At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 337 The city is broken

The atmosphere in Yangping Pass was very tense.

Since Wei Yan led his troops into Yangping Pass, Yangping Pass has been under military control. Soldiers patrol the city continuously every day, and there are soldiers and horses guarding the city walls day and night.

Anyone with a clear eye can see that a war is coming.

Sure enough, when Cao Cao led the Guanzhong Army to Yangping Pass, Zhou Yu also brought Pan Zhang, Dong Xi and 30,000 troops to Yangping Pass in advance to set up defenses.

As for Wu Yi, he still led his troops to guard Mianyang in preparation for Ma Chao and Yu Jin's surprise attack.

However, it was said that Cao Cao led his troops to Yangping Pass and set up camp twenty miles away from the city. After repairing, he began to call for formation.

However, no matter how much Cao Jun yelled and cursed, the Yangping Pass defenders could not retreat, so Cao Cao began to build siege equipment with great fanfare.

Secretly, Cao Cao asked Yang Wei to contact Wu Junhou in the city with a special code. He learned that the opponent had 300 soldiers and horses under his command, and he went to the north gate to set up defense for three hours every two days.

Of course, Wu Junhou was not the only one who participated in the defense deployment each time. There were as many as five people, and the defenders were as high as 2,000.

The reason why there are so many defenders taking turns to defend the city is that, in addition to the large number of soldiers and horses defending the city, the most important reason is that Yangping Pass is a dangerous pass with a special terrain. When facing threats from the north, you only need to defend the north gate. .

Compared with those cities that have to divide their troops to defend the four gates, it is much easier to stick to Yangping Pass.

This is why passes like Yangping Pass often only need a small number of garrison troops to resist the siege of large armies.

If it were an ordinary city, we would not only have to guard against the enemy attacking from the four gates, but also worry about them sneaking up and launching a sneak attack directly from the weak spot in the middle city wall.

In this case, the requirements for the number of defenders in the city are relatively strict, and the defenders must also be capable. Otherwise, if the opponent moves away from the mountain or attacks from the east, it is possible to attack the weak points of the city and invade the city in one fell swoop.

But there is no need to worry about this in Yangping Pass. As long as you stick to the north gate, you can almost guarantee that everything will be safe.

"Two thousand people are deployed each time, and each deployment lasts for three hours, taking turns every two days. In other words, only 16,000 people participate in the deployment in two days."

"The garrison strength in the city is as high as 40,000, and there are still 24,000 people ready to respond to emergencies."

"Zhou Yu is quite methodical in his use of troops this time."

Cao Cao couldn't help but murmur to himself after listening to Yang Wei's words.

Cheng Yu said: "Zhou Yu comes from the Zhou family of Lujiang. As the leader of the Yangzhou gentry, the Zhou family of Lujiang can be said to have a family background. This person also learned marching and fighting from Zhou Ziyi since he was a child. He should not be underestimated."

"Man Boning, both civil and military, has fallen into the hands of this person. When facing Zhou Yu, you should act with caution."

Although Cao Cao's army numbered 60,000, the Yizhou Army occupied the pass of Yangping Pass and had 40,000 troops. If nothing unexpected happened, it would be almost impossible for Cao Cao to break through this pass.

Even if there is Yang Wei as an internal agent, the opponent is just a military prince with no more than 300 troops under his command, and not all of them may be willing to rebel.

Under such circumstances, it would be difficult for Yang Wei to find an opportunity to capture the city gate.

Once the opponent shows any signs of weakness, it may arouse the vigilance of the other defenders.

Even if Yang Wei was lucky enough to capture the city gate, if Cao Cao could not quickly lead his troops into the city, the opponent's 300 men alone might not be able to sustain it for long.

Therefore, regardless of Cao Cao's internal support this time, it is actually not that easy to break through Yangping Pass.

The most important thing is that in order to guard against spies, Wei Yan's sergeants were in different positions every time they participated in the defense, and there was no pattern at all.

Unless Wu Junhou was lucky enough to be sent to guard the section of the city gate, and it happened to be at night, it would be impossible to capture Yangping Pass by cooperating internally and externally.

After all, although Wu Junhou was a mid-level general, he had to set up defenses at designated locations when defending the city and could not move around at will.

The reason why they only had the opportunity at night was because even if Wu Junhou was lucky enough to open the city gate during the day, Cao Jun would not be able to ambush close to the city wall without being discovered due to the clear line of sight.

In this way, once Cao Jun failed to enter the city in time, Wu Junhou's capture of the gate would become a joke.

Fortunately, Wu Junhou's defense change time happened to be at midnight, so there was no need to worry about this.

Even so, the six military princes led their troops to defend various places, and the probability that Wu Junhou could be assigned to defend the defense line near the city gate was only one-sixth.

Cao Cao also knew the difficulties.

However, he is suspicious by nature. If he knew that the spy could easily open the city gate, he might not believe it.

On the contrary, there was an opportunity like this to be able to win Yangping Pass by cooperating internally and externally, but there were many risks hidden in it, which made Cao Cao believe in it.

Cao Cao pondered for a while, and then immediately ordered: "From tomorrow onwards, we will call for formation at Guanxia every day, and build siege equipment with great fanfare, maintain the most normal siege state, and do not make Zhou Yu suspicious."

For three to five days in a row, Cao's army organized a formation at Yangping Pass, and even sent people to carry out sneak attacks outside the city every night.

Although this kind of bluff sneak attack was not very threatening, the defenders in the city had to tighten their nerves.

Fortunately, the defenders changed their defenses every two days, so they didn't have to worry about not getting enough rest.

Seeing that the siege equipment is almost completed, if the city can no longer find a suitable opportunity to open the city gate, Cao Cao may have no choice but to bite the bullet and launch a strong attack.

Fortunately, that night, Yang Wei suddenly found Cao Cao with excitement on his face and said: "Wu Junhou changed defense tonight and was sent to guard the city gate, so he sent a message overnight to make an appointment to attack the city tonight. Please also invite Ming Gong brings troops to help the city!"

When Cao Cao heard this, he stood up suddenly, his face full of excitement, and said: "If this is true, God will help me!"

Cheng Yu said: "Although the opportunity is good, it is too hasty. It has been an hour since Wu Junhou changed defenses. The camp is twenty miles away from Yangping Pass. Even if we send troops there now, I am afraid it will be too late."

Cheng Yu's worries were not wrong.

Normally speaking, the daily march in ancient times was only twenty or thirty miles. If one did not carry food, grass and baggage, the speed might be doubled if the troops were urged again.

However, in this case, after the soldiers arrive at their destination, their combat effectiveness will be very low.

But now, there are less than two hours left before Wu Junhou changes defense. It is still night. If you want to rush to Yangping Pass while Wu Junhou is deploying his defenses, and then cooperate with the opponent to capture the city, time is indeed too tight.

After Cheng Yu finished speaking, he saw Xia Houyuan come out and said: "It's only twenty miles away, what's the point? I am willing to lead three thousand vanguard troops to seize the city gate, and I will definitely defend it until Duke Ming leads the follow-up army to arrive!"

In history, Xia Houyuan was known as "five hundred in three days, one thousand in six days." This kind of marching speed was simply appalling in ancient times.

According to Xia Houyuan's marching speed, he could arrive at Yangping Pass in less than half an hour.

Cao Cao pondered for a moment after hearing this, and immediately said: "Miaocai will lead three thousand cavalry, each with a horse and a horse and a hoof. He will first quietly go to Yangpingguan and lie in wait. After contacting Wu Junhou, he will lead his troops to attack the city."

"I alone lead the soldiers and horses in the stronghold to march quickly, trying to rush to Yangping Pass as soon as possible to support Miaocai."

Xia Houyuan did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly woke up the sleeping soldiers, and then led his troops to kill Yangping Pass.

Cao Cao then said to Yang Wei: "You should take the lead in secretly contacting Wu Junhou and instructing him not to take action rashly when he confirms that Miaocai has arrived at the city."

Yang Wei also took the order and left.

Immediately afterwards, Cao Cao planned to mobilize troops and horses to march towards Yangping Pass in light armor.

Cheng Yu said hesitantly: "Does the king feel that things are progressing a little too smoothly?"

Cao Cao turned to look at Cheng Yu, frowned and said, "What does Zhongde mean?"

Cheng Yu took a deep breath, and finally said: "Whether it was the sudden appearance of the internal response at Yangping Pass, or the fact that Wu Junhou was transferred to the city gate to set up defenses on the eve of the completion of our siege equipment, all of this was going too smoothly." Cao Cao also frowned. Said: "Could it be that Zhongde saw a flaw in it and thought it was a fraud?"

Cheng Yu shook his head and said: "I don't see any flaws, but even outstanding people like Man Boning and Guo Fengxiao lost their lives in Yizhou. Yizhou must not be a good place."

"If everything goes well tonight, your Majesty will be able to enter Yangping Pass tomorrow and defeat the main force of the Yizhou Army, and then take the entire northern Yizhou into his hands."

"It's just that I always feel that if this is the case, things will go too smoothly, and I feel a little uneasy."

Although everything was reasonable from beginning to end, even the suspicious Cao Cao could not detect any doubts, and the wise Cheng Yu could not see any flaws.

But when Cao Cao was eager to invade Yizhou to avenge Guo Jia, an insider suddenly appeared.

Seeing that the siege equipment was about to be built, if he still couldn't find an opportunity, he could only attack Yangping Pass. This was also when Cao Cao was most anxious, and the opportunity suddenly came.

All of this seems reasonable without any flaws.

However, with the lessons learned from Man Chong and Guo Jia, Cheng Yu always felt that Yizhou was not a kind place, and that there might be hidden dangers unknown to the public.

When Cao Cao heard this, he couldn't help but show a little hesitation on his face.

At other times, Cao Cao might have been more cautious, but the opportunity Wu Junhou finally found was fleeting.

Once this opportunity is missed, this internal response may be useless in the future.

Time was running out, leaving no opportunity for Cao Cao to think or hesitate. Moreover, Xia Houyuan had already led his troops and set off, so a battle was inevitable.

The most important thing is that as long as Yangping Pass can be captured and the main force of the Yizhou Army in the city is defeated, at least half of Yizhou will be captured by Cao Cao.

Faced with such a huge temptation, no one will give up easily.

He took a deep breath and said: "Wealth and honor are found in danger. If we miss this opportunity, not only will we not be able to conquer Yangping Pass, but the two generals Ma Chao and Yu Jin who have become alone will also be trapped and die at Baishui Pass."

"If God refuses to do something, I will take the blame. I firmly believe that this fate is mine!"

After speaking, Cao Cao immediately ordered Cheng Yu to lead three thousand troops to guard the camp, but he gathered the rest of his troops and headed towards Yangping Pass to kill them.

Inside Yangping Pass.

After Wu Junhou read the secret message in his hand, he quietly placed it in his arms, and then looked slightly nervously outside the city.

It's just that it's too dark and I can't see very far.

I don't know how much time passed, but the bored soldiers gradually became a little sleepy, but Wu Junhou suddenly heard the sound of three long and two short frogs croaking.

His slightly anxious face suddenly showed a happy look, and he immediately responded with three short and two long frog calls.

"Quack quack quack quack!"

Immediately afterwards, there were three long and two short frog sounds. Wu Junhou gradually showed a fierce look in his eyes, and then hung two lanterns on the top of the city.

He secretly summoned his confidants, quietly reached under the city wall, looked at the dozen or so drowsy soldiers guarding the city gate, and suddenly killed them.

"Puff puff!"

The sound of a sharp blade piercing flesh was heard, and immediately several gatekeepers fell into a pool of blood.

"Spies, there are spies!"

The gatekeepers who woke up in shock saw someone suddenly coming from the city and shouted loudly at the top of their lungs.

Outside the city wall, Xia Houyuan couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

However, when he heard the frogs croaking on the city wall, he was suddenly pleasantly surprised.

Especially after seeing the two lanterns hung on the city wall, he immediately led his troops towards the city gate without any hesitation.

Yang Wei had already made an agreement with Wu Junhou. The croaking of frogs was a signal to connect, and the two lanterns on the city wall represented attack instructions.

As long as the lantern is hung up, it means that Wu Junhou has gone to seize the city gate.

At this time, even if his whereabouts were exposed, Xia Houyuan would immediately lead his troops into the city and then hold on to the city gate.

"Tap Tap!"

The sound of galloping horses' hooves, coupled with the shouts of the gatekeepers, immediately woke up the rest of the defenders, and they all rushed from the top of the city wall to the bottom.

"kill!"

Suddenly, shouts of killing broke out and the city was in chaos.

"Tap Tap!"

The cavalry was getting closer and closer, but the city gate still did not open. Xia Houyuan couldn't help but feel his heart sink when he saw this.

"Crench!"

"Crench!"

"Crench!"

Just when Xia Houyuan was worried about whether Wu Junhou would fail in seizing the gate, the city gate finally opened slowly, and Xia Houyuan was also overjoyed.

"Brothers, follow me into the city and make great achievements today!"

Seeing the city gates wide open, Xiahou Yuan's cavalrymen also felt greatly boosted in morale and rushed forward with shouts.

When Xia Houyuan rushed into the city gate, he saw more than a hundred soldiers struggling to resist the siege of the Yizhou Army, and many bodies fell on the ground.

"This is Wu Junhou, General Xiahou, come quickly to support us!"

At this moment, a tall figure covered in blood shouted sharply at Xia Houyuan.

Xia Houyuan did not dare to neglect, and hurriedly led his troops to kill him, hoping to relieve Wu Junhou's danger.

"It's cavalry, disperse quickly!"

The Yizhou Army, which was besieging Wu Junhou, saw a large group of cavalry rushing in. They were frightened and ran towards both sides of the street.

"Thank you for your hard work, Marquis Wu Jun!"

Xia Houyuan rushed to Wu Junhou's side. Seeing his blood-soaked appearance, he couldn't help but comfort him with gentle words.

Wu Junhou said very calmly: "While the army inside the pass has not yet reacted, the general quickly sent troops into the city, then killed the Yizhou army at the gate and controlled the street in front. I followed the general. As a guide.”

(End of this chapter)