There are many talented people in Jingzhou, and there are many talented and wise people on both sides of the river. These words at this time are thought-provoking.
Taking a detailed look at the various wars that Cao Cao started in the past, he often suddenly launched a fierce attack when others thought he would never attack, and when others were defensive and thought he would advance, he retreated instead of attacking and just waited for changes.
Kuai Yue then smiled and said: "My lord, if Zhang Han is just a pretense to attract the attention of our army and let Lujiang and Guangling send troops, then we will actually be attacked from both sides."
"At that time, it will really be impossible to guard against..."
"What you said is very true, what Kuai Jun said is very true!" Liu Biao slapped his thigh, his old face kept shaking slightly, his face was very close to each other, and he said in a deep voice: "This Zhang Bochang, according to the detective whistle He is well versed in Cao Cao's tactics of using troops and is not afraid of common sense. He can always seize the ever-changing opportunities in battle, and he can also glimpse the first opportunity and often take advantage of being one step ahead."
"You should beware of Zhang Han." After Liu Biao calmed down, he became much more awake. At least he knew very well that Zhang Han was able to achieve such feats because he was probably not only supported by Cao Cao, but also had strong talents himself.
Besides, it is impossible for Cao Cao to support a mediocre person. This time he came to Jingzhou to garrison, maybe he came with bad intentions.
"Keep an eye on Zhang Han. Don't let him act secretly and pose a threat to our Jingzhou." Liu Biao made a quick decision and slapped the table very loudly. Everyone nodded, naturally agreeing.
Tonight's discussion naturally became a discussion on Zhang Han's strategy.
They are also very serious and will not really regard Zhang Han as an impulsive young man.
…
Wancheng.
Cao Xiu and Zhang Han discussed alone, and Cao Xiu received responses from various places.
Among the letters, Cao Ang, Zhang Liao, Bao Xin, and Xu Ding all sent news that they were willing to cooperate.
It's just that Cao Ang said more because he felt a little disillusioned. He hadn't started a war with Jizhou yet, but he had already confronted Jingzhou first.
"Haha, the big man has spent so much money and developed so many connections over the years, isn't this what he uses it for?"
Zhang Han said this bluntly in front of Cao Xiu. After all, these brothers had such a deep bond with each other. If they were wronged, everyone would naturally help him.
Cao Xiu smiled, but soon told some of the current military situation in Jingzhou, and sighed: "Jingzhou has very strict precautions in various places, not only Wancheng and Rangcheng where we are located, but also Guangling and Lujiang areas. , they must be aware of Bochang's thoughts, so they have made sufficient preparations in advance to prevent unforeseen consequences, and it will be even more difficult to make a surprise attack."
But after he said this, he also smiled: "But don't worry, Bo Chang. I received a transfer order last night. Ten thousand elite soldiers under Zhang Xiu are marching secretly to Wancheng. What the prime minister means is , the soldiers and horses are sneaking in secret, but people will still find out the information. You can wait for Zhang Xiu to arrive and launch a surprise attack immediately to catch Jingzhou off guard. This is a generous gift specially sent to you by the Prime Minister."
Thank you for the generous gift!
Zhang Han burst into laughter: "Didn't the Prime Minister not let me cause trouble? Why did he put the knife in my hand?"
When Cao Xiu heard this, he immediately laughed happily. After a few words, he looked at Zhang Han and said, "Don't you understand, Bo Chang? You are the most important thing in the prime minister's heart."
"Such a grievance, does he really not know how to deal with it secretly? If it weren't for a letter from the Prime Minister's Office, the garrison troops in various places might not support it without hesitation."
Zhang Han was stunned for a moment, then thought deeply and his eyes gradually brightened. No wonder the journey was so smooth.
In this way, although my father-in-law said so, in fact, he still expected to do something in his heart.
The problem is, with so many greetings, could it be that he had already expected that we would start from the defense lines of Guangling and Lujiang, and knew about this "attracting the tiger" strategy.
It's too mysterious. Can Boss Cao's tactics, tactics, and vision really be so magical? !
"In three days, please march forward. When Zhang Xiu arrives, we will attack together," Zhang Han gave the order. The two looked at each other and smiled, ready to threaten Jingzhou Xinye at any time.
…
Xudu, Prime Minister's Mansion.
Guo Jia stood in front of Cao Cao, with a look of suspicion on his face, "Lord, I have received military information last night. As expected, Bochang's plan was to invite soldiers and horses from Jiangdong to enter Yuzhang and Jiangxia."
"But what I don't understand is why the Prime Minister could guess it and be so sure of it, even paving the way for Bo Chang in advance?"
"Could it be that you really understand Bo Chang's various psyches like this?"
Cao Cao smiled and said nothing, mysterious, and prepared to ignore Guo Jia for a while. After all, Guo Jia has been extremely smart in these years, and can know everything at a glance, and even understand Cao Cao's thoughts.
It was rare. Seeing him so confused, Cao Cao also planned to let him be confused for a while.
Guo Jia thought hard for a long time, shook his head with a wry smile, and said: "Prime Minister, Jia can't understand at this time, please ask the Prime Minister to teach me."
Cao Cao breathed a sigh of relief lazily, with a smile on his face full of pride, and said with a smile: "It is indeed not difficult to guess Zhang Han's thoughts, but in fact it is not entirely based on their thoughts, but -"
He gave up and said with a smile: "If I go to Jingzhou, I will use troops like this."
"To apply myself to others, I believe that Bo Chang and Wen He will also use this strategy to deal with Jingzhou, but I think it is just one of them. How to deal with it when the war comes, but it depends on their own wisdom."
Only then did Guo Jia suddenly realize that he had been thinking like this before he could confront Bochang and Wenhe, so he immediately raised his hands and said, "The Prime Minister's wisdom dazzles me. I can learn from the Prime Minister again."
"Filial piety is my determined humerus, and talents and talents are pleasing to the heart."
After the two praised each other, they just waited for the news from Zhang Han and looked forward to the development of the situation.
After all, there is still some time before autumn.
…
Three days later.
Zhang Xiu's soldiers and horses quickly arrived at Wancheng, and met Zhang Han's troops on the familiar road. So that night, Zhang Han immediately summoned his troops and horses, distributed rewards, promised three times the pension, and walked to Bowang overnight to attack Xinye.
The garrison of Xinye was no more than three thousand.
That night, they were caught off guard and were captured before dawn. Gao Shun and Dian Wei ascended first. After opening the city gate, Zhang Han and Zhao Yun led their cavalry to attack.
Zhang Xiu detoured and cut off the escape route, preventing the defeated army from escaping.
At the same time, an ambush was set up halfway. After the previous defenders reported the military situation to Xiangyang, they ambush Liu Biao's reinforcements on the second day, severely defeated their troops, beheaded more than 3,000 people, and captured more than 5,000 people who surrendered. They also trapped the fleeing people. , occupying Xinye and threatening the entire territory of Nanyang.
At dawn, Zhang Han held the emperor's fake talismans and sent troops to various places to recruit surrender. More than ten counties immediately surrendered and did not dare to resist.
This battle shocked the entire Jingzhou, and Liu Biao convened civil and military discussions overnight.
"boom!"
In the hall, Liu Biao howled angrily at the sudden attack. At the same time, it also confirmed his suspicion that Zhang Han was indeed the one who came with bad intentions.
All the previous good intentions were for the purpose of making a sneak attack, suddenly occupying Xinye, and then seizing Nanyang.
The vastness of Nanyang is one of the few in the entire Jingzhou. Even in the entire Han Dynasty, it can be regarded as one of the few large counties. How important it is.
Although it has declined due to wars in recent years and local people have been displaced, it still has its roots. As long as it is managed properly, it can prosper and at least produce a large amount of food and products.
Liu Biao couldn't help but feel numb when he thought of Zhang Han's ability and talent in governing a place, as well as his achievements over the years.
"Zhang Bochang's rash attack is an unjust master. It seems that he has obviously lost his face."
"I want to order Lingling, Changsha, and Xiangyang to send out troops to attack, raise an army of 50,000, repel Zhang Han, and take back my land of Nanyang."
"I am an emperor and uncle of the Han Dynasty. Zhang Han's actions are rebellious and will not last long."
"First of all, I will write to Xu Du to sue Zhang Han. He is using troops to attack Xinye and regain the lost territory. You don't need to warn me. I will not let him be so arrogant!"
Cai Mao's beard trembled, and he quickly came to his side and bowed: "My lord, apart from here, don't forget what we discussed before. We still need to guard against Guangling, Lujiang, and even Xuzhou."
"That's right," Liu Biao glanced at him, his face was terrifyingly gloomy, and he said in a deep voice: "This section is also indispensable. We cannot give Zhang Han the opportunity to raid our northern territory again. He will station troops and horses at various passes and exclude sentry cavalry. Watch over the lands.”
"At the same time, Huang Zu was ordered to take strict precautions and not to allow enemy troops to appear on the Lujiang waterway, otherwise he would be questioned."
"only!!"
The soldiers in Jingzhou were ordered to leave. One morning, Xiangyang, which was originally peaceful and prosperous, became no longer peaceful.
At this time, people were naturally panicked overnight.
But when Liu Biao sat alone in front of his papers late at night, thinking about the troops and horses stationed near Jingzhou, he gradually felt sweaty.
Except for the south, there are enemy troops almost everywhere. If they advance at the same time, it will be an unprecedented battle, no less than the battle between Jizhou and Xudu.
He was beginning to regret now that a mere five hundred war horses had attracted this kind of meat.
Yes, Zhang Han is indeed a knife-edge man, and he is quite a bit like a smiling tiger. As soon as he came, he gave all kinds of gifts and banquets, trying to make good friends with Jingzhou civil and military officials.
But when they fell out, they turned out so suddenly and violently that they didn't give anyone any time to react. The young man didn't follow the routine at all.
If you don't provoke him, you can still ensure peace in Jingzhou. And now, even if you defeat Zhang Han and repel him, Jingzhou will definitely suffer countless losses.
There is another Jiangdong that needs to be confronted...
Liu Biao never forgot his grudge against the Sun family in Jiangdong, although Sun Quan began to show his kindness when he was nine years old, saying that he would never go to war with Jingzhou.
But he can smell the smell of revenge. The two Sun brothers, one white and one black, will never die in their pursuit of Jingzhou.
"Oh, if I had known this, I should have been friendly with Zhang Han, but how did I know that Zhang Han could mobilize so many troops of Cao's army..."
Liu Biao was quite shocked, because the number of troops deployed to threaten the surrounding area seemed to be approaching one hundred thousand.
Although Xinye only had 20,000 to 30,000 troops, he knew that once he achieved results, Cao Cao would not hesitate to increase investment and take Jingzhou first.
There is no other reason. If you can get it, you will definitely get it. In this way, even if you are defeated in the battle with Jizhou, you can still have a retreat.
"Huh, defeat Zhang Han first, and then offer him some favors. Maybe this will help him feel at ease."
Liu Biao already had a calculation in his mind, so he didn't have to fight Zhang Han to the death, and he could still leave a leeway.
After all, it's just five hundred war horses, why are you playing with your life?
…
Koto.
Quyang's troops were about to withdraw, but Sun Ce suddenly received a secret report today.
"Withdraw!? All the troops in Lujiang and Guangling areas retreated dozens of miles and abandoned the ferry..."
Sun Ce's eyes were slightly gleaming, and the expression on his face was constantly changing. At this time, there was a general beside him, and he cupped his hands and said: "My lord, Cao's army is retreating at this time. In fact, it is a measure to invite you to enter the urn."
"However, the purpose of inviting you to enter the urn is unknown. From my point of view, it is not for the purpose of annexing our army and entering the territory."
"We should investigate again to see if there are any changes in Jingzhou and Xuzhou."
Sun Ce paced and thought, then quickly looked back at him, "If Ziyi has any ideas, you might as well tell them all."
The mighty and majestic general beside him is named Taishi Ci, also known as Ziyi. He has excellent archery skills, is bold and heroic, wise in battle, and strict in leading troops. He is now a highly trusted general under Sun Ce.
Moreover, he was loyal and righteous, and he was the best sympathizer with a hero like Sun Ce. When he returned, he became a close brother. Taishi Ci said: "In the past few battles, Cao Jun should have been on guard against defeat, but now he has opened the door wide. Let us lead the warships into it, the purpose is not yet known."
"However, I have received some intelligence information before. Zhang Han has arrived in Wancheng and wants to capture Xinye and then occupy Nanyang."
"Cao's army already has Wancheng and Rangcheng? The land of Fancheng's Three Soldiers Fortress will gain a new field. During this period, the fields and farming can naturally be peaceful. Once Nanyang is managed properly, it will be a great threat to Xiangyang."
"In this case, how can Liu Biao watch him become powerful? He will definitely send troops to attack him."
"But at this time, Cao Jun gave up the defense line he had always occupied. What does Bo Fu think?"
After hearing this, Sun Ce immediately smiled and said: "Uncle Zhang wants me to help him. He takes the road to Jiangxia, breaks through Huang Zu's location, and then takes Yuzhang."
"What a strategy! How can I refuse such good intentions and such benefits?" Sun Ce immediately became elated. He was not a suspicious person. He immediately understood the overall layout when he saw the fighter plane.
"Our warships enter through the Yangtze River and can reach Jiangxia within two days. With a sudden attack, Huang Zu can be defeated. He must not have thought that our army would arrive quickly across two defense zones."
Sun Ce walked up to Taishi Ci, stretched out his hand and held his wrist, and said excitedly: "Previously, the two defense lines combined with each other, which made me unable to do anything. But Zhang Han's release this time is a great opportunity."
"After my warship has passed, Cao's army will go back to guard the ferry. I can't go back the way I came. I can only continue south to capture Yuzhang, and attack Gongjin from both sides. In other words, I will definitely be able to take one of Yuzhang and Jiangxia. , great achievements!”
Taishi Ci nodded, with a knowing smile on his face.
The two hit it off immediately and discussed the details of mobilizing troops, dispatching troops and horses, and preparing armaments.
At night, there were constant flying cavalry sent to the hinterland, detouring to the westward camp in Danyang to inform Zhou Yu.
At this time, the civil and military forces in Jiangdong were excited. The benefit of bringing this to their door was to benefit both families and break through Jingzhou's defenses. Why not!
It's time to go big!
Liu Hengjiang of Jingzhou, whose reputation has been passed down for so long, should be ruined by this battle!
(End of chapter)
