and sound!"
Zhao Yun looked at Dian Wei and Gao Shun. The two men did not say any heroic words, but their determined eyes seemed to express their determination to protect Liu Zhang.
"I will obey your orders!"
Zhao Yun didn't say anything else and accepted the order as well, but he already had a plan in mind and must go back as soon as possible!
"Alright, the rest of the generals are getting ready quickly. We will start in Zitong early tomorrow morning!"
"As you command!"
Early the next morning, Liu Zhang led his 12,800 troops out of Jiameng Pass and headed straight for Zitong.
Not long after leaving, Liu Zhang realized what Lei Tie said was not conducive to the cavalry attack.
This endless winding Taurus Road taught Liu Zhang a hard lesson!
Liu Zhang even felt lucky in his heart that he had kept all the cavalry!
Not long after leaving Jiameng Pass, the road began to become narrow, and the widest place could only accommodate six or seven people. After entering Dajian Mountain, the team of more than 10,000 people could only step onto the plank road in the mountain. Not to mention riding a horse, it is very dangerous for people to walk!
"My lord, this Taurus Road is too difficult and dangerous. Once the enemy blocks the road ahead, wouldn't it be difficult for us to retreat?"
Xun You, a person with such profound experience, was shocked by this rugged and difficult plank road!
"Yes! The road to Shu is far more difficult than we imagined! Otherwise, why would I be in such a hurry to advance? Once Zhang Lu reacts and sends troops to intercept at various dangerous points, we think it will be difficult to march straight in like this!"
Liu Zhang said this, but he was also very unsure in his heart. After all, he had no idea what was ahead!
The mountain road was so winding that it was impossible to see the end at a glance. Once the plank road under his feet was cut off, Liu Zhang didn't know how to go down!
"Lord, maybe we really shouldn't rush to march, at least wait until the reinforcements from Hanzhong arrive."
Liu Zhang shook his head. This time he did not listen to Xun You and made his own decision.
In fact, there is no need to worry about Lei Tie. On the contrary, the later Liu Zhang attacks Zitong, the easier it will be for Lei Tie to gain Zhang Wei's trust.
But now that there was enough food, Liu Zhang really didn't want to miss his opportunity at Jiameng Pass!
However, after walking on the plank road of Dajian Mountain, Liu Zhang also strengthened his idea and captured Zitong in one go, letting Zitong serve as the bridgehead to capture Yizhou!
"Gongda, Zhang Wei has no intention to take care of the defense of Dajian Mountain at the moment. We must seize this opportunity, otherwise it will be difficult to advance in the future!"
Xun You looked puzzled, feeling that Liu Zhang was a little too cautious.
"Lord, even if Zhang Wei burns down the plank road, we can still rebuild it. It shouldn't be that serious!"
Liu Zhang chuckled and shook his head. He couldn't explain to Xun You now.
"Gongda, I'm not being alarmist, you'll know after we walk for a while!"
Liu Zhang can only be happy now! Fortunately, Zhuge Liang was still young, he had never been to Sichuan, and he had not built that great pass that had never been breached frontally!
Xun You was doubtful and did not continue to ask, but he still felt that what Liu Zhang said was a bit too exaggerated!
After all, both Baishui Pass and Jiameng Pass have been breached. What could be more difficult and dangerous than these two passes? Why are there no books at all?
Soon, Xun You refreshed his understanding, and looked shocked and frightened at the same time!
