Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 311 The horse temporarily surrenders
Chencang, government office.

In the hall, Ma Chao sighed and looked sad.

He never imagined that he would be forced into such a dangerous situation in just one or two years.Last year, when the soldiers entered Hanzhong and wanted to establish a foundation, they unexpectedly killed Zhang Fei. Han Sui died in the battle, and he had no choice but to retreat.

Hanzhong was out of reach, so taking advantage of Han Sui's death, he took advantage of Cao Cao's southern expedition to seize Longyou.Unexpectedly, Yan Xing and Cheng Gongying had colluded with Cao Cao long ago, and joined forces with Wei Kang and Yang Fu to resist Cao Cao tenaciously.

At the same time that his troops were advancing into Longyou, Xia Houyuan led his troops to raid Guanzhong. Cao Cao withdrew his troops from Jiangxia and entered Guanzhong via Wuguan Road.

Under this situation, both front and rear were enemies. He was defeated in the Weishui River and was trapped in Chencang. His life was short-lived!
When Ma Chao was thinking about a way out, the attendant came into the hall and reported, "General, Han Sui's former subordinate Cheng Gongying is asking for a meeting outside the city, saying that he can help the general solve his problems."

"Solving problems?"

Hearing this, Ma Chao sneered. If Cheng Gongying and Yan Xing hadn't caused trouble, he would have captured Longyou long ago.

Ma Chao thought for a while, took off the sword from his waist, put it on the desk, and said in a deep voice: "Let him in!"

"promise!"

After a while, Cheng Gongying entered the hall in Confucian attire. He saw Ma Chao sitting on the chair with an unhappy look on his face. He also deliberately placed his sword on the table, his intention was obvious.

Knowing what he knew, Cheng Gongying bowed his hand to Ma Chao and said hello: "Ying has met the general. He hasn't seen him for several months. How is he doing?"

Ma Chao's face darkened and he said, "Without your advice to Cao Cao, how could I have been defeated?"

Cheng Gongying looked indifferent and said: "Does the general think that without Ying, he can defeat Cao Gong?"

As he spoke, Cheng Gongying paced slightly and said: "There are many advisers under Cao Gong's account, including Jia Wenhe, a sergeant from Liangzhou, Yang Dezu from the Yang family in Hongnong, Sima Zhongda, a sage from Hanoi, etc., all of whom are more talented than Ying. No one can offer advice. General, don’t you think you can defeat Duke Cao?”

Ma Chao looked unhappy, but continued to dwell on this topic.

He is not a stupid person, so he doesn't know that it is difficult for the Guanzhong Allied Forces to defeat Cao Cao, and it is also not easy to defeat Cao Cao.The current deterioration of the situation is not due to Cheng Gongying alone.

At this moment, he was most annoyed by Liu Zhang's incompetence. He had something to do with Zhang Lu because he wanted to lure Zhang Fei into Hanzhong, ruining his plan to capture Hanzhong and sweep Longyou.

"Berger came into the city and I don't know why?" Ma Chao stared at Cheng Gongying and asked in a muffled voice.

"Ying is going to be Cao Gong's lobbyist!" Cheng Gongying said.

Ma Chao put his hand on the hilt of his sword and said coldly: "If Berger doesn't think you are Chao's friend, I won't dare to kill you!"

Cheng Gongying raised his hand to Ma Chao and said with a smile: "Meng Qiruo thinks that killing Ying can relieve Chen Cang's military trouble. Ying doesn't need to say anything, Meng Qi can vent his anger!"

After saying that, Cheng Gongying stroked his beard and smiled, and said: "I'm afraid that after the general kills Ying, he will also go to Ying and meet him under Jiuyou soon."

Seeing Cheng Gongying like this, Ma Chao couldn't help laughing out loud and said: "Berger is worthy of being my Kansai sergeant."

After changing his tone, Ma Chao sighed and said: "If I had your help, how could I end up like this? I would like to thank you for your advice and save my father's life."

Cheng Gongying moved a chair to sit next to Ma Chao and said: "Both Meng Qi and Ying are from Guanxi. Ma Gong has so many hearts in the Western Land, how can he not dare to speak kindly to his father? Now Meng Qi wants to hear Ying's advice, so It’s not too late!”

Ma Chao raised his hand slightly and said, "Please be more careful, Berger!"

Cheng Gongying's face was slightly serious and he said: "Meng Qi is a general in Guanxi. His bravery is unparalleled, and he has the ability of Ying Bu and Peng Yue. Looking at it from the perspective of Ying, the general's military strategy is comparable to that of Huo Jun of Jingchu. Now that his talent and ambition have not been developed, he will Wouldn’t it be a pity to die trapped in the small town of Chencang!”

Then, Cheng Gongying analyzed it for Ma Chao and said: "Of course, with the unstoppable courage of a general, he can lead his soldiers to rush out of Chencang and run elsewhere. However, the world is so big, I don't know where the general can go?"

"Liu Zhang or Liu Bei?"

Seeing that Ma Chao was silent, Cheng Gongying smiled and said: "Although Liu Zhang is sitting in Bashu, he is now besieged by Liu Bei and cannot protect himself. Wouldn't it be a pity for the general to surrender!"

"Liu Bei, although he was in power in the south and said he was benevolent, he betrayed his alliance with Liu Zhang and betrayed his faith. If the general leaves Liu Bei, his troops will be depleted, and he will be defeated by Zhang Fei, how will Liu Bei treat the king? Looking at it from a wise perspective, But if you respect me as an old turtle on the throne and hold an honorary position, Anhui will reuse you?"

Cheng Gongying reminded: "With all due respect, if the general runs away, his wife, concubines, children, and heirs in Huaili, as well as his father and brother in Yecheng, will not be safe. The world is now so big that there may be no place for the general."

As he spoke, Cheng Gongying said with profound meaning: "At that time, Guan Zhong remonstrated with Duke Huan of Qi: 'It is not the love of a man that he does not love his son. How can his son's forbearance be compared to that of the king?' If a general wants to display his great ambitions, he must not do this. It’s something that violates human ethics.”

"Snapped!"

Ma Chao slapped the table and stood up. He was very angry. He pointed his fingers like a prince and said angrily: "My parents have been kind to me in raising me. Why do you insult me ​​now?"

After saying that, Ma Chao wanted to take the sword on the case table, as if he wanted to kill Cheng Gongying who insulted him.

Seeing this, Cheng Gongying quickly pressed Ma Chao's hand, apologized repeatedly, and said: "Ying did not mean that, and I hope the general will forgive me. I am just worried about the general, and I want to talk about the future for the general."

Ma Chao, who was furious, saw Cheng Gongying apologizing to him. He snorted and said, "If Berger insults me again, don't blame Chao for being rude."

Cheng Gongying took Ma Chao's hand and said with a smile: "Meng Qi has the ability of Yingbu and Peng Yue. In today's troubled times, he can make great achievements. Cao Gonghu is in the Central Plains, looking down on Wu and Chu. Why doesn't Meng Qi surrender?" This way you can not only keep your family safe, but also showcase your talents to the world.”

"This~"

Seeing Ma Chao's hesitation, Cheng Gongying said, "Can Meng Qi hear Zang Ba?"

"I've heard a little bit about it!" Ma Chao replied.

Cheng Gongying gently stroked his beard and said: "Gong Cao is broad-minded and allows Zang Ba to sit in Xuzhou, and all generals have the position of governor. Zang Ba is sent to conquer by Cao Gong's order, but he can also manage his own army and civilians, and pay taxes and money to support himself. Although there is no The name of a prince is actually the reality of a prince. With Meng Qi’s talent, Duke Cao will definitely entrust the important responsibilities of the Western Frontier to you."

"Listening to your heartfelt words is like turning away the clouds and seeing the sun, and enlightenment suddenly arises."

Ma Chao held Cheng Gongying's hand and said hesitantly: "Chao has repeatedly offended Duke Cao's military power, but now he surrenders due to lack of power. I'm afraid Duke Cao won't accept it!"

Cheng Gongying patted the back of Ma Chao's hand and said comfortingly: "Cao Gonghai accepts all rivers. In the past, Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu could tolerate the murder of their nephews. Why can't we tolerate the general's rebellion now? Why does Meng Qi worry about it?"

In order to make Ma Chao surrender, Cheng Gongying threw the final blow and said: "Gong Cao said that if Meng Qi can surrender, with his ability, he can be appointed as the governor of Yizhou, General Zhenwu, and Marquis of Chencang. He will lead his own troops and horses and temporarily station in Huaili. , to serve as a wing for the country.”

Seeing that Cao Cao treated him so favorably, Ma Chao was overjoyed. He raised his hands and said, "Brother Berger, please report back to Duke Cao. Chao Cao will make preparations and lead his troops to surrender tomorrow."

Cheng Gongying said with a smile: "Tomorrow Ying will be waiting for Meng Qi outside the city!"

"Walk slowly!"

Ma Chao smiled and sent Cheng Gongying out of the account.

After Cheng Gongying left, the smile on Ma Chao's face disappeared and he could only sigh.

Even though Ma Chao was angry just now, he was trying to cover up his inner panic. Cheng Gongying's words really hit his lungs.

Ma Dai came over wearing armor and holding his sword, and asked: "Brother, will you surrender to Duke Cao tomorrow?"

Ma Chao sighed and said, "The situation is so urgent. If we don't surrender to Duke Cao, what can we do?"

"In that case, let me prepare for my surrender."

"good!"

Looking at Ma Dai's back, Ma Chao's hand grasped the hilt of the sword, his eyes becoming sharper.

"Can a real man live under others for a long time?"

Suddenly, Ma Chao burst into laughter, which surprised the attendants on his left and right.

Outside the city, Cao camp's tent is located.

Cao Cao was lying on the bed, covered with a brocade quilt and a turban on his head, suffering from the pain of head wind.

"Prime Minister, Chenggong's military advisor has returned to camp, and Ma Chao will leave the city and return to surrender tomorrow!" Sima Yi entered the account and reported.

"The horse has surrendered?" Cao Cao climbed up from the couch and asked in surprise.

"Exactly!" Sima Yi said: "Ma Chao will leave the city and return to surrender tomorrow!"

"Ha ha!"

Cao Cao put on his shoes, laughed a few times, and said, "Guanxi is safe with my lonely horse!"

"The power of Berger's words can be worth a hundred thousand soldiers!"

Looking at the excited Cao Cao, Sima Yi said worriedly: "Ma Chao is unruly and unruly. Now that he is surrendering, I am afraid that he will be poor due to circumstances. I hope the Prime Minister will treat him carefully to avoid causing trouble to the horse again."

Cao Cao waved his hand, full of confidence, and said: "How is the horse better than Lu Bu? In the past, Gu wanted to accept Lu Bu, but because of his lack of strength, he did not dare to accept him. Now if Lu Bu asks to surrender, I will definitely accept it. For Gu Po The enemy's vanguard."

"The Prime Minister has a headache, so he should get more rest!" the attendant reminded.

"what!"

Cao Cao touched his head and said with a smile: "The horse has surrendered, and it will go away alone!"

After calming down his excitement, Cao Cao ordered: "Ma Chao surrenders, but we must be prepared. Let the sergeants be on guard tomorrow to prevent the horse from cheating."

"No!" Sima Yi bowed his hands and stepped back.

Cao Cao looked at Xu Zhu who was guarding him and said, "Zhongkang, you will be with me tomorrow!"

"promise!"

Xu Chu raised his hand from the hilt of the sword, cupped his hand and said: "Please rest assured, Prime Minister, Chu will lead the tiger guards to protect the Prime Minister."
-
The next day, Cao Cao formed an array outside Chencang City. Musicians played triumphant songs, drummers beat heavy drums, flags covered the sky, and the troops were overwhelming.

The gate of Chencang City opened, and Ma Chao rode forward. He was wearing an off-white brocade robe, a long jade belt, and a long sword on his waist. He had the appearance of a noble general.Cheng Yin, Ma Dai, Pang De, Pang Rou and others will follow Ma Chao, also without armor.

After Ma Chao had galloped for several miles, Cao Cao just rode out of the battle in a chariot, and Xu Chu led the tiger guards to accompany him to protect him.

Ten paces away, Ma Chao led everyone to dismount, and praised him: "The sinner Ma Chao did not realize the power of the Prime Minister's army, and raised troops to cause chaos. Now he has left the city and returned to surrender. I hope the Prime Minister will punish him."

Cao Cao got down from the chariot with his belly puffed out, helped Ma Chao up, and said with a smile: "Meng Qi raised an army as a last resort, so how can I be surprised?"

Then, Cao Cao held Ma Chao's hand and said: "Gu and your father are familiar with each other, and they talked a lot when we were in Yecheng. Every time Meng Qi spoke, Shoucheng was full of praise, but Gu didn't take it seriously."

"But in the past during the Battle of the Wei River, Gu was almost defeated at the hands of Qing, so he told his left and right that he should be like Meng Qi in having a son. Now that I think about it, Gu is better than your father, but Meng Qi is the only one who is inferior. "

"If Meng Qi is alone, why should the world worry about injustice?"

"Ha ha!"

With these words, Ma Chao smiled all over his face, raised his hands and said, "Chao is willing to be the prime minister's pioneer and bring peace to the world."

As he said that, Ma Chao saw the man beside Cao Cao with a heavy back and a heavy waist, his eyes fixed on him and his hand on his halberd, as if he had done something wrong and was about to take action.

"Prime Minister, I wonder if this man of tiger and bear is actually a tiger prince?"

Cao Cao looked over and said with a smile, "It's the Lonely Tiger Marquis!"

"You are truly worthy of the title of Tiger Marquis!"

Ma Chao suddenly became nervous and did not dare to move his hands to prevent Xu Chu from misunderstanding him.After all, he surrendered this time without wearing armor. He was just showing his 'loyalty' to Cao Cao.

Cao Cao held Ma Chao's hand, glanced at the generals under Ma Chao's tent, and asked with admiration: "There are many tigers and wolves in Guanxi, but now I see the generals under Meng Qi's tent, I am so alone!"

"But I heard that Pang Lingming under Meng Qi's tent was unusually brave and brave. I wonder where he is?"

"Prime Minister, where is Ling Ming?" Ma Chao pointed.

Cao Cao looked Pang De up and down and said with satisfaction: "He is worthy of being the general who killed Guo Yuan in Hedong. He is tall and majestic."

Then, Cao Cao tested Ma Chao and asked: "I wonder if Meng Qi is willing to let go of Ling Ming, who is lonely and loyal?"

Ma Chao's expression changed slightly, but due to the situation, he did not dare to get angry. He could only smile and said: "Chao's generals are the prime minister's generals. There is no need to say goodbye."

"Ha ha!"

Cao Cao patted Ma Chao on the shoulder and said with satisfaction: "A gentleman does not take away what others like, but you should keep it for yourself."

"Come on with me!"

Cao Cao boarded the carriage and signaled Ma Chao to get on board with him.

Seeing Xu Chu glaring at him, Ma Chao lowered his head and said, "The Prime Minister is noble, how dare Chao drive like the Prime Minister."

"nothing!"

Cao Cao glanced at Xu Chu and said with a smile, "Meng Qi, please get in the car and drive."

"promise!"

Ma Chao listened to Cao Cao's words and boarded the chariot.

After boarding the chariot, Cao Cao put his hands on the railing and asked casually: "Huo Jun is making trouble in Jianghuai and wants to conquer it. I wonder if you are willing to follow?"

From the corner of his eye, Ma Chao caught a glimpse of Xu Chu and the surrounding tiger soldiers staring at him, and he said respectfully: "Chao, I should follow you. Chao is willing to raise the troops from Guanxi and follow the Prime Minister to the south to conquer Jianghuai!"

Cao Cao raised the corner of his mouth and said: "You have the intention of serving the country, and I am very relieved. However, the soldiers and horses in Guanxi do not know the geography of the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers, so they can just stay in Huaili in Guanzhong. Meng Qi can follow him to Xuchang to meet his father, and then follow him Touring the Jianghuai River in Gunan."

Ma Chao was worried that his troops and horses would be swallowed up. Once he went to Xuchang, he could not return to Guanzhong and complained secretly.

"Ok?"

Cao Cao narrowed his eyes slightly, pointed at the soldiers in formation, and said: "Meng Qi, the soldiers and horses under the lonely tent, are they majestic?"

"Very majestic!"

Ma Chao reacted and praised: "The soldiers under the Prime Minister's account are not inferior to the soldiers of Guanxi. The soldiers and horses are magnificent, and the generals are brave."

"I wonder what Meng Qigang is thinking about?" Cao Cao asked.

Ma Chao wiped his sweat and said: "Prime Minister, I haven't seen my father and two younger brothers for a long time. I am worried about my father and two younger brothers. It is only now that I remember the time when we parted."

After a pause, Ma Chao raised his hands and said, "Thanks to the Prime Minister's appreciation, Chao is willing to accompany the Prime Minister on his southern tour of the Yangtze River and Huaihe River. However, who will lead Chao's troops?"

Perhaps satisfied with Ma Chao's behavior, Cao Cao waved his hand and said: "Gu Ji said that you will unite your troops and horses, and there is no need to report this matter."

Ma Chao pondered for a while and said, "In that case, Chao lets his younger brother Ma Dai take over temporarily. What do you think, Prime Minister?"

"It's up to you to decide for yourself!"

Cao Cao had a smile on his face, he really didn't care about this matter.

He had already appointed Xiahou Yuan to garrison Chang'an and pacify Longyou.He took Ma Chao away because he wanted Xia Houyuan to take this opportunity to surrender to the Longyou forces.

　Brothers who have objections can go and re-read Xia Jiang Shang Dui. I have written down all the ideas for the Northern Expedition.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)