A few days later, Huayang Pass.
Xiao Yuan arrived with his army and immediately launched an all-out attack.
At this time, there were 50,000 Huan troops in the pass, plus more than 60,000 young men who had been forcibly recruited, for a total of about 100,000 people.
However, among these young men, there were too many deserters. If one person fled, the consequences would be like a plague, causing several small riots.
In the end, Xiang Ge had no choice but to divide the regular army and the young men into two parts to avoid affecting the entire army.
He himself has no confidence at all, and this is already the last step with no retreat.
The army was approaching, and the commander had no confidence in retreating from the enemy, let alone the soldiers below. Everyone was in panic.
At this moment, Guo Kai came.
He was an important minister of Huan State, so the generals in the army respected him very much.
For Xiang Ge, this was like the last life-saving straw. After seeing him, he quickly invited him into the main tent and said in a hurry: "Brother Guo is here, but I am sending reinforcements." Just one thing."
"Brother Xiang, where are the reinforcements now? You should know something about the domestic situation." Guo Kai shook his head.
Xiang Ge was a man with a false reputation. He looked down upon enemies who were weaker than him, but when faced with King Xiao Yuan of Qin and those brave and skilled generals in the Qin army, he was timid and fearful from the bottom of his heart.
He had a very good relationship with Guo Kai, so he had already rejected other people after meeting him.
Hearing what Guo Kai said at this time, he couldn't help but grin, and the worry on his face became heavier.
Guo Kai glanced at him and said calmly: "With the current war, is Brother Xiang confident of retreating from the enemy?"
"Here, the King of Qin is eyeing Huayang. The Qin army is brave and good at fighting and has a large number of troops. How can we defeat our army based on its current situation?" Of course, Xiang Ge would not hide his feelings from his personal friends, and directly expressed his feelings.
I thought that Guo would hold a meeting to think of some solutions, but instead he nodded in agreement and sighed: "Yes, we are outnumbered, and our combat power, military morale, people's morale, politics, etc. are all at a disadvantage." Our side is disadvantaged. If we continue this battle, not only will it not help the situation, I am afraid it will just end in the annihilation of the entire army."
"This." Xiang Ge's face became more anxious.
Guo Kai glanced at him again and continued: "When I came here, I also took a look at the army. The 60,000 young men were completely negligible. Even our 50,000 regular army had many unstable morale and soldiers. Private discussions are filled with panic, Brother Xiang should have made plans early."
Hearing this, Xiang Ge was shocked: "Brother Guo, what do you mean by this?"
Guo Kai did not answer him immediately, but subconsciously looked around.
Seeing this, Xiang Ge understood and said: "Brother Guo, don't worry, there are no other outsiders here, but it doesn't matter."
"Yes." Guo Kai nodded, leaned closer to Xiang Ge, and said in a lower voice: "Now the country has long been in chaos, the political situation is unstable, and people's hearts are turbulent. Except for the capital, many places do not obey the imperial decrees. Brother Xiang, do you know what this means?"
Xiang Ge's eyes widened.
Guo Kai continued: "This means that our court can no longer control the political power, because the people no longer obey the king, but are welcoming the King of Qin. The few soldiers and horses in Brother Xiang's hands are also the last soldiers and horses."
"Ah? Brother Guo means that our country, Huan, has no room for maneuver?" Xiang Ge was surprised.
"Before, the king still placed his hopes on the Ling Army, but now the Ling Army only focuses on taking over the southern counties. There is no intention of retreating from Qin. Now that things have happened, Brother Xiang knows the situation."
After saying this, Guo Kai whispered again: "So, Brother Xiang must make plans early. The Xiang family has been powerful for generations and cannot be destroyed in your hands."
"hiss……"
After listening to what he said, Xiang Ge couldn't help but take a breath, frowned deeply, and said in a serious voice: "Brother Guo is telling me to surrender to the King of Qin?"
"Brother Xiang is the only one blocking the Qin army now, and he has tens of thousands of troops in his hands. If he takes the initiative to show his kindness, King Qin will definitely be happy. What he wants most now is to peacefully resolve the Huandi problem. How can he not remember Xiang? Brother Xiang's contribution." Guo Kaidao said: "Huan Guo has been defeated, and surrendering to the imperial court is an unchangeable outcome. When the time comes, Brother Xiang not only saved the lives of the soldiers, but also promoted peace. The King of Qin will definitely protect your title. ah."
Being able to keep his title and family power was a great temptation for Xiang Ge. He had no confidence at all, but his heart was undoubtedly moved by his friend's words.
But he still said with some worry: "But will King Qin accept the surrender?"
When Guo Kai heard this, he immediately patted his chest and promised: "Brother Xiang, don't worry, I am willing to go to Qin Camp in person to talk about this matter and strive for the greatest benefit for Brother Xiang."
"Oh?" Xiang Ge was shocked and immediately said, "In that case, please leave it to Brother Guo."
"No, no, no need for you and me to say thank you."
Guo Kai originally came to persuade Xiang Ge to surrender, but in the end, it turned out that Xiang Ge was begging him, as if he owed him a favor.
That night, after he had a long talk with Xiang Ge, he immediately set off for Qin camp the next day.
Now Xiao Yuan's army is thirty miles outside Huayang Pass. After Guo Kai arrived at Qin Camp, he did not say that Xiang Ge had any intention of surrender, but held this bargaining chip in his own hands.
Most treacherous and sycophantic people are shrewd and thoughtful.
After saluting Xiao Yuan, he first elaborated on the current importance of Huayang Pass and said:
"Your Highness should know that if you want to reach Huanyang Pass, you must pass through Huayang Pass. To pacify Huandi, you must annihilate Xiang Ge and his troops. But now, there are more than 100,000 Huan troops in Huayang Pass, guarding the key roads and condescendingly. If we fight together, there will undoubtedly be rivers of blood."
What he said was true. Xiao Yuan pondered for a moment and said, "Since Mr. Guo speaks like this, there is a good countermeasure."
"I dare not hide it from Your Highness." Guo Kai said quickly: "Although I am not talented, I am the only one who can persuade Xiang Ge to surrender. I am also willing to share your worries for Your Highness."
"Oh?" Xiao Yuan said with great interest: "If Mr. Guo can successfully persuade Xiang Ge to avoid this war, it will be a great achievement!"
Hearing this, Guo Kai suddenly showed excitement, and immediately bowed his hands and saluted: "Since Your Highness has told me, I will definitely live up to your great trust."
"Okay! Then I will wait for good news." If we can fight without bloodshed, who would want the soldiers to suffer casualties?
The reason why Guo Kai is like this is simply to claim credit in front of Xiao Yuan.
After he returned, Xiang Ge talked loudly about how he lobbied to obtain the benefits for Xiang Ge after his surrender.
Xiang Ge was naturally grateful for this and couldn't help but say thank you.
As a middleman, he played both sides and put himself in the most important position. After the time agreed upon by both parties, Xiang Ge was also prepared to welcome the Qin army in two days later.
