cite Han

Chapter 203 Courage

Chu Fang lay prone on the horse and galloped with all his strength. At this time, the Jingzhou army finally realized belatedly, and in shock and anger, they drew their bows and shot at them one after another, and the arrows flew wildly for a while.

However, at this time Chu Fang had already rushed a long way, and most of the arrows landed in the empty space. Even if they hit occasionally, they could not hurt him at all because Chu Fang was well-armed.

But in the blink of an eye, Chu conveniently drove the two horses across the bridge over the moat and arrived directly under the city of Linxiang.

Now that the Jingzhou army has just arrived, and Linxiang has not yet sealed the city gate, even if there are defenders to open the gate, welcome them in.

As Chu Fang entered the city alone, the soldiers on the Linxiang City Wall burst into applause.

The morale of the Jingzhou army outside the city was greatly reduced, and they fell into a dead silence.

Chu Fang crossed thousands of enemy troops, killed and wounded six people, and entered the city unscathed, which dealt a huge blow to them.

Linxiang City is bordered by the Xiangshui River in the west and the Liushui River in the north. Only the south and east sides are open, and these two directions are naturally the focus of defense.Chu Fang entered Linxiang from the south, but Zhang Xian was on the east wall, which is also the direction of the main force of Jingzhou's army.

Under Liu Biao's rule, Nanyang, Zhangling, Nanjun, Jiangxia and other places all produced iron. Therefore, Jingzhou's army was well-equipped among the world's lords, and there were no less than ten thousand soldiers wearing pockets and armor.This is why Liu Biao was able to repeatedly repel the invading enemies.

Looking at Xuan Jia Yao Sun, Zhu Qi Jiang Tian, ​​and the majestic and mighty Liu Biao Army, Zhang Xian had no expression on his face, but felt rather sad in his heart.

He now has [-] soldiers under his command, more than [-] newly recruited soldiers, and less than [-] armors. Facing Liu Biao's army, he naturally lacks confidence.

Suddenly, Zhang Xian heard loud cheers coming from the south of the city, and he was quite puzzled by this, not knowing what else could be worth cheering under the current situation.

It wasn't until the soldiers shouted Chu Ziping's name that Zhang Xian knew what was going on, and couldn't help being overjoyed.Now he has no shortage of soldiers, what he lacks is generals, especially in the Battle of Baqiu, where all the generals were killed and wounded, even more so.As soon as Chu Fang arrived, his urgent need was solved.

Chu Fang is not a great general, he only led a battalion of less than a thousand men in the past, but he is brave and good at fighting, and he has a very high reputation. The soldiers all admire him for his filial piety.

Huan Jie couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief, and said with a smile, "Chu Ziping has finally come. I used to work with him under the Marquis of Wucheng's tent. I knew him as a filial and brave man, and he was also famous for his faith. I expected him to know that the Lord of the Fu had It’s hard, I will definitely come, Chu Ziping really did not disappoint me.”

Zhang Yi, on the other hand, was ashamed and ashamed. He had previously scolded Chu Fang for his delay in arriving, but now it seems that he has saved the heart of a gentleman with the heart of a villain.

In fact, it was not only him, even Zhang Xian had no hope for Chu Fang.After all, since this year, he has written three invitation letters to Chu Fang, but all of them have been ignored.

Unexpectedly, when Linxiang was safe, he refused to come, but when Linxiang was in crisis, he came.

Zhang Xian immediately led Zhang Yi, Huan Jie, Liu Pan and others down the city wall to meet Chu Fang.

Not long after, Chu Convenience, who was wearing robes and riding two horses, was guided by two cavalry officials to the foot of the east city of Linxiang.

When Chu Fang got off his horse, Zhang Xian couldn't wait to stride forward, took Chu Fang's hand, and said: "When I went to Changsha and passed through Ling County, the people suffered because of the great misfortune of the Wu people Su Dai. Yi Pu hastily went north to Linxiang to suppress the rebellion, but was unable to visit him in person, and it was not until today that he had the opportunity to formally meet."

To be honest, Zhang Xian didn't pay too much attention to Chu Fang back then, at least it wasn't worth paying for it by himself and paying a visit.However, Chu Fang was also the leading military general in Changsha after all, so Zhang Xian sent people to visit his mother and gave generous gifts, and he did so every year thereafter.

One is to appreciate his filial piety, and the other is to win over him. Anyway, this little property is insignificant to Zhang Xian.Years of unremitting persistence finally paid off today.

Chu Fang said in a deep voice: "In the past, when my mother was alive, she often received gifts from the lord of the government. When she was dying, she never forgot the kindness of the lord of the government. She told me repeatedly that she should think of repaying it in the future.

In the past, the Lord of Shifu wrote a letter, because I was attacking bandits in Ling County, and it was difficult to escape in a hurry.A few days ago, I first heard that the Northern Army was going south, and Linxiang was in danger. Thinking of the past kindness of the Fujun, I didn't dare to hesitate in my heart, so I put everything down and came quickly. "

After Zhang Xian heard this, he couldn't help sighing: "Baqiu was defeated, all the soldiers were lost for a while, and the whole army was almost wiped out. When the Biao army went south, the servants were transferred to other battalions to defend Linxiang, to fight against the enemy together. Facing the rampant Liu Biao army, all the generals were frightened, but Ziping did not avoid danger and went north alone, how brave and fearless he is."

Zhang Yi said from the side: "People like Liu Bosi, Cai Hongchao, etc., usually pride themselves on being heroes, but when they are in crisis, they run away from the wind, which is completely different from their subordinates."

The behavior of the two of them is absolutely inseparable from Liu Jing, but Zhang Yi did not dare to mention Liu Jing's name. Chu Fang's current identity is Liu Jing's chief bookkeeper. Insulting Liu Jing in front of him is even more serious than insulting himself. .

When Liu Pan heard this, his expression immediately sank.

Chu Fang retorted: "I'm afraid that's the opposite. I heard the people's discussion on the way down. When Liu Bosi was in Baqiu, when the whole army was defeated, he gathered thousands of routs and returned safely. Cai Hongchao not long ago pacified the eastern Yuzhang. Thief, relieved Changsha's worries. How can I compare with the two of you because I haven't made an inch of merit so far?"

Being refuted by Chu Fang face to face, Zhang Yi couldn't help but blushed, feeling that he had lost his face.

Zhang Xian nodded calmly and said, "What Ziping said is true. Liu Bosi and Cai Hongchao have indeed made great contributions to Changsha. Although they did not return to Linxiang, they did not join the enemy either. You should not be too harsh on them. On the contrary, you have more trust." , Wu Ju, who is regarded as a confidant, unexpectedly descended to the north and ruined our army, it is really hateful!"

Every time he thought of Wu Ju, Zhang Xian felt heartbroken. If he hadn't stabbed him in the back, the situation wouldn't have deteriorated to this point all at once.

Zhang Xian said again: "Forget it, don't mention that despicable villain. Ziping, I want to take you as the magistrate of Luo County, the captain of the northern part of Changsha, and supervise the troops in Linxiang. I don't know what Ziping thinks?"

The county magistrate of Luo and the captain of the northern part of Changsha were Wu Ju's previous official positions. In Changsha, it can be said that he is only under Zhang Xian and above ten thousand people.The most important thing is to supervise the battalions in Linxiang, which is tantamount to appointing him as the commander-in-chief of the garrison.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Xian had such boldness, Chu Fang was greatly surprised, couldn't help but respect in his heart, and immediately bowed down and said: "Thank you for your trust, I will live up to your trust."

Zhang Xian helped Chu Fang up, and said with a smile: "You Ziping is the servant who oversees the army to defend against the enemy. Even if the Biao army has a hundred thousand people, what does the servant have to worry about?"

Chu Fang clasped his fists and said, "The ruler of the government has won the hearts of the people, and the soldiers work hard with one heart and one mind. Although there are many soldiers, they can't shake Linxiang at all."

"Good." Zhang Xian clapped his hands and smiled, "Go, Ziping, follow me to the city to observe the enemy."

"promise."

The thunderous cheers in Linxiang City inevitably attracted the attention of the Jingzhou army in the eastern suburbs of Linxiang.When Kuai Yue went south this time, he held a list in his hand, which listed all the celebrities and heroes in Changsha, and Chu Fang was naturally on it.

Unlike Wu Ju, Kuai Yue never thought of recruiting Chu Fang. He had no choice but to let him be Sun Jian's general in the past. Just like Huan Jie, he would never surrender. The two sides are destined to become enemies, and there is no turning back room.

According to the information obtained by Kuai Yue, Chu Fang is currently serving under the command of Liu Jing in Ling County, why should his name be shouted in the city?It wasn't until the scouts from the south came to report that they suddenly realized.

Kuai Yue has never valued warriors very much in his heart, and he also admired Chu Fang's loyalty and bravery. In front of the generals, he did not hesitate to boast, thinking that he has the style of the ancients.

The more Kuai Yue praised Chu Fang, the more Wu Ju felt harsh. He felt that people around him looked at him with strange eyes, which made him irritated.

Liu Pan, with a strong body and a handsome face, said: "I heard people say that Chu Ziping is the most powerful general in Jingnan. In the past, Sun Jian also loved his bravery. Mother, I stayed in the south. I still have a little disbelief in my heart. Looking at his behavior today, it is not all lies. I only hate that I was not in the south at that time, otherwise I would kill him under the horse."

After Kuai Yue heard this, he immediately felt a little displeased. He despises this kind of person who can only show off his bravery, but the other party is Liu Biao's nephew, and he can't use it.

Kuai Yue persuaded patiently: "Chu Ziping is so famous, how can there be no reason? When we meet on the battlefield in another day, Liu Zhonglang must not underestimate the enemy."

Liu Pan didn't take it seriously in his heart. In terms of martial arts, he only obeyed Han Sheng, and others, including Chu Fang, were not taken seriously by him.Said in the mouth: "I will not underestimate the enemy, I only hope that when the future arrives first, I will meet him."

Kuai Yue is hesitant, he never thought of letting Liu Pan climb first, since ancient times, he was the most dangerous. He is Liu Biao's nephew, if something goes wrong, Liu Biao will blame him in his heart even if he doesn't say anything. he.

Kuai Yue ignored Liu Pan, and turned his eyes to the next person. He has big ears, outstanding facial features, and a beard. He is very heroic. Who is it but Lai Gong?

"It's the so-called courtesy first and then soldiers. Bo Jing, you are from Lingling, and Zhang Xian used to be the head of Lingling. The two of you are quite friendly. Why don't you go to the city to persuade him to surrender?"

Lai Gong couldn't help frowning and said, "Zhang Changsha is stubborn and unyielding, he will never surrender."

Kuai Yue said with a smile, "It's okay to try. Even if Zhang Xian doesn't surrender, he can talk a little bit to break Linxiang's perseverance."

Lai Gong shook his head secretly, this is useless, the effect is almost equal to nothing, Zhang Xian has served in Changsha for several years, widely spread benevolence, and won the hearts of scholars and people.On the contrary, Liu Biao has never been kind to Changsha, so he is naturally regarded as an enemy by Changsha people.

But the arm can't twist the thigh, and Kuai Yue is the coach, so he can do whatever he says.

Lai Gong didn't bring any guards, he rode out on horseback, and went straight to the moat.

Although he has some friendship with Zhang Xian, and he is also a native of Lingling County in Jingnan, but this will not change his support for Liu Biao's unification of Jingzhou.

Although Liu Biao does not have the strategy of being a king, he has the ability to govern. The people under his rule can live and work in peace and contentment. Although Jingnan is considered peaceful, it is in a semi-separatist regime and does not listen to the orders of the state. This situation must be changed as soon as possible. The situation, because the current situation in Jingzhou is definitely not good. Cao Cao in the north, Liu Zhang in the west, and Sun Ce in the east are all old enemies.

Cao Cao made peace temporarily, Liu Zhang had no other long-term strategy, and the most worrying thing was Sun Ce, who had a feud with Liu Biao for killing his father. Since crossing the river, he has swept through several counties in just a few years. Unify Jiangdong.If Jingzhou is still divided at that time, it will inevitably fall into a multi-faceted battle.

Therefore, Jingzhou must be unified in order to resist the coveted enemies all around.

If it was before, Lai Gong would still be worried about the safety of his younger sister Lai Ci, but he learned that his younger sister has been taken to Ling County by Liu Jing, and during that time he brought his nephew Hutou back home to visit his parents.Lai Gong was completely relieved from this.

Lai Gong rode his horse and wandered by the moat, raised his voice and said: "Lai Bojing, my old friend, Lingling, I would like to invite Mr. Zhang Fu to come forward and tell a story."

As soon as Zhang Xian returned to the city wall, he heard Lai Gong's call, and he leaned forward and said, "Bo Jing, you and I have known each other for many years. I remember that when we were in Lingling, you and I often talked together, discussing how to govern the county and keep the people safe. I don’t want to say goodbye for many years, the day you and I meet again is before the two armies, could it be that today, you want to meet me in battle?”

Lai Gong said in a loud voice: "I often recall the old days, Mr. Zhang Fu has been in Jingnan for many years, he has managed the government well, and the people have been greatly favored, even I am the same.

Going south with the army this time is really a last resort, Lord Zhang knows that the current situation in Jingzhou is already very dangerous, and the unification of Jingzhou is the trend of the times and the aspiration of the people.

Mr. Zhang Fu doesn't want to meet his subordinates in battle, so he might as well surrender the three counties.Liu Mu is a benevolent gentleman of the clan, and he will definitely treat Mr. Zhang well. "

Zhang Xian laughed loudly and said, "If Bo Jing comes to reminisce about the past, I would like to tell you. If he is a lobbyist for Liu Biao, leave quickly."

Lai Gong knew that Zhang Xian's will was extremely strong, and finally said: "Master Zhang, if we fight together, our lives will be destroyed. Do you really want the people of the three counties to follow you to die?"

Zhang Xian couldn't help falling into silence. Since he became an official, he has hardly left Jingnan. It can be said that he has devoted half of his life here. The last thing he wants to see is his own foundation ruined.

But now he can't take care of so much, he and Liu Biao vowed not to be at odds with each other.

"Bo Jing don't say any more, go quickly."

"Master Zhang, take care." Lai Gong shook his head slowly, pulled the reins, turned the horse's head, and galloped back into the formation.

Lai Gong returned without success, as expected by Kuai Yue, he had no hope at all, so naturally he was not disappointed.

Kuai Yue led the army and retreated slowly.

When the army first arrived, it was difficult to attack the city immediately, because the siege equipment was inconvenient to carry and was basically manufactured from local materials.In addition, several trenches had to be dug deep in the periphery to trap Linxiang to death, and finally the moat was filled.If necessary, several earth hills should be built to suppress the defenders on the city wall.

Anyway, if you want to attack the city, it is definitely not a short period of time. It requires extremely cumbersome preliminary preparations.

(End of this chapter)