The ice city that fell from the sky really dumbfounded everyone in Lu Ying. This city was not too big, but from Lu Bu's perspective, the capacity of the walking path was definitely more than ten feet thick.
This also means that a city wall can accommodate nearly two thousand people, and the casualties caused by using a ladder to attack will be too great.
Lu Bu frowned and waved his hand. Behind him, Pound understood and immediately commanded a group of horse archers to fire arrows.
The arrow rain poured down on the ice wall, making a dull thumping sound, and then broke off and fell to the ground, without even leaving any traces on the wall.
This scene made Lu Bu's heart sink, which proved that the ice wall was hard enough.
Trouble.
"Fengxian, I really didn't expect that I haven't seen you for so many years, but you are still as brave as before. If it weren't for the ice city that God sent to me, I would have been buried by the Yellow River today." Cao Cao smiled on the horse road. Yingying shouted from a distance.
The ostentatious shouting did not anger Lu Bu. Over the years, his Qi cultivation skills have improved a bit, and he is not invulnerable. It is just because he was bullied by Cao Cao in the past, and today he is the one who ordered the attack.
"Cao thief! Traitor! Evil thief! Rebellious thief!"
It was still a familiar recipe, and it was still a familiar taste. Ma Chao raised his spear and pointed it at Cao Cao and cursed: "You only use your words, but you dare to fight me!"
"If you have the guts, attack the city, but the bravery of an ordinary man is difficult to serve as a soldier." Cao Cao was not angry and always provoked his generals.
Dian Wei and Xu Chu, who were standing next to him, couldn't help but feel a little depressed. Why are you so crazy? If Lu Bu hadn't been here, they would have gone down to take care of themselves.
After yesterday's battle, I had to admit that none of them was Lu Bu's opponent in single combat.
Therefore, silence is golden.
After shouting for a while, no one paid any attention to him. Lu Bu waved his hand to indicate that he didn't need to waste any more energy and led everyone around the ice city. There was really nothing wrong with it.
The sandy soil in the Guanzhong area was too soft to build a city. It is thought that Cao Jun mixed the soil with water from the Yellow River and piled it up, taking advantage of the biting cold to erect the city.
This can be judged based on the arrow hitting the wall just now.
"Go back first." Lu Bu sighed helplessly.
It is impossible to attack the city, and this city is not big. To encircle it, you need to mobilize all the troops. In such a cold weather, this is obviously unrealistic. Let's go back and find a way to build some more thunder carts. Then use kerosene. The jar should work.
"Xiao Zhi, you saved me and the three armies." Seeing Lu Jun retreat, Cao Cao patted Fazheng on the shoulders with both hands and said sincerely.
"Sikong Yan is serious. I think I can buy enough time for Governor Zhong this time." Fazheng also breathed a sigh of relief.
In Tongguan City, Pang Tong couldn't help but trembled inwardly after hearing Lu Bu's words. It was so powerful. He took advantage of the situation and made full use of the right time and place.
But he was not optimistic about Lu Bu's idea of using the Thunderbolt Chariot to break through the Ice City. The burning time of the kerosene jar after exploding was very short. Unless it was poured on wood or tents, it would continue to ignite.
The construction of the ice city only borrowed water and sand, and there was nothing left to continue burning.
Another reason is that because the materials are simple, even if it is broken a little, Cao Jun can repair it very quickly. The fact that he can build this ice city in one night is enough to prove this.
When Lu Bu heard this, it seemed to be the truth.
If we follow this assumption, we may have to wait a little longer. When the rivers thaw next year, the ice city will naturally be broken.
It only takes about three or four months. We are originally defending the city, so there is no need to be impatient.
But Ma Chao didn't do it. He felt that he could try everything, and if it didn't work, he would stop talking.
In his eyes, Cao Cao was the key to his improvement in martial arts, so how could he give up so easily.
Lu Bu also allowed him to do whatever he wanted, and he could still afford to spend this little money.
The craftsmen in the pass hurriedly hurriedly supervised the construction of four Pili cars in ten days. Ma Chao couldn't wait to take people there.
The result was as expected by Pang Tong. He hit it with a boulder and at least knocked off some ice particles. When he used a jar of kerosene, the exploded kerosene seemed very fierce, but within a few strokes it slid down along with the melted ice water or extinguished.
You know, the thickness of this ice city is more than ten feet, and every inch inside is made of sand mixed with water. It took seventy or eighty jars of tung oil to break a small hole.
Lu Jun was rich, but he couldn't afford to build it like this. Even Ma Chao knew that even if all the tung oil from Chang'an City was shipped over, it would not help. He would be able to restore it as before the next day.
Finally, he threw away four consecutive insults and retreated in embarrassment.
Looking at Ma Chao who was downcast, Lu Bu felt relieved and comforted.
He is not in a hurry at all. Now, the stronghold has been completely destroyed by his fire. When the ice city dissolves in the spring, tens of thousands of Cao's troops will be exposed to the wilderness to see how he can escape.
One reckless man is teaching another reckless man. The scene is quite heartwarming.
Staying in Tongguan was boring most of the time. The only thing I could do was to take a group of cavalry out to see if I could catch the lone Cao Jun scouts.
After holding it in for a long time, Ma Chao felt uncomfortable and was ready to go directly to Lu Bu to make a request.
"What? You want Marquis Wen to teach you martial arts. What are you thinking about all day long? Didn't you read the military manual at home?" Ma Teng became angry when he heard this. You are just kicking your nose in the face.
"What's wrong? I asked Zilong, and he said that after Marquis Wen gave him some guidance, he realized a lot, and his marksmanship attained a high level. The phoenix nod that he picked up with ease was a recent realization."
"You still dare to compete with Zhao Yun?" Ma Teng was trembling with anger.
"Why can't we compete? Even if he has the guidance of Marquis Wen, he can't beat me within Lily. If I learn Marquis Wen's killing move, I will definitely defeat Zilong. Why does my father always let others' ambitions destroy his own prestige!" Ma Chao was very unconvinced.
"You and I."
Ma Teng's halberd fingers trembled, how could I have given birth to such a stupid thing like you, "Is this the same thing? Do you know that Zhao Yun is Wen Hou's own family, which he got in exchange for the savior in Xiaoguan, you Do you think you can really become one of Marquis Wen's confidants just by charging Cao Ying for a while?"
Seeing that Ma Chao still wanted to refute, Ma Teng's expression changed from ferocious to serious, and he lowered his voice and said, "Don't you understand why Zhang Xiu was asked to go to Xiliang instead of you? That's because he doesn't trust us."
Ma Chao opened his mouth, speechless, and finally turned into a long sigh.
"Take it slow. As time goes by, Marquis Wen will be able to see your achievements in battle. Fortunately, now he can let you lead the troops alone. This is very good."
Ma Chao nodded, "Okay, you can only wait until I kill Cao Cao before speaking."
The days are a bit boring.
That's it for a military career.
Within a few days, the grain and grass collected in Chang'an City arrived. What surprised Pang Tong was that the grain transport officer was none other than Zhong Yu.
It's strange. Someone was clearly left to escort the grain and grass at that time. This grain transportation officer's position is dispensable. Isn't it right?
Pang Tong condensed his mind and hurried out to check if there were any new people among the grain transport personnel. After all, with his status, it was normal to carry some guards with him.
"I have met Marquis Wen." Zhong Yu bowed his hands and paid homage as he entered the council hall.
Lu Bu glanced at him, still looking at the bamboo slips in his hand, thought for a while, and asked, "Are you Yuan Chang's son? Your name is."
"I'm Zhong Yu, named Uncle Zhi."
Hearing this, Lu Bu's heart skipped a beat, and he looked deeply at Zhong Yu. The bamboo slip in his hand couldn't help but fall to the ground, "What's your word?"
"I'm Zhong Yu, my name is Uncle Zhi." Zhong Yu, whose scorching eyes were staring at him, felt a little uneasy and raised his voice a little.
The word "Uncle Zhi. Uncle Zhi" made Lu Bu's nose feel a little sore.
It would be great if Uncle Zhi is still alive.
For such a young master, Lu Bu didn't need to show too much respect. Perhaps it was his expression that made Lu Bu's strong heart melt a little. He gestured to sit down and asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Marquis Wen, my father has already raised food and grass for Marquis Wen, and he just wants to take this opportunity to give me some experience, so I will serve as the grain transport officer this time."
To earn military merit, transporting grain was a good way. Lu Bu didn't think much about it, and was just going to tell him to stay in the city. As for the grain and fodder, someone would send it to the grain and fodder camp, so there was no need for him to work hard.
Before the words were spoken, Zhong Yu took out another letter with a smile and sent it to Lu Bu, "Marquis Wen, transporting food is just my experience. Of course there are other things on this trip."
Lu Bu glanced at him suspiciously, opened the silk cloth, and his pupils suddenly gathered. It turned out to be a reply letter written by Chen Qun to Zhong Yao.
The content is very simple, expressing that he is willing to support Lu Bu and hopes to return power to the emperor sooner.
In other words, Zhong Yao took the initiative to persuade Chen Qun, and the other party agreed to support him.
This is definitely a great thing for Lu Bu.
The Chen family behind Chen Qun is a prominent family in Yingchuan. Chen Qun himself is also one of the four great scholars in Yingchuan. He can be regarded as a being who responds to everything in the Yingchuan lineage.
Winning his support is equivalent to getting the support of half of Yingchuan scholars.
Unlike scholars from other prefectures and counties, many scholars from the Yingchuan faction served as officials in Xuchang. Although this is Cao Cao's lair, it is indeed the capital of the capital. In other words, most of them are officials in the capital and have great influence. are not comparable.
In Lu Bu's opinion, getting the support of the Yingchuan scholars was even more important than the support of the northern family.
After all, Lu Bu is not Cao Cao, let alone Dong Zhuo. Even though he has the largest territory and the most powerful power today, he has never thought about becoming a powerful minister with all the power in the government. Instead, he hopes to become a general in the court like He Jin.
With such a goal, it is natural to consider the problems faced by that position.
He Jin and Lu Bu had similar backgrounds, one was a pig butcher and the other was a refugee. When such a person became a general who controlled the world's military power, he would inevitably be criticized by these aristocratic families with intertwined forces and deep foundations.
Although in the hands of Emperor Ling, the court formed a three-legged situation of eunuchs, relatives and aristocratic families. In the end, He Jin, a relative of the family, teamed up with the aristocratic family and embarked on the path of fighting against the eunuchs.
However, in such an alliance, He Jin, a relative, is at a disadvantage, and the aristocratic family still takes the lead.
In essence, this is the inevitable result of aristocratic families' struggle for power. Lin Mo sees this very clearly and has also instilled this idea in Lu Bu.
However, Lu Bu is not a time traveler after all. He is not as high as later generations. There will always be a perception that He Jin, the butcher, is not favored by the family, which leads to the situation of being weak.
But if these aristocratic families support him sincerely, and because the imperial officials and factions such as Yingchuan Scholars all stand on his side, one day he will rescue the emperor and become a general, and he will be the leader in the court. One call was answered.
Therefore, the letter Zhong Yu brought today is nothing more than making Lu Bu's future clear and bright. His lifelong ambition seems to be about to be realized. Just wait for the ice city to retreat in the spring and defeat Cao Cao. This will be done. .
"Okay, okay, Yuan Chang did this beautifully. I will keep this feeling in my heart!" Lu Bu clutched the silk cloth as if he had found a treasure.
Zhong Yu smiled and said: "Marquis Wen, not only Chen Qun, but also Du Xi and Zhao Yan are also willing to support Marquis Wen together with my father."
this.
Happiness came suddenly. Before he could defeat Cao Cao, everyone in Yingchuan began to support him, which made Lu Bu feel a little overwhelmed.
But when I think about it carefully, I don’t think it’s strange at all.
When I killed Dong Zhuo, I took the title of the general who protects the country and left a good impression on the world's scholars of eliminating thieves and supporting the people. The pig butchers and wine sellers called me a slave with the third surname, but they didn't think so. That's it.
"After I defeat Cao Cao, I will also give Yuan Chang, oh yes, and you, a credit. You have worked hard along the way. It's freezing. Let's go to the posthouse to rest." The corner of Lu Bu's mouth sketched, Show a satisfied smile.
Zhong Yao could take the initiative to win over other Yingchuan scholars for himself, which Lu Bu did not expect.
In Chang'an City, the old man's attitude was hot and cold. At that time, Lu Bu thought he was aloof and looked down on his own origin. After all, these people could not even look down on the general He Jin, let alone My current self.
Now that I think about it, it was Zhong Yao's temperament problem, but I wrongly blamed him. For a while, he felt that the Zhong family and his son were his own.
"Marquis Wen, I have a favor to ask of you."
"No matter what it is, it doesn't matter." Lu Bu sat upright again and waved his hands generously.
"My father often said that I am well-read but have no practical achievements. I should go to the army to gain some experience before I can make a difference. This is the case with this trip to transport food."
Zhong Yu's words were sincere and his attitude was very low, almost pleading, "So, I hope that Marquis Wen will allow you to complete this grain transportation so that you can gain more knowledge.
For example, the protection of the grain and grass transfer room, the registration, distribution, and allocation of grain and grass after entering the village are endlessly complicated. I hope that I can complete it myself.
This is also my father's intention, and I hope Marquis Wen will approve it. "
"Hahaha, Yuan Chang is willing to give it up. Don't worry, let's rest for a day and transfer the food and grass there tomorrow. There will be a guide then. Just follow." Lu Bu felt that this was just the Zhong family asking for reward. He wanted his son to come to the camp and become familiar with him so that he could be promoted when the time came, so he made a good plan.
After receiving the instruction, Zhong Yu bowed happily and said, "I would like to thank Marquis Wen!"
"Go down." Lu Bu smiled and waved.
Not long after, Pang Tong left and returned, but he was overly concerned. All the personnel were previously registered members of the Northern Army, and there were indeed no idle personnel mixed in.
Even the five lieutenants on duty were sent over to question him. They said that Zhong Yu had not left along the way, so he felt relieved.
As soon as he came back, Lu Bu couldn't wait to share Zhong Yao's feats with him. When Pang Tong was a little unsure, was he really starting to take sides?
Being from the same aristocratic family, he knew very well what these people were thinking, and he might not have chosen to bet more after seeing Lu Bu's growing popularity.
Moreover, such behavior does not involve any military action, and it does not look like a tactic.
It wasn't until Lu Bu told him smoothly that Zhong Yu was going to the grain and grass camp in person, that he was relieved and became nervous again.
"Marquis Wen, if he wants to earn military merit, he can delegate some things to do in this pass. The grain and grass camp is the lifeblood of our army. It is not appropriate to let too many people know the inside story!"
"I've also thought about this problem you mentioned."
Lu Bu moved his buttocks and said thoughtfully: "But, Yuan Chang is paving the way for me after all. If the army comes to Xuchang in the future, these people may even be inside, and the size of their contribution cannot even be judged.
At the moment, he just wants his son to have some experience, which is not too much.
You said, if I reject this small request, it will be difficult to talk to you again when we meet again. "
Pang Tong took a deep breath, and just when he was about to say more, Lu Bu spoke again, "What's more, Zhang Yan is stationed with ten thousand troops, Cao Cao is trapped in the ice city, and I even sent additional scouts along the Yellow River. Nothing should happen, right?"
It is true that from Lu Bu's perspective, or even from the overall perspective, it is unlikely that there will be any problems here. However, as a top strategist, Pang Tong is instinctively unwilling to add unnecessary unnecessary trouble to a war. Risk is an analysis of the pros and cons.
It's not like Lu Bu didn't know the stakes, but if Zhong Yao's initiative to show good face was rejected because of some minor risks, Lu Bu always felt a little inappropriate.
After thinking for a while, he stood up and patted Pang Tong on the shoulder, "Okay, I'll ask Zhang Yan to be careful and not let him leave the grain and grass camp. Don't worry."
Pang Tong could only sigh helplessly: "Marquis Wen, I always feel that this matter is inappropriate."
"There's nothing wrong, it's okay." Lu Bu raised his hand and left the council hall.
Before leaving, he glanced at Pang Tong.
In fact, he didn't believe in Zhong Yao's matter. Lu Bu could understand that the culture of literati being indifferent to each other was too strong, and they were not the same force. Many aristocratic families fighting for power were nothing more than competing for favor.
What's more, Lu Bu felt that he was doing this to Pang Tong. According to what his son-in-law said before, this guy himself was not pure. He didn't surrender when he came to Xuzhou. In order to show off his skills, he went to the Tenth Division of Guanzhong. Now he is still doing this. Well.
The deal is done, Pang Tong sighed. Now, all he can do is to tell Zhang Yan to be careful and ensure that he does not have the opportunity to leave the grain and grass camp; moreover, there may be more scouts watching Cao Cao, which is more troublesome. But there is no other way.
The Grain and Grass Camp was placed more than thirty miles northwest of Tongguan. It was originally a village. There had been frequent military disasters in the Guanzhong area, and the people in this village died or ran away, so it was abandoned.
Now, Zhang Yan and his people are stationed here. After some simple repairs, there are still many private houses that can be used.
No wonder I haven't been able to find it. This place is really good. It's on a slope and has a village as a cover. It's hard to confirm from a distance.
Zhong Yu is still very responsible. As soon as he arrived, he began to distribute and count the grain, meat and poultry, and approved every transaction with Zhang Yan.
After all, it was more than 100,000 yuan worth of food and grass. When Zhang Yan was yawning in the middle of the night, the approval was finally completed.
"Mr. Zhong, I forgot to tell you that in the grain and grass camp, except for the scouts, no one is allowed to leave the camp. You can stay in the village during these days. The house has been prepared for you."
"Thank you, General Zhang. General, you can rest assured. My father told me before leaving that I should obey the general's orders when I arrive."
"That's good, go back." Zhang Yan nodded with satisfaction.
"I want to see those birds again. It's such a cold weather. I'm afraid they'll die from the cold if left like this." Finally, he looked like he was taking care of everything, which really gave Zhang Yan a headache.
"Please do it." Anyway, nothing would happen in the center of the village, so Zhang Yan stretched and left.
After all, it is the work of literati, and it is worse than fighting in a war.
Zhong Yu, who was counting in a decent manner, finally found the marked pair of baskets among the many baskets.
After looking around, he searched with his hands, and soon found the pigeon with the mark on its leg among the chickens, ducks and pigeons mixed in, and then carefully put it into his arms.
This pigeon has been raised by Zhong Yao in Chang'an City for some years. It only needs to be released and it will naturally return to the Zhong family's residence in Chang'an City.
After finding his own residence, Zhong Yu breathed a sigh of relief.
The first step, which is also a crucial step, is finally completed.
The next development of things is no longer under my control, and it all depends on my father's support from outside.
Make a move and make a game.
I guess when this chapter comes out, some people will think it's too intellectual, forced to balance, and forced to make it long.
To be fair, from Lu Bu's perspective, he really did nothing wrong, and his starting point and considerations were reasonable.
Of course, you can also raise your opinions.
(End of chapter)
