Ji Han Liu Zhang

Chapter 215 This monstrous country

Although this sentence was first used as a Go term, it is more often extended to refer to the geographical advantages and disadvantages of various separatist forces on the map of China.

Therefore, although Liu Zhang does not play Go, he still knows the saying "gold horn, silver edge, grass belly". At the same time, Liu Zhang also knows that although this sentence is short, the truth contained in it is very profound.

Especially when Liu Zhang is in control of Shu and intends to dominate the world, he has a profound understanding of the words "gold horn, silver edge, grass belly". He often learns a knowledge point, which does not mean that you control it. Only when you apply the knowledge you have learned can you truly understand it.

For now, Liu Zhang lives in Shu, which is one of the four golden corners of Chinese geography, Guanzhong, Shu, Hebei and Jiangdong. Among them, Shu is the same as the four silver-edge Shandong, Jingxiang, Hanzhong, Shanxi and Cao Compared with the Central Plains in the belly, it has an excellent geographical location.

The so-called road to Shu is difficult, and it is difficult to reach the blue sky. When it comes to the dangerous mountains and rivers of China's regional modules, it is nothing like the land of Shu. The land of Shu is surrounded by mountains on all sides, and there are many mountains and ridges, which means it has its own armor. Inside the basin is a plain with dense rivers and good transportation conditions. It has the reputation of a land of abundance.

Moreover, Shu is surrounded by the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the west, and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau had to wait until the later Tang Dynasty when the climate was humid, so that Tubo could rise on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and become a scourge for the Central Plains dynasty; to the south is the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan area. Although the barbarians are rampant, they are not convinced. However, because the cultural system of Soyi in this era was still in slavery and there were even residual shadows of matrilineal society, it posed little threat to Liu Zhang; as for the east of Yizhou, although Liu Biao was named Eight Heroes, he had no To have Yuanzhi is just to be graceful in Jingchu and sit back and watch the changes of the times. With Yizhou and Jingzhou now in alliance, there is no big harm to Liu Biao's side.

Therefore, Liu Zhang could act calmly in troubled times and concentrate on sending troops to attack Zhang Lu in Hanzhong without having to worry about the enemies that might invade Yizhou from all sides. Unlike Cao Cao, who was sitting on a grass belly in history and faced enemies on all sides, today Worrying about Sun Ce attacking Xudu, tomorrow worrying about Liu Bei instigating Liu Biao to invade Xudu, it can be said that we were trembling with fear all the way to pacify the north. However, Cao Cao did not occupy the world in the end, and Yanzhou, the base of Cao Cao's rebellion, is in the world. It is inseparable to some extent. .

But as far as Liu Zhang was concerned, the only fly in the ointment was that Shu was too closed and too comfortable. In addition, many times the separatist regime in Shu faced the incompatibility between local forces and external forces, making it difficult to integrate internally, resulting in the four corners of the country. Guanzhong, Hebei and Jiangdong all had political powers that unified the world, but Shu did not.

Historically, there have been many separatist regimes in Shu. Dating back to the last years of Xinmang, Gongsun Shu proclaimed himself emperor and was destroyed by Liu Xiu ten years after the founding of the country. Needless to say, Liu Yan and Liu Zhang father and son in history; Zhuge Wuhou of the Shu Han Dynasty later Jiang Wei made six expeditions out of the Qishan Mountains, and Jiang Wei made nine expeditions to the Central Plains, but ultimately gained nothing; after that, Wang Jian, Meng Zhixiang and others separatized Shu. It can be said that in troubled times, Shu will inevitably produce separatist forces, but without exception, they were unable to escape. This land is used to encroach on the Central Plains.

At this thought, Liu Zhang couldn't help but feel a little sad. If he didn't want to end up like Gongsun Shu, Wang Jian, Meng Zhixiang and others, and he didn't want to struggle like the Shu Han for decades, and eventually die and the country would be destroyed, he must take advantage of the situation. Chaos was beginning, and the Central Plains had not yet been unified. When he still had a chance, he broke free from the shackles of the mountains and rivers of Shu, rushed out of Shu, and flew towards the wider sky.

To break out of Shu, Liu Zhang needed to deal with the enemies standing in front of him - Zhang Lu, the rice thief who had been entrenched in Hanzhong for many years, and Zhang Lu, the master of the Tianshi Tao or the Five Pecks of Rice Sect.

So now, Liu Zhang commanded an army of more than [-] people and came to Baishui Pass, preparing to kill Zhang Lu, the rice thief, and swallow Hanzhong, the throat of Bashu, while improving the defense of Shu and making the north of Shu defend. There were no gaps in the imperial army, and the road to Guanzhong was opened. From then on, whether going east or north, Liu Zhang could do whatever he wanted.

In the official temple in Baishui Pass, Liu Zhang asked Huang Quan, the chief registrar who had already arrived at Baishui Pass and had personally gone to Yangping Pass to observe the situation: "Gongheng, how is the situation at Yangping Pass?"

Huang Quan, who heard Liu Zhang's inquiry, shook his head. He did not say anything for the occasion, but said bluntly: "I would like to report to Duke Ming, Zhang Wei who is guarding the old Yangping Pass and Li Xiu who is guarding the New Yangping Pass. Both of them can do it." As for the caution, Zhang Wei and I went to reconnoiter Yangping Pass. Zhang Wei sent twice as many cavalrymen as me to attack. We couldn't make a single attack, and the situation was unfavorable. Zhang Wei raised the gold at the top of the city and withdrew his troops. He even allowed me to observe at will and never sent troops to drive him away. Li Xiu was even more dignified and lived in the camp on Zouma Ridge. He never showed his head and just sat on the mountain, as if waiting for us to attack. ...Zhang Wei and Li Xiuruo have no intention of engaging in a grand battle with us. In addition, the old Yangping Pass occupies a favorable location, and the mountain of New Yangping Pass is steep and difficult to climb. Although our army is twice as large as the enemy's, we are afraid that it will be difficult to climb. It’s still difficult to be sure, and I might not be able to easily conquer Yangping Pass and enter Hanzhong.”

Liu Zhang nodded calmly. Historically, Cao Cao was unable to attack Zhang Lu for a long time. He lost his temper at Yangping Pass and was ready to return home. If not for luck, the former army got lost when Cao Cao retreated. In Zhang Lu's camp, coupled with the strong advice of counselor Liu Ye, Cao Cao may not be able to take Hanzhong, let alone Liu Bei's attack on Hanzhong. In the [-]rd year of Jian'an, Liu Bei was blocked by Zhang He for a whole year. Outside Yangping Pass, they have never been able to enter the Hanzhong Basin, and now it is Liu Zhang's turn to enjoy the natural dangers of Yangping Pass.

"Does Gong Heng have other plans?" Without a top adviser, Liu Zhang had no choice but to ask Huang Quan what he thought and wanted to know what Huang Quan's uncle had in mind.

Huang Quan was silent for a moment. Yangping Pass stood in front of him like a chasm. For a while, he had no good way to solve the current predicament: "Quan is short-sighted and can't come up with any good strategies... But we will stick to the old ways." Zhang Wei of Yangping Pass regarded Yangping Pass as the lifeline of Hanzhong and expelled people who were not from Tianshi Dao to stay away from Yangping Pass, especially the refugees from Guanzhong and Liangzhou who went south to Hanzhong. These people had more or less feelings for Zhang Wei. There is resentment over hygiene, and these people can endure the long journey and live in Hanzhong. They are in good health and have considerable strength. I have sent spies to Hanzhong to try to contact the commander-in-chief among these refugees to see if I can get rid of them. Open up the situation inside Hanzhong."

Hearing this, Liu Zhang smiled. No matter how strong the fortress is, if there is an internal problem, it will be easily broken. Huang Quan's idea is very good, but considering that Zhang Lu has been separatist in Hanzhong for a long time, he has very good control over the situation in Hanzhong. With the stability of Guanliang, even if the refugees in Guanliang start an uprising, it is estimated that it will be difficult to cause major damage and nothing will happen.

Liu Zhang thought about it for a while and then responded: "What Gong Heng said is indeed a clever plan, but the people in Guanliang are tired from the long journey and are still tired. In addition, Zhang Lu has lived in Hanzhong for a long time. If he is alone, Counting on the people from Guanliang, there is not much chance... I think we need to put some pressure on the rice thieves at Yangpingguan and let the eyes of the whole Hanzhong focus on Yangpingguan. This will make it easier for the people from Guanliang to build momentum in Hanzhong. "

Huang Quan's eyes flickered for a moment, then he immediately raised his hands and responded, "Does Duke Ming want the army to attack Yangping Pass?"

"Of course, even though we're here, we have to give it a try, otherwise how would we know the depth of the water in Yangping Pass... Secondly, if we just stop at Yangping Pass and don't attack Yangping Pass, Guan Liang in Hanzhong How can the people of Hanzhong and the heroes of Hanzhong who disobey Zhang Lu know my determination to conquer Hanzhong." Liu Zhang's words were firm, without wavering at all.

After making a plan, Liu Zhang mobilized the army and began to take action. Groups of soldiers began to rush to Yangping Pass. Zhang Wei, who was stationed at Yangping Pass, naturally detected it and knew that after Huang Quan's appetizer, the real drama was about to begin. He hurriedly sent a messenger to the rear to report to his master Zhang Lu in Hanzhong.

While the army rushed to Yangping Pass, Liu Zhang followed the first batch of soldiers to the front of Yangping Pass and came to the place where Huang Quan led his troops to invade the camp set up by the Hanzhong Summer Harvest Station. This camp was set up by Huang Quan when he rushed to Baishui Pass to welcome him After Liu Zhang, Zhang Ren was stationed here. "Ming Gong, Ren was ordered to garrison the camp, but he was unable to meet him from far away. Please forgive me, Ming Gong." Zhang Ren, the commander of the Xiaoqi Academy, took off his resolute and indifferent expression in ordinary days and replaced it with a smiling face. Liu Zhang was kind to him and never disliked that he came from a poor family. He promoted him to the position of captain. He was full of loyalty to Liu Zhang. At any time and in any place, this group of loyal blood was ready to fight for Liu Zhang. Liu Zhang splashed out.

Liu Zhang stepped forward and took Zhang Ren's hand and said: "Military affairs are the most important thing in the army. There is no crime in justice. Let's go to the camp first and talk about it."

Liu Zhang was very fond of Zhang Ren. Zhang Ren was brave and loyal, which was clearly proved in history. Any lord would like such a capable and loyal subordinate, and for now, Liu Zhang's subordinates Most of his generals are infantry commanders, and there are few generals who are as proficient in cavalry command as Zhang Ren. Zhang Ren is naturally popular due to his professional ability.

After entering the camp, Liu Zhang opened a banquet and made a relaxed gesture before the war. Of course, his heart was not very tense. Historically, Liu Bei's group was able to withstand the pressure of the entire Cao Wei regime and win. Hanzhong, and Liu Zhang only had to face Zhang Lu, who ruled Hanzhong alone and had not yet occupied Xicheng, Shangyong, and Fangling. The odds of winning were high and the winning potential was wide.

"Justice, tomorrow I need to go to Yangping Pass to observe the situation, and I have to ask you to protect me." Liu Zhang raised his glass and gestured to Zhang Ren. As the commander-in-chief of an army, he naturally needed to go and see the old and new in person. There are two Yangping Passes. Let’s take a look at the difficulty of capturing these two pass cities.

Liu Zhang would not be like Cao Cao in history who believed Liangzhou was engaged in and Wudu surrendered, saying that the two mountains in the north and south under Yangping Pass were far apart and Zhang Lu could not hold them at all and could easily capture them, and then waited for Cao Cao to arrive at Yangping. After the pass, everyone was dumbfounded. The two mountains in the north and south under Yangpingguan City were far apart and the terrain was very open. But if Cao Cao wanted to enter Hanzhong, he had to get rid of the garrison on Zoumaling first, otherwise he would be cut off at any time. Road, but the Yangpingguan Mountain City in Zoumaling is difficult to conquer.

Of course, this does not mean that Liu Zhang did not believe Huang Quan's previous words, but as the commander of the army, he had the responsibility and obligation to personally understand and take a look at Yangping Pass.

"Promise, I will definitely protect you." Zhang Renhao drank a glass of wine and patted his chest to make a promise.

In fact, as far as Liu Zhang thought, it was not very important to protect him or not. After all, Zhang Wei, Li Xiu and others all wanted to hold on until he ran out of food and retreat. Even if Liu Zhang wandered in front of Yangping Pass alone, As long as Zhang Wei doesn't know his identity, Zhang Wei won't open the city gates and send soldiers to capture him.

But Liu Zhang has always taken security issues very seriously, so he will not make any omissions. He remembers clearly how the king of Daxi, Zhang Xianzhong, died, and how the king of Chuang, Li Zicheng, died. Tomorrow and accidents, he will never know who will be the first. Come.

Although it was a banquet, everyone present at the banquet did not drink excessively, and the banquet did not go on too late. After all, the war was coming, and it was not easy to spend the day having fun, so the banquet dispersed early.

The next day.

After sending out scouts everywhere to investigate the enemy's situation and confirming that there were no major problems, Liu Zhang put on his helmet and armor, mounted his horse with neat equipment, and under the protection of Commander Zhang Ren's two hundred elite cavalry, headed to Yangping Pass for reconnaissance.

Along the river valley washed out by the Han River, and also relying on the Jinniu Road repaired in the river valley, Liu Zhang saw the Xinyang Pingguan City on Zouma Ridge.

Along the mountain, the Hanzhong army commander Ma Li Xiu either built forts or erected fences. He actually built a city across the mountain, stretching for more than ten miles, almost enclosing all the dangerous places on Zouma Ridge. .

If an ordinary general faced such a dangerous situation, he would probably despair immediately and think that the New Yangping Pass was an unconquerable fortress, so he would give up the plan to attack the city early and go back home.

But Liu Zhang was different. He observed the New Yangping Pass with great interest. At the same time, he asked Yang Huai, the general who accompanied him: "Is it true that Army Sima Li Xiu built this pass in a few months?" Is it a Guancheng?"

Yang Huai, who was stationed at Baishui Pass and had been confronting Zhang Lu of Hanzhong for a long period of time, naturally knew Yangping Pass well. He responded: "This is true, Mr. Ming. Previously, there was only a small one on Zouma Ridge. The camp is built with fences as walls, and it seems that the current situation may be included in the New Yang Pingguan City. It must be Li Xiu who built this city in a few months."

‘Tsk tsk tsk, Holy Son of Tumu. ’ Liu Zhang looked a little surprised and commented on Li Xiu, the military commander under Zhang Lu’s tent. This Li Xiu was really not simple. He seemed to be an expert at dust removal.

After lingering and watching for a while, Liu Zhang expressed the same emotion as Cao Cao when facing the extremely dangerous Yangping Pass: "This is a monstrous country. How can it be regarded as existence or non-existence?"

(End of this chapter)