Ji Han Da Sima

Chapter 479 The aftermath
Next to Bian, the Han army camp.

Zhang Fei sat on the top chair with an angry look on his face. Under the tent, Zhao Ang, Wei Yan, and Wang Ping lowered their heads and remained silent.

"Snapped!"

Zhang Fei slapped his thick palm on the table and said angrily: "Shanglu, a small town, has blocked our army for several months. You must be very angry with me!"

Zhang Fei raised 40,000 troops in Bashu and was ordered to attack Wudu westward with great momentum, claiming to have 100,000 troops.

Ma Chao, who was ordered to sit in Wudu, only had more than 10,000 troops and horses. With the help of soldiers from Longyou counties, he had more than 20,000 infantry and cavalry. Ma Chao knew that his troops were no match for Zhang Fei's, so he was determined to clear the country and take advantage of the rugged and long road to Shu to drag down Zhang Fei's supply line.

Ma Chao moved his troops and civilians to Wudu and Xixian, and appointed Ma Dai to lead three thousand elite troops to guard Xialu City, while he took advantage of his familiarity with the terrain of Longyou to harass Zhang Fei.

Zhang Feifan divided his troops to besiege Xialu, while Ma Chao hid in the mountains and waited for the soldiers to get tired, so he rode on them with light cavalry. After several months of confrontation, Zhang Fei not only failed to capture Xialu, but also lost many soldiers.

Recently, Zhang Fei ordered his troops to surround Xialu with Yao Jing and Zheng Ta. He led his elite troops to fight Ma Chao. As a result, Ma Chao did not fight Zhang Fei, but led Zhang Fei in circles. Not only was it a waste of time, but Ma Dai also went out of the city to defeat him. Yao Jing and Zheng Ta's army. This made Zhang Fei, who was already depressed, even more annoyed.

Zhao Ang bit the bullet and said: "General, Ma Dai is stationed at Xialu, and Ma Chao is responding outside. The response is external and internal. Even if our army is large, it will be difficult to dismount. Today, a letter has been sent from Hanzhong, saying that Xiangfan has been conquered, and the general can withdraw his troops. also!"

Zhao Ang's words were reasonable and he did not put pressure on Zhang Fei based on the outcome of the war. Instead, he exaggerated Cao Cao's threat to make Zhang Fei feel that Hanzhong was at fault and persuaded him to withdraw his troops.

After everyone retreated, Zhang Fei kept holding his breath and shouted: "Bring the wine!"

After a while, a scout hurriedly ran into the big tent and said in panic: "General, Yao Jing and Zheng, two generals, were afraid of returning to the camp and being punished by the general. They had led more than 5,000 of their men to defect to Ma Chao's tent before the battle. .”

Hearing this, everyone's expressions suddenly changed. Not only did the army fail to capture Xialu, but they also forced Generals Yao and Zheng to surrender to Ma Chao. This is an unwinnable situation. If we forcefully fight Ma Chao, we will definitely win more and lose less.

In the side tent, Zhao Ang stroked his beard and sighed, saying: "Huo Du is thousands of miles away, but he can predict the changes of our army. He is really a god!"

In more than ten years, the Southern Han Dynasty, under the pressure of Cao Cao, expanded its power from Jiangdong to Bashu, covering an area as wide as four states, which is truly amazing. However, rapid expansion will inevitably bring many drawbacks.

"Ok?"

"No~"

"The war in Jingxiang has subsided. If Cao Cao learns that the general is staying in Longyou and sends an army to Baoxiang, Hanzhong will be in danger. The general has a heavy responsibility, how can he ruin your majesty's great cause for a trivial matter. Now the general must obey your majesty's edict, Lead the troops back to the country. The shame now will be repaid in the future."

"This~"

Yao Jing and Zheng Ta then held a grudge and were defeated by Ma Dai. Knowing Zhang Fei's character well, they were afraid of being punished by Zhang Fei after returning to camp, so they directly led their soldiers to join Ma Chao.

"Shuzi!"

Not to mention that Zhang Fei was drinking in the big tent to relieve his boredom. Zhao Ang went to Wang Ping to talk about Yao and Zheng's defection before the battle.

Drunk Zhang Fei saw that Yao Jing refused to drink, so he forced him to drink. Yao Jing felt uncomfortable and declined repeatedly. Zhang Fei, who was drunk and angry, whipped Yao Jing and even Zheng Zheng who begged for mercy.

Ma Chaoneng fought back and forth with Cao Cao, and was highly praised by Longxi scholars as a strategy for Bu and Yue. How could he be a fool? In the past, there were many mountainous areas in Hanzhong, but it was not his home field, and he was defeated by Zhang Fei. Today, Zhang Fei took the initiative to attack. When he came to his home court, he would naturally entertain Zhang Fei well.

Zhang Fei put the riding whip around his waist on the case, obviously to punish Yao Jing and Zheng.

Zhang Fei glanced at the generals in the tent and said sternly: "Now that Ma Dai is defeated, I will hold them accountable."

"what?"

After holding back the sound for a while, Zhang Fei kicked the brazier away from the tent and said angrily: "Withdraw the troops, and I will take the horse's head one day."

"Withdraw what troops?"

Zhang Fei's eyes widened, he gasped, and said sternly: "Generals Yao Jing and Zheng turned their backs on the imperial court and joined the horse thieves. If they are not killed, everyone will rush to follow suit. I want to raise my troops tomorrow, What do you think of a decisive battle with that Ma Chao?"

Zhao Ang stepped out to stop Zhang Fei and said: "General, it is not impossible to fight Ma'er today, but Your Majesty has ordered the withdrawal. If our army fights Ma Chao again, it will not only violate His Majesty's order, but also attract reinforcements from the traitors. .”

"promise!"

Everyone was deeply thankful and left one after another.

Wu Lan didn't dare to look at Zhang Fei, so he subconsciously moved away.

"Humph!"

Zhang Fei stared at Wu Lan with his terrifying eyes and said loudly: "If Ma avoids fighting, then we will conquer Xialu and force him to fight decisively."

The two were accustomed to the atmosphere of light laws and lenient governance under Liu Zhang, and were very unaccustomed to the strict laws and regulations of the Southern Han Dynasty. In the past, there were complaints, but Lu Xun calmed them down.

Zhang Fei was so angry that he paced back and forth and cursed angrily: "Yao Jing and Zheng, two thieves, dare to betray your kindness and rebel against the enemy in battle. This is tolerable, but who can't be tolerated!"

"Where are Yao Jing and Zheng?"

Wu Lan's face was solemn and he advised: "General, Ma Chao is well familiar with the terrain of Longyou. Our army wanted to fight with him before, but Ma Chao knew the advantages of our army, so he avoided fighting and attacked the army with his light cavalry, making the battle difficult. Today Ma Chao has gained the advantage of a long war, how can he be willing to fight with our army quickly?"

With Zhao Ang's words and the lessons learned from the loss of Xuzhou, Zhang Fei gradually regained his senses although he was still angry.

In the Battle of Guanzhong, Ma Chao tried to force Cao Cao to withdraw his troops by using the strategy of starvation, but failed. Now we are following Zhang Fei's strategy, avoiding and not fighting, attacking the weak and avoiding the real, and have achieved considerable victory. As Wu Lan said, how could Ma Chao give up his advantage and take the initiative to fight Zhang Fei.

Zhang Fei was unhappy and said: "We will never withdraw our troops until we break the horse!"

Zhang Fei kicked the case table away, and the bamboo slips and pen and ink were scattered all over the floor. Even the case table flew to Wei Yan's feet. Wei Yan was so startled that he subconsciously took a few steps back.

Hearing this, Zhang Fei's eyes were as big as copper bells, with a look of shame and annoyance on his face.

"The two generals may be on the way!" Wu Lan said, "According to the general's order, I have ordered someone to call them back to the camp."

For example, in order to expand his military strength and be able to confront Cao Cao, Liu Bei allowed the surrendered general to regain control of his old army. Before Liu Bei succeeded Jingchu, Liu Bei allowed generals such as Wenpin, Zhang Wei, and Huang Zhong to resume their old troops.

Liu Bei defeated Bashu and many generals returned to Shu. In addition to taking away the military power of a few generals, Liu Bei ordered most of the Shu generals to resume their old troops and put them under the command of generals such as Gan Ning, Lu Xun, Zhang Fei, and Wei Yan. Yao Jing and Zheng Ta surrendered to the Southern Han Dynasty when Guan Yu attacked Shu, so they were allowed to retain their troops.

Now Zhang Fei is leading the army alone, and because Gan Ning died of illness, Zhang Fei's temper becomes even more irritable. At that time, Zhang Fei invited the generals to drink wine to celebrate Guan Yu's flood of seven armies. Yao Jing did not drink because of illness.

Everyone looked at each other in shock. The soldiers and horses of Bashu were not as good as the soldiers of Guanxi. They were held back for several months. If they continued to be exhausted, and Cao Wei's reinforcements arrived, they were afraid that the army would be in danger.

Wang Pingping showed admiration and said happily: "Fortunately, Generals Yao and Zheng rebelled in front of the battle. If they return to camp and send letters to Ma Chao, our army will be in danger."

When the Bashu army went on an expedition, Huo Jun wrote a letter to Zhao and Wang, telling them to be careful about changes in the army. Especially after Zhang Fei got drunk and whipped the soldiers, he was worried that there would be chaos.

As for Huo Jun's reasons, he stated in his letter that the Shu generals were frivolous and unorganized, making it difficult for the army to rely on them. Now that the army is out on an expedition, if Zhang Fei likes to whip the soldiers, those Shu generals and generals may become resentful, so they should be more careful.

Of course, Huo Jun also wrote similar letters to Liu and Zhang, hoping to make Zhang Fei take precautions. Zhang Fei probably heard these words too many times. When he received letters, he would remember them when he was sober, but once he was drunk, he would forget about these things. The rebellion of Yao and Zheng today was predicted by Huo Jun's letter, which inevitably made Zhao and Wang feel emotional.

Zhao Ang looked sad and said: "In the past, when we used the army, we had to have the two kings of Lu and Gan to persuade us, and General Zhang might be able to restrain his temper. Now there are no two kings of Lu and Gan. When General Zhang went out to fight this time, he often drank alcohol. At the least, he cursed the people around, and at worst, he whipped the soldiers. , This is not what a general would do."

"In this Western Expedition, the war situation is unfavorable. After being frustrated by Ma Chao, the general defected. Because of Ma Chao's bravery, General Zhang suffered a defeat due to his own shortcomings. Now that I have returned to the country, I would like to go to your Majesty to impeach General Zhang. Please ask Your Majesty Haosheng warned General Zhang."

Although Zhao Ang was a reduced general, he was a rare Longyou figure. Liu Bei made Zhao Ang the prefect of Wudu, and upon Lu Xun's recommendation, Zhao Ang was promoted to military governor, responsible for coordinating the relationship between Zhang Fei and the generals. Therefore, with Zhao Ang's current status, he is indeed qualified to impeach Zhang Fei.

Wang Ping was not good at words and said worriedly: "Your Majesty and General Zhang are brothers and sisters. The governor wants to impeach General Zhang for this, so I'm afraid there may be something inappropriate!"

Zhao Ang poured a mouthful of warm water into his mouth and said: "Although your Majesty and General Zhang are brothers, he is not a fatuous master. If you blame Ang for this, I should have mistaken your Majesty as a person."

With that said, Zhao Ang heard the wails of the soldiers being whipped through the tent, and signaled Wang Ping to go out and have a look.

Wang Ping got up and went out of the tent to take a look. He returned to the tent and said, "General Zhang is drunk and angry, and is whipping Fan Jiang. Will the military governor want to go out of the camp to persuade General Zhang?"

Wang Ping was born as a monk and had a humble status. He tried to dissuade Zhang Fei before, but he was almost whipped. Zhao Ang has a higher status, so Zhang Fei may have scruples and dare not whip him.

"Fan Jiang?"

Zhao Ang raised his eyebrows and said, "Fan Jiang has a close relationship with Yao Jing and Zheng?"

"Ok!"

Wang Ping nodded and said: "Fan Jiang often works with Yao Jing, Zheng Ta, Zhang Da and others. His skills are exquisite and he often wins a lot of money."

The army, which goes out to fight all the year round and lacks entertainment activities, often gambles. Aipu is similar to a kind of flying chess in later generations. Although Wang Ping is not good at gambling, he occasionally places a few bets in order to fit in with the group.

Zhao Ang stroked his beard and thought, and said: "Fan Jiang is narrow-minded and cunning, and he is not a kind person. Now that Generals Yao Jing and Zheng have rebelled, I'm afraid Fan Jiang will hold a grudge because of General Zhang's whipping, or he may contact Yao , General Zheng, deliberately rebelled secretly."

Wang Ping frowned and said, "Fan Jiang has followed General Zhang for a long time. Now he is a close confidant of General Zhang. How can he rebel because of this?"

After saying that, Wang Ping hesitated for a few times and retorted to himself: "As the military governor said, we should be wary of Fan Jiang to avoid contacting Ma Chao and causing trouble."

"good!"

Zhao Ang nodded and said: "Tonight we are leading the troops to patrol the camp for Zijun, and we should keep an eye on Fan Jiang. If there is no problem in the near future, I must be worried!"

"promise!"

It's night, the starry sky is bright and the moon is hanging in the sky.

Wang Ping arranged the tasks for the sergeants under his tent, and he personally led several people to patrol around the Chinese army. He took a few glances at anyone who passed by.

"Ok?"

Under the dim light, Wang Ping could see Fan Jiang and Zhang Da heading towards the camp, with nervous expressions on their faces.

"Fan Jun and Zhang Jun came to the camp late at night, but there is something important?"

Wang Ping immediately led his people forward, stopped Fan and Zhang, and asked warmly.

Fan Jiang was a little nervous and said with a smile: "I was whipped by General Yide today, and my skin is in unbearable pain, making it difficult to sleep. There are some unfinished drinks around the tent, so I came here to take a few sips to rest."

Zhang Da seemed to be afraid that others would find out, so he lowered his voice and said, "I feel thirsty, so I came here to take a few sips of wine."

Wang Ping saw that there was no difference between the two of them, so he smiled and said: "You two should save some for someone, and you must not drink alone."

"Easy to say!"

"I'll save some for Zijun!"

Fan and Zhang stood side by side and said goodbye to Wang Ping with a smile. Wang Ping looked back at the two to see them off, and then led the people to continue to inspect the camp.

The two came to Zhang Fei's tent. Fan Jiang used himself as Zhang Fei's confidant and easily entered the Chinese army's tent on the pretext of reporting a military emergency.

The big tent was dark and dim, with only an oil lamp burning there. Zhang Fei was lying on the couch, snoring and sleeping there.

Fan and Zhang looked at each other, slowed down their pace, and lowered their voices for fear of waking up Zhang Fei.

Fan Jiang took out the dagger from his waist, and the dagger blade shone coldly under the candlelight.

With the faint candlelight, Fan Jiang could see Zhang Fei sleeping with his eyes open a few steps away. Although Fan Jiang was mentally prepared, his heart began to beat wildly and his legs became weak.

"You cover your mouth, I'll behead you!" Fan Jiang swallowed and said.

"it is good!"

"Fan Jiang, Zhang Da!"

Just when the two of them were about to step forward, the tent curtain was suddenly opened, and it was Wang Ping who led the soldiers into the tent and shouted loudly.

The sudden appearance of Wang Ping made the two panicked people paralyzed to the ground.

Zhang Fei, who was sleeping soundly, was woken up directly. Looking at the scene in front of him, he was stunned for a while. Then he saw the dagger in Fan Jiang's hand. He seemed to react and pulled out the long sword on the side of the couch and pointed it at Fan and Zhang.

Under the gaze of everyone, Fan Jiang had a flash of inspiration and hurriedly knelt on the ground and said: "General, Jiang found a sharp knife, specially dedicated to the general."

Zhang Fei kicked the dagger from Fan Jiang's hand and cursed: "Little thief, I knew you were in contact with Yao Jing and Zheng. I'm flogging you today. It seems that I did it right. How dare you assassinate me?" .”

"Come here, take these two down!"

"promise!"

The soldier took the two men down, while Zhang Fei asked Wang Ping to learn what happened.

Wang Ping stopped Fan and Zhang before and felt something strange during the questioning. He couldn't make a wild guess without evidence, so he asked his attendants to follow them.

Knowing that the two men went straight to the tent where Zhang Fei was, Wang Ping rushed over immediately and caught Fan and Zhang on the spot who wanted to do something wrong.

After learning what had happened, Zhang Fei touched his cold neck and thought about the rest of his life. He said with emotion: "Now we know that good medicine tastes bitter and loyal words hurt our ears. If I had listened to my brother's words earlier, there would be nothing like this."

(End of this chapter)