Shuhan

Chapter 463 Ma Chao vs Cao Zhen
Chang'an bled all night.

There were hundreds of corpses hanging in Dongshi. Such a shocking scene immediately frightened the people in Chang'an City. Those who dared to surrender seemed to have disappeared overnight.

The most serious casualties were the children of Jingzhao Du family and Jingzhao Wei family. Basically, as long as they stayed in Chang'an city, Zhang He found and killed them all.

And
Those who killed these Jingzhao Du family and Jingzhao Wei family's children were not his soldiers, but the generals and officials who were related to Jingzhao Wei family and Jingzhao Du family.

Last night, he summoned the officials and generals who were related to Jingzhao Wei Clan and Jingzhao Du Clan but were not from Jingzhao Du Clan and Jingzhao Wei Clan, and gave each of them a sword.

In other words: Kill one person and you will live!

If they want to survive, they have to kill a Jingzhao Du clan or a Jingzhao Wei clan child.

Otherwise, they will be the ones who die.

At the time of life and death, some people succumbed, and some had no choice but to succumb to Zhang He's lust in order to survive, and had to use the blood of Jingzhao Du family and Jingzhao Wei family's children to gain Zhang He's trust.

After this killing, Chang'an became more peaceful.

of course
Zhang He also knew that this kind of high-pressure policy and this kind of reign of terror would cause the people all over the city to attack in large numbers. Therefore, he opened the Chang'an treasury and rewarded the soldiers who defended the city with money and silk. The female relatives of Jingzhao Du family and Jingzhao Wei family who were causing trouble in the city rewarded the soldiers and served as military prostitutes for the enjoyment of the soldiers. This routine was undoubtedly Zhang He's move to win over the Chang'an defenders.

These top soldiers are all common people. If you talk to them about the justice of the family and the country, no one will listen.

But if you tell them about money and silk, and if you tell them about women and aunts, they are willing to listen.

If you reward them with money, silk, and women, then they will fight for you wholeheartedly!
I, Zhang He, know very well what these big-headed soldiers think.

But now, to defend Chang'an, only by controlling the more than 30,000 Wei troops guarding the city can it be effective.

As for the people in the city, they are just consumables.

If at a critical moment, all the people in this city are dead, what will happen?
As for whether there will be any punishment from the court in the future?

Then we have to wait until he is alive to defend Chang'an before punishing him.

Besides, given his great contribution in guarding Chang'an, how could your Majesty punish him?
"Father, the generals inside and outside the city have all been replaced by trustworthy people."

In order to prevent anyone from causing rebellion, even the Hu soldiers, Zhang He organized them into random groups, and then used his own troops as grassroots officers to firmly control the various armies and ministries guarding Chang'an.

Under the aftertaste of the reward, the soldiers in the city had little resistance, and even if they had, they couldn't make any waves.

As for whether the army's combat effectiveness will become weaker after the organization is broken up, it is no longer within Zhang He's consideration.

He has no intention of leaving the city to fight in the field.

Since there is no need to go out of the city to fight in the field, it is not a big deal if the army's combat effectiveness is slightly reduced.

After all, the Han army outside the city was too elite. Whether it was Zhang Fei or Zhao Yun, they were all powerful generals who had taken the heads of generals from thousands of armies. Even if they went out of the city to fight in the field, Zhang He would be no match for him.

If you can't win in the field, then you can only defend the city.

Defending the city and having weaker combat power doesn't matter.

"The Han army is still filling in the moat?"

Zhang Xiong nodded and said: "If we continue day and night, at this rate, I am afraid that within three to five days, the moat will be filled by them."

If we don't leave the city to harass, the moat will be filled by the Han army, but if we go out to harass, we can't defeat the Han army.

It’s difficult~
"Father, we still have to send troops to drive these civilians away. Without the benefit of the moat, I'm afraid Chang'an will be in danger!"

Zhang He glanced at Zhang Xiong angrily and said, "Who is going? You?"

I don’t want to see what the result will be if you lead the troops out of the city to fight.
He was completely embarrassed.

Being looked down upon by Zhang He, Zhang Xiong clenched his fists, but the previous incident of going out to the city to fight was so humiliating that he couldn't even utter a retort.

He could only lower his head, cowardly and not daring to say a word.

"Arrows are fired from the city to slow down the Han army's movements. As long as we hold on for another twenty days, reinforcements will surely arrive. Once reinforcements arrive, Chang'an will be defended."

After being lectured several times when leaving the city, Zhang He was now focused on defending the city.

As long as Chang'an is not lost, Zhang He's biggest contribution to the Wei State still belongs to him.

Beside Lianshui City, beside Lianshui River.

A cavalry army came in the dust.

It was Cao Zhen who led 10,000 cavalry troops and arrived first.

After a long journey from Liangzhou to Guanzhong, Cao Zhen seemed to have just escaped from the fire of hell.

His face was deep and haggard from the dust and exhaustion, and his skin took on a dull bronze color, like ancient bronze that had been sharpened by time and war.

The wind in Liangzhou is strong, and the sand in Longyou cuts your face.

His eyes were sunken and bloodshot, like two burning flames, revealing unyielding fighting spirit and deep anger.

Her dark, slightly pale hair was messy and greasy, sticking to her face. A few strands of gray hair fluttered in the wind, like flags on a battlefield.

Huchihuchi~
The black war horse under Cao Zhen's crotch also looked exhausted. The sound of the horseshoes rubbing against the ground was like the drumbeat of war, echoing in the open field.

Looking at Lianshui City in front of him, the brows on Cao Zhen's face did not relax.

Straight bitch!

Han is cunning!

Come to cheat, come to sneak attack!

When he heard about the rebellion in Liangzhou, he had doubts in his heart.

After all, he had only been fighting the rebellion in Liangzhou for a few days, and all the countries in the Western Regions had seen the military front of his Wei state and were vying to pay tribute and submit. How could those powerful Liangzhou people not be afraid?

The results of it?
Good guys!
It turned out that those Liangzhou tycoons colluded with the Han State to create chaos and lured his elite from Guanzhong from Chang'an to Liangzhou as the real thing.

This has caused the current crisis in Chang'an.

Cao Zhen now has the urge to scold his mother.

Let’s talk about heroes over a cup of wine. How can you, Liu Xuande, be considered a hero with your villainous behavior?
"General, our army has been on a long-distance attack, and the rear army has not arrived yet. We should rest in Lianshui City for a while before starting the attack."

When he received the news that the Han army had entered Guanzhong along the Chencang Road, Cao Zhen's army had already arrived at Wuwei County. After that, they came from Wuwei County for a long distance. The infantry and baggage were already behind. , only an army of 10,000 cavalry can get there first.

"How's the situation with Yumi?"

A part of the Han army was stationed in Yumi City, and fortresses were built in strategic and dangerous areas. It was obvious that this was to delay his support of Chang'an.

"There are thousands of Han troops blocking Yumi, and the one guarding the city is Ma Chao."

Jin Ma Chao?
Cao Zhen was stunned for a moment, then frowned.

"Jin Ma is extremely brave, and he is very prestigious in the land of Yongliang. It may not be easy to break through Yumi City."

After all, Ma Chao occupied Guanzhong and had good relations with the Qiang Di and Xiliang Qiang people in Guanzhong.

Among the thousands of people who guarded the city under him, except for the 3,000 people Liu Bei gave him, most of the others were Qiang Di who had joined him.

Liu Bei brought Ma Chao to Guanzhong with the intention of using Ma Chao to win over the Qiang Di in Guanzhong. "Do you have a defense plan for Yumi City?"

After Cao Zhen's death, Shi Guohuai, the governor of Yongzhou and the chief of Zhenxi General Office, said: "I'm afraid I have to ask about this after entering Lishui City."

After knowing that Yumi was guarded by Ma Chao, Cao Zhen gave up his thoughts of attacking the city with cavalry.

If it were anyone else, Cao Zhen would really dare to do this.

After all, Yumi is not a fortified city, so it can be attacked like this.

But the person guarding Yumi is Ma Chao. With his influence among the Qiang and Di in Guanzhong, he is afraid that he has thousands of Qiang and Di cavalry in his hands now. It is even more impossible to take advantage of Ma Chao with the advantage of the cavalry. things.

When the late emperor defeated Ma Chao, he cut off his beard and robe, almost killing Ma Chao. Facing this man, Cao Zhen did not dare to look down upon him.

Greeted by the guards of Lianshui City, Cao Zhen walked slowly into Lishui City.

The banquet hadn't started yet, and the food and wine hadn't been served yet. Cao Zhen, who was sitting on the main seat, looked at the Lishui City guard.

"How is the situation over there in Yumi? Have you gone to find out the situation during this period?"

The defenders of Lianshui City immediately said: "Yumu City was originally a small city, but after it was reinforced and raised by the Han Army, it may take some twists and turns to capture it. In addition, around Yumi City, the Han Army built three new The forts, one stands on the terrace five miles southwest of Yumi City, one stands at the mouth of a valley northwest of Yumi City, and the other one is on the other side of the Qianshui River. Three cottage fortresses, plus Yumi City, All roads are blocked.”

Cao Zhen frowned slightly and continued to ask: "What is the layout of the Han army's troops?"

The guard of Lianshui City showed an embarrassed look on his face, and could only say: "It was okay a few days ago, and our army's scouts were able to detect some information about Yumi, but as the number of Han army's cavalry increased, it was not necessary to send scouts there. We found out the information, but as soon as the scouts left the city, they were attacked and killed by the Han Qiang soldiers, and they couldn't even get out."

In other words, at the beginning, the Han army's defense in Yumi was not very strict.

But as time went by, more and more Qiang Di joined Ma Chao, making Yumi's city defenses stronger.

"The layout of the Han army's troops must be clarified first."

Knowing yourself and knowing your enemy can help you win a hundred battles.

If you don't even know the situation of the Han army, how can you fight?
Guo Huai immediately said: "The last general is willing to lead the troops and clear out the Han army's scouts."

Cao Zhen thought about it and originally wanted to refuse, but he still nodded.

"We'll see how good Ma Chao's cavalry is then."

If his cavalry is too weak to fight, he is not afraid to fight with him in the field.

person's name. The shadow of the tree.

For a veteran like Ma Chao who has made a name for himself, Cao Zhen will still give him basic respect.

"Let's do this tomorrow. Now, maybe we can send someone to tell Ma Chao to surrender."

Cao Zhen had a mysterious smile on his face.

"Are you talking about surrendering to Ma Chao?" Guo Huai was stunned.

"good."

Cao Zhen chuckled and said: "Although Jin Ma Chao has been granted the title of Hussar General by the Han State, led the Liangzhou Shepherd, and was granted the title of Marquis of Zhuxiang. But these are just empty posts. An ambitious person like Ma Chao is now in the army. In Guanzhong, we can rely on our past prestige to recruit the old tribe, and under the roar of the gathering, we can become a prince. It is not known yet, and we can use this as a bait to let Ma Chao be used by us."

Guo Huai thought for a while and said: "Ma Chao has been a hero for half his life. He surrendered to Liu Bei and often felt a sense of danger after living under the fence. This may be possible. However, the Pengyi incident that happened in Yizhou a few years ago did not see Ma Chao rise up. This time How can he rebel against the Han?"

A few years ago, Peng Yi encouraged Ma Chao to rebel against Liu. When he heard Peng Yi say such words, he was shocked and kept silent.

After Peng Yi left, Ma Chao reported Peng Yi's words truthfully, and Peng Yi was arrested and imprisoned. Later, Liu Bei listened to Zhuge Liang's opinion and executed Peng Yi.

Does such a person really have great ambitions?
You know, Ma Chao is now forty-seven years old.

"Back then, Ma Chao was in the hinterland of Yizhou, with no available troops around, so he naturally did not dare to act rashly. Now that he is in the pass, like a tiger entering the mountains and forests, or a dragon entering the sea, he may be able to regain his former glory. If you don't give it a try, how will you know? ?”

If Ma Chao surrenders, not only will Han's painstakingly built Yumi defense line be reduced to a display, but the Wei Dynasty will also have Ma Chao and the Xiliang Qiang Di as thugs.

After going back and forth, the certainty of defeating the Han army and holding Guanzhong became a little bit greater.

"Who can be the messenger?"

Cao Zhen said: "Tian Le, the old general of Han Sui in Xiliang, once served as a general under Ma Teng. He is originally from Xiqiang and can be an envoy."

This Tian Le was the one who beheaded Han Sui later. After presenting the head to Cao Cao, he was granted the title of Marquis within the Pass.

"Let this person try out Jin Ma Chao's tone!"

After the business was done, Cao Zhen's heart dropped halfway. He picked up the wine bottle in front of him, saluted Guo Huai, and drank the full glass immediately.

As a veteran on the battlefield, Cao Zhen knew that no matter how anxious he was to rush to help Chang'an, he had to do it step by step.

If you are anxious, you might be taken advantage of by the Han army, which would be bad.

In Yumi City.

Ma Chao sat on the main seat in the government office hall in the city.

His figure is no longer as strong as when he was young, but he still exudes a majesty that cannot be underestimated. The years have carved deep wrinkles on his face, like traces of history, witnessing his glory and vicissitudes.

His armor, although still gorgeous and solemn, has become slightly looser and no longer fits his body tightly. The luster on the armor has also dimmed a lot, but it still exudes an indestructible aura.

Ma Chao sat upright, with his hands folded on his knees, his eyes deep and tranquil. His figure is no longer as straight as when he was young, and his slightly rickety back seems to tell the ruthlessness of the years.

However, his eyes were still firm and powerful, as if he could penetrate all illusions and look directly at the essence of things.

"Brother, the envoy from the Wei army wants to see you."

Ma Chao had already known the news that Cao Zhen's 10,000 cavalry troops had arrived in Lishui City.

I originally thought he would attack at night, but instead he found an envoy to see him?

Looking for a messenger to come see me?

Am I still going to surrender?
"Cough cough."

Ma Chao covered his mouth and coughed, then said, "Who is the messenger?"

Ma Dai immediately said: "Brother, this is Guannei Hou Tianle."

"It's him!"

Ma Chao recalled Tian Le's honest smile in his mind, and said with some enthusiasm: "Let him come in."

But after saying this, Ma Chao felt something was wrong and said, "Let's also invite General Anhan."

Ma Chao led the army alone, and Liu Bei also sent Mi Zhu to follow him as a supervisor.

Ma Chao didn't feel unhappy about this.

Firstly, he got on well with Mi Zhu, and secondly, Liu Bei placed his son and younger brother by his side. His trust was beyond words.

Whether it is for the future of the Ma family or to repay Liu Bei for taking him in, I am defending Yumi this time. Even if I die here, I have to stop Cao Zhen's army and buy time for the Han Dynasty to regain Chang'an!

(End of this chapter)