Ji Han Liu Zhang

Yellow and white city.

After taking down Guo Si, one of the two heroes of Liang Province, Liu Zhang did not have time to rest. Li Jue, another of the two heroes, was still on the run. It was possible that Li Jue would flee to Beidi County, Li Jue's hometown, and cause a disturbance.

"The best outcome would be to capture Li Jue before he arrives in Beidi County, so that he doesn't have the opportunity to recruit fugitives and Qiang and Hu people in Beidi County and continue to stir up trouble." Jia Xu weighed for Liu Zhang.

"Otherwise, if we allow Li Jue to rush to Beidi County, given his reputation in Beidi County, some Qiang and Hu tribes and noble families will be lured by Li Jue. Then we will have to fight another battle to annihilate Beidi County and behead Li Jue before we can pacify the entire Guanzhong region."

Liu Zhang nodded and asked Peng Ying, the military officer, "Do you have any news from Zhang Ren and Zhang Xiu?"

"According to the report from the two messengers, Li Jue is a very cunning villain. After several attempts, the two failed to stop and capture Li Jue." Peng Ying described the current situation based on the report from the messengers sent by Zhang Ren and Zhang Xiu.

"Fortunately, the two have not lost Li Jue's trail and are currently following closely on Li Jue's heels. Perhaps there will be good news soon."

After explaining the details, Peng Ying expressed his beautiful expectations.

"I hope so." Liu Zhang responded indifferently. He believed in the talents of Zhang Ren and Zhang Xiu. After all, one was a famous general in Shu and the other was a brave general in Liangzhou. Both were extremely outstanding figures.

If Li Jue could escape from the pursuit of Zhang Ren and Zhang Xiu, it could only be said to be God's will. But more likely, Liu Zhang believed, as Peng Ying said, there would be good news from Zhang Ren and Zhang Xiu soon. It just took time, waiting and patience.

Now that Li Jue has fled, although the battle in Guanzhong has not been concluded, Liu Zhang does not have too many worries. Li Jue, a mere defeated dog, even if he escapes to Beidi County and stirs up a stir, will not cause him too much trouble.

Therefore, Liu Zhang just stationed his troops in Huangbai City, waiting for the "good news" from Zhang Ren and Zhang Xiu. At the same time, he also intended to let his soldiers rest for a while. After all, the Battle of Guanzhong lasted for two or three months, and it was impossible for his soldiers to not be tired. It was time for his soldiers to take a breath and relax.

However, the soldiers had some free time for a while, but Liu Zhang did not. Although he stationed his troops in Huangbai City, he had to decide and deal with important matters in Shu, Guanzhong, and Liangzhou which had not yet been taken, and come up with a definite plan.

Just now, Liu Zhang received a letter from Xun You, the chief clerk and military advisor and General of the Central Army. Xun You’s letter described the current situation in Liang Province and proposed corresponding plans based on the situation in Liang Province.

Liu Zhang thought about it, and he called Jia Xu and Fa Zheng to discuss the matter. Jia Xu was from Liangzhou, and Fa Zheng was from Guanzhong. With Jia Xu and Fa Zheng giving him advice, he should be able to come up with a good strategy to deal with the future war situation in Liangzhou.

"Xun Zhubu sent a letter saying that it was the land of Liang Province. First, Ma Teng attacked Han Sui's Jincheng County and succeeded in one blow. Han Sui retreated, but Han Sui had been in Liang Province for a long time and had deep roots. Later, Han Sui recruited powerful people and Qiang and Hu people to attack and kill Ma Teng's wife and children who were left in Tianshui County."

Liu Zhang paused, took a breath and continued, "Ma Teng, who was enjoying himself in Jincheng County, was shocked upon hearing the news and immediately led his troops back to Tianshui County. Now these two heroes of Liangzhou are fighting against each other in Tianshui County, and it is difficult to determine the winner for the time being."

After hearing this, Jia Xu and Fa Zheng immediately showed a thoughtful look, but Liu Zhang did not stop talking. He said Xun You's idea: "Xun Zhubu intends to take this opportunity to do something in Liangzhou while Ma Teng and Han Sui are leading their troops to attack each other and have no time to take care of other things, so as to lay the groundwork for the future attack on Liangzhou."

"Is Master Xun trying to repeat what happened in Lai She?" Fa Zheng was quick-witted and blurted out the question.

The old story of Lai She that Fa Zheng mentioned here was an event that happened in the late Western Han Dynasty and the Xinmang period, when Emperor Guangwu of Han, Liu Xiu, fought a fierce battle with the northwestern warlord Wei Xiao in Longxi.

At that time, Wei Xiang deployed all his forces on the Longshan front to resist the Han army's intrusion into Longyou, while his internal forces were extremely empty. This situation was discovered by Lai She under Liu Xiu's command.

Lai Xie seized the opportunity and led his 2,000 troops alone, crossing mountains and valleys, cutting down forests to clear a path, avoiding the key passes of Fanxu and Longdi, and appeared at the strategic point of Lueyang City in Longyou like a divine army descending from the sky.

Lai She's move was like a steel knife, piercing straight into Wei Xiang's heart, causing Wei Xiang to panic. He immediately led tens of thousands of troops from the front line to counterattack Lueyang. However, Lai She was such a remarkable man that he defended Lueyang impeccably.

Whether Wei Xiao attacked with ant-like brute force, split the mountain to build a dike, or diverted water to flood the city, Lai She defeated them all. In the end, due to the loss of Lueyang, the enemy appeared in the heartland, and Wei Xiao, the wolf of the northwest, ended up in defeat.

"That's right." Liu Zhang nodded, accurately expressing Xun You's intention: "Xun You's intention is indeed to take advantage of the attack between Ma Teng and Han Sui to send a brigade to capture one or two important places in Liangzhou. In this way, it will be easier to capture Liangzhou later."

"Xun Zhubu's plan is indeed feasible." Fa Zheng agreed. He calculated, "If we wait until Ma Teng and Han Sui decide who is the better of the two, Liang Province will have a leader. Whoever it is will lead his troops to guard the key passes of Longdi and deny our army the opportunity to enter Longyou."

"Right now, the outcome between Ma Teng and Han Sui has yet to be decided. If we take advantage of this opportunity and send troops to guard the key pass of Longdi in advance, then the danger of Longyou will be in our hands, and it will be much easier to capture Longyou."

Liu Zhang nodded and looked towards Jia Xu: "What do you think, Mr. Jia?"

Jia Xu's face was calm. He responded, "The Art of War says, attack when the enemy is least prepared and take them by surprise. Now is the time when Han Sui and Ma Teng are least prepared, so we can take them by surprise."

"But." After thinking for a moment or two, Jia Xu had his own opinions on sending troops to capture and hold the many important passes in Longdi.

"There are many passages from Guanzhong to Longyou. Our army does not need to capture all of them. Just capture one or two will suffice... It is better to cut off one of the enemy's fingers than to injure ten of them. Our army only needs to capture a key pass in Longshan. No matter who wins or loses between Ma Teng and Han Sui, they will have to focus on attacking this key pass."

Fa Zheng nodded in agreement. He responded, "Mr. Jia is right. Too much is useless. Too much is hard to defend. Instead of our army taking over many passes through Longshan, it would be better to focus on one place, which will be easier to defend."

"Besides, our army has just taken over Guanzhong, and we have consumed a lot of food and fodder. The soldiers are also tired. There are not many soldiers we can send out at this time. If we talk about taking over all the passes and key points in Longshan, we are powerless." Fa Zheng made an analysis based on the current situation in the army.

Liu Zhang listened to the conversation between Jia Xu and Fa Zheng. Seeing that they both agreed with Xun You's idea, he asked, "Xun Zhubu's plan should be launched immediately. According to your opinions, among the Longshan Roads, Guanlong Road, Fanxu Road, Jitou Road, Wating Road, etc., which one should be taken to pass through?"

"Guanlong Road is the best." Jia Xu, who grew up in Yongliang, answered immediately after hearing the words, gave an answer, and explained the reason: "Among Guanlong Road, Fanxu Road, Jitou Road, Wating Road, etc., Guanlong Road is the closest. The other roads are too remote. Guanlong Road is close, which is convenient for sending troops and forage. It is the most suitable." Having said this, Jia Xu stroked his beard. After thinking for a moment, he added: "It is not enough to just take Guanlong Road. We should follow the old experience of Laishe and send troops to Lueyang to hold Lueyang... All the roads in Longshan to the south of Longyou need to pass through Lueyang. With Lueyang, Liangzhou will belong to you sooner or later."

"That is Guanlong Road and Lueyang. These two important places must be captured." Liu Zhang looked thoughtful. He looked at the map spread out on the table in front of him. This map showed the topography of Liangzhou. It was drawn by Wu Yi, who stayed in Chencang, and was handed to his desk along with Xun You's letter.

The map shows various roads in Longyou, including Guanlong Road, Fanxu Road, Jitou Road, Wating Road, etc. The location of Lueyang is also indicated. Near the word Lueyang, there are the words "Jiequan" in lowercase letters.

Liu Zhang was very familiar with the word "Jiequan". Jiequan was the old name of Lueyang County, the famous Jieting, where Zhuge Liang planned to take over Longyou and restore the Han Dynasty.

Jia Xu nodded and said, "My lord, you are right. We should take over Guanlong Road and Lueyang. In this way, no matter who wins or loses between Ma Teng and Han Sui, Liangzhou will belong to you."

"Good, that's what we should do." Liu Zhang readily followed the advice of Jia Xu and Fa Zheng.

Now that Guo Si has been captured and Li Jue has fled, there are no major hidden dangers in Guanzhong. Liu Zhang can naturally make arrangements in Liangzhou.

Liu Zhang recruited two generals, Gan Ning and Wen Pin. He gave orders, asking Gan Ning to capture Lueyang (Jiequan), and Wen Pin to take the Guanlong Road.

"After many battles this time, Guanzhong has been roughly pacified. We should have rested and recuperated for a while. However, there are so many troubles in the world, and I still have to trouble you two." Liu Zhang said with shame after issuing the task.

Gan Ning stepped forward and said, "My Lord, what are you talking about? I was promoted by you from a humble background, so I should work hard and sacrifice my life to repay you. Please don't mention the word 'tired'."

Gan Ning used his usual straightforward nature to show his loyalty to Liu Zhang.

Wen Pin, who followed Gan Ning, also expressed his loyalty: "It is my blessing to work for you, my lord, but I cannot bear the word 'tiredness'."

Liu Zhang smiled and nodded, then comforted and instructed Gan Ning and Wen Pin, and then asked them to prepare their luggage and lead their troops west early to capture Guanlong Road and Lueyang for him, so that he could easily take over Longyou in the future.

Gan Ning and Wen Pin bowed and left. Both of them looked happy when they walked out of the central army tent. Although they were a little tired after fighting for several months, as military generals, they had more energy than ordinary people.

Therefore, when Guanzhong was initially settled, Gan Ning and Wen Pin felt that they would have some free time and boredom for a while. Liu Zhang gave them a task and sent them to conquer the Longyou area, which made them very happy.

"Another great achievement." Gan Ning smiled in the sunshine, revealing his bright white teeth.

"I have to repay you again." Facing the sunlight, Wen Pin also had a thought. In the past, he was a prisoner in Shangyong, but Liu Zhang bought him out and gave him an important task. Now, he was thinking about repaying Liu Zhang's kindness.

My Lord, your kindness is not over yet!
"Wenjun, why are you so happy?" Gan Ning teased when he saw the smile on Wen Pin's lips.

Wen Pin gave him a mischievous look, and he responded with a teasing remark: "What I like is exactly the same as what Gan Jun likes."

The two of them looked at each other, and everything was said without words. After a moment, Gan Ning and Wen Pin suddenly raised their heads and laughed.

After laughing for a few times, Gan Ning spoke up, "You and I should pack up and set off as soon as possible. Time waits for no one. We don't know when Ma Teng and Han Sui of Tianshui will decide who is the winner. If we go too late, Ma Teng and Han Sui will decide who is the winner. The winner will send people to guard the Longshan Road ahead of us, and our efforts will be in vain."

"Mr. Gan is right. The military situation is urgent and the opportunity for battle is fleeting." Wen Pin nodded heavily.

After saying this, Gan Ning and Wen Pin each went to their respective camps to urge their soldiers to prepare their luggage and set out as soon as possible.

As for Liu Zhang, after he made the decision on the issue in Longyou, he received a request for a meeting from a general from Liangzhou.

Duan Wei, the Ningji general stationed in Huayin, saw that Li Jue and Guo Si were gradually declining and on the verge of defeat. He had previously sent Gongcao Duan Yu to meet Liu Zhang, and was accepted by Liu Zhang. So he did not hesitate any longer and led his family and troops to Chang'an, determined to help Liu Zhang.

However, when Duan Wei was halfway there, he heard that Liu Zhang had captured Chang'an City and was heading towards Beidi County to kill Li Jue and Guo Si. So Duan Wei led his troops to turn around and head towards Huangbai City. But when Duan Wei arrived at Huangbai City, before he could do anything, he saw the flag of the Shu army on the city.

The momentum of the attack is like that of a ghost or god!
Duan Wei was amazed at the progress of Liu Zhang's attack. Chang'an and Huangbai were all captured by the Shu army within ten days. If it were Huayin, it would probably be captured by the Shu army within three to five days.

Duan Wei couldn't help but be glad that he made the right choice and chose to serve Liu Zhang instead of following Li Jue and Guo Si down the same path and ending up in a dead end.

With an attitude of submission to Liu Zhang, Duan Wei set up camp for his soldiers. Then, with only three or five men, he rode non-stop to the location of the Shu army's center to meet his master.

Walking from the Shu army's camp gate, Duan Wei looked at the bright sunshine and sighed in his heart: "I'm afraid Li Jue and Guo Si will never have the chance to see such good sunshine again."

Soon, Duan Wei arrived near the Shu army's central military tent. He saw Liu Zhang, who was waiting for his arrival in front of the central military tent. He knew Liu Zhang's appearance from Gongcao Duan Yu, and with his years of worldly wisdom and ability to judge people, he naturally recognized Liu Zhang.

Duan Wei knelt down to Liu Zhang without any mistake: "Duan Wei of Wuwei, I greet you, sir." (End of this chapter)