"That's not necessarily true," Zhang Han replied with a smile. He didn't have much emotional fluctuations. He just felt relaxed.
Now that Sui Gu has been killed, the situation is irreversible. Zhang Yang will definitely come with his army from Yewang next.
The previous plan with Dong Zhao was to trick him out of the Wild King so that Yang Chou's troops could attack him.
That night, Zhang Han suddenly remembered that in the original history, it was Yang Chou who actually killed Zhang Yang, and Yang Chou was devoted to Cao Cao, but was killed by Sui Gu midway.
Sui Gu finally turned to Yuan Shao.
Therefore, Dong Zhao's guess is basically correct. Sui Gu has indeed been won over by Yuan Shao, and now he wants to persuade Zhang Yang to return to Yuan.
In this way, it seems that everything is calm, but in fact many parties have been wooing Hanoi to occupy this strategic location.
Therefore, the difficulty of the situation at this time was that time was tight. Fortunately, the mission arrived in time and there was still room for Zhang Yang to choose.
Therefore, Sui Gu was also anxious, perhaps secretly speeding up his efforts to persuade Zhang Yang.
The only thing missing in Dong Zhao's plan was a lead to lure Zhang Yang out of the city.
When Zhang Han heard this, it couldn't be clearer. He rushed to attack Suigu and killed him, and he would definitely lure Zhang Yang out.
This plan scared Dong Zhao and Yang Chou so much that they were afraid that Zhang Han would act impulsively and always opposed it.
However, no one under Zhang Han raised any objections. His close ministers Dian Wei, Gao Shun, and even the Qianqian son of the Cao family all nodded indifferently.
It's as if he's already used to it.
So he really did it. Until this moment, Yang Chou still felt extremely crazy.
The attack on Sui Gu was naturally easy to win, because Sui Gu never thought that Zhang Han would dare to take action from the beginning to the end.
From the time Zhang Han entered the Wild King to the time he left, he almost always acted calmly and never caused any friction.
Just like a fair-faced boy who is harmless to humans and animals, he has a happy face when he sees anyone and will not conflict with anyone at all.
If he said he was going to attack the Dog Shooting Camp, it could be said that there was no warning.
"Why are you so confident? Will Cao's army really arrive as promised?"
Yang Chou still didn't believe it. It would take Xu Du less than three or five days to go here, but six or seven days to go back and forth. This was still riding alone. If it were a large army marching, how long would it take?
How could all that baggage be transported here easily?
However, after a few hours, Yang Chou's concerns were all dispelled.
Cao Hong's cavalry vanguard arrived first and raided Wengcheng behind Shedog City. Before dawn, the army surrounded the entire Shedog City as soon as it arrived.
At dawn, Zhang Han ordered Yang Chou to send in a letter explaining the current situation and urging the soldiers in the city to surrender and not to fight stubbornly, otherwise no one would be left alive when the city was destroyed.
Sui Gu was dead. Although the soldiers who were loyal to him hated Zhang Han, they were leaderless in the city and no one dared to make a decision.
It was just a matter of several lieutenants restraining the soldiers. Now that the letter of surrender was delivered, the people with ulterior motives looked a little wrong.
So he surrendered without holding on until noon. After opening the city gate, Cao Hong took the wealth in the city and promised to reward the generals.
Cao Jun, who followed, was ordered to garrison the city again and guard the city. Soon after, Zhang Yang led his army to arrive, but it was too late.
They looked up at each other at the bottom of the city and asked Cao Hong to come out to speak. After a while, the city gate opened wide and several riders came to talk together. Zhang Yang was obviously furious and stared at Zhang Han, not knowing what to say.
"Zhang Junhou, what do you mean by what happened today?"
"General," Zhang Han smiled contemptuously, "In Shedog City, some letters from Hebei were found. The situation in Henan and Hebei is now serious. Yuan Shao did not come to worship despite the imperial edict, for fear of tampering."
"Could it be that the general also has evil intentions and pretends to obey the imperial edict, but is actually secretly communicating with Yuan Shao?"
Zhang Yang was at a loss for words. Although he was angry, he could not refute. Since he could find the letter, he would naturally fall into the blame. The most important thing is that Zhang Han left the mission, and Zhong Yao may also know about it.
As an envoy, he was highly respected by the old generals of Luoyang and Chang'an. If he also believed this, he would really have no excuse.
After a long silence, he said, "Bo Chang, how did you find out? Do you dare to say it's not because of personal enmity?"
Zhang Han smiled calmly, "What kind of personal grudges can I have? If it was because of grudges, the wild king would have gotten angry immediately when he saw him for the first time. Have you ever seen me angry?!"
Zhang Yang fell into silence.
"You did hide it well," Zhang Yang commented after a long time.
Even he ignored these, only thinking that what Zhang Han wanted was reputation, "Actually, on your first night, Zhang Han refused to accept beauties or take property, which should have seen your ambition."
That's not true. It's true that he doesn't accept beauties, but he doesn't take property simply because of the drizzle. It doesn't matter, Zhang Han thought to himself.
"Zhang Bochang, you are narrow-minded and disrespectful of justice. You will not end up with good results in the end."
Zhang Yang said in a deep voice, with a rather resentful expression on his face, staring at Zhang Han coldly.
"Then there is no need to worry, general," Zhang Han sneered.
"Where is the White Rabbit? Please give me some sympathy and return him to me."
Although the chance of Zhang Han keeping his hand was low, he still had to ask tentatively after all.
"died."
Zhang Han said in a deep voice.
really.
Zhang Yang's face sank, and anger arose in his heart. Zhang Han's move was tantamount to forcing me to go elsewhere.
Zhang Han's character of disrespecting justice and retribution shows what kind of person Cao Cao is. If I surrender to Cao Cao and form an alliance with him, I'm afraid that I will be wrapped in horse leather and thrown into mass graves in the future.
Zhang Yang once accepted Lu Bu, and the relationship between the two was quite good, but it was a pity that they could not work together. However, he had helped him when he wanted to capture Yanzhou... In this way, he also had a grudge against Cao Cao, and this grudge would be difficult to eliminate.
"Who is this general?" Zhang Yang looked at the general beside Zhang Han. If you look at the position, Zhang Han, as a monarch, is actually still on the side.
It shows that this mighty and majestic general is actually the coach.
"Cao Zilian," Cao Hong looked at Zhang Yang quite arrogantly, his eyes were arrogant and disdainful, and he didn't even want to say a word more.
Zhang Yang was greatly shocked, then nodded slowly and smiled miserably, "I understand, I understand, you guys have already planned this."
"The shooting dog is guarded by my uncle. It will be difficult for the general to capture it within a few days," Zhang Han said with a relaxed smile, "It's better to go back to the Wild King and have a look."
Zhang Yang's eyes changed. He understood the meaning of Zhang Han's words very well. I'm afraid the Wild King also has a problem!
"Zhang Bochang, mountains and rivers meet!"
Zhang Yang glanced at him with gritted teeth, reined in the reins, turned around, and returned with more than a thousand cavalry and thousands of soldiers.
After he left, Cao Hong looked back at Zhang Han and asked, "What did he mean just now?"
"What kind of personal grudge... It's your first time in Hanoi, why do you have a personal grudge against someone?"
Zhang Han informed Cao Hong about the killing of Sui Gu, and made it clear which branch of the Black Mountain Army this Sui Gu was from.
After hearing this, Cao Hong's face suddenly became stern, and he sighed deeply: "If you should kill him, kill him. When you go back, your uncle will protect you."
"With me here, my lord cannot blame you. I will return to Xudu with you."
"Thank you very much, uncle." Zhang Han cupped his fists and smiled.
"Hahaha, let's not talk anymore. Let's go to the city and wait for the meritorious officer to order some more money and food."
"That Sui White Rabbit is really not a human being. He robbed so much wealth!"
Zhang Yang returned to Ye Wang and found that the army had rebelled. Dong Zhao led his troops to seize military power and took control of the city with Yang Chou's tribe. At the same time, he persuaded Zhang Yang to return to Cao Cao.
He was reviled and rejected.
Therefore, Dong Zhao was too cruel to hold on and drove Zhang Yang back.
"Yang Chou betrayed me!"
Zhang Yang was so angry that he had nowhere to go, so he could only run around in Hanoi. With more than a thousand horsemen at his side, he could only flee into the mountains.
In the end, he was driven away by the army, and his men were separated and defeated. Before his death, Dong Zhao came to see him and claimed that he would protect his family. At the same time, he sincerely lamented that if Zhang Yang had not been so indecisive, had made a decision earlier, and devoted himself to Duke Cao, he would never have been like this. end.
But now, the matter has come to this, even if Cao Gong still has the heart to accept it, he doesn't dare to be on guard.
"Dong Gongren, I treat you well, why do you treat me like this?"
"General, I am deeply grateful, but the only way to repay the kindness is to pay for it with my life. I am willing to support the general's parents, raise the general's children, and treat the general's widow well, so that I can repay the kindness of the past generations."
"Haha, your reasoning is not bad," Zhang Yang looked pale and leaned against a giant tree, staring at him coldly: "But I just hate you."
Dong Zhao was stunned.
"The general is right to hate."
The two looked at each other, and finally Zhang Yang couldn't help but sigh, "I'll wait for you below. When you come, tell me whether returning to Cao is right."
"Okay, go away, General."
Dong Zhao turned around and entered the military formation. The figure blocked his sight, but he heard the sound of dozens of tensing strings.
He knew Zhang Yang was dead.
Next, use his military talisman and sword seal to collect the remaining soldiers everywhere, and then you can control the counties and counties, and then ask Duke Cao to send troops and horses to garrison them.
In this way, you can retire with success.
This time I was in charge of foreign affairs. I gained the trust of the Dukes of Chang'an for Duke Cao, gained the support of the generals, and also sought important places in Hanoi. This can be regarded as a great achievement.
After mediating for a long time, I got the final result. It was really well hidden and like a fish in water.
"Zhao, you live up to your talent and learning."
When Dong Zhao arrived at the army, he ran away from the soldiers who came to investigate Zhang Yang's death, as if he was going against the current.
…
Ten days later, Zhang Han moved his troops back to Xudu.
As expected, Cao Hong accompanied him as promised, and at the same time brought the letters found at the She Dog Station to prove that Sui Gu secretly communicated with Yuan Shao.
On the way, Zhong Yao, who was waiting for Zhang Han at the outpost, met with the cavalry escort and invited Zhang Han to get on the carriage.
The two people were crowded in the carriage, sitting on both sides of the carriage, talking about everything about this trip again.
"Does Zhong Zhongcheng know about Dong Zhao's plan?"
"I know," Zhong Yao nodded without concealment. He thought Zhang Han was going to ask him why he didn't inform him in advance, "Bo Chang, this happens in Chang'an from time to time, and I am powerless to stop it."
"Most of the generals in Chang'an have no determination and perseverance. They are worried about the changes in the current situation and their own insecurity. Therefore, they have many plans and worries, and rebellions continue. It is quite normal for Zhang Yang to be like this."
"There are three groups of people in Hanoi, those who surrender to the Han, Yuan, and Cao. It can be seen that the warlords and soldiers no longer respect the Han."
Zhong Yao had to admit that the Han Dynasty was dead in name only. Even if Cao Gong honored the Han Emperor and made Xuchang the capital, it would not change the outcome.
"In the midst of a wave, who can not follow the current? Even mountains with tens of thousands of feet cannot stop the flowing river. They can only stand still and let it go around."
"So, Zhong Zhongcheng himself already has the answer?"
"Yes," Zhong Yao stroked his beard and smiled, with a magnanimous expression. "If Bo Chang had not taken Hanoi, there would still be room for maneuver, but now I understand Cao Gong's kindness and power."
The implication is that after seeing Cao Cao's background clearly, I can only say that he has many capable people under his command.
"Yeah," Zhang Han nodded noncommittally as a response to Zhong Yao.
At this time, Zhong Yao asked Zhang Han what he was thinking, "Bo Chang, why did you choose such a risky way? You know, what will be the result if Yang Chou and Dong Zhao fail after you kill Sui Gu?" "
"I'm leading the cavalry, can't we just leave?"
"So, in this case, your purpose from the beginning was just to kill Sui Gu."
"Correct answer," Zhang Han said with a grin. The battle in Hanoi was secondary, because it was the plan of Dong Zhao and others, and he just followed the trend.
Zhong Yao sighed, not knowing whether to shake his head or praise Zhang Han.
Because a person who abandons great righteousness for small righteousness will be despised in the eyes of many Confucian scholars, and no one will think that he will have great achievements and ambitions in the future.
Only when righteousness is in hand can great things be accomplished.
However, a person with righteousness and righteousness is very popular among the people, and all the people around him will respect and admire Zhang Han even more.
No one would reject such a compassionate and righteous officer.
Zhong Yao wanted to look down on Zhang Han, but he really couldn't look down on him at all, because what did Zhang Bo often do with his righteousness? His positioning is really good. Based on this section alone, not only will he not be punished after returning to Xudu, but he will also receive a lot of secret praise.
"Jun Hou Bochang, you are really wise and brave," Zhong Yao finally gave a compliment. For a while, the two of them also opened up their chat boxes and chatted much more freely.
…
After driving back to Xudu, Cao Hong accompanied Zhang Han to meet Cao Cao.
As soon as he arrived at Sikong Mansion, he was immediately scolded.
When Cao Hong came, he patted his chest and assured that nothing would happen to him. Even if he was scolded, he would help Zhang Han withstand the pressure.
As a result, as soon as I arrived at the main hall, I was so scared when I was scolded that I couldn't say a word. I finally found the feeling I had felt since I was a child.
I felt the majesty and love of my elder brother.
He kept peeping at Zhang Han with his head shrunk, his eyes seemed to be saying: "Don't be stunned, please say something nice for me!"
"A dignified general of an army! The general of the Cao family should be my most confidant. You are still the elder, why don't you wait for military orders!!"
"Having acquired Hanoi, do you want to disobey military orders? Your wings are strong, right?"
"No, brother, I-" Cao Hong just wanted to speak, but was suppressed by a louder and more majestic voice, "What are you!? You still say no!!"
"The merits and demerits cannot be offset! I have already said it in the army, and it has been made a military order!! If you transfer the Yuquan Mountain garrison, I can directly convict you of treason! Do you want to kill everyone in your family? Ah!?"
"I……"
Cao Hong, a tough-minded man on the battlefield, was trembling and did not dare to reply.
Zhang Han watched from the side and secretly shook his head. This kind of bloodline suppression basically comes from the shadow he has developed since he was a child.
At this time, Zhang Han said weakly: "My lord, I think it is better to let General Zi Lian lead the governor of Hanoi, govern and garrison Hanoi. If he can make achievements within a few years, it will be considered a worthwhile trip."
"Shut up!!" Cao Cao turned around and pointed at Zhang Han and cursed.
Fortunately, there were no other advisers in the hall, so Cao Cao could curse as much as he wanted.
Not afraid of losing anyone’s face.
"You are the black sheep! You are so brave! You must kill that Sui Gu! You can just pretend to be ingratiating with him, instead of calling him a brother! When he returns to Chang'an, the emperor will issue an edict to let him come to Xudu."
"If you kill me when the time comes, can't you bear it?! You must rush to the camp. Don't you understand that a rich man cannot sit down in court?!"
"You, Ang'er, Dian Wei, and Gao Shun are all pillars of our army. You do such dangerous things just to kill one person in anger! Stupid! Stupid! Short-sighted!!"
Zhang Han raised his head and said: "However, Zhong Zhongcheng said that after I kill him, he has made up his mind to help the lord."
Cao Cao was paused when he heard the words, and then his expression instantly disappeared, he blinked and said, "Oh, in that case, it's not a bad thing."
(End of chapter)
