Shuhan

Maoling.

It is now the temporary palace of the Han emperor.

In a small city, there are countless messengers coming and going to gather information.

Just outside Maoling City, there are many camps.

It stretches endlessly for miles around, and even water is a problem.

Messages from all over the Han Kingdom, as well as from all over Guanzhong, rushed into Maoling, waiting for the Holy Judgment of Han Emperor Liu Xuande.

However, the wise and mighty Emperor of Han had not summoned his officials for three days.

When he first entered Guanzhong, Liu Bei summoned the talented people in Guanzhong every day. The common people and nobles in Guanzhong wholeheartedly welcomed them. The scene of vitality and all things competing was still before his eyes.

Compared with now, it undoubtedly casts a shadow on the Han army's Northern Expedition.

Rumors gradually arose among the army that the Han Emperor Liu Bei was seriously ill and was unable to entertain guests.

Combined with the rumors spread by Jianjun in order to paralyze Guanzhong: Emperor Liu Bei of the Han Dynasty was seriously ill and was about to die soon.

With the two combined, it's no wonder these people would spread rumors.

Flies don't bite seamless eggs. The reason why this news came out is really because of this.

In Maoling City, there is a temporary palace.

Liu Bei's inner room.

Under the service of his servants, Liu Bei sipped the muddy herbs.

The smell of the herbal medicine is pungent, even if you smell it from a distance, it will make you frown, let alone drink it.

But it was this bowl of medicine that Liu Bei drank without expression.

If you drink too much medicine, you will become accustomed to drinking even the most unpleasant medicine.

Zhuge Liang and Fazheng next to him looked at each other, with heavy looks in their eyes.

After drinking the bitter medicine, Liu Bei wiped the medicine stains on the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief and asked, "Where is the prince?"

Fazheng immediately stepped forward and said, "The prince has entered the commendatory aisle and must be arriving soon."

Liu Bei nodded and asked again: "How is the war in Chang'an?"

"The Chariot and Cavalry Generals have filled in the Chang'an moat and have been attacking the city for several days, and some results have been achieved."

In the early stage, the attack on Chang'an was progressing rapidly, and the Wei army defending the city seemed vulnerable. In addition, there were internal forces in the city, so Liu Bei decisively chose Fa Zheng's strategy of conquering Chang'an first and then taking over the counties in Guanzhong.

"Calculating the time, Cao Zhen should arrive in Yumi."

Fazheng continued: "Cao Zhen has arrived at Yumi, but he is blocked by General Hussar and cannot advance even an inch."

Liu Bei had a serious look on his face.

"I'm afraid reinforcements from Luoyang will be arriving soon, right?"

The time the prince bought them for the Northern Expedition gradually passed.

If Chang'an is not captured, the Han army will be in crisis.

Offensive and defensive.

Who attacks and who defends is actually on that thin line.

"But what else is there?"

Just after drinking the medicine, Liu Bei's cheeks were slightly red and he seemed to be in good spirits.

"The county magistrates of Anling, Chiyang, and Yangling, as well as the leaders of foreign tribes, came to pay homage to Your Majesty."

Liu Bei smiled bitterly and shook his head.

"Just because I haven't been summoned for three days, they thought I was already sick?"

Liu Bei sat up straight and said, "Let's meet them."

"Then His Majesty's body."

Liu Bei became seriously ill after offering sacrifices at Maoling. He was in a coma the day before and almost killed Zhuge Liang and Fazheng.

The information inside has always been sealed, and it is precisely because of this that there are so many rumors.

Fortunately, Hua Tuo was indeed a miracle doctor. After taking a few medicines, Liu Bei finally regained consciousness.

But the current situation is no longer optimistic.

Hua Tuo is a miracle doctor, but he cannot cheat.

What Liu Bei lost was not blood, but damage to his foundation. As he got older, Hua Tuo's "first aid" and "green bladder" could only alleviate this problem, but not cure it.

While in Chengdu, Liu Bei began to feel unwell.

At first, it was after having uncontrolled sex with Mrs. Wu.

After that, it became more and more serious. Although I ignored the court affairs for a while and my body recovered, I could not bear the pain of traveling thousands of miles from Chengdu to Guanzhong.

Traveling in this era requires a pair of legs.

Even if there is a carriage, the road is bumpy and sitting on the carriage is uncomfortable.

Not to mention, after Liu Bei's long-distance attack, he went on to offer sacrifices to Maoling to win over people's hearts.

There are many steps in sacrificial rituals, and there are also many times of kneeling. Not only Liu Bei is an old man, but also a young man, he has to shed a layer of skin after going through a set of procedures.

This is why when old emperors offer sacrifices to heaven, they usually let the prince or prince do it on his behalf.

It's not that they are sincere, but that their bodies no longer allow it.

The body's shortcomings and longevity are determined by fate. Even if Hua Tuo is a miracle doctor, it is difficult for him to go against fate.

"I know my body well."

Liu Bei knew in his heart that he had experienced countless battles, slept in the open, and had scars and sword marks on his body from the time when he was young to the present.

There have been several brushes with death.

Liu Bei is satisfied enough to be able to live until now, and even see Chang'an being recaptured, plus he has a successor.

"The most important thing now is to stabilize people's hearts and let the Guanzhong area provide food and grass for my big man."

After saying a few words, Liu Bei felt a little tight in his chest.

After taking a breath, he continued: "The descendants of Jingzhao Du family and Jingzhao Wei family in Chang'an were all killed by Zhang He. Naturally, I have to comfort them."

"I think it's better for Your Majesty to rest and take good care of yourself."

At this critical moment, as the emperor of Han, Liu Bei must not let anything happen!
Liu Bei smiled and said: "Even if the Lord of Taishan comes to take me in, I will have to argue with him. I will not close my eyes until the Han army takes Chang'an. Even if I hold on, I will hold on." Until then, don’t worry.”

"Your Majesty~"

"His Majesty!"

Hearing Liu Bei say such words, Zhuge Liang and Fazheng both knelt down with tears rolling in their eyes.

"I'm not dead yet!"

"Cough cough."

Liu Bei slowly stood up and stepped forward to help Fazheng and Zhuge Liang up.

"The restoration of the Han Dynasty has not yet been successful, and you, dear friends, still need to work hard."

Fazheng and Zhuge Liang saw Liu Bei's firm eyes and knew that they could not convince Liu Bei now.

"In that case, let's review the surrendered soldiers in Maoling City so that they can see that Your Majesty is in good health and there is no problem at all."

If these people were summoned one by one, it would take too long, and Liu Bei's body and bones would not be able to hold on.

Otherwise, just come to review the three armed forces, which is fast and effective.

"Just follow what Kong Ming said."

After saying this, Liu Bei turned to look at Hua Tuo and asked, "I wonder if the miraculous doctor has a Taoist golden elixir that can boost the spirit?"

Golden elixir?

Hua Tuo was stunned for a moment.

Liu Bei immediately said: "Qing Xuzi, a member of the prince's palace, once offered a red lead golden elixir, saying that eating it would prolong life. I paid him back, and it was indeed effective at that time."

Hearing this, Hua Tuo frowned and asked: "May I ask Your Majesty, that golden elixir is made from the menstrual blood of a virgin's menarche, which is called "innate red lead", plus the first drop of dew in the middle of the night, ebony and other medicines, and is boiled Seven times, turned into a syrup, concocted with red lead, autumn stone, human milk, cinnabar, rosin and other drugs?"

Liu Bei recalled it carefully and nodded lightly.

"That's how it should be."

"This red lead and gold elixir is like a strong medicine. It can stimulate the organs, but it has no therapeutic effect. If a seriously ill person takes it, he will indeed feel energetic for a while, but it will only bring him back to his original state of mind."

Hearing this, Liu Bei looked regretful.

"I can't die yet."

He originally wanted to take a red pill before going to see those foreign ministers, but after hearing what Hua Tuo said, how could he dare to take the red lead and gold pill again?

"Your Majesty, you can ask the palace servants to put on some makeup, and you will naturally feel more energetic."

make up?

Liu Bei's eyes lit up.

He had forgotten about it.

The pale color on this face can be covered up, there is no need for so many tricks.

"That's it!"

The next day.

Liu Bei, with a glowing face, inspected the three armies in Maoling City and handed out rewards. Looking from a distance, Liu Bei's tall body, rosy face, and hearty laughter were nothing like what a patient should look like.

"There are rumors in Guanzhong today that His Majesty is seriously ill. How can he look like a seriously ill person when his face is in front of him?"

"I don't know who spread the rumor. If you are caught, you should be killed!" "I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince will also arrive in Guanzhong. My family has prepared a beautiful woman who is waiting to make a career."

"What do you think this means? I have already prepared to dedicate my wife and daughter to His Highness."

……

As a result, the rumors that had just started were extinguished.

The morale of the military is therefore stable.

. . .

Changan.

A new round of offensive and defensive battle has begun again.

This attack and defense lasted for several days.

The only thing that has changed is that the city wall of Chang'an is getting shorter and shorter.

The Han army filling up the city was still effective.

In the past few days, the siege has become more and more successful, and the damage done to the Wei army has also become greater and greater.

Zhang Fei and others could clearly feel that the morale of the Wei army was getting lower and lower.

It's actually normal.

When you see that your own army cannot defeat others when they leave the city, and are wiped out by the enemy as soon as they leave the city to fight with others, then you also know that your own army is not as good as the other side.

Watching helplessly, the moat on the other side was filled in and Chang'an was shortened with soil.

Do a trapped beast fight.

This feeling that Chang'an City will fall soon is so real and concrete that people can't help but fear.

Even Zhang He, as the top commander of Chang'an City, felt a little desperate.

It can be said that he has exhausted all methods to guard Chang'an.

However, the Han army's morale has not diminished at all after being in siege for many days. On his side, as the casualties of the soldiers defending the city increased, it was difficult to soothe them with money, silk and women.

These big-head soldiers really like money and women.

But the premise is that you can live to enjoy it.

If a person can't even meet this requirement of being alive, then no matter how much money, silk, or beautiful woman, what's the use?

"Father, we have run out of arrows in the city."

No matter how many defensive equipment there are in Chang'an City, they cannot withstand such consumption.

And running out of arrows is just the beginning.

Next, all kinds of siege equipment will be exhausted.

"Aren't there craftsmen in the city? Just casting."

Zhang Xiong had a wry smile on his face and said immediately: "Have you forgotten, father? There is already not enough iron material in the city, and the general prisoner was burned, so bows and arrows can no longer be made."

And even if the supervisor is fully turned on, he still can't withstand such use!

The blacksmiths who were in charge swung the Haotian Hammer until it was smoking, but they couldn't make so many arrows.

"Yes! I forgot about it as a father."

As the Han army and civilians filled the ground day by day, the intensity of the war became increasingly intense for the Wei army.

It was so big that he, General Zuo, had to fight with the soldiers on the city.

Zhang Xiong looked around and saw no one around, so he whispered:
"Father, why don't you surrender?"

drop?
slap~
Zhang He gave Zhang Xiong a hard fight.

This big fight was too damaging, even Zhang Xiong was stunned.

"Father, I."

"Humph!"

Zhang He snorted coldly and said, "If you weren't my son, I would have killed you with one sword!"

After saying this, Zhang He still felt puzzled and said harshly: "How could I, a hero, give birth to a loser like you in my lifetime? Your father and I have been completely embarrassed by this little bastard like you."

After saying that, he kicked him directly.

Zhang Xiong naturally did not dare to fight with his father, so he could only mutter in his mouth: "I am a little bastard, aren't you an old bastard?"

"What did you say?"

Zhang Xiong immediately changed his mind: "I said it was my father's opinion!"

Would you like to show your respect to your father?
Zhang He kicked Zhang Xiong a few times and felt better.

"Regardless of surrender, even if you are my son, I will deal with you according to military law."

He killed people from Jingzhao Du family and Jingzhao Wei family, and so many people in Chang'an hated him to the core.

With Liu Bei's benevolence and righteousness, I am afraid that after he surrendered, he would be killed to calm the public resentment in Chang'an City.

In other words, he has no way out now.

"Haosheng, look at those generals. If anyone has any objections, you can kill them first and then report them."

The more times like this come, the more we need to be on guard against those military generals opening their doors to offer sacrifices to the city.

He must also beware of those generals taking credit for Zhang He's head.

"My son understands."

Seeing that his father had made up his mind, Zhang Xiong could only sigh in his heart.

If his father had surrendered, how could there have been so many things?

As for so many people dying?
The key is……

That's Wanhu Hou!

How many people in the world can get it?

After his father's death, didn't the Marquis of Wanhu fall on him?

Unfortunately, it is too late to say this now.

Zhang Xiong had no choice but to be his father's spy, keeping an eye on the situation of various sects in Chang'an.

On the other side, the Han army's military camp.

Zhang Fei's expression turned serious.

"Wei Jun's support came so quickly?"

Zhao Yun nodded immediately.

"Our army's scouts dispersed all the way to Zheng County, and saw reinforcements from the Wei army outside Zheng County."

Changmen Pavilion and Zhidao Pavilion have been destroyed by the Han army, and Ba Lingling has also surrendered.

Although other cities have not been captured, the troops in Guanzhong are weak, and the Han army's cavalry can already dominate the counties in Guanzhong.

This is why Zhao Yun was able to get news from Zheng County, which was hundreds of miles away.

"Are they all cavalry?"

"They are all cavalry."

Zhang Fei's eyes flashed.

"It seems that the Wei army abandoned the infantry and the cavalry went ahead."

"How many people are there and who leads the army?" Zhang Fei asked again.

"The word "Xiahou" is written on the tooth flag, and there are at least three thousand cavalry."

Xiahou?

Could it be that Chang'an was guarding Xiahou Mao?

That loser who abandoned the city?
Zhang Fei held his chin in his hand, stroking his messy beard at the same time, and asked everyone: "Do you want to let these three thousand cavalry troops in?"

With Ba Ling Zhi Dao Pavilion in hand, the east side of Chang'an is actually in the hands of the Han army.

In addition, the Han army had the advantage of cavalry. If they attacked with cavalry, this Wei reinforcements would really not be able to reach Chang'an.

But the issues Zhang Fei was considering were obviously more than just the three thousand Wei troops.

But how to capture Chang'an!

"They should be let in."

Wei Yan seemed to understand Zhang Fei's intention.

"Now all the gates in Chang'an have been blocked, and the Wei army in the city can't get out at all. The reinforcements of the Wei army have arrived, and their morale may have been greatly increased, but they watched helplessly as the reinforcements disappeared in front of them. Under one fell swoop, the defenders of the city Where is your fighting spirit?"

The Han soldiers and civilians piled up earth and blocked the gates of Chang'an.

The city gates of Chang'an are no different from those of other cities. They are made entirely of fine iron.

After being hit by a car for several days, it didn't move. Gunpowder is not very effective against this kind of iron door.

Therefore, a long time ago, the Han army planned to enter the city through the city wall instead of through the city gate.

It was this move that made it impossible for the Wei army in the city to get out under the pile of earth.

If the Wei army wants to leave the city to receive reinforcements, it will be impossible for the Wei army in a short time, and the reinforcements will not be able to enter Chang'an City.

Wei Yan showed a sinister smile on his face.

"Perhaps when Wei's reinforcements arrive, Chang'an City will be destroyed!"

The dawn of victory seems to be in sight. (End of chapter)